22mag revolver feedback

Murdock · #51 01-17-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhfromme

I'm looking at the 3.5" J frame 51s and read this from an old post:
Back in the day, S&W would fit a second .22LR cylinder to any of their .22WMR revolvers. You could order the gun with the second cylinder or return yours to the factory for the work.

Is this still the case?

Unfortunately, no. I went about this in the late 1990's, and the factory said the .22LR cylinders were long gone by then. They recommended calling the Jack First company out in the Dakotas, as they had purchased S&W's remaining inventory, and that's where I located mine. It may still be worth checking with them.

My first call to the factory resulted in being told they would not fit the second cylinder to my gun, even though the cylinder was a new, unissued part. I called a second tme and the rep said, "Sure, send it in." Go figure. Interestingly, the original yoke is used for both guns. Others seem to have a separate yoke for both cylinders.

Accuracy with either cylider has been just fine, despite the reported difference in bore diameters between WMR and LR.

It would be too much to wish for to see a run of .22LR cylinders for the various K-frame rimfires, to include the Model 53. Sigh.

Bhfromme · #52 01-17-2021, 12:08 PM

Real nice Chris. I have a 3.5" 43 and a Model 18 but they're almost too nice to shoot so I bought a Taurus Model 94 that I can use as a beater. I just value my old Smiths too much to bang them around at the gravel pit where I shoot. I take the 43 to indoor ranges but I'm not sure if I'll ever fire my 18. I guess you could say I'm just holding onto it for future generations. That's a real nice 48. Beautiful.

Bhfromme · #53 01-17-2021, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdock

Unfortunately, no. I went about this in the late 1990's, and the factory said the .22LR cylinders were long gone by then. They recommended calling the Jack First company out in the Dakotas, as they had purchased S&W's remaining inventory, and that's where I located mine. It may still be worth checking with them.

My first call to the factory resulted in being told they would not fit the second cylinder to my gun, even though the cylinder was a new, unissued part. I called a second tme and the rep said, "Sure, send it in." Go figure. Interestingly, the original yoke is used for both guns. Others seem to have a separate yoke for both cylinders.

Accuracy with either cylider has been just fine, despite the reported difference in bore diameters between WMR and LR.

It would be too much to wish for to see a run of .22LR cylinders for the various K-frame rimfires, to include the Model 53. Sigh.

Great info. Thanks.

I'm thinking I'll start a thread on the S&W Wish List. Not sure anyone at Smith reads those comments but it can't hurt to ask.

Terry Two Shanks · #54 01-19-2021, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcutter1

Well I grabbed the “classic” 48 4” should be coming my way next week. I’d have liked a non lock but times are tough and I’m impatient so the hunt is always on for more. The 63 is definitely something I’d be all over in the future. Sweet revolver pics everyone and I appreciate all the feedback.

I have one. I wanted it because it reminded me of the old gangster movies. Excellent gun and really fun to shoot. Accurate.

mod34 · #55 01-19-2021, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhfromme

A 3" Model 317 gets my vote

Not a .22 mag though.

cjcutter1 · #56 01-19-2021, 08:31 PM

I sent mine back today to fix the runout issue.

challer61 · #57 01-30-2021, 08:48 AM

I've got a 648 6". Honest feedback is that with this barrel length, you're just not taking advantage of the cartridge. It's really a rifle round. With 6", the report and fireball are relatively large (yes boys, I prefer full load 10mm so it's not that). In a two or three inch barrel the point is even more clear.

CHARLIE699 · #58 01-30-2021, 09:34 AM

Stumbled over a 48 ND w/ box,,,passed on it as the grips were replaced,,,,,Oh Well,,, other options,,
Thought about second cylinder for my 617,,,, kept looking,,,
Picked up a very reasonable 17-6,,,,,, maybe do cylinder for that?

Then this,,,

648 ND
Pretty much filled the desire

Plus,,,,, still have the others

mgriffin · #59 01-30-2021, 09:59 AM

I had a 351C and it had the worst trigger I have ever experienced. My wife is very petite and could not even pull the trigger. I sold it off and last week I came across a LCR .22MAG. it has about a 8lb trigger and great little shooter. I bought it used (looks like new) for $400. Took it to the range and ran a function test and was very happy with it. The front site ramp is painted white but I change that to a XS Big Dot. I'm very pleased with the LCR.

SuperMan · #60 01-30-2021, 10:01 AM

..the gun S&W should have made....6" J....

Snowwolfe · #61 01-30-2021, 02:20 PM

Glad this thread popped up. I been wanting a nice 22 mag revolver for decades. Found a NIB 648 for below MSRP and bought it. It should be at my dealers soon.
Had to double check my ammo stash to make sure I could feed it before buying

Jerry in SC · #62 02-18-2021, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdock

Unfortunately, no. I went about this in the late 1990's, and the factory said the .22LR cylinders were long gone by then. They recommended calling the Jack First company out in the Dakotas, as they had purchased S&W's remaining inventory, and that's where I located mine. It may still be worth checking with them.

