rechambering an 1885 in 32 Short Colt

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bross

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Hello.
I've recently acquired a VG condition 1885 low wall in 32 short. I am asking for opinions about the advisability of re-chambering to one of the longer S&W series, both for ease of finding components and to boost the potential of the gun.

Is the low wall action, and the barrel steel up to the modern iterations of 32 - particularly the .327 Federal?
 
Bevan and I chambered a 25/20 to 25-35 win with no ill effect on it and the 327 fed runs aprox the same pressures as the 25-35 ,so I see no problem
 
If the rifle is in VG condition, altering it is going to dramatically reduce its value as a collector's item.
 
I realize that changing anything does decrease collector interest in one sense, but a more available calibre, without visual change to the rifle, might balance that aspect. I am still undecided - also have not tried to source a reamer yet.
 
DZ Arms in the US sell reproduction CF firing pins for the 1885 lowall for 35$us. Might be the way to go........and if you shoot 32 colts in it no need to change the barrel or chamber.........and easy to put back to its original condition if and when one would want too. The 32 colts are fun little rounds to shoot and still fairly easy to get. Best!
 
Willy Tincup said:
DZ Arms in the US sell reproduction CF firing pins for the 1885 lowall for 35$us. Might be the way to go........and if you shoot 32 colts in it no need to change the barrel or chamber.........and easy to put back to its original condition if and when one would want too. The 32 colts are fun little rounds to shoot and still fairly easy to get. Best!
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As I read it, his gun IS in .32 colt.
 
Hhmmm;......ok, maybe I misread, misunderstood or just plain missed! :) I was thinking 32rf as there seem to be a lot of lowalls in that configuration. Never heard of one in 32 short colt but anything is possible I guess.
I think if it were mine in 32 short colt I would be very reluctant to change it much......maybe lengthen it to 32 Long Colt. But we all have different ideas and opinions on making such changes and for me its interesting in hearing / seeing what others are thinking.
IF it were mine AND a 32 rf I would be doing the CF firing pin switcherooo.
 
Willy Tincup said:
Hhmmm;......ok, maybe I misread, misunderstood or just plain missed! :) I was thinking 32rf as there seem to be a lot of lowalls in that configuration. Never heard of one in 32 short colt but anything is possible I guess.
I think if it were mine in 32 short colt I would be very reluctant to change it much......maybe lengthen it to 32 Long Colt. But we all have different ideas and opinions on making such changes and for me its interesting in hearing / seeing what others are thinking.
IF it were mine AND a 32 rf I would be doing the CF firing pin switcherooo.
Click to expand...

The reason why I think that is he talks of rechambering... no moving the firing pin.
Regardless, your idea is a good one.
 
The irony of the 32 C.F. vs RF discussion is that several sites tell how to make rf from short colt. Problem is, 32 short (or long) is no longer made commercially. Your main option is to get 32 S&W which is +.011" on diameter, and use a die to iron it to size. Pain---. I'll reluctantly make .314" heel base bullets - Though I'd rather buy 500 and have enough for life.
 
I finally got to the range with a box of 32 Colt. Guess what: it is a rim fire. No band, but good pin strike off centre. I have ordered a CF pin and breach block from dzhepburn; having second thoughts about doing something permanent (and visible) before I shoot it. While completing the change over, I'll make up some RF conversions cases instead.
 
Rechamber to 32 S&W. I have a Marlin lever I bought with this. Funnest gun I own, takes longs and shorts. Holds 19 rounds of shorts. Hitting gophers with 88 grain lead is much fun.
 
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