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I picked up a Smith & Wesson 38/44 with a 5" barrel the other day for $400.00. A friend said I should have it converted to a big bore caliber (44 special or 45 Colt)
Is this difficult or expensive or both. Thanks

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The only place you will find success without hard work is in the dictionary

Here is the king of doing this. Expensive, but absolutey first class. I personally would not do it to a gun that is pristine though.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/

I wouldn't change it. Your friend is probably refering to a gun in an article in the Nov/Dec 2000 issue of American Handgunner. It was a 38/44 Heavy Duty 4" that was converted to 45 Colt by Hamilton Bowen.

I thought about having one converted to 44 Spcl. by him after reading the article (basically turned into a Model 21) but after I had such a hard time finding a 38/44 I decided not to. I would just enjoy one as a soft recoiling 38 Spcl. that can digest heavy loads.

Hello sir,
You do not say if it is a Heavy Duty(fixed sight) or Outdoorsman(adjustable) version). The 38/44s are rising in price quit fast these days and $400 is a very good price for one in any kind of good condition or better. Since you don not list the condition, if is a shooter grade of say good or lower I would do the conversion. If the gun is in better condition, say very good or better I would leave it as is. The price you paid would be considered quite good as most are going in the $600-700 range now and if the grips are numbered to the gun add money to that.
Hope this helps.
Al

I've got one going to Bowen in a bit. I'll keep you updated. Mine is a parts gun, barrel is not numbered to the gun and the thing was bead blasted and reblued so I really don't need to worry 'bout collectibilty.

Blue Press had even a better article on a conversion to .45 Colt. The gun was a qork of art...unfortunately, I can't find the durn article...

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"Suppose they gave a war, and nobody came?
Why then, the war would come to you!"
(Bertolt Brecht)

I bought a factory reblued 4" 38/44 HD with the intent of sending it off to be turned into a .45 Colt. After shooting it, I changed my mind. It has turned into my favorite "plinking" revolver. It shoots exactly to point of aim with my warm .38 Special lead bullet reload, which is a rarity for me with a fixed sight revolver. Shoot it for a while...you might just change your mind as well.

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Wayne Miller

I have had three HDs done by Hamilton Bowen, one in 38/40, one in 44 Spl and one in 45 Colt. Of the three the 38/40 is my favorite. Like the 41 Magnum, the 38/40 has a very interesting history, is a fantastic cartridge and makes a nicely unique gun when finished. What's not to like about the world's first 10mm?