44 mag to 41 mag question.

[TAB]

What I don't want to do is have to "fit" all the internals ( or pay some one to do it)  Its not so much that I can't do it, I just don't have the tools to do it.

[tombogan03884]

TAB, The barrel threads are most likely the same on both the 629 and 657 so that part should be fairly simple.
Since they are both "N" frame the cylinder diameter should be the same, Manufacturers do not like to make to much variation with in models like that as it makes assembly mistakes almost certain.
So it would seem like just switch out those 2 parts and then have the things on Majer's list checked out by some one else.
But remember, I am NOT a gunsmith, I just have experience on the manufacturing side.
That being said, I would be willing to bet that there are no other issues, you should not have to change anything in the frame at all. These are mass produced so they have an order for 10 Model 629's they pull 10 parts out of the "Frame bin", the next order is for the Model 657 they pull that number of frames from the same bin, the differences would be in the Cylinder, spacing of the chambers and if needed the spacing of the notches for rotating the cylinder because that is the part that is different between models.

[bafsu92]

You would have to have the Head space, cylinder gap and timing checked by a competent gunsmith which would be something to have checked anyway after any conversion of this type.
You might want to call S&W to see what they would charge for replacing the bulged barrel then you could trade it in on a .41 Mag of you choosing.

Here you go, just changing out the barrel is a pretty easy job and since the .44 is probably more desirable to most people who aren't "different" you may make a few bucks by trading/selling the 629 with a new barrel then buying a .41 if that's what you really want.

[kmitch200]

while the 629 and 657 are both N frames, the internals are diffrent.  I'm pretty sure if I put a 657 cylinder in a 629 I'd have to redo all the interal parts as well.   not really a big deal, but I'd rather not, as I'd like to do most of the work myself.

How old is the 657? Does it have the newer style firing pin or the older style that is on the hammer?
Does it have a lock on the left side?

The internals between the two shouldn't be THAT different unless you are talking about the difference between older and newer production.
If it's newer, parts should be easy to come by.

[tombogan03884]

Firing pin and lock should not make any difference, there is no reason to mess with anything in the frame.

[Sponsor]

[billt]

Firing pin and lock should not make any difference, there is no reason to mess with anything in the frame.

+1.

6 shots is 6 shots. You're talking a chamber and cylinder locking notch cut every 60 degrees, regardless of caliber. The internals would be the same as would be the star it drives.  Bill T.

[kmitch200]

You guys are right. I don't know what I was thinking except TAB said the internals were different. 
I blame it on the 2, 3 or 8 beers!

[tommy tornado]

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

Not too cheap but would be fun I think.

[m25operator]

Tab it is not that difficult a process, replace the barrel and cylinder, all the internals are the same. Measure the barrel cylinder gap, best is .006", swap the ejection rod and you will need a new extractor. It might work right then, but check for any binding and the timing of the cylinder, when cocked single action, Keep the trigger pulled back with the hammer down, then slightly rotate the cylinder counter clock wise, it should already be locked in the bolt stop, if it takes a little movement to get it to drop into the bolt stop, then you need a new hand or to stretch the old one, you need a fixture to do that and some knowledge. Remember when changing the barrel, clamp in a vise with wood and leather, and clamp it really tight, you do not want the barrel to rotate and mar it. Make sure the side plate is on, and all screws are tight or you might torque the frame.

[sledgemeister]

Just a question what ihas a .41 done that  .44 cant or wont?
Elmer Keith was a very clever bloke I give him credit for that but making a .41 was sort of like inventing a 5 cylinder engine when there is already a 4 and a 6.
Just rebarrel the sucker.