Author Topic: Ruger GP 100 Convert to .44 special? (Read 3060 times)

lgm270 · « **on:** July 19, 2006, 03:56:48 PM »

Can this be done? All help appreciated.

azmike · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2006, 07:32:37 AM »

I believe so, but it'll become a 5-shooter. Check out Bowen Classic Arms' website for more info,

ruger and me · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2006, 03:57:25 AM »

Yes, Dave Clements converts them with a custom 5 shot cylinder. For more info:

http://www.clementscustomguns.com/handguns/ruger.htm

at the bottom of the page. He also converts the GP to a 6 shot 10mm that will
take full power ammo. Here the price is quite a bit less than the .44 Sp.

lgm270 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2006, 09:25:37 AM »

Thanks so much for your nice post and the link.

BCB · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2006, 12:40:37 PM »

ruger and me,

I have been looking for some type of 44 Special. If Ruger only knew...
I checked the link to Clements and noticed that the GP100 to 44 Special is P.O.R. Noting the prices of the other work and conversions, I would be AFRAID to ask the price of the GP100 conversion!!!
That work listed, and prices, on his site are sure out of my league. But then, maybe he's the best...BCB

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2006, 02:41:51 PM »

I have Taurus 2" 44 sp that carry in my truck or person at times, it is a 5 shot and I am happy with it. I would like to see a 4" be available even from Taurus, I think the 44 sp is gaining popularity.
Jim

lgm270 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2006, 04:42:25 PM »

The Clements price for converting the GP 100 to a 5 shot .44 special is $1,200.00 "on your gun."

I have a Taurus .44 but am not happy with it. I agree that there should be increasing interest in the .44 Special, both in regular and in snubby configuration. I think the rugged GP 100 would be a natural.

Who knows what will sell and what won't? Who ever would have thought some .500 caliber behemouth would be offered for sale? Don't you think there are more .44 special customers out there than for the S&W hand cannon?

ruger and me · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2006, 10:01:38 AM »

BCB:

As noted above the conversion is $1200. A new 5 shot cylinder is employed and this jumps the cost tremendously vs. as an example Clements conversion of the GP-100 to 6 shot 10mm ($450). Actually, Clements is somewhat less the Hamilton Bowen and whoever else converts them. A few decades ago a couple of shops converted both the Ruger Six Series guns and S&W K frames to .44 Special. From time to time I have seen these for sale on the various websites but they were up there in price, too. Probably, the least expensive way to go would be with the Taurus or failing that find a S&W 696 L frame 5 shot (these seem to run $650+). The problem with the S&W is the forcing cone is thin and will crack with the hotter loads so one will need to stick with relatively mild loads (one can only wonder how the K frame conversions would stand up with even a thinner forcing cone!). Taurus seems to be a love/hate relationship with some getting really good ones and some not so good. I don't have any experience with them. The same frame is used for .45 Colt and ACP so the forcing cone should be thicker than on a L frame S&W.

Probably the most durable way to go with a .44 Special would be to find an old S&W N frame 24 or 624. They made a run of 624 stainless, I think, in the late '80's and some 24's with 3" barrels (or 2.5" can't remember) for one of the distributors before this. Being a larger frame these are 6 shot and should stand up to fairly stout loads. Before that time the 24 was also manufactured.

I would check such sites as Auction Arms and Guns America if you want to find a used one of any of the above. It might take a while and you might find one locally.

lgm270 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2006, 08:55:24 AM »

I see where the Ruger alaskan 2.5" revolver is now chambered for the .44 magnum. It's only $850.00, a modest price compared to custom work. It's bigger and heavier than i would like, but it is a big bore snubby that would probably be a breeze to shoot with the comparatively mild-mannered .44 special loads.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #9 on:** July 31, 2006, 05:14:18 PM »

Quote

(one can only wonder how the K frame conversions would stand up with even a thinner forcing cone!).

I don't have to wonder, my "K" frame 44 spl. has held up just fine!! I do keep the loads under 1,000 fps.... If i need more power than that, that's what the revolver along side of it is for....

Drilling Man

lgm270 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 01, 2006, 05:27:36 PM »

Who did the work on your K frame? Very nice looking.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #11 on:** August 02, 2006, 03:48:50 AM »

The work was done long ago by Vern Ewer in Wa. state, and he did top quality work for me!! I don't know if you could get him to do any more custom work or not.

I've put a lot of small game in my freezer with this revolver and a second "K" frame i had him build, chambered in 25/20 WCF...

Drilling Man

ruger and me · « **Reply #12 on:** August 02, 2006, 06:38:22 AM »

Thanks for the reply. Both are very nice and I imagine have given much enjoyment. It is becoming more difficult these days to find revolversmiths that are willing to tackle the more unusual either on a S&W or a Ruger. I believe that where the statements about longevity with the 696's started was when some people began running "Elmer Keith" loads through them, something for which they weren't designed , at least not over the long term. Elsewhere, I recall someone having a smaller Mountain Gun built on a 696 or L frame; I don't know if he used a bored out 686 MG barrel or a 629 but would assume the 686 due to bore-cylinder axis.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #13 on:** August 02, 2006, 07:00:03 AM »

I was talking to Vern on the phone one time, and he told me "if you hot rod the loads, it's going to break and i won't warr. it". He went on to say, "don't load them over a thousand fps".... and i never have. I always figured i had a M-29 if i needed more power.

Here's another pict. of the 25/20WCF with left to right, a factory load, a "Keith" style 25 cal. bullet i designed and custom swage just for this gun, and a pointed bullet showing how deep they have to be seated to work in a revolver. All of the swage dies were made by Ted Smith (the bullet swage guru) and myself in Ted's shop.

Drilling Man

dougk · « **Reply #14 on:** August 02, 2006, 11:26:14 AM »

Drillingman,
I personally know of your extensive knowledge and skill with combo and drilling guns, now we see your vast knowledge and skill with pistols. Very impressive.... What other areas do youi have the same knowledge and skill???

Doug

Drilling Man · « **Reply #15 on:** August 02, 2006, 03:31:06 PM »

Now dougk,

I know what your up to!! Your just saying nice things about me so i'll sell you my Valmet 412 "cheap"!!!

I'm on to you, and i'll be keeping an eye on you from now on!!!

Thanks for the kind words!!

Drilling Man

dougk · « **Reply #16 on:** August 04, 2006, 01:42:41 AM »

Drilling,
The thought never crossed my mind, but now that you mention it ...

Why not just give me the Krieghoff...

Doug

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #17 on:** August 05, 2006, 01:11:23 AM »

anything can be done but your probably better off using an L frame. My 696 has probably 5000 keith level loads through it and its as tight as new.

Quote from: lgm270 on July 19, 2006, 03:56:48 PM

Can this be done? All help appreciated.

ghurka · « **Reply #18 on:** August 09, 2006, 03:50:03 PM »

Another option is to convert it to .41 special. I had this done back in the 80's and it turned out great. Still have it. My loads are conservitive at about 1000 fps with a lead/jacketed 200 grain bullet

S.B. · « **Reply #19 on:** August 26, 2006, 03:55:16 AM »

Quote from: ruger and me on July 21, 2006, 03:57:25 AM

Yes, Dave Clements converts them with a custom 5 shot cylinder. For more info:

http://www.clementscustomguns.com/handguns/ruger.htm

at the bottom of the page. He also converts the GP to a 6 shot 10mm that will
take full power ammo. Here the price is quite a bit less than the .44 Sp.

Dave's done work for me in the past, he does excellent work.