22 mag cylinder in model 17…

[Model29-26.5]

I looked at some old threads here on the forum, and somebody said they had put a model 48 cylinder into a 17 successfully.
Just to be clear, If I put a model 48 cylinder into a 17, are there any modifications that would need to be done or is it just a straight swap??
Aren’t the 22 Mag rounds are about .004 wider?
I have not shot a 22 Mag and I may just get a model 48 at some point, but I did want to ask the authorities on here.
Thanks

 

[Dvus]

...Just to be clear, If I put a model 48 cylinder into a 17, are there any modifications that would need to be done or is it just a straight swap??
...Thanks

It mostly depends on how much fitting will be needed to make the cylinder fit and function. It may drop in, but chances are a little fitting of some parts will be required to let everything work smoothly. It may also require more than "a little." These conversions have been done before, and even though the .22 L.R. bore dia. is a bit smaller, it seems to work very well. The hardest part of the whole operation is likely to be finding a model 48 cylinder. Might be easier to ream a .22 L.R. cylinder.

 

[Protocall_Design]

You can just get another 17 cylinder and ream it to 22 Mag. For 6 shot only, the 10 shot cylinder won't work for Mags.

 

[Retired W4]

I don't know about width but they both should be 1.62" in length. I've got 48's galore these days and they are some of the most accurate rim fire Smiths I own. The two 8 3/8" guns both have the extra LR cylinders but I have not used them. Had too much fun with the 22 Mags.

When Ruger started the convertible Single Six's they opened up the bore to accommodate the 22 mag round and 22 LR suffered. don't know about the 48.

 

[22hipower]

Depends a little on the dash number too, at least has in my attempts to install them. Here's a pre-18 with a 48 cylinder which needed a little fitting but otherwise works fine. And you can do it in reverse, the second one is a 48 no dash with a 17 or 18 cylinder and it dropped in.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2n8MZYV https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2nE5yhX https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[steelslaver]

It will work. Might take a bit of fitting for the 2nd cylinder
Here is my model 18-4 with a 22 jet barrel and the original 222lr cylinder and a 22 mag cylinder. Had to set the jet barrels shoulder back 4 turns so it would work with the 22lr and mag cylinders

20yds groups with no sight adjustment one to the other
22lr

22mag

 

[lscocoa]

I bought a m648 cylinder and had it fitted by a gunsmith to my 17-2. It was close but I needed better hands than I have . Anyhow wow accuracy was/ is fantastic !

 

[CHARLIE699]

Many have converted m17 cylinders to .22 mag. Most report great accuracy with .22M due to the slightly smaller .22 bore. Remember, you will be shooting a jacketed projectile thru a bore designed for a lead projectile.
I was in this camp for quite a while, searching for an affordable cylinder to convert.
But, before I could convert this 17 (or another one),

,,I found this 648

So rather than a revolver + extra parts, I just have to feed, clean & house another one.

 

[Retired W4]

That is an excellent solution. More guns and less auxiliary stuff laying around.

 

[steelslaver]

While the dual cylinder guns work, it is a minor pain to both change them out and keep track of them. I have the above 22 mag cylinder, one I made for my model 53, one in 327 for my 16-4 and another 327 for my 32-20 and had some for 45 colt/acp

I have mostly gone with the more guns solution. If fact, I think it would be best to have 2 or 3 of every caliber variation. 22lr, 22 mag, 22 Harvey Kay Chuck, 22 Jet, 32 S&W long, 32 H&R, 327 mag, 38 special, 357 mag, 45acp, 45 colt, 460 mag

I guess I do need more guns LOL

 

[Truckman]

I have mostly gone with the more guns solution.

I guess I do need more guns LOL

Now we're talkin' my language!......Ben

 

[Marshal Tom]

I'll take door number 2. Now I need a Model 48!

 

[PALADIN85020]

Why not just get a "real deal" .22 WMR and forget about fitting and an improper bore size? No need to swap cylinders in and out, either. Best of both rounds in their proper homes...

John


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