Converting 1866 to 44 russian

[Pony Racer]

Hey I know i can convert a 44 special 1866 yellowboy to 44russian but can I convert a 44-40 too?

I am seeing more 44-40 19 carbines for good prices than other 1866 rifles and i am not seeing alot of 1886 rifles in 44 special anymore.

PR

[Niederlander]

Hey I know i can convert a 44 special 1866 yellowboy to 44russian but can I convert a 44-40 too?

I am seeing more 44-40 19 carbines for good prices than other 1866 rifles and i am not seeing alot of 1886 rifles in 44 special anymore.

PR
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I think at minimum you'd need a new barrel, also maybe a new bolt.  The chamber dimensions of a .44-40 are larger than the .44 Special so you would not be able to just rechamber.  My guess would be you'll have less money in it if you just wait until you can find one in .44 Special.  Sorry I don't have better news.

[pony express]

Ned is right, the base diameter of a 44-40 is too much larger than a Special or Russian.other options than a new barrel would be shortening and re-threading the rear of the barrel, like they sometimes do to convert military rifles, but that would probably cost as much in labor as a new barrel. Possibly some kind of chamber sleeve, but that probably wouldn't be satisfactory....especially since you'd probably want to shoot BP out of it, and that would just give it an extra place to get fouling and rust.