Is it possible to convert a Model 51 .22 magnum to .22 long rifle? What parts would I need? .22 mag is loud, expensive, and underserved by a 3 1/2 in barrel.
Thanks,
O.Z.

Finding and fitting a .22LR cylinder would not be all that difficult. That being said, I’ll leave it to the experts to go into the details.

My suggestion is to try some .22WRF ammunition in it. CCI and Winchester each make a run or two of the WRF every year. It should be a bit quieter than a magnum round. I’m not sure what the current cost is. The CCI is, I believe, marked on the box as not suitable for revolvers, but that warning is intended for older revolvers chambered for WRF when it was originally put on the market in 1890. The CCI round has a jacketed bullet; the Winchester has a lead projectile.

All you need to find is a Model 34 cylinder assembly and have it fitted to the gun. I bought a 51 several years ago and found a Model 34 cylinder in on GunBroker or ebay and had my Smith smith fit it. If you just find the cylinder with the star then Brownells has all the parts to put it together...

Bob

Superman, have you been satisfied with the accuracy of .22 LR in you Model 51 barrel? Appreciate any insight you can offer on this.

Gentlemen> thank you! This is exactly the info I was looking for. I found a crane/cylinder assembly online. I hope it can be fit. I am now curious myself about the accuracy potential of .22 long rifle in a Model 34. I suppose time will tell....
Oscar Zulu

The gun will do the accuracy, even with 2" barrel. The only issue is the shooter: if you're not used to shooting such a light gun, you'll think it won't hit anything, but it will! Soda cans at 50 yards is not a problem for my 2": I'm the problem.

Shoot the gun off of a rest to see how well it will shoot. Then learn to shoot it as well off hand with two hands.

If you're worried about the .224" barrel, don't. It will shoot 22 LR just as well as a .222" barrel.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819