Does anyone have a New Service .44 Russian 5 1/2"

An old model 5 1/2 made in 1907-08 with those markings just sold on gun broker. I asked the seller if a 44 special would chamber and he sent me a pic with a 44 special sticking out, so no, it was still factory. It was on my watch list until it went well beyond my “lurkers“ price point.

Wow, those are nice. I have never seen one in that caliber. I have one in .455 Eley. Thanks for posting.

smkummer said:

An old model 5 1/2 made in 1907-08 with those markings just sold on gun broker. I asked the seller if a 44 special would chamber and he sent me a pic with a 44 special sticking out, so no, it was still factory. It was on my watch list until it went well beyond my “lurkers“ price point.

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Thanks and I was lucky enough to be able to add it to my collection. It is the top gun in the photo.

Cam, I only very rarely encounter New Service Colts in my area, but being a member who always reads your posts, I will certainly be on the look out (BOLO) for such Colts!

The reason some of us don’t have a New Service 44 Russian 5 1/2” is be cause you have cornered the market!

smkummer said:

The reason some of us don’t have a New Service 44 Russian 5 1/2” is be cause you have cornered the market!

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I don't know if having two is cornering the market. I bought the second one to give to a friend who will be receiving it today. He has done a lot for me over the years and this was a small thank you. So now I am back to just one and am not looking to buy another. When buying the gun for my friend I realized that these just don't show up that often so I thought that I would ask the members of the Forum. As it turns out I think they are more scarce than one would think they should be.

Tom K said:

My only .44 Russian New Service is a target model that I bought in 2015. The left stock had a huge chip out of the heel that the late member Swamprat repaired.

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Thanks for your post and for showing your nice Target model. These are quite collectible and while I don't see them in abundance I seem to see more of these than I do the 5 1/2" fixed sighted model. Thus the reason for my post.

I believe your right. I think I have seen as many early new service 44 russian targets for sale as standard 44 Russian new service’s ( 2 of each model on gunbroker). I am out of town right now but Bob Murphy’s booklet has a breakdown of observed calibers in each chambering whick could be a pretty good indication of actual production.

smkummer said:

I believe your right. I think I have seen as many early new service 44 russian targets for sale as standard 44 Russian new service’s ( 2 of each model on gunbroker). I am out of town right now but Bob Murphy’s booklet has a breakdown of observed calibers in each chambering whick could be a pretty good indication of actual production.

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I did see that survey but it is an extremely small survey. He observed seeing six which was the smallest amount of the 5 1/2" barrel length of the various calibers. I spent a lot of years putting my collection of New Services together that includes all of the calibers and barrel lengths and the last gun that I added was the 5 1/2" Russian/S&W Special. Mine is about 90% and the only one I would chase is one in higher condition. I would at that point sell mine as I don't need two. I know a dealer from England that has bought several New Service .44 Russians and taken them back to England for resale as that caliber is permissible to own there.

FloridaSteve said:

Maybe not the place to ask but here goes. Is the barrel rifling diameter for a 455 Eley/Webley different/larger than a 45 Colt or 45 acp? I know the cylinder is bored different but in what way? When converted to 45 Colt dis it just bored deeper but same diameter in the front of the chamber? I'm looking at this on GB now.
1914 Colt New Service .455 Webley DESIRABLE ORIGINAL FLEUR DE LIS GRIPS - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 985434398

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It depends on when the revolver was made. Around 1992 SAAMI changed the chamber throat specifications for 45 Colt from .454" to .451" so that 45 ACP projectiles would be the same diameter for both. Rifling in the barrel generally is the same size as chamber throat diameter.

In general Colt rifling is .454" for 45 Colt and .451" for 45 ACP in older revolvers. You can slug the barrel to find out.

The rifling on the early 455 Eley Target New Service is typically going to be Metford rifling as opposed to the transitional Enfield rifling used by Colt. II wouldn't expect any real difference in bore diameter.

The chambers look as if someone ran a 45 Colt reamer in them which is a shame. I would expect any reputable seller to disclose that if that's the case. I don't have personal experience with this seller but have heard enough to make me leery.

FloridaSteve said:

Maybe not the place to ask but here goes. Is the barrel rifling diameter for a 455 Eley/Webley different/larger than a 45 Colt or 45 acp? I know the cylinder is bored different but in what way? When converted to 45 Colt dis it just bored deeper but same diameter in the front of the chamber? I'm looking at this on GB now.
1914 Colt New Service .455 Webley DESIRABLE ORIGINAL FLEUR DE LIS GRIPS - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 985434398

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If you look at the pic of the back of the cylinder, you will notice a slight countersink around the mouth of each chamber. This was done to accomodate the thicker rim of the .45 Colt cartridge, which, while thicker than the .455 Eley, is smaller in diameter. As converted, and with the chambers deepened as shown, the subkject revolver will shoot both the .45 Colt and the .455 Eley, but not the .45 ACP.

Thank you for the lesson/education. Now I know what to look for to watch out for a modified gun. It's lost it's collector value with the reworked cylinder, not to mention the inscription on the side plate. I'm not serious about going after this one...unless I can get it on the cheap.

Tall said:

Looks to be the same grips as my New Service. View attachment 846158

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Yes, those grips are quite common on the Target, but rather rare on the service model in 5 1/2. The only chance to find out something seems to buy this revolver and ask for a letter....