Hello all,

My guns are locked up and I just began a trip. Can't measure anything.

Was just thinking about something, and wanted some insight. Are the model 10/14 cylinders the same dimensions as a model 19 cylinder [except the obvious- chamber depth]?

Here is the reason I ask.

I am waiting 10 days to pick up a PPC revolver made on a Model 19-3 pistol, but with a barrel that may or may not be Douglas.

I was doing some reading, and noticed someone had a PPC revolver and cracked their forcing cone. I can't remember if they used +P .38special ammo or .357mag ammo.

My understanding is that this is a barrel designed for wadcutter 148gr lead .38sp moving under 900 fps [probably closer to 750-800fps?].

I know enough not to throw any hot stuff in it, but- what about my kids when they inherit?

That got me wondering if I could get a .38special cylinder and have it fit/timed to the pistol, to allow for the same precision, but eliminate the possibility of ever using .357ammo in it.

This would be a long term project. I realize it might even involve having the barrel set back again to create the right B/C gap, after headspace and all other dimensions are lined up. Yet, that is with the idea that the cylinders are otherwise the same diameter, same indexing locations, and same overall length.

Otherwise, it would require a custom cylinder be made- and I don't like it enough for that. [maybe I should just have .38SPC ONLY laser stenciled on barrel or cylinder- there currently are no caliber markings.]

So- are the Model 10/14 cylinders dimensionally close enough that they should work? Or would I be looking at a custom cylinder due to overall cylinder length?

Thanks in advance

Almost anything can be done with the proper application of enough cash

It sounds like you are saying that you want to do this conversion and spend this money just to keep your kids from shooting full power ammunition in the Model 19 PPC revolver after you pass away ?

I usually say convert what makes you happy and pay no attention to the opinions of the rest of us on the Internet

But I have to ask, Would it not be easier to teach your children the dos and don'ts of Firearms Ownership ?

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"Acta non verba"

I don't believe that the forcing cone would be a re-occuring issue. You should shoot and enjoy it as a target pistol and teach your inheritors to do the same.

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Front sight and squeeze

I have a 19-3 that has a 1 in 14 twist barrel that loves 38 special wad cutters but it shoots anything. I also have a Bill Davis 681 that shoots anything but has 38 special stamped on the barrel.

If the cylinder is a .357 and the barrel is cut to use that, the .38 cylinder will be far too short. A more practical swap would be a Model 19 barrel and sight if the gun wasn't machined for a Bo-
mar sight or something like that.
Changing it to a .38 cylinder would involve changing the barrel, too, because the forcing cone area of the .38 barrel is longer to meet up with the shorter cylinder.

K-frame 38 Special cylinders are usually shorter than K-frame 357 magnum cylinders. Putting a 38 Special cylinder into a 357 frame would require fairly extensive shortening of the barrel shoulder, maybe re-thread the shank, and then shorten the ejector rod. Lots of work for little to no benefit. Since you are looking at a custom built PPC revolver, it is possible that the gunsmith replaced the cylinder with a dedicated 38 Special cylinder. If not, most 357 and 38 Special revolvers are equally accurate with 38 Special ammo.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Cracked factory forcing cones are a known failure in K magnums, not limited to aftermarket barrels.

I think marking it ".38 Special" is a reasonable precaution.
My sympathy is not with Junior breaking Dear Dead Dad's revolver.