Is it possible to convert a colt new service in 455 to 45LC. I want to shoot and enjoy this gun in a caliber that I currently own. Is there anywhere in Canada that can convert this gun? Also I don’t want to reload 455 that’s why I want to convert this gun
Colt new service conversion
- Thread starter passer544
- Start date
I have read about converted New Service revolvers, so Im pretty certain it's been done. I was reading on another forum that they'd bore the cylinders for the longer 45LC case and cut a recess in the mouths of the cylinders to accommodate the thicker 45LC rim. Try Dlask or Murray Charlton, they could probably give you an answer.
A New Service isn't a particularly rare Colt though, you'd probably be way better off to just sell your 455 and buy one in 45LC...
A New Service isn't a particularly rare Colt though, you'd probably be way better off to just sell your 455 and buy one in 45LC...
This is quite a common conversion. A collector would value the gun more if left in the .455 caliber. .One thought is to sell the gun buy one that's been converted.
If not I believe there's two ways to do the conversion:
- The most common method is to mill the rear face of the cylinder to allow for the thicker 45 Colt rim and run a 45 Colt reamer in the cylinder holes.
- Another method is to recess the cylinder holes to allow for the thicker 45 Colt rim and run the 45 Colt reamer in each cylinder hole. . I've heard this method may allow firing of both cartridges.
I think I’ll ask dlask. I just shoot a lot of 45 and didn’t really want to get into the 455.. the gun is in pretty mint condition with the British military. Or Canadian I don’t know proof marks. Just cannot find a new service in 45. I’ve been looking for a year and just found this one forsale. I don’t want to ruin this gun but I want to use it and not just look at it
Sometimes a gun comes along when you least expect. . My Colt NS was listed on the tack board, 10 years back, at our shooting range along with a list of others. I called the guy up and he was selling it for his brother's widow. A NWMP Colt New Service, in 45 Colt, sent to the NWMP in 1919. I didn't pay more than it was worth and I'm happy to have it.
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
Don't do it.
You're revolver is between 120 and 101 years old - would you drop a 5-litre v8 into an original condition Model T ?
Look around for one which has already been converted, or was manufactured in .45 Colt.
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
What I remember reading is the 45 acp dies will work but to crimp the bullet you'll need to shave approx. 3 thou off the bottom of the seater die. . The die will still work for 45 acp.
I'm another +1 "don't do it" [convert from .455 to .45 Colt].
As others have said, just get some reloadable .455 brass & reload for it. Not hard to do.
I have some vintage .455 Colt marked Dominion mfg brass that I reload using Lee Carbide dies in .45 ACP for my old S&W Handejector .455 .
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NAA.
As others have said, just get some reloadable .455 brass & reload for it. Not hard to do.
I have some vintage .455 Colt marked Dominion mfg brass that I reload using Lee Carbide dies in .45 ACP for my old S&W Handejector .455 .
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NAA.
