38/357, and I'd like to spend more range time with it without mortgaging the house for ammo. I recall a friend (RIP) had a Dan Wesson 357 revolver an

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packard8

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Hi folks, I have a 6-inch Mod 28 "Highway Patrolman" in 38/357, and I'd like to spend more range time with it without mortgaging the house for ammo.

I recall a friend (RIP) had a Dan Wesson 357 revolver and a matching pistol chambered in .22LR. Is it possible to swap cylinders and barrels to achieve the same with an S&W Mod 28? Or is there a Mod 28 (or a similar size/weight N-frame) chambered in .22LR?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Also, Thanks to the mods/admins for providing this valuable resource!!!
 
Swapping barrels in a S&W revolver is a serious gunsmith operation. So no you can't.
I believe that the way to do this is by getting a S&W Model 617 in the same barrel length as your model 28.
This will mimic the heft and draw of your fighting gun using the same sights, same grips, the same holster.
However when we go to the range, we must think of solving problems.
1. Dry fire practice is limited in that you cannot be sure where your round is really going without firing. A .22 revolver with the same heft and draw as your dry fire practice will address the first shot accuracy issue.
2. Shot Anticipation/Flinch is the crucial issue in follow up shots and only shooting magnums will address this.
3. It is far more common to handload light 38 special wadcutters to accomplish what you are thinking of.
4. Gameland Restrictions here in North Carolina only allow a .22 revolver on your side during certain seasons, so it makes sense to own a .22 just like your magnum.
5. You may discover that your Model 617 is more practical than your magnum.
Please post pictures of your new 617 together beside that 28 when you get it so we can be jealous!
Regards,
Brian D
 
You can develop and maintain significant skills without shooting a ton of live ammo. If you follow this forum and have no real world experience in developing shooting skills, you can easily arrive at the idea that a ton of ammo has to be shot to be doing it right.

The secret is to focus on each individual shot. Focus on the basics: grip, sight picture and trigger SQUEEZE with each individual shot. Slow down. Limit yourself to shooting less than a box of ammo each visit to the range. Add speed very slowly,

Getting a model 17 can help.
 
Last edited:
Brian Parrish said:
Swapping barrels in a S&W revolver is a serious gunsmith operation. So no you can't.
I believe that the way to do this is by getting a S&W Model 617 in the same barrel length as your model 28.
This will mimic the heft and draw of your fighting gun using the same sights, same grips, the same holster.
However when we go to the range, we must think of solving problems.
1. Dry fire practice is limited in that you cannot be sure where your round is really going without firing. A .22 revolver with the same heft and draw as your dry fire practice will address the first shot accuracy issue.
2. Shot Anticipation/Flinch is the crucial issue in follow up shots and only shooting magnums will address this.
3. It is far more common to handload light 38 special wadcutters to accomplish what you are thinking of.
4. Gameland Restrictions here in North Carolina only allow a .22 revolver on your side during certain seasons, so it makes sense to own a .22 just like your magnum.
5. You may discover that your Model 617 is more practical than your magnum.
Please post pictures of your new 617 together beside that 28 when you get it so we can be jealous!
Regards,
Brian D
Click to expand...
Thanks, Brian looks like I should stick with the Mod 28 "As Is" and bite the bullet re ammo cost. I recently bought a 6.25" Ruger "Super Wrangler single six", SA revolver on sale (couldn't resist) with both .22LR and .22 WRM cylinders. Nowhere near the gun as the Smith 28, but it does have some heft to it and, surprisingly, a decent trigger (SA only).

Hey I can shoot all day with .22LR and not go broke. It (the Ruger) is still a "virgin" as I haven't fired it yet, so no comment on accuracy, etc. Off to the range this week. I wonder why the 1/4" extra length of the WRM justifies tripling the price+ for ammo.....??? Both are machine-made rimfire rounds. I guess it is the "economy of scale"... for every WRM .22 round sold, there are likely a million .22LRs.

Anyhow, thanks for your thoughts. (y)

Cheers,

John
 
Another possibility is adding reloading to your skills. I did that in 1972 and never looked back. I added bullet casting in 1973, further reducing my overall costs. I've been shooting .38 Special, .357 magnum, 9mm, .45, and many other handgun calibers for decades at costs that compare to .22 rimfire. I used to figure under a buck per 50 rounds, back in the early days, but now it is closer to $4 or $5 per box with inflation in powder and primer prices. When adding another firearm caliber I always order a set of dies and bullet mold(s). Haven't purchased very much factory ammo in many years.

Reloading .38 Special and .357 ammo is a relatively simple operation that can be learned by anyone with average intelligence. A simple set-up with press, dies, powder measure, scale can be had for a couple hundred bucks. Internet sources can provide tutorials, instructional videos, and load data for just about any needs.

Maybe worth considering.
 
packard8 said:
Thanks, Brian looks like I should stick with the Mod 28 "As Is" and bite the bullet re ammo cost. I recently bought a 6.25" Ruger "Super Wrangler single six", SA revolver on sale (couldn't resist) with both .22LR and .22 WRM cylinders. Nowhere near the gun as the Smith 28, but it does have some heft to it and, surprisingly, a decent trigger (SA only).

Hey I can shoot all day with .22LR and not go broke. It (the Ruger) is still a "virgin" as I haven't fired it yet, so no comment on accuracy, etc. Off to the range this week. I wonder why the 1/4" extra length of the WRM justifies tripling the price+ for ammo.....??? Both are machine-made rimfire rounds. I guess it is the "economy of scale"... for every WRM .22 round sold, there are likely a million .22LRs.

Anyhow, thanks for your thoughts. (y)

Cheers,

John
Click to expand...
Just reload.
Roll your own.
Use a lee loader and a rubber hammer.
About 22 WMR it is a different round. The diameter is different by .002 so you can put a .22lr cylider on a 22WMR gun but it wont shoot worth nuthin'.
 
I have a small herd of Dan Wesson revolvers in addition to my Smith and Wesson's. Like the 28-2 they weigh in at under 2 1/2 pounds depending on barrel length and soak up recoil wonderfully. The Dan Wesson 22 is a beautiful beast, can be had at a reasonable cost, and handles a lot like an N frame, a range gun, not a carry gun! Good grief, these are fun to collect and shoot.
 
Just a meaningless random thought...I've always thought an N frame .22 LR would be pretty neat. I bet an N frame cylinder could hold like...20 rounds or so of .22? Honestly, I have no idea the number of rounds, but it'd be enough to offend a few states. playing the capacity game with a revolver...I think it sounds fun. While I'm at it, they could do an unobtainium frame, a 5" barrel...Basically I guess I'm envisioning a TRR8 in .22 Long Rifle.

Yes, I know it's a weird thing to want, it would never sell, it would be prohibitively expensive to manufacture, etc. I still think it'd be neat. As is, I do love my 617, though I do find now that I got the perfect practice revolver I rarely get out to practice as often as I should.
 
Your options for affordable shooting are limited. Converting a S&W N-frame to .22LR is not possible and there were no N-frames produced in 22LR. You can either purchase a S&W K-frame in 22LR or invest in reloading equipment and components and load your own 357 Magnum cartridges.
 
45LC said:
The Dan Wesson 22 is a beautiful beast, can be had at a reasonable cost, and handles a lot like an N frame, a range gun, not a carry gun! Good grief, these are fun to collect and shoot.
Click to expand...
I agree. The DW 22 compares closely with a N frame in weight, grip and sighting plane. The reduction in both recoil and ammo cost makes buying one a good investment. IMG_4891[1].webp
 
Brian Parrish said:
About 22 WMR it is a different round. The diameter is different by .002 so you can put a .22lr cylider on a 22WMR gun but it wont shoot worth nuthin'.
Click to expand...
The Ruger convertible 22/22 WMR seems to get good reviews. The barrel is the same bore, but the WMR cylinder accepts the slightly larger magnum case.
But true, you can't load a WMR round in a .22LR cylinder due to what you mentioned.

 
I've been going down a vintage S&W rabbit hole. I'm looking into the same thing since I don't reload and don't have the space for it. I think a S&W K-22 is in my future to practice my DA pull.
 
packard8 said:
Hi folks, I have a 6-inch Mod 28 "Highway Patrolman" in 38/357, and I'd like to spend more range time with it without mortgaging the house for ammo.

I recall a friend (RIP) had a Dan Wesson 357 revolver and a matching pistol chambered in .22LR. Is it possible to swap cylinders and barrels to achieve the same with an S&W Mod 28? Or is there a Mod 28 (or a similar size/weight N-frame) chambered in .22LR?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Also, Thanks to the mods/admins for providing this valuable resource!!!
Click to expand...
Probably anything is possible, but a lot of time and money will be spent doing it. Try reloading
 
distrifle said:
I've been going down a vintage S&W rabbit hole. I'm looking into the same thing since I don't reload and don't have the space for it. I think a S&W K-22 is in my future to practice my DA pull.
Click to expand...
The K22/Mod 17 looks like a beauty, but a quick search of the usual subjects shows a price of $500 and up for a decent used one. I have the Ruger Super Wrangler shown above, and I'll use that for now. Similar weight and feel, but SA only.
 
If I had your money to spend, I’d suggest buying a 617… AND a reloading setup for .38 Special 357. Unless there’s such a resurgence in the popularity of .38 Sperial, I don’t see there being any cheaper way to feed your Model 28. An artisan like Hamilton Bowen probably “COULD” convert your 28 to .22LR, but buying a 617 and/or a reloader would likely be cheaper.

