71 barrel change

[Peddler Parsons]

Does anybody have extra barrel/cylinders for their 71's ? ( in a diffent caliber)
I seen at VTI they have replacment parts, and wondered if this
would be better than buying a new set of guns in a differnt caliber,
If so was there any problem in the change over 

[Coffinmaker]

Yes.  There are several of us who shoot several and/or all available calibers on a single Open Top frame. I personally shoot .38, .44 and .45 on the same frame.  Some fitting is required but it isn't real difficult.  The first order of business will be to correct the barrel to arbor fit and go from there.
Or .... You can never, ever have too many guns

Coffinmaker

[Pettifogger]

As Coffinmaker notes it is certainly possiible.  Whether it is currently practical is a different question.  The problem is getting the parts.  VTI lists the barrels for $145.00 and the cylinders for $115.00.  However, every part has a note in red saying "Check Stock" which basically means they don't have them.  I have had some Uberti parts on order for two years.  Assuming the parts are available that's $260.00 plus postage.  You can buy used ones for not a whole lot more.

[Flint]

I fitted extra barrels and cylinders a few years ago when the parts were kept in stock and not as expensive.  I have 2 44 Opentops, a 44 Special and a 44 Colt. (I shoot 44 Russian in both).

I have a pair of 5-1/2 barrels and 7-1/2 in 44.  5-1/2 in 38 and 7-1/2 for 45 Schofield.

The very first filling necessary for the cylinder is headspace, before you set the gas ring length for cylinder gap.