M28 to M29 Conversion (cont)
Apologies for continuing a thread that ended, but I'd just like to add a post (and maybe allow previous contributers the same) regarding the Model 28 "converted" to a Model 29. See link
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=429180
One of the issues, even if the gun appears to have been correctly done is that the buyer can not know for that for certain. Th etiming may be fine, the cylinders may line up with the barrel - but instead of a 44 Magnum cylinder maybe the donor was a Model 27 bored out or a 44 Special cylinder bored out. Kind of unlikely, but unless I knew exactly from whence it came I wouldn't take the chance.
Also, Smith has in the past restamped a frame or two in production - what may have initially been stamped a 28 or 27 could have been completed at the factory as a 29. So if there's an overstamp of the model number you may have a plain old Model 29.
Would be great if a picture could be posted. If it's a "conversion" 29 it will have a polished barrel and/or cylinder and matte frame or an entirely new finish. If it's a factory "restamp" a shot of the model # on the frame would be nice to see.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=429180
One of the issues, even if the gun appears to have been correctly done is that the buyer can not know for that for certain. Th etiming may be fine, the cylinders may line up with the barrel - but instead of a 44 Magnum cylinder maybe the donor was a Model 27 bored out or a 44 Special cylinder bored out. Kind of unlikely, but unless I knew exactly from whence it came I wouldn't take the chance.
Also, Smith has in the past restamped a frame or two in production - what may have initially been stamped a 28 or 27 could have been completed at the factory as a 29. So if there's an overstamp of the model number you may have a plain old Model 29.
Would be great if a picture could be posted. If it's a "conversion" 29 it will have a polished barrel and/or cylinder and matte frame or an entirely new finish. If it's a factory "restamp" a shot of the model # on the frame would be nice to see.
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I can think of no valid reasons to convert a .357 caliber M28 to make a .44 magnum out of it. Either sell the M28 and buy a M29 in .44 magnum, or keep the M28 and buy a M29 and own two nice handguns. The costs of gunsmithing this conversion make no sense when you can simply buy what you want. 0 -
With all due respects to Mr. Walker. Now is a different time. Back then with the 44 MAG craze going on . At that time any N frame gun that was delivered to a gun shop would be sold in 24 hours or less. There were waiting list for model 29's that were years not months.Along with dealers charging $800.00 for a 8&3/8 model 29 when list price was less then $300.00 . The reason for the long rant is only to inform you why you could not just go out and BUY what you wanted.This caused a BIG business in converting model 28"s because they were Cheap. Sort of like today with making Clone 1970 big engine Muscle cars. The converted model 28's varied by who did the work some as good as factory but other not as good it is sort of a crap shoot. 0 -
Sorry, I misread the original post. I thought he was considering doing a conversion, now. I remember well the Model 29 craze created by "Dirty Harry" I tried my best to buy a M29 as did all my friends. 0
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