Converting Rugers to .44Wcf

[E.R.Beaumont]

Howdy Pards and Pardettes.

Just exactly how hard is it to get Ruger parts?  I have a pair of .45 Vaquaros that I would like to convert to .44 Wcf, I figure all I need to replace is barrels and cylinders

I don't mean that I would do the work, and I know that the cylinder should be line bored and it ain't ever as simple or straight forward as ya figger.

So who has the parts, and who would you have do it to your pistoles

Thank-you Kindly for your time and trouble.
Regards, Beaumont

[Cyrille]

I believe that Ruger sells the parts to the general public and If you want them to do the work I believe they will. check with them first to be sure. But anyway you go the job/parts will not be cheap.

[Major E A Sterner]

What you would need to do is buy a pair of .44 barrels and either 2 .357 mag or .41 mag used cylinders, then have the cylinders line bored and chambered to the frame. you could then sell off the .45 cylinders and barrels to recoup some of the cost of the conversion.
I would contact Clemmens or one of the other "Name" Gunsmiths that specialize in converting Rugers.
Just my humble opinion, but I think that would be the most cost effective way to do it

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[Adirondack Jack]

The major has nailed it.  Starting with a complete .357 ruger would probably be best (peddle the .45s) and contact this feller:
http://www.clementscustomguns.com/

[Major E A Sterner]

Hey A.J., How are You doing?. will I be seeing you at Heluva Rucus?, I'm going to be loading some more ammo tomorrow, then I'll be hitting the road early Friday morning. Hope to see you there

[Adirondack Jack]

Howdy Major.  I'll be there from tomorrow morning on.  I took my camper over today and set it up so i haven't gotta play with that in the morning.  Set-up promises to be a wet and dreary affair, but it's looking good for the weekend.

I THOUGHT I had all my ammo loaded until I inventoried the crate this morning.  I found only FIVE rounds of lead ACP ammo for the wild bunch side event.  Soooo, cranked out a few real quick like so I can play.

Stop by the trailer if yer wandering the grounds.  Might be we can have a little beverage.

<<Jack>>

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Don't they make .44 Wcf Vaquero's anymore?  Easier to get a .44 RM and then all you have to do is have a .44Wcf cylinder made.  Keep the old cylinder and you are ready for ANY .44, from Russian, to Colt/Rem, to .44 Spl, to .44 Raging  Mad, to .44 Wcf!

[44caliberkid]

Exactly my thoughts Sir Charles.  Just send the guns to Rooger and tell them you want them made into 44-40's.  Since the Vaquero 44's use a .430 barrel reguardless of caliber you could also have them include a 44 Magnum cylinder and shoot any 44 cartridge you want.  Their price would likely be very competetive with a private gunsmith and you'd have a warrantee'd piece in case something wasn't right.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Has RUGER changed their policy on custom work.  I don't think it was more than 3 years ago that they blew me off on the idea of a second factory supplied cylinder.  hinted that I should go private, which I did.  Joe Dlask in Delta BC did some cylinders for me @ CA$250 ea.

[44caliberkid]

Pardon me, I didn't know they had a problem with that.   Back to the drawing board.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Outfits like BOWEN get Ruger factory parts, and they were willing to assist. Try them, or the other custom shops.  I had a problem as I don't live in the USA, and both export and import permits were required.  (My information could be a bit dated.)

[E.R.Beaumont]

Howdy Pards and Pardettes.

Sir Charles, Pard you hit it right on the noggin.  The course of action that makes the most sense is to sell the .45s and buy a pair of .44s.  I was only thinking of the hit I would take selling the .45s. ( A gun store maxim is that you don't make your money selling them, you make it by buying them back.)  However as was figgured up on another post it comes out a wash.

I figger that I ought to buy the .44s first while new old model Vaqueros are still available, and before they become "the last few remaining ones left" and  carry a premium.

Thank-You to all the Pards who offered their suggestions and help.
Thanks again, Beaumont

[44caliberkid]

I would think if you could find a shop with a 44-40 vequero they would gladly trade you straight across for 45 Colts, as the latter is a more popular and easily sold caliber.