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I've wanted a snub nose big bore gun for quite some time. Some mistreatment by Smith and Wesson pretty much meant that I would not consider any of S&W's lines.
I've always loved my meager collection of Dan Wesson's, so I decided to purchase another .44 Magnum as the basis for this endeavor.
I found one on Gunbroker and negotiated the deal and I just recently received it. It has been fired very little, but looks like it was displayed and the blueing no longer has the deep "Royal Blue" look, as it is beginning to turn a deep purple as some Dan Wesson's and Colts do.
I had collected a damaged 6" non-full underlug shroud that had been damaged in a vain attempt to add extra ports(to the sides of the shroud no less). I had that part of the shroud cut off by a local machine shop, as they were able to use a band-type blade and continually cooled the shroud while also using cutting oil. After that, I had the shroud magnafluxed for further damage and cracks, and upon finding that there was none, the machinist I've been working with has agreed to proceed.
The plan now is to trim the shroud down to just in front of the lug'/crane cover's end. He will then mill out the space for the barrel nut. We will magnaflux again. Upon this being successful, I will purchase a non-ported barrel from Dan Wesson CZ and have it cut down and rethreaded for the barrel nut.
We intend to put to 20 rounds and magnaflux the shroud and barrel, 50 rounds and repeat, and then 100 rds and repeat. If everything holds up, doesn't crack, or outright end our lives, I'll have it blued to match the revolver.
I've heard over the years varying explanations for why there wasn't a short barrel and shroud produced for the large frame guns. I guess this will end up being an experiment that tests some of those theories.
Just thought I'd share.
November 4, 2008
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Interesting project, it sounds like you are covering all the bases, at least to me, not being an mechanical engineer or smith. Being less informed than others on .44's, I alway assumed that pistol pacs had a short barrel for these or at least they were available. I guess not, what are some of the expanations why? It sounds like this barrel is gonna be really short, just long enough to house the ejector rod, is there going to be room for any type of front sight? Not that is would need one, just wondering.
There is a 4" barrel & shroud, of course, but I wanted as true a snub barrel/shroud as I can get.
If everything else works out, Tim(the machinist) has said he could add a slot and drill a hole for the set screw and possibly make the Dan Wesson blades work. Far easier, he has suggested just adding a "triangular" fixed front sight like some of the target barrels had.
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January 24, 2009
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I like the idea & don't see why it wouldn't work...although I'm not a smith either, by any stretch. After the barrel assembly is deemed safe & crack free, I bet the worst that would happen is that the bullets may keyhole a bit.
But for the intended short range use of a snubby, a bit of keyhole wouldn't be so bad.
Show us some progress pics as you go.
February 2, 2009
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The Monson plant tried a 2" barrel on their 44mags and found the muzzle blast/recoil uncomfortable and scrapped it for all their large/supermag models. I had talked with a smith when I first got my model 40 about a 2" and he told me the story of the tests and their scrapping of the idea. Good luck on your project and show some pics of the process.
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