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Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: MikeO on September 20, 2010, 01:47:58 PM

Title: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: MikeO on September 20, 2010, 01:47:58 PM
Don't laugh! Is this possible?

How easily done?

Just rechamber the cylinder? Drop in an new/old cylinder?

The guns look that identical to me, but what do I know...
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: TAB on September 20, 2010, 02:47:06 PM
I doubt its doable as 357 mag is longer. I doubt it would fit in the frame.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: PegLeg45 on September 20, 2010, 02:48:31 PM
If these folks can't answer the question, I gather no one can.


http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/ContactUs.htm

QUESTIONS and ASSISTANCE
email: bcacorp@nxs.net

Phone (865) 984-3583

Looks like you getting some info at THR......  ;D  ;D  ;D

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=545050


Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: MikeO on September 20, 2010, 05:51:23 PM
Turns out is that easy, for the Rugers anyway. A new cylinder will cost about $110, conversion of the old cylinder about $45.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: twyacht on September 20, 2010, 07:42:33 PM
I still would double check the SAAMI ratings, for the frame, just to be sure, as the pressures double at .357 rounds. If it works, great, just double check all reliable sources.

Would hate to see something totally avoidable happen. Like a kaboom.

Keep us posted, would love to see how it does.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: m25operator on September 20, 2010, 07:56:49 PM
The frame is strong enough, but is the cylinder heat treated to withstand the pressure, I would believe anything Bowen has to say.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: Big Frank on September 20, 2010, 10:17:48 PM
I think this is a good excuse to buy a new gun. Maybe a GP100.  ;)
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 21, 2010, 02:17:52 AM
I never heard of a speed, or service, Six being in strictly .38.
Every one I've handled or shot was .357.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: fightingquaker13 on September 21, 2010, 02:40:34 AM
Many people here have questioned my conservative credentials. I hope to prove them wrong here. Ruger revolvers are overbuilt and have a high dumb ass tolerance factor. Still, I look at it like this. Overloading any gun because its theoretically possible seems about as smart as eating at the Sushi joint at the Detroit airport (and yes it really exists ::)). MAYBE everything will work out ok. It might even be a money saver. On the other hand....you would cheerfully pay five times the price of a GP-100 to undo what you did to yourself if things go sideways. I am VERY conservative about this issue. Live with the .38 +p (a very solid SD round), or just pay the five bills for a .357. It might be boring, but at least you won't be the youtube video of the week.
Just my $.02.
FQ13 who agrees with jumbofrank
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: MikeO on September 21, 2010, 09:12:11 AM
Relax guys; it's OK.

The Ruger 38/357 revolvers were identical in every respect except for what Ruger chambered the identical cylinders in and marked on the bbl. Other revolvers may have been different in size, materials, and metallurgy, but not the Rugers.

As far as pressures, the 9mm they also chambered in the same cylinder/frame matches the 357 Mag pressures, and in the case of 9mm NATO, exceeds it by as much as 20%.

Already got a Service Six in 357 Magnum BTW.
 
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 21, 2010, 11:18:35 AM
Security six was the 3rd one I was trying to think of.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: MikeO on October 21, 2010, 02:46:34 PM
Those of you who were concerned can rest easy; I decided to leave the Speed Six .38 as is. I bought another Speed Six in 357.
Title: Re: Ruger Speed Six 38 to .357 Conversion?
Post by: PegLeg45 on October 21, 2010, 02:48:26 PM
Those of you who were concerned can rest easy; I decided to leave the Speed Six .38 as is. I bought another Speed Six in 357.

Good deal...... one is good but two is better.