41 to 44 sp conv.

[tuskbuster]

new to the forum.i have just inherited an Om 41 mag.4 5/8
after cleaning and looking it over good,finding that a chamber is cracked,and hard to find a cylinder.the anodizing has been taken off at some point.little rust specks all over,i was going to look around and see if it was worth fixing in its present state.not a big 41 fan also but it has sentimental value ..would you think it would be better to convert to 44sp. or leave it like it is

 

[BlackEye]

Since the 41 is a large frame, I would keep the 41 chambering. You could ream a 30 Carbine cylinder (noticed a couple for sale recently) but holding out for one in 41 is what I would do.

If you use a 44Mag cyl and barrel, you may as well shoot the 44Mag. A custom 44 Special only cylinder would likely cost as much or more as reaming a carbine cylinder to 41Mag. If you do go the 44 way, I would be interested in the 41 barrel

 

[tuskbuster]

ive got a super 44 and a OV in mag also.likethe specials and russian rounds so really dont need another mag.

 

[contender]

Since the gun has sentimental value,, I'd opt to save it as is with a 41 mag cylinder replacement. They are out there,, and it'd cost less for one of them than a conversion.
While you are looking,, you can look for reloading stuff for the 41 and you may find you really enjoy the caliber.

 

[BearStopper]

I don't have a 41 magnum but I am on the hunt for one. Everyone tells me that it is a very accurate caliber in almost any gun so before you screw that one up consider its benefits.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Tough question.

The 4-5/8" OM .41's bring a slight premium over the 6-1/2" versions on the used gun market, but that individual will require considerable TLC to bring it back to decent condition, and if refinishing is required will no longer be "original" as far as collectors are concerned.

The temptation to save a gun with sentimental value can be strong, but only you know how strong that feeling is on this particular gun. Normally, I would agree with Contender to hang onto it as is, but since the grip frame and ejector rod housing have been "stripped" and the rest of the gun appears to have finish issues and the cylinder must be replaced, this just might be a good candidate for a .44 Special conversion. Bear in mind that you would very likely never regain the money you spend on a conversion. It just doesn't seem to happen.

If you just want it "restored" for use as a shooter, you can find replacement pieces here, the grip frame and ERH can be refinished with various spray coatings, and a little 00000 steel wool and oil will remove a lotta surface "freckles" easily. Depends on what you want. You can go either way on that one.

Good luck.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The .41 is a great caliber. Why not send it back to Ruger and let them refurbish it. They have the most reasonable prices and could make it like new. Save the old action parts if it hasn't been converted yet.

...Jimbo

 

[laremm]

The 41 is a cult round. Those who love it get rid of 44 magnums.

It is a great round that came too late, google the history on it.

I am going to add one to my collection,

 

[tuskbuster]

ok guys , after talkin with ruger i'm looking at 300 min.to get the gun back in good shape. what would a conversion and refinish run for the gun.
found what lee did up top and liked it .

 

[powder smoke]

I would try to find another cylinder for it 41 is a great caliber.

 

[Chuckbuster]

41 mag not that good

 

[M'BOGO]

Lee did his conversion on the .357 frame, which is the same size as the Colt SAA/New Vaquero. The OM .41 frame is the same size as the .44 mag frame, which is why you are getting the naysayers.

Apples and oranges. The cost of freshening it up, a new cylinder, etc, would be $6-800ish? Depending on you smith.

 

[SC-REBEL]

Refurbish and enjoy!

 

[tuskbuster]

looks like i be sendin it back to ruger

 

[no5shooter]

Sounds like you've made your decision, so I'll just add my .02 worth and say I agree. I've only owned one .41 mag, but I liked it a lot - and that's after owning a slew of .44's - mags, never owned a .44 Spl. (yet). Start reloading for that .41 and I think you'll find it's a dandy cartridge.

 

[Hondo44]

I personnally think you made a good decision. Since it won't be original any longer anyway, I'd also have Ruger spruce it up with a new blue steel ejector rod housing and a stainless steel grip frame and wide trigger from an Old Army. It'll look great and the extra weight will help tame the recoil if you're gonna shoot it.

Typical reason for 44 Spl conversions is to shoot that caliber in a medium frame. Which brings up a question: I see there's a limited edition 41 Mag Flat top available. Is it also on the medium frame? The cylinder is long enough on my 44 Ft new model.

 

[tek4260]

Unfortunately the new 41's are on the full size frame. Believe a mid-frame would sell 2 to 1 over the full size.

 

[DGW1949]

Just some thoughts....

A cracked chamber in a magnum revolver sends a bunch of red flags up for me. It might be that there's other damage there that you haven't noticed. First thing I'd do is get that gun into the hands of someone who knows his stuff and have it looked over real good.
Could be that the rest of the gun is OK, or not. If it's the "not", it wouldn't be the first 6-gun that got ruint by overloads.

Sending your gun off to Ruger might be a good plan. I'm saying "might" because IF they find additional damage they might just decide that it's too dangerous to fix.....and keep it. I've heard of gun companies doing that.

Just sayin'......be carefull. And whatever you do, do not fire that gun using the "good" chambers.

DGW