Rebarreling a '58 Uberti Remmie

Cemetery · May 25, 2009, 02:01:03 PM

So I got a pair of the Uberti 1858 Remington Conversions in 38spl. And I was wondering if anybody knew if the frame for the 38spl would be strong enough to handle being rebarreled/cylindered to 44spl. (new barrels and cylinders as opposed to reboring).

Reason I'm thinking of doing this is that it might be cheaper, and less hassle than applying for new handgun permits in NJ, and purchasing a new pair of guns. Anything to get past the 20 questions game of why I need *another* fistful of handgun permits.

hellgate · May 25, 2009, 03:05:26 PM

Why not get 44 Remingtons and then the R&D 45 Colt conversion cylinders?

Flint · May 25, 2009, 06:57:08 PM

The Uberti made factory conversion is a forged frame revolver on the same frame as the 45 caliber. If it will take the 45 Colt and/or Schofield, it should certainly take the 44 Special, as long as the loads aren't trying to emulate the 44 Magnum.

This presumes your revolvers are factory 38 Specials, and not R&D or Kirst conversions. In Either case, the frame is stout enough, it's the cylinder that's harder to get, a 38 cylinder would probably have to be rebored to chamber the 44 Special, and the barrel rebored to 44 or a new barrel made from 44 barrel stock.

Cemetery · May 25, 2009, 06:58:58 PM

Quote from: hellgate on May 25, 2009, 03:05:26 PM
Why not get 44 Remingtons and then the R&D 45 Colt conversion cylinders?

I'm trying to avoid the hassle with getting new gun permits in NJ. $:-\$

But if rebarreling won't work, then I'll just have to save for a new pair of guns.

Cemetery · May 25, 2009, 07:09:21 PM

Quote from: Flint on May 25, 2009, 06:57:08 PM
The Uberti made factory conversion is a forged frame revolver on the same frame as the 45 caliber. If it will take the 45 Colt and/or Schofield, it should certainly take the 44 Special, as long as the loads aren't trying to emulate the 44 Magnum.

This presumes your revolvers are factory 38 Specials, and not R&D or Kirst conversions. In Either case, the frame is stout enough, it's the cylinder that's harder to get, a 38 cylinder would probably have to be rebored to chamber the 44 Special, and the barrel rebored to 44 or a new barrel made from 44 barrel stock.

My guns are from Taylor's, and they have this same model in 44.40 or 45colt (was thinking of 44.40, since I'm also saving for a '66, I'd get that in 44.40 and only have to deal with one type of cartridge).

I would only use these for Black Powder Loads.

I was gonna call Taylor's this week to price out parts, was just curious if such a thing was possible on a 38spl frame.

hellgate · May 25, 2009, 09:54:25 PM

The current Remingtons are the same frame just different borings and a shorter barrel for the 36 cal. BTW the Uberti barrels are epoxied or Lock-tited so the frame may need to be heated to soften the glue. The Piettas are not epoxied (according to the late Tom Ball Remington accurizer for many in the N/SSA).

Skinny Preacher 66418 · May 26, 2009, 02:21:11 PM

Quote from: Cemetery on May 25, 2009, 06:58:58 PM
I'm trying to avoid the hassle with getting new gun permits in NJ...

You have to get a permit to buy a percussion firearm (or any firearm)?

Cemetery · May 26, 2009, 06:58:32 PM

Quote from: Skinny Preacher 66418 on May 26, 2009, 02:21:11 PM
You have to get a permit to buy a percussion firearm (or any firearm)?

Permits for each and every handgun. Long guns, and shotguns are exempted.

Percussion, Flintlock, Matchlock, anything that goes boom that is/can be considered a handgun, needs a permit too.

Reason: Cap & Ball guns can use conversion cylinders and become useful with cartridges. That's NJ for ya.

Cemetery · May 26, 2009, 07:03:45 PM

Called Taylor's earlier today. Two new barrels, and cylinders in 44.40 will cost about $350. Less then one new gun, and will work with the 38spl frame.

Two problems though:

1) These parts have to be ordered through the factory, and could take up to a year for delivery. $:-\$

2) Won't have the $$ for anymore guns, or gun assesories till much later this year.

Wolfgang · May 27, 2009, 05:46:03 AM

Simple sollution . . . . . Get yurself a residency in a state where you can BUY GUNS !

Skinny Preacher 66418 · May 27, 2009, 09:11:30 AM

Quote from: Wolfgang on May 27, 2009, 05:46:03 AM
Simple sollution . . . . . Get yurself a residency in a state where you can BUY GUNS !

...or take up water polo

Jest ribbin ya pard. We all may be in your boat by the end of these 4 years.

Jamie · June 08, 2009, 02:08:35 PM

Being from New York, I know that the permit system is a pain - though I've found the clerks that I've dealt with are the nicest public servants I've ever encountered. Anyway, you might want to check with your authorities before you do anything. Again, our NY rules aren't yours, etc. but I've labored under the misconception for many years that - for example - a T/C Contender frame was the firearm, and that "any" barrel was "every" barrel. After all, the serial number is on the frame, and there is no identification except caliber on the barrel. I recently purchased my first Contender and went and registered it. As I was filling out the forms, I realized that the permit is specific as to caliber, and the thought hit, so I asked. "Yes," the nice lady said, "You certainly DO have to register the barrels separately, otherwise you are in violation." Of course, I can buy and possess the barrels without a problem, but if I put them on the frame, I'm in trouble, in spite of the fact that the serial number is on the frame alone - always there, always registered. Furthermore, a .22 conversion kit on a Colt .45 ACP is a separate gun, though once again the permit would reflect the same serial number, just a different caliber. Something akin to that is the separate uppers on Ruger Mark I, II, and III frames, wherein the serial number is on the receiver, rather than the frame. There you have to register according to the receiver, and as long as you possess the original receiver, you are in possession of 2 guns, regardless of how many frames you own, although in order to purchase a separate frame (the grip section) you'd have to have a FFL, and I believe that you can order the barreled receiver directly from Midway, etc. and have it delivered by your very own happy UPS or Mailman. Confused yet? Most of us are, and I know several people who are, in point of fact, in violation. Now here's the really cool part, different counties might have different opinions on this, regardless of the fact that the permit is good statewide.
All that is to preface this, don't assume, as I did, that different calibers on the same frame will make the powers that be smile benevolently. You may be far better off just getting the tags, and buying separate guns. They might even look at you with raised eyebrows at changing the caliber, if they found out about it, and caliber is specified in their records, not to mention your permit.
I'm NOT trying to suggest I know anything about the NJ permit system or stipulations, you may have researched this completely, and know exactly what you're talking about here, and probably you do. I just got a shock when I realized that my own assumptions were in violation, and that shooting a conversion unit (.22 LR) on my old Government Model could have sent my to jail, or at least gotten me fined and probably cost me my permit.
The definition of stupidity is seen in the way that our government - state and federal - have the facts before them, and still choose to attempt to make gun owners the suspicious characters in life, when the facts clearly support gun ownership as the best anti-violent crime tool. Some days I laugh, some days I cry, and I have just stood there shaking my head so long that I've probably damaged my brain.
Jamie