I’m wondering if I could change out a model 53 remjet cylinder for a regular model 17 k frame 22 cylinder?
The model 53 Remjet has 357 mag down to a 22 and could originally be ordered with a regular 22 cylinder.
I’m wondering if a model 17 22 cylinder would be the same or if there are minor differences that would make this impossible?

Thanks

It’s not the same, and not a minor difference, it’s too short. The mod 53 22 cylinders can be found used but not often and not cheap.

Your best bet to shoot 22s is to get a set of cylinder chamber inserts like those that were supplied with the mod 53. You can buy replicas a lot easier than originals.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I think the last M53 22LR cylinder I saw sell on eBay went for $600+. You can buy a M17/18 for not much more. The inserts are not all that inexpensive either at $25-$30 each if you can find them. I've never shot a 22LR from my 53s as the 22 Jet round, loaded down a bit from the original factory loadings, is great fun. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I believe the difference in length is .050”. Now I don’t mind a barrel/cylinder gap of .010” but 50 might be a bit excessive.

True enough...My 53 from the first year of production came with an extra .22 LR cylinder numbered to the gun...I don't think I've seen an extra one for sale since then, although from time to time I see the inserts......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

This topic has come up here in the last six months or so. One of the gunsmith/metal workers detailed the process to permanently convert a .357 length cylinder to .22 LR but it was not going to be easy or inexpensive.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for the info guys.
Currently bidding on a Model 53 that has inserts.

Also, being a newbie, there seems to be some adversity or negativity towards mentioning or posting from a certain website here? Am I right?
What’s the deal with that unless I’m reading it wrong?
Is it just bad competition for shows and retailers or is it more than that?
Thanks

Presumably you're referring to the rule about not posting to live auctions. That is to keep folks from pumping up their ads; makes sense I guess as there could potentially be lots of posts trying to bring attention to an auction. Linking to closed auctions is ok. Just a warning about auctions on GB and potentially other sites I suppose. Knowing that an auction is scheduled to close at a specific time doesn't mean that it will as any bid within 15 minutes of the closing time will extend the bidding another 15 minutes; this can go on for hours. I mention this so that you'll be aware that posting about an auction when you think it has closed can still get you dinged; check the specific listing to make sure it is closed. Don't ask me how I know.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I am the guy who made a model 19 cylinder into a model 53 cylinder.

I took a recessed model 19 cylinder and fit it with a K22 extractor, then I drilled and reamed some 4140 roundstock at .222, you could use an old 22 barrel, then I turned 6 pieces to just fit in the model 19 cylinder. I did steps in the inserts for the throats, but reaming the chambers straight though would have worked. Then I fixed the inserts in the chambers with red loctite after cleaning them well. Once that was done I turned the excess of the inserts sticking out the front of the cylinder flush with original face, and did the same with the back side, plus machined them flush to where the ejector sits and then ran a 22 lr reamer in each.

It really wasn't that hard, just time consuming. But, with model 53 cylinders selling north or $600, worth it to me. I think I got the parts for a bit over $100 and shop time cost me nothing. IF you had to pay someone to do it, it would probably be cheaper to buy a complete model 53 with the 22lr cylinder..

You could also do it by using a K22 cylinder, remove extactor, drill and ream each chamber to 3/8", make 3/8" inserts that stuck out the face over 1/8", reamer the inserts to 22lr and trim the inserts to get the right gap to a 53 barrel shank. You would also need to make an over length gas ring. The inserts would of course, stick out the cylinder face and look "interesting"

19 cylinder conversion to 22lr mdl 53

It shoots as well as any of my other K22s

There is one other thing you could do. Turn the face of the jet cylinder to make it the same length as a model 17/18 cylinder, then remove the barrel and turn its shoulder back enough that it spaces correctly to the shorter cylinders. I don't believe the model 53 actually need the long cylinders. While they used necked down 357 brass all the bullets for the normal loads are 45 gr or less and pretty short. You might need the length if you loaded 55 gr spire points or lead, but nobody does that at least I have never heard about it. I made my own .222 sizer, but have also fired .223 and a few .224 bullets with no problems


It took 3 complete turns to fit this 4" 22 jet barrel to my model 18

.22's out of the aluminum inserts in my M53 are as accurate as my two K22s, surprisingly. I often carry my Jet around our rural property with the first two chambers loaded with .22LR in the inserts, followed by four rounds of Jet. The versatility has been useful, with the rimfires for rodents, pest birds, and snakes, and the CF for coyotes. Just gotta remember in the heat of combat to switch the hammer nose.

Are all the inserts aluminum?? If aluminum works so would brass and it is easy to machine. I would drill and ream the hole first, then fill it with a piece of steel so the neck didn't try to collapse as I turned it

But, first I need to finish making a model 36 into an adjustable sight 4" 327 mag and finish installing an Anaconda barrel on my 29-3

The inserts for a model 53 are not aluminum! I know of a machine shop in Canada, that does work for the gun industry, that tried to reproduce these inserts! A senior member and experienced machinist tried for months to reproduce these inserts and only managed to make 6 inserts!

Steelslaver, this sounds like a project for you to tackle! ? !
jcelect, a retired electrician, so don't ask me how to do it!

Same tune, different stanza...I know a guy who's thinking seriously of bidding on 5 separate Model 53's, no dash and -2...I question his sanity sometimes, but when he sets his mind on something it's hard to pry him loose from the idea...At least they all come with the inserts......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

The problems with turning the inserts would be duplicating the taper repeatedly without a CNC setup. That and keeping the necks from deforming instead of cutting. Bur, as I have a good selection of S&W 22 revolvers I won;t get to excited about the inserts