Is it true that these cannot fire .22LR? I don't know why but I always thought that you could fire a .22LR through a .22Mag gun kinda like a .38 through a .357 but a fella told me the other day that I was incorrect.

ummm never mind.....

".22WMR is NOT MEANT FOR .22LR/S/L AMMO!!!!

They absolutely DO NOT interchange in the same weapon. The exception is the Cowboy-type pistols where you get TWO separate cylinders...one handles .22S/L/LR, the other handles .22WMR.

It's NOT like a .357 where you can also shoot .38spl rounds... "

only took a second but found my answer online.

It's one of those deals of "can you"? Yes. Is it a good idea? No.

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"I'm your huckleberry."

Take a look at the cases for both rounds and it will be obvious why it won't work. The length isn't an issue.

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195th Session FBINA

ab4ka's answer is correct.

It will work, accuracy probably will not be as good and you may get some split cases, definitely bulged. A split case in a revolver is not a safety issue. The rim of the .22 WMR is slightly thicker so there will be excessive headspace and possibly some mis-fires in some guns. Not the best idea, but not dangerous.

OK, thanks for the great info. There si one for sale at my local shop and it is a really beautiful gun but if I can not afford to shoot it...what is the point. I figured as much since it has been there for months. I am sure if it shot .22LR well it would have been gone long ago.

I had a Mod.48 many years ago and I sent it back to S&W and had them fit a .22L.R. cylinder to it. I don't know if they would still do this or not.

I do not believe that they still offer this service.(the bore is larger too) Stick with 17s.18s and 617s. A model 48 is the only Smith that I've sold thus far.