Colt SAA 44-40 Question

Chemist

Chemist

Sponsoring Business
Business Member
Rating - 100%
395   0   0
I'm not 100% up on my Colt SAA conversions. I have access to 1896 dated Colt SSA in 44-40. Can it be converted to a 44 Special with a new cylinder? I've read yes and I've read no online. It has a more modern 44-40 smokeless barrel and cylinder on it already.


Ryan
 
Yes it can.

I have one that is exactly that. The 44-40 cylinder was rotted away so replaced with 44 special. Barrel slugs at .428". It digests cast .429" & .430" .44 Special bullets very nicely.
 
check your bore dimensions; a 44-40 barrel should also do for 44 special and all you have to do is replace the cylinder with one that has an internal shoulder preventing no go cartridges from chambering. I used a 44 magnum barrel on my gun and bored the cylinder out to chamber 44 russian

cheers mooncoon
 
9mms2k said:
Your price is out to lunch.
Click to expand...

If you say so, it must be true. :rolleyes:

Respectfully, I don't think you have much of an argument as the cylinder fetched more than a couple of interests in the very short time and promptly sold. Good quality 44 special SAA cylinders suitable for 1st generation Colts ( that have not been abused, refinished and had their lines buffed to heck) are not exactly dropping from the trees.
 
Last edited:
apu said:
If you say so, it must be true. :rolleyes:

Respectfully, I don't think you have much of an argument as the cylinder fetched more than a couple of interests in the very short time and promptly sold. Good quality SAA cylinders suitable for 1st generation Colts ( that have not been abused, refinished and had their lines buffed to heck) are not exactly dropping from the trees.
Click to expand...

Yours was a second gen. Let's just get that straight. It will fit a first gen but its not a fist gen.

http://ww w.peacemakerspecialists.com/barcyl.html
Edie Janis is one of the most expensive saa guys down south... Check out his prices, still below your asking price.

I guess it's true, there is one born every minute.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
9mms2k.
The cylinder that you feel was overpriced was from Christy Gun Works.
Please post prices for Christy cylinders - otherwise you are comparing apples and oranges.
 
9mms2k said:
Yours was a second gen. Let's just get that straight. It will fit a first gen but its not a fist gen.

http:// ww.peacemakerspecialists.com/barcyl.html
Edie Janis is one of the most expensive saa guys down south... Check out his prices, still below your asking price.

I guess it's true, there is one born every minute.
Click to expand...

The site you listed(similar to colt parts.com) quotes a price of $325 for 3rd generation cylinders. Fortunately 3rd generation cylinders are readily available. Unfortunately, they will not fit or work in a 1st/2nd gen colt. In fact under the appropriate section they state "Due to many of these cylinders no longer being produced, the prices vary if and when we have them in stock, please call for current price information." To be clear Colt never produced 1st generation Colts in 44 special, so typically the only cylinders appropriate(without modification) for first generation legal antique conversion are 2nd generation cylinders. Your generic interweb price comparisons would be suitable for a modern gun but not an antique. I once had to find a replacement hand/hammer for a Schofield revolver, let me tell you that cost me a pretty penny( it was more out to dinner than lunch) as there are not too many parts from the original 10,000 revolvers still floating around.

Seriously and respectfully I would challenge you to find an American seller who has a 44 special 2nd generation cylinder in the same condition, in stock and who will sell/ship to a Canadian. Hyperlinking to a Canadian dealer in another caliber that is not in stock does not count. Also keep in mind that as previously noted you will likely need an ATF licensed exporter/importer to do this legally. Regardless, this should be a no brainer for you as obviously have done this before and can get a much better price than I did. Once you have that cylinder in hand come here and pronounce my blissful ignorance by letting us know how much your shipped total came to and how long it took to get to you. Then you Sir, may with experienced authority claim to know who in fact was born a minute ago.
 
Last edited:
Apus cylinder was a very good deal for one in Canada already had i seen it i would have bought it no problem.
Colt parts.com charges more than he was asking with the bushing included and 44 sp cylinders are not always in stock.
There very hard to come by.
The fact it was a bob christy made 44 sp cylinder makes it collectable as well as even harder to find.
 
I bought it. Could it be a bit high, maybe/maybe not. Is it in Canada and available right now, yes.

On another note, how do you tell the difference between between a gen 1 and gen 2 cylinder?
 
1st gen cylinders have relieved corners on the flutes to prevent BP buildup. Second gen was designed for smokeless and the front of the flutes is flatter. I think Christy stuff is the best quality from that era.
 
Considering that few in Canada really give a #### about 1st generation authenticity, I'm surprised more people dont drop 3rd gen cylinders and hands in their 1st gen pistols.
 
Darkwater said:
Considering that few in Canada really give a #### about 1st generation authenticity, I'm surprised more people dont drop 3rd gen cylinders and hands in their 1st gen pistols.
Click to expand...

surprised..?

apu said:
Fortunately 3rd generation cylinders are readily available. Unfortunately, they will not fit or work in a 1st/2nd gen colt. In fact under the appropriate section they state To be clear Colt never produced 1st generation Colts in 44 special, so typically the only cylinders appropriate(without modification) for first generation legal antique conversion are 2nd generation cylinders..
Click to expand...
 
Alex Hamilton (in the US) has 1st and 2nd generation SAA cylinders for sale. I haven't had anything to do with this outfit, but here is their information:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) Colt cylinders. If you have a first or second generation Colt needing a new cylinder for restoration to original Colt specs or a caliber change I have new cylinders available in just about any caliber Colt made including 45 Colt, 44 WCF (44-40), 32 WCF (32-20), 44 special, and others. We also have OEM cylinders in 45 ACP for your 45 Colt, but only for first and second generation single actions. These OEM cylinders are blued. There are no OEM cylinders for Colt third generation single actions. You cost for the cylinder…$355.00.

Link: http://tenring.com/?s=cylinder
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom