Is it safe to have an I frame cylinder rebored to .22 magnum and fit to a 22/32? I know length is a tiny problem but I can fix that.

I would not recommend that, yes it can be done, but keep in mind these guns were made for standard velocity 22 LR.

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Randy

According to this table and this one as well, .22 Long, Long Rifle and Magnum all have maximum SAAMI pressures of 24K.

The bore is undersized for .22 magnum, I wouldn't (& I've converted several newer LR's to Mag's).

Thanks folks. Seems I bought a cylinder to convert but it has already been done. Was there ever an I frame .22mag? I don't know of one.

Considering the 22 mag came out in 1959 no. As I believe the I frame had already been replaced by the J frame. I have converted a K22 cylinder to 22 mag and shot it does fine. The difference is the barrel diameter the 22/32 has a much smaller barrel diameter than a K22 might not matter at might matter a lot. Your gun your risk.

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Randy

I would be VERY concerned about the actual pressures in a 22 Mag round being fired in a Pre-War cylinder built for an I-frame. Way too old and way too much history since it was built. The benefits of such a conversion would be far outweighed by the worries (for me, at least.)

As with all things, JMHO ~ YMMV!
Froggie

Thanks again everybody!

This idea idea dead in the water for me.

This is why I asked.

I no longer have one to measure, but I'm thinking the I Frame cylinder would be too short for the 22 Mag.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

It is, but the mag cartridge fits the cyl window easily. So a J frame cyl and adjusted bar/cyl gap is the solution.

The I frame cyl is not too short for 22WRF, however. Currently loaded again and offered by major ammo makers. Cheaper than 22 Mag and not as loud! Not a whole lot less power either.

And the best thing is, it's pressure is only 19,000, not 24,000 like 22 LR and Mag.

But stick to an I frame made after 1945, it will have the post war improved steel for the 22 mag. Plus the shorter cyl window of the I frame has a bit greater frame rigidity than the J frame with its 1/8" longer cyl window opening for LR and the Model 51 22 mag. Because the smaller rigidity ratio increases strength of the I frame w/smaller cyl opening, over the J frame w/longer cyl window.

The difference in bore and groove diameters of the 22 LR vs. 22 mag are negligible. Both are given as a range, and the top of the LR range can overlap with the bottom of the Mag range. Therefore not really an issue. If anyone is really worried about this, just lap the barrel a few thousands larger for 22 Mag.

Hope this helps,

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Jim
S&WCA #819