Is it possible to convert a Rifle barrel from 44sp to 44WCF

[Mike]

I have a Uberti 73 in 44 Sp and am looking at the measurment of the 44 Sp and the 44WCF and it looks possible to convert/Re-chamber the rifle to 44WCF.
I would be intersted in your thoughts on this.

I have also just bought a Short rifle (special) in 44WCF so it would not matter if it could not be done.

[Long Johns Wolf]

That should be a relatively simple operation since the groove dia of the .44 Special and the .44-40 of the Uberti rifles should be the same.
However, a .44 Special caliber Uberti Win 73 is a sought after item among the pards & pardettes.
You might rather want to sell it and purchase a new .44-40 Uberti Win rifle from the proceeds.
Long Johns Wolf

[Coffinmaker]

LJW is correct.  A Uberti .44Spl can be re-chambered to 44-40.  LJW is also correct that a .44Spl '73 is quite sought after in the CAS community and should sell rather quickly.  Consider selling it first.

Hey LJW, what ever happened to your Henry project??

Coffinmaker

[Mike]

If I sell it I will have to tune a new gun, which I have already bought.

I live in New Zealand and the Cowboys here want 38' s.

I think I will go ahead and convert it.

Thanks

[Long Johns Wolf]

Mike, before you proceed I suggest you check if the .44-40 carrier works in your .44 Special rifle wihtout major fitting. You may also have to work the extractor of the .44 Special rifle some but that should be a minor issue.
Coffinmaker: thanks for asking about the Czech Great Gun Henries. It was November 2011 that the maker told us delivery in Summer 2012. In the meantime my buddy Bumble Bee & I got all kind of excuses but no .44 Colt caliber Henries, ha. X fingers that they will materialize eventually.
Long Johns Wolf

[Major 2]

Wolf, you must have the patience of Job.
Your situation is beginning to sound like the Mervin & Hulbert & Fletcher Bidwell tales told around the fires.

Mike, I have one of the 44 Spl.73's, it's sweet shooter, wish I had a Henry in that caliber.

[Long Johns Wolf]

Major: I am not a patient person, I am afraid ... but then what is 17 months among friends for a Henry with .44 Colt receiver specs?
I admit I like to work with say a conversion artist that says "job will be completed in ca. 10 weeks" and phones me in week 9 saying "your pistol is scheduled for the mandatory proof testing so make an appointment for Thursday next week to collect ..."
And when you show up at the shop your converted gun is waiting there for you. You pay and leave as a happy camper.
That's what I call commitment and a solid base for future business, ha.
Long Johns Wolf

[Abilene]

To do the conversion you will have to bore and then sleeve the chamber.  The 44 spcl chamber is too big in the 44-40's neck area.  

Uberti uses the same carrier for 38-40 throiugh 45LC, so that should be fine.

[Mike]

I was thinking of loosing 1/2 inch of the barrel, so cutting the breech end of the barrel back by 1/2 will solve the problem. Will have to shorten the forend by the same, but it is longer than the 20"  barrel gun one.

I going to try some BPin the 44Sp some time next week to see how it works. I have a Richards in 44Colt and a Opentop in 44Sp which I shoot Swiss BP in.

Will report if how it works out.

[Tuscon the Terrible]

Mmmm!
I'm looking for a '73 in 44sp.
I'm in Otago.

[Mike]

Sen me a PM we may be able to talk a deal.
I want a 44WFC 24"
I have a 20" Special also but just got that.
I would have to set the barrel back to make my one work with 44 WCF.
Mike
buffalo.chip@hotmail.com