Mod. 48 aux. 22 lr. cylinder

[mtu164]

I just got a beautiful Mod 48 made around 1980. I would like to find a spare .22 long rifle cylinder for it. How much trouble is it to fit it to the gun ? Is it a drop in ? It looks like finding the cylinder might be tough, but I am not in a hurry. I need advice from someone that has done this before I invest in the cylinder. Thanks, Tom

[armorer951]

Tom,

If you are not hung up on the stainless/blued color differences, new, stainless steel .22 rimfire model 617 cylinders are available at Midway for around $100 bucks. I believe the blued model 17 cylinders are listed as "special order". Used cylinders are sometimes available at auction sites, but there can be issues with wear on the components, like the extractor ratchets, for instance. The conversion cylinder (used one) would likely not be a "drop in", as there are many interfaces in the components that must work together perfectly for the gun to function safely.

Smith & Wesson Cylinder Assembly S&W K-Frame Model - MPN: 412070000

I just did this conversion on my model 17.....the other way....by purchasing a new model 648 cylinder from Numrich, and fitting it to my model 17.

In my case, fitting of the new cylinder only required cutting of the ratchets on the new extractor, which does require training and the proper barrette file. Fortunately, there were no other fitting issues associated with the yoke, cylinder headspace or barrel/cylinder gap. The only other concern was providing the other necessary internals for the new cylinder assembly, like a center pin, c.p. spring, extractor spring, and extractor rod. These components required some minor fitting. The alternative would be to transfer these common parts from your existing cylinder to the new one.

Here's an image of my "vintage" model 17 (1962), with the recently fit 648 cylinder assembly installed. With all the nasty weather of late, I have not had a chance to shoot the gun yet. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Should be able to go on Thursday. I'll let you know.

[22hipower]

Cylinders show up on eBay occasionally; saw one there recently I think. I have a pre-18 for which I found a new 22 mag cylinder. The guy I bought it from fitted it to the gun with minor file work in about ten minutes. Works great, have had it for years. If you use the search button at the top of the page you can find previous threads which may be helpful. Lots of discussion about the danger of using 22 mag (.224 bullets) in 22 LR (.223) barrels however I've seen no issue with the pre-18 or with a couple .22LR Rugers where I "dropped in" 22 mag cylinders. No problem going the other way as you want to do. Makes a nice option and I think S&W should have offered more spare cylinders although I suppose their intent, understandable enough, was to sell more complete guns. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

[weatherby]

When I brought my 48-2 it had a spare cylinder and yoke assembly. I did buy it used so don't really know if any came that way.

[kamloops67]

I have a m17-3 that came with an extra 22 mag cylinder when I bought it second hand
I have never tried it as the overwhelming consensus on this site was DO NOT ATTEMPT
Around that same time a member contacted me , wanting to buy the cylinder, after talking with experts and his gun smith he politely withdrew his offer
Has something changed now ? Haha

[armorer951]

I'm not sure where the idea originated that it would be unsafe to shoot .22 WMR rounds in a model 17 variant with a properly fit, factory .22 magnum cylinder assy. Here's another thread with discussion about conversion....both ways. If anyone else has any info please chime in.

Dumb question - Model 17 modified for .22 mag

[foxy320]

Aren't the barrel bore dia. different between 22 lr & 22 mag & wouldn't that affect accuracy if you put a 22 lr cylinder on a Model 48? Not sure, just asking.

[armorer951]

I believe I read that the barrel diameters are .2225" in the model 17, and .224" in the model 48. The accuracy reports seem to be good for the conversions that consist of an add on, factory chambered cylinder. Obviously, the components have to be fit properly.

[mtu164]

Thanks for all the replies. The stainless cylinder is a possibility if I can't find a blue one. I hadn't thought of that possibility.

[Hondo44]

All those I've done were drop ins, no fitting needed. Doesn't mean they all will of course.

Just be sure not to get a 22 LR cyl for a Model 53 22 Jet. It's longer than a standard K frame LR cyl to fill the window of the 22 Jet cyl.

If you find a LR cyl with a yoke attached, of course that will work also. But may add additional fitting of the yoke to the gun.

[SuperMan]

Originally Posted by kamloops67

I have a m17-3 that came with an extra 22 mag cylinder when I bought it second hand
I have never tried it as the overwhelming consensus on this site was DO NOT ATTEMPT
Around that same time a member contacted me , wanting to buy the cylinder, after talking with experts and his gun smith he politely withdrew his offer
Has something changed now ? Haha

Whoever gave you that information gave you very bad information. I have done a number of conversions to .22 Magnum on Smith & Wesson .22 Long Rifle guns and all of them have shot both superbly and have been one hundred percent safe.

I have at this time a Model 35, Model 63 and a Model 18 all with extra 22 Magnum cylinders. They all shoot great.

As said the only difference between a .22 Long Rifle bore and a .22 Magnum bore is a couple of thousands it really made no difference whatsoever and in a lot of cases actually shoots better then a .22 Long Rifle cylinder in a .22 Magnum bore.

It seems that only Ruger and Smith and Wesson have a problem putting .22 Magnum cylinders in .22 Long Rifle firearms. Both Freedom Arms and USFA fitted .22 Magnum cylinders to their .22 Long Rifle firearms and their accuracy is excellent with no safety problems at all.

As to the original question of finding a 22 cylinder for a model 48, what I did was did a saved for search on eBay and GunBroker and with within a few months cylinders turned up which I purchased. I have a local Factory trained Smith & Wesson Smith who fitted the cylinders.

Good luck in your search oh and by the way you can use the Model 17 cylinder, a Model 18 cylinder or a model 48 .22 Long Rifle cylinder they are all the same as long as they are from the same era.

Bob

[mtu164]

Just a follow up. Found a cylinder on Ebay. It was as easy as dropping it in. Timed perfectly. Shoots great. Thanks for the advice.