Author Topic: Converting NMSBH 9MM To .357/.44 Bain & Davis ????????? (Read 879 times)

J.Solo · « **on:** September 10, 2003, 01:22:02 PM »

I will pick up my New Model Black Hawk 9MM/.357 Convertable with 4 & 5/8's barrel in about a week. I have seen where others have converted their extra 9MM cylinder to .44 Special and was wondering if anyone has ever made a conversion to .357/.44 Bain & Davis?
Can it be done?
Will the fluted 9MM cylinder hold up under the pressure of the .357/.44 Bain & Davis conversion?
Will there be any cutting of top strap issues?
Who should I contact about having it done?
Thanks
J.Solo

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2003, 01:41:16 PM »

The only thing you have to do is have the cylinder rechambered. Cylinder and frame have plenty of strength since all BH are on 44/45 frames now. Even most good regional gunsmiths should be able to handle the job, depending on availability of reamers. Don't know if you are going to gain that much with that short barrel though. Blast is going to be fierce.

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2003, 01:50:21 PM »

The .357/.44 Bain & Davis originated from the Bain & Davis Gunshop in San Gabriel, California in the early 1970's. the conversion was written up in Guns & Ammo Magazine then.

I dunno if B&D are still in business.

Yes, rechambering a 9mm cylinder to .357/.44 B&D is rather easily.

Loaded carefully, it should come close to .357 Maximum ballistics. However, I don't know if it will have the same problems with gas-cutting the top strap as in the Ruger .357 Maximums.

John

J.Solo · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2003, 01:53:55 PM »

Blackhawk44:
You are most likely right about the muzzle blast but I can't imagine it would be worse than my Freedom Arms .454. I was just directed to an article about the .357/.44 Bain & Davis on the RUGER Forum so I will check that out next. Thanks for the reply - J.Solo

J.Solo · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2003, 02:11:44 PM »

With the help of a RUGER FORUM member I was able to view a great WEB page about conversions to Ruger Single Actions. Anyone considering any conversions should check it out. It is:

http://www.singleactions.com/

My 4 5/8's" barrel might be a little short but if I can handle the .454 I don't think it will be a problem. Loss of speed, yes but it sure would be something different. - J.Solo

45LC-Man · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2003, 08:52:07 AM »

I've had two B&D conversions done. One was a 4 4/8" old model and my latest is a New Model that I had done up with a 10 1/2" Maximum barrel and a Super Blackhawk grip frame and hammer installed. I really like the B&D round and I also have a 12" Bellm Contender barrel in the caliber. One of my next projects is going to be a Marlin 1894 in B&D.

J.Solo · « **Reply #6 on:** October 05, 2003, 09:17:59 AM »

I further checked out the .357/.44 Bain & Davis and found that sometimes there are "set Back" issues with the B&D round.

I also found that the gun can also be converted to use a .357 bullet in a .41Mag. case. No set back issues have been reported with this round.

I can go either way with my New Model Black Hawk because the .357/.44 B&D uses the .357 Mag. cylinder while the .357/.41 Mag uses the 9mm cylinder.

I don't want to use either of my cylinders for this project (want to keep the gun as original) so I am cullently looking for an extra cylinder...most likely a 9mm cylinder for the .357/.41 conversion.

Total cost of this conversion is $200 including boring out the cylinder, re-finish and a set of loading dies and load informtion.

Please keep me in mind if you see a 9mm cylinder for a NMBH come up for sale.

Thanks - J.Solo

45LC-Man · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2003, 12:18:27 PM »

Solo don't be fooled by all of the GNR hype. All of the setback issues of the B&D were settled long ago before the new style was developed. I wrote to Mr. Reeder himself and he told me that the GNR cannot reach the velocities of the B&D. As I said earlier I have had two revolvers done in B&D and have never had one setback or lock-up problem. Mr. Reeder is in the selling business and would like to sell you one of his beautiful new guns. I do like them very much myself but if velocity is the issue then go with the proven B&D.

J.Solo · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2003, 12:53:36 PM »

45LC-Man:
"OK what's my next move?
What's different about the "improved version of the 357/44B&D?
Who's doing your improved 357/44B&D Conversions?
What is the cost to convert a NMBH Cylinder?
What is the cost of the Custom Dies?
What is aprox. turnaround time?
And what about a .357 NMBH Cylinder?
Thanks - J.Solo

J.Solo · « **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2003, 12:23:29 PM »

Connecticut Yankee:
Please check your private "E" Mail.
Thanks
J.Solo

45LC-Man · « **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2003, 12:31:16 PM »

J. Solo how about emailing me at Poppasamsonpc@cs.com and I'll give you a heads-up on where you might be able to get the re-chambering done at a reasonable price. I wouldn't want to let this treasure out against the smith's permission.

Edwin

Paladin · « **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2003, 06:45:35 PM »

If you get another cyl. isn't it probably the cyl will not be in time with the frame? me thinks they time the gun to the cyl, not the cyl to the gun. that would make the other two cyls out of time. an inquiring mind needs to know.

45LC-Man · « **Reply #12 on:** October 07, 2003, 09:30:38 AM »

I'm sure its possible but I've never found it to be true. I've changed out many cylinders before without a problem. In fact the only time I ever found a cylinder out of time was in an SRM and the cylinder was the original that came with the gun.