N-frame pre-20

Jake Salyards · 02-14-2005, 01:58 PM

Hello - picture if you will a big ole N-frame 4" .38 - I am thinking this is a strong enough platform to have it converted to .357 - sort of llike my own thunder ranch revolver - but cooler

.

Questions?

What needs to happen for the conversion?
What does something like that cost?

Before anyone starts breathing into a paper bag and taking my name in vain :evil: - we are speaking here of a shooter grade gun only - not a collectable.

Anyone had something like this done?

Comments would be appreciated.

Thanks
~Jake Salyards

Erich · 02-15-2005, 11:15 AM

Beats me. Rather than try to install the cylinder from a .357, I think I'd just try to buy a 520. There are still a few floating around, if you absolutely must have a fixed-sight N-frame .357.

M. Hall · 02-15-2005, 12:38 PM

Is the cylinder 'window' even long enough for .357? I have no idea, not being familiar with the
pre-20.

Jake Salyards · 02-16-2005, 07:45 AM

Is the cylinder window long enough?

Good question - I think it is, but I don't know - it looks to me to be the same size as that on a SW27 - I guess we'll find out. I am trading into this one - even if it has to stay a .38 that is fine too - I have developed a soft spot for shooter grade older SW N-frames. I can't afford the collectables - which is all for the better - because I don't believe in guns you can't shoot - wine you can't drink - cars you can't drive, etc.

I'll let you know what happens.

The 520 idea is a good one - but I traded most of my money for 4 kids - so I have to be creative in my gun acquistions - not complaining either - the kids, on there worst day - are at least as cool as the guns.

~Jake

Boothman · 02-17-2005, 10:48 AM

I used to own a M520, and one of the prevous posters is right - it would make a lot more sense to buy one of those. They are not priced out-of-this-world, and would probably be cheaper than all of the costs to do a conversion.

bullethead · 02-23-2005, 02:15 AM

I guess if it were mine, I'd just find some +p 38 spl cases and load them on the stiff side. I would love to come across a pre 20...(spelled AFFORDABLE) to go with my pre 27. I would guess that a 357 cylinder would fit, but, try to find any pre 27 or 28 parts (BBL and CYL) that are affordable....

Witherspoon · 02-23-2005, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake Salyards

The 520 idea is a good one - but I traded most of my money for 4 kids - so I have to be creative in my gun acquistions - not complaining either - the kids, on there worst day - are at least as cool as the guns.

~Jake

Well spoken, sir, well spoken.

Perfessr · 02-24-2005, 06:51 AM

The conversion would be just a matter of running a 357 reamer into each charge hole. It should not be real expensive. If a HD can be converted to 45Colt then it could be reamed to 357 because the Nominal length is about the same.

TRM · 11-08-2016, 02:05 PM

What is the average throat dia. on the 44 629.

02-14-2005, 01:58 PM	#1
Jake Salyards Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 350	N-frame pre-20 Hello - picture if you will a big ole N-frame 4" .38 - I am thinking this is a strong enough platform to have it converted to .357 - sort of llike my own thunder ranch revolver - but cooler . Questions? What needs to happen for the conversion? What does something like that cost? Before anyone starts breathing into a paper bag and taking my name in vain :evil: - we are speaking here of a shooter grade gun only - not a collectable. Anyone had something like this done? Comments would be appreciated. Thanks ~Jake Salyards

02-17-2005, 10:48 AM	#5
Boothman Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 157	Convert pre-20 I used to own a M520, and one of the prevous posters is right - it would make a lot more sense to buy one of those. They are not priced out-of-this-world, and would probably be cheaper than all of the costs to do a conversion.

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02-15-2005, 11:15 AM	#2
Erich Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 135	Beats me. Rather than try to install the cylinder from a .357, I think I'd just try to buy a 520. There are still a few floating around, if you absolutely must have a fixed-sight N-frame .357.

02-15-2005, 12:38 PM	#3
M. Hall Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,141	Is the cylinder 'window' even long enough for .357? I have no idea, not being familiar with the pre-20.

02-16-2005, 07:45 AM	#4
Jake Salyards Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 350	Is the cylinder window long enough? Good question - I think it is, but I don't know - it looks to me to be the same size as that on a SW27 - I guess we'll find out. I am trading into this one - even if it has to stay a .38 that is fine too - I have developed a soft spot for shooter grade older SW N-frames. I can't afford the collectables - which is all for the better - because I don't believe in guns you can't shoot - wine you can't drink - cars you can't drive, etc. I'll let you know what happens. The 520 idea is a good one - but I traded most of my money for 4 kids - so I have to be creative in my gun acquistions - not complaining either - the kids, on there worst day - are at least as cool as the guns. ~Jake

02-23-2005, 02:15 AM	#6
bullethead Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 21	I guess if it were mine, I'd just find some +p 38 spl cases and load them on the stiff side. I would love to come across a pre 20...(spelled AFFORDABLE) to go with my pre 27. I would guess that a 357 cylinder would fit, but, try to find any pre 27 or 28 parts (BBL and CYL) that are affordable....

02-24-2005, 06:51 AM	#8
Perfessr Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 10	The conversion would be just a matter of running a 357 reamer into each charge hole. It should not be real expensive. If a HD can be converted to 45Colt then it could be reamed to 357 because the Nominal length is about the same.

11-08-2016, 02:05 PM	#9
TRM Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1	What is the average throat dia. on the 44 629.