Model 48 with dual cylinders

Housepuss · Sep 7, 2020

I have an opportunity to purchase a LNIB 48 with the optional .22 LR cylinder. The gun left the factory in 1968

In the SCSW #4 it states this model was available with the optional .22 LR cylinder and Yoke. My question is, can the optional cylinder only be used with that optional yoke, were they sold as a set, cylinder/yoke together? Is the optional .22LR cylinder compatible with the .22 WMR yoke? Back then were both cylinders serialized to the frame?

I haven't talked to the seller about any of this yet. I've had a Model 48 for many years, enjoy shooting it from time to time. Just thought it would be nice to have one with that optional cylinder. I've got plenty of S&W .22 cal revolvers to shoot so I don't really need this one but since when was "need" ever a consideration when purchasing any S&W.

If this is in the wrong category please move. Wasn't really sure where to put this.

SuperMan · Sep 7, 2020

You don't even need an extra yoke...none I have ever had ever had one...

From the factory I have had two 48s, a 53 and a 51 with extra cylinders and none had a yoke.

I have had my Smith smith fix extra cylinders to:
35 (.22 Magnum)
63 (.22 Magnum)
48 (2) (.22 LR)
18-3 (.22 Magnum)
60-10 (.38 Supr/9mm)
649 (.38 Super/9mm)
66-2 (.38 Super/9mm)
17-4 (.22 Magnum)
51

And all just used the yoke that was on the gun...

So all you need is the correct vintage 17 or 18 cylinder which come up often on ebay and GunBroker...I have purchased all of mine there. Sometimes you get lucky and GunPartsCorp will have one but not very often...

Bob

Nightowl · Sep 7, 2020

I'd say you have had good luck, SuperMan! I sent a gun back to the factory to install a fluted cylinder. When it returned, the unfluted cylinder would no longer fit as the new cylinder needed a longer yoke than the original cylinder.

If the gun came from the factory with two cylinders, I would assume they were both fitted to the same yoke. If the cylinder was a later purchase, I would want it with it's own yoke. Just my humble opinion.

4barrel · Sep 7, 2020

Mine came like this. I sold it here a few years ago.

Peak53 · Sep 7, 2020

Were the cylinders and/or yokes marked with the serial number? Asking for a friend

Sgt911 · Sep 7, 2020

Is shooting a .22mag out of a .22 like a mod 17, even if has been fitted with a mag cylinder problematic?

4barrel · Sep 8, 2020

Sgt911 said:
Is shooting a .22mag out of a .22 like a mod 17, even if has been fitted with a mag cylinder problematic?

Mine shot good with both cylinders but if you shot a lr in the mag cylinder it wouldn't group. I got them mixed once and thought I had a problem.

4barrel · Sep 8, 2020

Peak53 said:
Were the cylinders and/or yokes marked with the serial number? Asking for a friend

I don't recall a # on either cylinder. The frame was marked 48.

SuperMan · Sep 8, 2020

Sgt911 said:
Is shooting a .22mag out of a .22 like a mod 17, even if has been fitted with a mag cylinder problematic?

No... Ruger, S&W and I believe Colt all used .224 bores on their .22 Magnums and very often the accuracy of Long Rifles in these barrels are lackluster...

Freedom Arms, USFA and Uberti all use the standard 2225 bore for Long Rifle and all their guns shoot wonderfully with both cylinders...

I currently have a 35, 63 and 18 all with .22 Magnum cylinders and shoot great...

The difference in bore size is 0.0015..it make no difference except in accuracy...

My Smith smith was a LEO that trained at the factory back in the 1970s. He was trained to build them from the ground up... These guys are getting hard to find and mine is in the process of retiring...not going to be a good day when he does.

Bob

Murdock · Sep 8, 2020

Red squirrel killer supreme. Accurancy with .22LR cylinder is just fine, thank you. One yoke for all.

weatherby · Sep 8, 2020

I have a 48-2 it has the spare cylinder and yoke.

22hipower · Sep 8, 2020

Sgt911 said:
Is shooting a .22mag out of a .22 like a mod 17, even if has been fitted with a mag cylinder problematic?

I have a pre-18 and had a 22WRM cylinder fitted to it. No difference in accuracy that I can discern anyway.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

ejjeff · Sep 8, 2020

My 48 no dash has a 22 long rifle cylinder but no extra yoke.

SuperMan · Sep 10, 2020

22hipower said:
I have a pre-18 and had a 22WRM cylinder fitted to it. No difference in accuracy that I can discern anyway.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Hummmmm...I have a pre-17 1952 K-22 that is my only 6-shot S&W rimfire without an extra cylinder. May have to try and pick up another 48 cylinder and see if my smith can fit it. Wasn't sure if one of the 50s vintage guns would take 60s or 70s vintage cylinder as there were some changes made to the gas ring I believe.

Thanks...Bob

My favorite of the dual cylinder guns...M35...one that S&W should have done...

Model 48 with dual cylinders

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