Changing a Revolvers Caliber?

[22Shooter]

Is it possible/legal to change a revolvers caliber? I have an old British Bulldog I'd like to convert to rimfire

 

[Boom Boom]

Perfectly legal. The issue is usually conversion cost. Could exceed the revolver's value. What is it chambered for now? What rimfire caliber do you want to change to? Is it a black powder gun? If it is, converting it will still leave it as black powder, meaning no similar-caliber modern smokeless ammo at standard pressure.

 

[22Shooter]

I believe it's a 38, I'd like to make it a .22, it's very old, around 1890

 

[monsternav]

I don't frequent this part of the forum too much, but I'll throw in my 2 cents.

1. It may cost more to convert than buying a new rimfire revolver, unless there are conversion kits and/or a well know process to do the conversion.

2. Some of those old "junk" guns can be worth money in unmolested condition. Post some pics of it in the C&R forum and see what it is. You never know.

 

[22Shooter]

I keep forgetting to take a photo of mine, but here's an identical one. I know it's not very valuable, but I love it and would want to shoot it often, so to me, depending on the cost, could be worth the conversion to me.


Anyone know a gunsmith that does this kind of work?

 

[Biggfoot44]

I know the expression is "anything is possable" , but this situation is straining it.
It's doubtful there are any living 'smiths on this continent with experience in extensive custon work on solid frame Webleys . ( And that's even assuming the gun in question actually IS a Webley , and not a ubitiquos Belgin knockoff.)

If it's what I'm thinking , there weren't any origional rimfires to canabilive for parts , so key components would have to be designed , and made from raw stock.

If you could find anyone to take this on , it would run into the price range of a decent used car.

For less than that you could get a lifetime supply of ammo for origional cal , plus several modern-ish rimfires.

 

[22Shooter]

It's a Belgian British Bulldog.
I wouldn't think it would be difficult, cylinder and barrel work..but no gun smith

 

[BaltimoreKid]

first, slug the barrel.
second,make a cast of a chamber or two.
let that info guide your conversion.