I configured a new S&W manufactured stainless 648 6 shot cylinder (one with the "new style" non-pinned extractor from Numrich) to my 17-2, which was manufactured in 1962. All of the gauges (measurements) with respect to the cylinder fit in the frame and existing yoke were good, and required no modifications at all. The the only concern for me in terms of fitting was to fit the new style, "non-pinned", uncut extractor to the gun. This work on the ratchets was done by hand, with a 4" barrette file.
Admittedly, not the most beautiful girl on the block, but the timing and fit of the cylinder is very good, and the gun functions perfectly. This is obviously a shooter grade model 17, and the stainless cylinder is of no concern at all to me in terms of appearance. It actually helps me to easily determine what caliber the gun is currently set up for based on the appearance of the cylinder. I can now just switch the cylinders and shoot either caliber.
