50th anniversay .357 BH, addition of 9mm cylinder! Possible

[SgtSam]

I have a nice 50th anniversary .357 BH. I was wondering if the 9mm cylinder used in the current BH convertible could be retrofitted to it in light of the difference in frame size between the convertible BH and 50th?

Anyone know?

Thanks.

 

[gak]

No. Cylinder size difference as well from BH to 50th. A midframe convertible (or at least fittable 9mm cylinder--even if just by them) another no brainer though for Ruger IMO. They finally did it with the .45ACP (Davidson's run?)

 

[DGW1949]

No.
Even if one remachined all of the outer deminsions of the larger cylinder so's it would actualy fit the smaller gun, the one aspect that would prevent it from functioning would still be present. Namely, the distance from the chambers to the centerpin hole on the "big frame" cyl would prevent the chambers from aligning with the barrel-hole of the "medium frame" gun.
In short, ya may be able to make it fit, but ya won't be able to make it shootable.

DGW

 

[gak]

I will modify my original "no" statement by saying anything's possible with a custom--as in cylinder. Bowen and others may--and probably--do them.

 

[CraigC]

Unless an Old Model cylinder could be procured and fitted, which I'm not sure is even possible, then a new scratch-built cylinder would have to be made. Think $500 for the priviledge of shooting .355"-.356" 9mm down a .357-sized bore.

 

[SgtSam]

OK! You convinced me. I was just doing a little musing while I was cleaning it today after a trip to the range. I'll just forget it and maybe just look for a good used one with a short barrel.

Thanks.

 

[gak]

Note middle cylinder on this page. Comes with pilot holes for your local smith to finish your chambering's bore and final finish to suit. He doesn't mention 9mm but might as well have since they're for mid frame.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/parts_store/cylinders.html
Like any ancillary cylinder not originally matched to the gun, would likely then have to be professionally fit specifically to yours re pawl, timing, etc. All 'n all, not a $100 job :)

 

[SgtSam]

Thanks for the website connection. The website has a cost of $250 listed. I sent an email to inquire as to the feasibility of creating a 9mm cylinder for the 50th Anniv. .357 BH. I'll post the result when I hear back.

 

[gak]

Thanks for the website connection. The website has a cost of $250 listed. I sent an email to inquire as to the feasibility of creating a 9mm cylinder for the 50th Anniv. .357 BH. I'll post the result when I hear back.

Looking forward to the response too. I'm sure the answer will be yes. Good luck!

 

[SgtSam]

Well, the answer from Hamilton Bowen was definitely yes. However, he stated,

"The cylinders shown in our parts catalog are blank, unfitted parts that will have to be installed by a gunsmith, chambered and finished. We offer this service but finished parts will start at around $495."

He further suggested that I look for a 9mm cylinder from one of the old model BHs. And, that they shouldn't cost more than $75-$100 tops for a good one.

So, I don't think I'm going to go after Mr. Bowens' cylinder. I can buy a used convertible BH for that, and a new one for just a little more.

Thanks for the info to do the chase.

 

[CraigC]

That's about what I expected.

Good to know that an OM cylinder can be fitted.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

That's about what I expected.

Good to know that an OM cylinder can be fitted.

Well,
I'm not to sure about that. I just looked at my 50th and an OM. The cylinder are same dia. and length, BUT the ratches are much wider on the 50th. Tried to put OM in 50th no go. Since the 50th is low S/N unfired I didn't try REAL hard :wink:
Jim

 

[gak]

Getting a new blank (like Bowen's) chambered and fit locally is no big deal--the ease of course depending on your locale. Smiths do it all the time. It's the initial price of the bare cylinder that's daunting. Not saying unreasonable, I'd guess quite in line, but cause for pause and probably why we're not entertaining conversions everyday that aren't just a simple rechamber of an existing cylinder and barrel change. Otherwise, I'd sure like to make a .32-20/.327 or .38-40/.40 convertible out of one of my midframe .357s :)(ofcourse the latter project "just" requires two .357 cylinders and a blank (or rare Vaquero .38-40 or .40) barrel).