J Frame cylinder interchange? 37 and 37-2

[RichardZ]

Hi,
This is probably a common question, but my search gave me 9000 hits, none immediately relevant.

I have several model 37's, and just purchased a used cylinder. It fits both the 37 no-dash and the 37-2,

Seems to cycle fine in the 37 no dash,

but will not allow the hammer all the way back in the 37-2.

Should it be like that?

thank you

[murphydog]

They should interchange, but perhaps there is a little mismatch in the ratchet fitting between the two parts?

[H Richard]

Ratchets are individually fit to the hand of every gun. It is not something for an amateur to attempt. Often if you use the same ejector assembly you can use multiple cylinders. I had a Pre-Victory with both a 38 S&W and a 38 Special cylinder that operated fine using the same ejector assembly.

[steelslaver]

The hand in the 37-2 is a bit tighter and it turns the cylinder to the point the stop drops in its slot and then the cylinder won't turn and the hand won't allow the hammer to keep moving.

I have played mix and match cylinder change out. Sometimes you get luck and sometimes you don't. Not just the timing but also the length of the yoke tube. Sometimes tube is a bit to long and cylinder won't swing closed, sometimes to short and it has endshake.

On the one that does cycle check for end shake and that it locks up before hammer drops. Also a range rod dropped down the barrel to make sure chambers and barrel are aligned when locked up.

[GerSan69]

This is just off the top of my head, so if I'm way off, my apologies in advance.
What if you use a yoke from a 37 with that cylinder in the 37-2? I haven't memorized the changes, but isn't it possible that the change of the gas ring from the cylinder to the yoke (or was it the other way around? Sorry) means the cylinder will fit differently because of that change?

[steelslaver]

Cylinder with minimum end shake should head spare off the center of the ratchet against the recoil shield. Changing yokes will not change this and the relationship of the ratchet and hand which is where the problem is if it rotates and almost cocks, but stops short.

[GerSan69]

OK, thanks. I was not sure about that at all.

[steelslaver]

If the tube is to long or the gas ring is rubbing the yoke it will not close up if head space is correct. You can actually check head space by measuring height of ratchet center or simply place cylinder with just the center piece and measure to recoil shield at firing pin bushing.