convert 38 to 38-40

[Outrider #72622]

Anybody seen or heard of this?  I was wondering if it is even possible to convert say a '51 RM conversion or a '66 yellowboy from 38 Spl to shoot 38-40???

[Sagebrush Burns]

You'd need a different barrel.  Navy Colt 36, 38 sp and 357 mag are all about 36 (or 357) caliber and 38-40 is actually 40 caliber.

[Outrider #72622]

Forgive my ignorance but couldn't the barrel be bored out to the .40 size??

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I will- "Open mouth - change feet!!"

This one has been around and around several times.  The dimensions are too far out to make it economically feasible, even though it MAY be possible!

A better thought, but still a stretch is .41 Long Colt.  Same bore diameter, but a a case with smaller diameter (Same as bore; - needs HB or heeled bullet.)

Sorry !  My apologies, and I'm not even a Gunsmith!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

A barrel can't just be bored out. It needs to be sleeved to the right caliber so it will have the proper rifling. It would depend on what the cost of that would be compared to a new barrel. A revolver would require only the barrel, cylinder and ejector to be changed or modified. I've done that.

There are a whole host of parts on a rifle that would need to change. Magazine parts, carrier parts, bolt and extractor, on and on. I looked into that and found it to be a major expense, probably as much as just buying another rifle. Better to just sell the one and buy the caliber you want then you won't be out as much. Or just buy the other rifle and keep both. Same expense and you have two rifles.

[Goody]

I don't think the cylinder is long enough for the 38/40 conversion in the 51 RM. I wouldn't think it was strong enough, either. I know I wouldn't want too load to stout for it. As the Marshal said, simply purchase a rifle in the caliber you want, the 66 is available in 38wcf.

[Outrider #72622]

Thanks guys.