S&W question on swapping Cylinder Assy's

[magpouch]

Here is a question I have for those that have gone before me...  In general (I realize there could will likely be fitting involved) can the entire cylinder assembly swap from a model 65 to a model 64?  

Just an example of course.  I know the cylinders have had changes through the years mostly involving the gas rings, but if I got the whole assy, can it be swapped out?  

I'd love to re-chamber a cylinder for my model 17 to .22 mag, and I have a 3" model 64 that should really be chambered, on occasion at least, to .357 Mag.  Not really wanting to modify the original parts...

Thanks for any insights you might provide!

Jon

[bradshaw]

Oct 24, 2023 10:43:26 GMT -5 magpouch said:

Here is a question I have for those that have gone before me...  In general (I realize there could will likely be fitting involved) can the entire cylinder assembly swap from a model 65 to a model 64?  

Just an example of course.  I know the cylinders have had changes through the years mostly involving the gas rings, but if I got the whole assy, can it be swapped out?  

I'd love to re-chamber a cylinder for my model 17 to .22 mag, and I have a 3" model 64 that should really be chambered, on occasion at least, to .357 Mag.  Not really wanting to modify the original parts...

Thanks for any insights you might provide!

Jon

*****

Jon.... to rechamber your Model 17 from .22 Long Rifle to .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire is not the same thing as swapping cylinders. First issue for a rechamber: are the .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders the same steel, with the same heat treatment?

I would view rechambering a S&W .38 cylinder to .357 Mag with even more jaundice.

Swapping cylinders is as easy as trying it out. I wouldn’t assume automatic perfect match-up.
David Bradshaw

[nicholst55]

In addition to the objections that Mr. Bradshaw has, the cylinder on your model 64 may also be shorter than the model 65 cylinder, which would require barrel work or replacement to accommodate the longer cylinder.

[gregs]

The original Pre-model 13s were made with model 10-X frames for a New England LEA. S&W started a different heat treatment on that and subsequent Model 10 series. As for the 64-65, you need the 64 frame/barrel approved for +P if I recall correctly.

Do a search, there is a guy here that has made a few 13's and knows the specifics.

The biggest deal with the 17-18 is a 22 mag cylinder (different heat treatment than 22 LR) and a .224 barrel. 22 LR is 222 or 223.

[Kurt]

Talking with Smith and Wesson years ago about dual cylinder 22's, they said "you could add a LR cylinder to a magnum gun, but not the other way around. The magnums have a different firing pin and a larger bore diameter. There are some that say you can shoot magnums through a LR bore, I disagree. I put a LR barrel on a Super Single Six, it shoots wonderful with LR. With magnums it splits one or two cases every cylinder. I don't do that any more. Good luck.

[magpouch]

Thanks for all the help.

When the Bearcat Shopkeeper first came out I got one and had it reamed for .22 Mag. Shoots wonderfully. I've got a S&W 16 parts kit on the way so if I can fit the cylinder to the Model 17 I'll get it reamed to .22 Mag. I can't be the only person out there to have this urge...