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Gunsmith search for 32 mag to 327 mag conversion update.

dreher
A couple of months ago I asked you forum members for gunsmith suggestions for the simple conversion of reaming out the 32 mag cylinder to take the 327 mag in my Ruger Blackhawk 32-20/32 H+R mag convertible.
I had a list in my head of the obvious candidates for the job.  Bowen custom Guns, Clark custom Guns, Gary N Reader and Cylinder and Slide.  For the most part these were the ones most of you mentioned.  I wont mention names except for Hamilton Bowen.  I called all 4 of these smiths plus one other, who I can't remember right now (this getting old and suffering from CNS disease REALLY sucks!!:D)!  So five phone calls netted these results: three didn't do this conversion, One wanted more than $300 plus shipping and wanted the whole revolver shipped to them.  Hamilton Bowen wanted $125 + $25 shipping and I only have to ship the cylinder.  To me Hamilton Bowen is Mr. Single Action Revolver, so the decision was really easy to make.  The best man for half the price!!  The funny thing is after I got a price of over $300 I almost didn't call Bowen's because I figured Bowen would be even higher.  Shows how much I know!!:D  
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • dreher
    I failed to mention that Bowen's received my 32 mag cylinder a little over a week ago!  I'm all excited about this.  The Blackhawk is heavy enough to make shooting the 327 mag about one step from shooting a 22 LR. 
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  • jimdeere
    Good news. Range report when you’re ready.
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  • Sam06
    Very cool and you are right his shop does great work. 
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  • SCOUT5
    I think you'll like the 327 federal round.   I have a sp 101 in it and like it quite a bit.
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  • Sam06
    Is it hard to find ammo? 
    Can you reload it to its potential?

    Is the SP101 a 6 shooter?  That would be nice with a 3" barrel.
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  • dreher
    Sam, the 327 is a HIGH pressure round, higher than a 357.  The 327 has a surprising amount of muzzle blast and with a 3' barrel would be deafening if shot without ear protection!  If you want some serious diversity the 327 is it.  You can shoot it with the 32 S+W, The 32 S+W long, the 32 H+R mag and the 327 mag.  The 32 S+W is like shooting a 22 LR, the long not very much more recoil, the H+R has a little bit of bite to it but the 327 will surprise you.  I am referring to these loadings shot in a Single Six.  I wont know how much of the muzzle blast and recoil will be soaked up by the heavier, longer barreled Blackhawk but when I get the cylinder back I'll find out pretty quick. :p   As far as reloading, I have only loaded up some plinking rounds so I have yet to try my hand on a hot defensive load!  I have not had any trouble finding ammo but I could see where that could be a problem.  It was no problem at Academy where I bought the 327 mag. 
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  • dreher
    I bought the ammo at Academy, the Single Six came from GB.
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  • Sam06
    Thanks for the info!  I was looking at loading data and it looks like it is a hot round.

    Here is where I was looking:
    Lil'gun, Enforcer, AA9 and 2400 look like good powders to start with, I like all of them.  I think I would try AA5 for lighter loads I like it in 357,41 and 44 mag with cast bullets.  It meters so well in my Dillion.

    Good luck with it and I hope it shoot good for you.

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  • SCOUT5
    Sam06 said:
    Is it hard to find ammo? 
    Can you reload it to its potential?

    Is the SP101 a 6 shooter?  That would be nice with a 3" barrel.
    327 federal, and 32S&W long ammo are abundant, the 32 H&R mag is limited and pricey.
    It is a 6 shooter with 3" barrel, trijicon front sight and crimson trace grips.
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