Back years ago, I was one of the ones who had a Model 18 to complement my Model 19 and other K-L duty guns. A lot of marksman training can be accomplished with dry fire, ball and dummy drills, and training with an instructor. But even then, I don’t think a 617 would be much of a deviation from your N-frame. I don’t k on what the Dan Wessons are selling for currently, but think finding a 617 or even an 18 would be far easier.
 
walkin' trails said:
If I had your money to spend, I’d suggest buying a 617… AND a reloading setup for .38 Special 357. Unless there’s such a resurgence in the popularity of .38 Sperial, I don’t see there being any cheaper way to feed your Model 28. An artisan like Hamilton Bowen probably “COULD” convert your 28 to .22LR, but buying a 617 and/or a reloader would likely be cheaper.

Back years ago, I was one of the ones who had a Model 18 to complement my Model 19 and other K-L duty guns. A lot of marksman training can be accomplished with dry fire, ball and dummy drills, and training with an instructor. But even then, I don’t think a 617 would be much of a deviation from your N-frame. I don’t k on what the Dan Wessons are selling for currently, but think finding a 617 or even an 18 would be far easier.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Walkin'. I'll just burn some .22LR in the Ruger for now. It does have an adjustable rear sight and an exchangeable front blade. Seems pretty close to what the Mod 28 has, sight-wise. The size, "feel," and weight are similar. Too bad it is SA only, I need practice with DA also.
 

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I still own my Dan Wesson 715 22LR pistol and several barrels and shrouds, but I only use the 6.5" version. I owned a DW Pistol pack and while cleaning I tried my 715 barrel in the MD15 (357 Magnum frame). The barrels are threaded differently so you can't screw a 22LR barrel into a 357 Magnum frame. You can move the cylinder around since they are all 6 shots on the same frame size and I think my 715 had a frame mounted firing pin but that is a memory. I had not fired it in several years. My point being if you want and N frame 22LR, you would likely be the second person to do so. There was/is a Registered Magnum made up in 22LR and when I was still employed with a major company I was planning on turning a Pre-27 into a 22 LR but never go t around to it. I will add the Dan Wesson 715 series of revolvers is great in 22LR. Fun, Fun Fun and easy to shoot well. Talk about a great way to practice. I sold my pistol pack in 357 Magnum, but I kept my 715.
 
I will also emphasize get a model 17 ( or 617 if you prefer stainless - I detest it personally)
AND set up to reload. At one time I did cast bullets, but commercial cast bullets run around 8 cents each, primers 5 cents and around 3 cents for a powder charge. So a box of 50 38’s will run 8 bucks - almost all my reloading gear I got second hand dirt cheap or free from other shooters upgrading gear or getting out of the hobby ( aging out mostly) so initial investment is pretty low. 38’s couldn’t be easier to reload. Once you get dies set up and locked down ( there is a learning curve and expect some trial and error) things OG pretty smoothly. My set up is bolted to a 3 foot square piece of plywood I keep in the garage, and bolt to an office desk when I need and can un bolt and remove when not needed.
 
packard8 said:
Hi folks, I have a 6-inch Mod 28 "Highway Patrolman" in 38/357, and I'd like to spend more range time with it without mortgaging the house for ammo.
Click to expand...
How much shooting do you plan on doing?

When I was a policeman we really mastered shooting a Double Action revolver. Today when I am at a Public Range I seldom see any one who shoots a revolver at an Expert level. About half of the people shooting revolvers on YouTube are not good either.
 
No, you can't easily swap cylinders and barrels on a Model 28 for .22LR, and there was no production Model 28 (or standard N-frame) chambered in .22LR.
 
Brian Parrish said:
About 22 WMR it is a different round. The diameter is different by .002 so you can put a .22lr cylider on a 22WMR gun but it wont shoot worth nuthin'.
Click to expand...
I have a 1964 Colt Frontier Scout and it is more accurate shooting mags, but it is not bad at all with the 22 LR cylinder. I actually write most of the difference off to bulk pak 22 LR ammo vs. considerably more expensive 22 WMR ammo although I have not tested it with premium 22 LR ammo. The 6 shot group size difference is 2 or 3" at 15 yds. Noticeable but not disastrous. I also have an NAA mini revolver with both cylinders but I have to admit I have not tested it using the 2 cylinders for accuracy. With a 1 5/8" barrel I would not expect much with either cylinder. It was used mostly a pocket gun with 22 WMR shot shells for snakes.
 
Another option you might want to consider is modifying your revolver to shoot 9mm. It’s not as inexpensive as .22, but it is more common, with more options, and a bit less expensive than .38 or .357. TK Custom will rechamber your cylinder so that you can shoot 9mm as well as .357 or .38. You heard that right, you can shoot all three. Go to the link to check out their services.
 
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