Convert B94 44 Magnum to 38-40 WCF

Dick Dastardly · May 18, 2009, 08:47:50 AM

Howdy Pards,

I have an "extra" Browning 92 44 Magnum. I bought it just in case I had problems with my main match B92. Never happened.

Now, I've found a nice 38-40 Colt that I'm going to be shooting. I'm looking for another one.

To make the "set" complete, I'd like to have the "extra" B92 converted to 38-40. I'd appreciate any input on this project. I just happen to like Browning 92s, but they are not available in 38-40.

Thanks in advance.

DD-DLoS

Cuts Crooked · May 18, 2009, 03:22:51 PM

How much difference is there in the case heads?

No big deal to rebarrel, but changing a bolt face can get pricey.

Dick Dastardly · May 19, 2009, 08:14:13 AM

Sadly, they don't use the same shell holder. That would tell me that the bolt face/ejector would have to be changed. The rim of the 38-40 is the same as the rim of the 44-40. Both are larger than the 44 Magnum.

The only reason I posted this here is because, for me, the 38-40 would be a black powder only SASS main match gun. Maybe it belongs on the gunsmith page?

DD-DLoS

44caliberkid · May 19, 2009, 05:47:03 PM

If your rifle was 45 Colt I believe you would only need to rebarrel. 45 Colt, 44-40, and 38-40 all have nearly identicle case head diameters. You may have to sell the Browning and buy a 38-40. I'm sure any conversion is possible, but you may have a lot of $$$ tied up in it by the time you're done. Maybe get an original '92 in 38WCF.

Cuts Crooked · May 19, 2009, 06:31:39 PM

Quote from: 44caliberkid on May 19, 2009, 05:47:03 PM
If your rifle was 45 Colt I believe you would only need to rebarrel. 45 Colt, 44-40, and 38-40 all have nearly identicle case head diameters.

The reason I asked this is because some .45s can be converted without bolt face reworking.......some can't. The dimensions are pretty close and I've seen it done without the reworked bolt face, and I've seen it not work until the bolt was reworked. It's a hit or miss kinda deal. But with the .44 mag case head dimensions I was pretty sure it wouldn't work without a complete rework of the bolt face/ejector. It can be done, I'm sure, but is it worth the possible cost?

DD, I'd check with a smith and see what he thinks about the job/cost.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · May 19, 2009, 08:28:45 PM

Dick; I just checked my 92BLR. A .44-40 case will slip under the extractor properly. (Of course it won't chamber.) I didn't have any inert dummys to try in the magazine.

Another issue is that I've read on these forums that a carbine barrel might not be that easy to reline. You might be looking for a new barrel. I haven't looked to see if original Win '92s are available in .38 WCF.

Hoof Hearted · May 19, 2009, 08:59:13 PM

Contact Nate Kiowa Jones aka: Steve Young

http://stevesgunz.com/

He'll answer all yer questions!

HH

Dick Dastardly · May 19, 2009, 09:41:29 PM

I sent Nate an emule. I'll report what he says.

Thanks,

DD-DLoS

Dalton Masterson · May 20, 2009, 08:29:41 AM

DD, check the SASS wire. There is a Davidsons Win. 92 in 38-40 on there now.
http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=126646

It might save you a whole lot of work.

Otherwise, cool project, and I want to do the same thing one of these days.
DM

Paladin UK · May 20, 2009, 03:40:48 PM

I gotta tell ya`ll...........
I shot at a BWSS match in Kent, I stayed with a good pard of mine (Trapdoor) and to cut a looooong story short Me `n` Annie `O` didn't bring ANY smokepoles with us as another pard (Commodore Perry) said he would lend.
OK, cut to the bottom line.

His rifle which I used is an original Winnie in 38-40!!! and I have got to tell ya It is the Sweeeeeeetest rifle round!! stuffed to the gunnel's with the Holy Black it was a tack driver! and A total joy ta shoot!! Iffn I didn't lurv my #92 so much it would be my choice without a doubt!

DD................. ENJOY !!!!!!!!

Paladin (What lurvs the Holy Black

) UK

Dick Dastardly · May 21, 2009, 08:29:21 AM

I heard back from Nate already. He got back to me rite quick. If I try to save the original 44 Mag barrel the makeover would run around $600. If I can find a B92 .357 Mag barrel it would run less. Reason . . It's easier to drill and rifle than to turn a barrel liner down and install it.

Either way, the bolt is ok, but the gun would have to be re-timed for the 38-40 ammo.

So, I'm now looking for a replacement B92 .357 Magnum rifle barrel to bore and rifle. . .

DD-DLoS

Dalton Masterson · May 21, 2009, 08:32:11 AM

Thats intersting info DD! Would a 45 colt bolt face work for the conversion, with a 357 barrel? Should be pretty much the same, right?
DM

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · May 21, 2009, 10:24:41 AM

.38 Spl; groove diameter .358

.38 - 40 groove diametr .401

Dick Dastardly · May 21, 2009, 10:55:26 AM

The .357 Magnum would have to bored out and re-rifled. That's cheaper than re-lining the 44 Mag barrel. The .44 Mag barrel would have to be reamed, the liner would have to be reduced on the lathe and then it could be installed. So, I'm lookin' for a B92 .357 barrel.

The 45 Colt and 44 Magnum both fit the same shell holders, so the bolt face is very close to the same. That's the way I understand it.

DD-DLoS

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · May 21, 2009, 11:21:40 AM

The BLR .357 barrel option occurred to me as well, but good luck unless there is one in the parts stream somewhere. Are PUMA barrels threaded differently than the metric threads that the Japanese used on the BLR? I suppose that the other measurements would differ somewhat as well.

TomBullweed · October 06, 2010, 09:21:56 PM

I have used some original Winchester screws from Numrich Gunparts in my early 1990's Rossi with no problems.

I agree about the .38-40. I have a heavily tuned Rossi in .357 and several original '92s. The Rossi is slicker than the originals when empty, but we don't tend to shoot them in that condition. When loaded, the originals are slicker than the Rossi even though that have not been slicked up. The guns are simply made for the shouldered cartridges.
I regularily see original shooter-condition '92s for under $750. Cherry's Fine Guns, Dixie Gunworks and Gunbroker are good sources.

fourfingersofdeath · October 07, 2010, 08:25:19 AM

Just a thought, but I saw where a guy here or maybe on cast boolits used 44mag brass run through a 44/40 sizer when he couldn't get any 44/40 brass some years ago. Says it works just fine and is still hunting with the 100 cases he did years ago.

Could you re barrell and chamber to 38/44 and save bolt face/extractor work? Like I said, just a thought, it may be a dumb thought, I have both kinds at times