I put this here 'cause it seemed the best area.

Just a little bored and stuff pops in and out like "What If?"
So up for discussion is this question...

Given that the 66 is the stainless cousin of the 19.
And using the dash versions from the same timeframe.
Could a revolver be made with any quality whatever if the unit as a whole was an approximate 50/50 mix of 66 and 19 parts?
How compatible are they?
How close to 50/50 could a "Frankenpinto" be?

BTW, I'm not planning anything like this. I just happened upon an ebay listing for a bunch of parts and got thinkin' (Dangerous)

The two models are physically identical, other than the different steels used. They are not cousins, they are twins.

With only minor fitting considerations, parts manufactured to produce these two models will exchange without any issues at all.

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Ret LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Most stainless/blue parts fit each other if you stick within the same frame size. A stainless 629 cylinder will fit in a model 29 or a model 25 for that mater. But there are variances and problems. A non recessed cylinder in a recessed frame mean either replace the frame lug or have slop when ejecting. A pre endurance cylinder from a 629-1 won't work right in a 629-4 with the package. A cylinder from a 19 with the yoke mounted gas ring on a regular yoke would need some attenttion


Then there are fit up things like end shake adjustment on the yoke tube, timing of hand ratchet fit, barrel/cylinder gap.

But, yes you could make a perfectly good Pinto using a stainless barrel and cylinder on a blue frame or vice versa. Just some fiddling around with the fit of the parts.

My experience is you sometimes get lucky with swapping out barrels and cylinders, but not always. Proper fitting requires patience and fine work

The exception to the statements above would have to do with the much-ballyhooed "P&R" feature. If your frame is pinned and recessed, you will need a pinned and recessed barrel and cylinder so they will work properly with the cylinder stop, B-C gap, etc. I don't say they can't be made to fit, but it would be more simple to keep within the same variation for both sets of parts.

Froggie

You got the parts?
Then you need to do it!
I dare you!
You got a Frame?
That’s the name of the game!
Stop start adding parts!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

It is simpler to keep in the same groups. But, actually an non pin barrel just takes a few passes of a file in the right spot to make a slot for the pin just like the slot on a factory pinned barrel. The frame lug can also be filed back with a safed file and some tape on the frame (to protect finish) to allow the use of a recessed cylinder or in the case of a non recessed cylinder going into a recessed gun, just punch out the frame lug from inside the frame cut out, then install another lug and stake it in place. Lugs are available at Midway.