Weihrauch/Arminius HW3--please chime in
I inherited an older HW3 in .32 S&W and I find it's a very solid pistol. However, it's the only .32 in my collection, and I'd prefer a different caliber for the sake of ammo purchasing.
My question is this: are the barrels & cylinders interchangeable? I see .22LR, .38sp, and .357mag barrels and cylinders for sale here, and many other places. It seems that if the barrel screws into the frame, and the cylinder pops out of the crane, it should be fine. At least, that's my logic. If anyone cares to chime in with a "yep, go for it" or a "nope, bad idea", I'd be very grateful.
My question is this: are the barrels & cylinders interchangeable? I see .22LR, .38sp, and .357mag barrels and cylinders for sale here, and many other places. It seems that if the barrel screws into the frame, and the cylinder pops out of the crane, it should be fine. At least, that's my logic. If anyone cares to chime in with a "yep, go for it" or a "nope, bad idea", I'd be very grateful.
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All the Arminius I have ever seen were on the low end of quality and materials. I wouldn't waste any money or time on the project.
Added The star/ratchet has to work with the hand/paul to make the rotation correct. There is geometry involved in pivot points.
My introduction to Arminius was a shoe box of pieces of 357 ones that failed to make 500 rounds.0 -
Nope BAD idea.
Number of cartridges could be different
Timing will most likely be off even if the number of cartridges are the same.
Where is the firing pin going to hit on a rim fire 22?
Frame strength
Cylinder to barrel fitting expensive to fit the barrel properly!
Just a few thoughts !
Cheaper to sell the one you have and buy what you want!0 -
quote:Originally posted by chicoppee
Nope BAD idea.
Number of cartridges could be different
Timing will most likely be off even if the number of cartridges are the same.
Where is the firing pin going to hit on a rim fire 22?
Frame strength
Cylinder to barrel fitting expensive to fit the barrel properly!
Just a few thoughts !
Cheaper to sell the one you have and buy what you want!
^^^This
Also, .32 frame may not be large enough to accept the .38 cylinder.0 -
For sure, the number of cartridges is different--the .32 holds seven. But the amount of cylinder rotation is determined by the ratchet.
I appreciate the replies, but it seems all conjecture. Have any of you guys actually owned or worked on one of these? I know it's a longshot, and many have told me "it's not worth it", but if I was interested in selling/purchasing something else, I'd have done that. This particular pistol holds sentimental value to me, and I'd like if I could use the same .38 rounds that my other pistols fire.0 -
quote:Originally posted by McFlip
For sure, the number of cartridges is different--the .32 holds seven. But the amount of cylinder rotation is determined by the ratchet.
I appreciate the replies, but it seems all conjecture. Have any of you guys actually owned or worked on one of these? I know it's a longshot, and many have told me "it's not worth it", but if I was interested in selling/purchasing something else, I'd have done that. This particular pistol holds sentimental value to me, and I'd like if I could use the same .38 rounds that my other pistols fire.
Well, you asked,,and, if its a sent. value,imo, why mess it up. The metal is SOFT.And they didn't work when new. So go ahead and get started on what will be a total disaster. And ,yes, I have "worked" on them and then sold for parts.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Grasshopper
Well, you asked,,and, if its a sent. value,imo, why mess it up. The metal is SOFT.And they didn't work when new. So go ahead and get started on what will be a total disaster. And ,yes, I have "worked" on them and then sold for parts.
Since you're claiming to be an expert, are you telling me it will *not* work? Or are you definitively telling me it will be a "total disaster" just because you disagree, and think it's a waste of time/money/effort?0 -
You're being informed that the poor materiel and workmanship of a Weihrauch would render such a conversion, even if one were to determine mechanical timing to be a plausible exercise, to be ill advised. If the gun holds sentimental value to you, then get the correct .32 cal. ammunition and enjoy it for what it is, and was originally intended to be. Again, if this firearm holds sentimental value to you, why take a chance of it winding up an incomplete and unrestorable conversion mess in your parts drawer? And additionally, taking a combative attitude towards those who were trying to warn you off a rookie mistake ( not saying you ARE a rookie, but this is the kind of project that generally only a cocky rookie would attempt anyway) is a little akin to playing target practice with your foot. Let it go. 0 -
I'm chiming in with the 'nope, bad idea' crowd. 0 -
If you were going to do it anyway no matter what others though why post for opinions you could have been well on your way to having scrap iron by now and maybe a trip to hospital when it blew up 0 -
I would just use as it was built, I have been carrying a 32 cal. for over 30 years and feel confident it will get the job done if ever needed, it's fun to shoot too as it is real loud for a little gun and scares some people away. 0
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