Can you buy a 44 mag cylinder for a 44-40

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Braydon.Halls

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I recently acquired a 44-40 revolver and I was wondering if I could get a 44 mag cylinder for it and still have it fire without any problem, or else get some other cylinders in an easier to find caliber.
 

Hondo44

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Is it a Ruger and if so which Model; a Vaquero or Blackhawk? Those are the only two models Ruger ever chambered for the 44-40 and they are both made on the large frame. So both models would handle the 44 Mag. You could also shoot 44 Specials in the 44 Mag cyl. There's no other caliber cyls you can shoot in your gun without changing the barrel.
 

Savvy_Jack

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I recently acquired a 44-40 revolver and I was wondering if I could get a 44 mag cylinder for it and still have it fire without any problem, or else get some other cylinders in an easier to find caliber.
What revolver did you acquire? Then I can offer more information
 

Blackhawk Convertable

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I used to have a pair of the 44-40 Vaqueros and I fitted a super cylinder to each of them. Worked just fine for both. One did drag just a bit and sanding down the tool marks on each end of the cylinder made for a perfect fit.
 

hittman

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Not sure the OP was expecting to get replies so quick ….. he's not logged back on since he posted this.
 

Braydon.Halls

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Is it a Ruger and if so which Model; a Vaquero or Blackhawk? Those are the only two models Ruger ever chambered for the 44-40 and they are both made on the large frame. So both models would handle the 44 Mag. You could also shoot 44 Specials in the 44 Mag cyl. There's no other caliber cyls you can shoot in your gun without changing the barrel.
It's a ruger vaquero
 
Joined
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Howdy, welcome to the board!

Just a pic for the cause… ;)

7220BF34-3BB0-4B4E-9AA6-40F4035BB008.jpeg
 

buckeyeshooter

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Nov 8, 2004
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Ohio
I bought a 44 magnum cylinder from a bisley 44 magnum with the roll engraving and it fit my 44-40 vaquero with no alteration or timing adjustments. The bonus being the gun is stainless and the 44 magnum cylinder blue, so I can easily tell which ammo I am set for.
 

Savvy_Jack

Bearcat
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Dec 30, 2017
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I have a 44-40 cylinder I use in my Uberti "Buckhorn" 44 Magnum revolver. This is a larger frame than the standard 44-40 revolver. What this does (44 Magnum Frame) is allow a bit thicker cylinder wall for the 44 Magnum loads. What this also does for me, is allow me to use standard and high velocity 44-40 loads.
37073138_960084210838829_7815941902842200064_n.jpg
 

BearBiologist

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Dec 4, 2021
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That's a good question: there's no difference in Rugers. Ruger used the same barrel for .429" bullets as they've used for their .44 Mag/.44 Spl. They did not tool up and make a specific .44-40 barrel for its .4275" bullets.

Most manufacturer's did the same. Easier. Lead will expand to meet the rifling in BP loads, usually.
 

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