My first call to the factory resulted in being told they would not fit the second cylinder to my gun, even though the cylinder was a new, unissued part. I called a second tme and the rep said, "Sure, send it in." Go figure. Interestingly, the original yoke is used for both guns. Others seem to have a separate yoke for both cylinders.

Accuracy with either cylider has been just fine, despite the reported difference in bore diameters between WMR and LR.

It would be too much to wish for to see a run of .22LR cylinders for the various K-frame rimfires, to include the Model 53. Sigh.

Back in ‘73 or ‘74 a local dealer had a Jet with the auxiliary .22 LR cylinder and yoke. I looked at it a long time before passing on it. I had absolutely no practical use for it at the time...a beautiful revolver with a bright blue finish.

Hindsight....

NavySCPO · #63 02-19-2021, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stu1ritter

Or you can build one if you happen to have a Model 17 or 18 handy. See the thread on the gunsmithing forum Cylinder Fitment The cylinder is available from the 648 stainless .22Mag from Numrich for about $75 and it seems to fit the yoke without much work on the 17/18's. Fitting the extractor is the hard part but most gunsmiths do this easily. Here's mine on a pre-18 chassis.

Stu
22mag revolver feedback-mag-cylinder-ejector-rod-fitted-jpg

22mag revolver feedback-mag-cylinder-ejector-rod-fitted-jpg

Absolutely agree with Stu, he was kind enough to help me out on a similar project, and I love the results. Besides, if you consider yourself even a little handy with tools, you can do it all yourself and have some fun!

cjcutter1 · #64 02-25-2021, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcutter1

I sent mine back today to fix the runout issue.

It’s coming back from Smith tomorrow CS said they replaced the yoke and locking lugs when I called today. Looking forward to getting to use for the first time.

Dragon 1 · #65 02-26-2021, 01:31 AM

My dad bought a 351C and the trigger pull was bad sent it out to Teddy Jacobson from Actions By T and worked his magic on the trigger contoured the trigger as well after that it was a perfect little EDC

jughed440 · #66 02-26-2021, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcutter1

The price on 651 ouch!

I once had a 4" 651 and chose to sell it and go searching for something with a longer barrel. The price it fetched off of GB would shock you even today... and it was sold about 8 years ago.

It was replaced with a Ruger Single 6

SuperMan · #67 02-26-2021, 08:40 AM

I love the .22 Magnum in a handgun...have owned everything from a 1" NAA Mini to a 10" TC Contender... It's not the most efficient round in short barrels but I find it kills small game a lot harder than any Long Rifle does...

Besides the above posted Model 35 that has a 51 cylinder added, have also added .22 Magnum cylinders to Model 18s, 63s and 17s. Have also had twin cylinder 51s, 651s and 48s. Had a 4" 617 for several years and never could find a 648 cylinder for it so when downsizing the .22 collection sold it...and two weeks later found a 648 cylinder...and few weeks later another popped up.

If I was just going to have one for wondering the woods it would be the 4" 651 or 63 with extra cylinder...just the right size for .22....of course a dual cylinder Diamondback would be cool too...

Bob

ImDrRichard · #68 02-26-2021, 11:41 AM

I've posted before about my 351PD in .22 magnum. It's a great little revolver, weighs next to nothing, and just works. The 2" barrel (as a wood's gun) doesn't seem to make it for me despite the fact that I read somewhere it has the same ballistics as the .380.

I'd choose something else. YMMV.

hunter5567 · #69 03-01-2021, 02:31 PM

I bought a 6" 648 22 mag from the LGS this past fall and it's a great shooting gun and haven't had any problems with it.
Ammo is almost as scarce as hen's teeth and going for $40/box when you find it. i have a good stash of it since I also have 3 other 22 mag firearms.
You can also shoot 22 WRF in 22 mag revolvers as it is the same case size as the 22 mag only shorter. That is if you can even find any of that to shoot at a reasonable price.

REP · #70 03-01-2021, 04:25 PM

I love my 351C, smoothed the action, polished the trigger face and front edges, and swapped out the front sight for a XS tritium version. Great little gun maybe not the gun for everyone. Me mine keeps my pocket warm and is still small game savvy at 10 yards.

GypsmJim · #71 03-01-2021, 04:56 PM

I have 2 Ruger Single Six Convertibles. An old model was my very first handgun, plus I bought a long barrel new model in recent years.

I have used both magnum cylinders, just because, to try them out, but I really don't see the need. If there is improved performance, it got lost on me.

Besides, those magnums are expensive. I can shoot a .38 cheaper (with home cast boolits), and heck I can even shoot a .41 magnum cheaper.

REP · #72 03-01-2021, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Besides, those magnums are expensive. I can shoot a .38 cheaper (with home cast boolits), and heck I can even shoot a .41 magnum cheaper.

I have a couple of BB guns I bet are even cheaper to shoot.😉