I have a model 48 in need of a new barrel. Would a model 53 barrel work? I have a nice 4" barrel I plan on putting on it.

It would need the shoulder turned back several threads and the ejector rod trimmed to match. The model 53 cylinders are longer than either of the stock 22 (lr or mag). This means the 53 had a shorter barrel extension sticking through the frame window to match. It would be kind of neat, because the 53 has a ejector rod shoud and none of the other 22 barrels did. You could also use a K frame 22 lr barrel. It would be mismarked, the slightly smaller bore would not mater. .224 22 mag bullets instantly become .222 bullets in the forcing cone with no real pressure and the K 22 is way strong for either 22.

The model 53 barrel maybe worth more than a model 48 barrel.

Good luck.

A friend of mine did this with several of his Smith rimfires. He liked the shrouded ejector rod of the 53 and was able to find several barrels that he installed on a 17 and 18.

As steelslaver stated the shoulder has to be cut back because of the longer cylinder that the barrels were originally mated to...but it can be made to work...

Bob

In addition to setting the barrel back, the Mod 53 barrel shroud overhangs at the bottom of the front face of frame; the barrel seating surface on 17s and 18s.

Model 19s and 53s have a lower contour due to the shroud.

Since the 48 barrel doesn't have a shroud, I expect it has the same issue. By removing material (most of it) from the bottom of the 53 barrel shroud, I obtained a pretty good match to the frame on my Mod 18.

I reamed a 17 22 LR cyl to 22 Magnum. It's a fine shooter with either cartridge.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819