Author Topic: Converting a 45 LC to 45 ACP? (Read 1076 times)

sherppa · « **on:** December 29, 2005, 12:03:13 PM »

Can a model 25-5 be converted from 45 Long Colt to 45 ACP?

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2005, 12:48:19 PM »

papajohn428 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2005, 10:30:14 PM »

It would require a new cylinder, at the very least, and possibly a new barrel as well. I'm not sure what dimensions Smith is using for the 45 Colt, most 45ACP's are .451, but some of the 45 Colt guns were made with cylinder throats as large as .458 or so. Accuracy could be iffy, why do you want to convert it?

Papajohn

sherppa · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2005, 07:26:33 PM »

Thanks papajohn, I would like a 45 acp wheelgun but cannot afford a 625, hoping it would be possible to convert.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2006, 11:03:07 AM »

You've really piqued my curiosity, why would you want to do such a thing?

ira41magfan · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2006, 11:41:20 AM »

Quote from: sherppa

Can a model 25-5 be converted from 45 Long Colt to 45 ACP?

I've heard that you can send it to S&W, for about 200.00 they'll set you up with a 45acp cylinder and then you'll have one for each caliber.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2006, 09:31:52 AM »

I think you'd be better off trading one for the other. Consersions aren't easy or cheap, and given the difference in chamber throat/barrel dimensions, it might not shoot worth a foop. Kind of a crapshoot, unless you measure everything in advance, and know what you're getting into. Good Luck!

Papajohn

Papajohn

sherppa · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2006, 05:36:19 PM »

thanks again, I think it is wise to yield to the advice received. I will just hold off and try and trade it for a 45 ACP, either a S&W 25 or a 625.

S.B. · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2006, 12:31:00 PM »

Several shops recut the extractor so the gun will handle both .45LCs and .45 ACPs in moon clips. Do a search on "moon clips" conversions and see what you find?
http://www.moonclips.com/new.htm
http://www.tenring.com/contact2.html
http://www.wildwestguns.com/Pistolsmithing/body_pistolsmithing.html
http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/moonclip.htm
http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/revserv.htm

sherppa · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2006, 03:55:25 PM »

Thanks S.B. I give it a try.

357mag · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2006, 09:18:45 AM »

I am not 100% on each series for the model 25, but I believe all you need is a new cylinder for the different calibers. I know they made the 25 in both 45 ACP and 45 Colt. I was just looking at the S&W book a little last night on the 25, but am not 100% clear on it.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2006, 01:12:57 AM »

I had a Ruger 454 Casull that had the cylinder modified to accept the moon clips to shoot the 45 ACP. I was able to shoot 454 Casull, 45 Win Mag, 45 L/C and 45 ACP in the same cylinder. I did need to use moon clips with the 45 Win mags and 45 ACP. But I will tell you the 45 ACP accuracy was bad. Your best bet is to either trade for a 625 or keep your current gun.

Iowegan · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2006, 01:34:30 PM »

There's another good solution. Order some 45 AR (auto rimmed) brass from Midway. Dimensions and loads are identical to the 45 ACP except the AR cases have a rim. I shoot them in my 45 Colt guns and get excellent accuracy. You don't need moon clips or any modifications to your gun. See: http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=1&Categoryid=7497&categorystring=9315***652***670***9014***

45 ARs use standard 45 ACP dies, bullets, primers and the same powder charge. The only thing different is the shell holder (same as 45 Colt).

gcf · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2006, 09:55:11 AM »

Quote from: sherppa

..... I would like a 45 acp wheelgun but cannot afford a 625......

You know, I've been looking for a nice 4" 25-5 (w/ correct cylinder throat dimensions) off & on for some time. Why not sell it to someone who will appreciate it for what it is, & then you would have the cash to pick & choose the 625 of your choice?

Cash (as they say) is king..... ;=]

Got any pics??