What would be the best donor cylinder in .357 for an “S” serial-numbered Heavy Duty (five-inch barrel)? I have a line on a recessed 28-2 cylinder (“N” serial number) that would hopefully be a close match in finish as well as fit. Would a non-recessed cylinder be a better bet? Would I do better to leave well enough alone and be satisfied with 38 Special rounds? (No, I do not hand load.) The original cylinder has not and will not be reamed for .357. The HD is in high-end shooter condition. Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations.

I would be worried about how a .357 cylinder would fit with the original .38 Special barrel in place. If a side-by-side cylinder length comparison has not been posted by the time I get home I’ll measure my H/D, a pre-27, and a 28-2 for you.

For the cost of the conversion you could buy a lot of Buffalo Bore .38 Outdoorsman ammo….

__________________
SWCA #3942 / SWHF #988

Why would you not even consider re-chambering the H-D to .357 Magnum? This has been done numerous times and many 38-44 revolvers have been done over the years. This would be less obvious, less intrusive, far less costly and have less effect on collector value of the revolver than replacing its cylinder! The cost would only be about $100 for a chamber reamer and cutting oil!

Yes, I realize there are reasons for not re-chambering the gun, and if you want a N-Frame .357 a Model 27 or H.P. would be a better solution than re-chambering the H-D, but then I have several .357 S&W revolvers of several models.

As long as you own the gun there would be no issue with the re-chambering. If you were ever to sell it simply be honest about the fact it has been re-chambered and let potential buyers decide. Since you do not mention re-marking the caliber on the gun I assume this is not a concern to you.

I also have an early 1950s Outdoorsman that I wouldn't change simply because I wanted it because of what it was and I have no reason to want to change it to a .357 as noted.

If you use a recessed M27 or M28 cylinder, you have to alter or replace the frame lug.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

To Muley Gil's point, here is the issue you'll have going from a non-recessed cylinder to a recessed one.

H/D on the top, 28-2 on the bottom:

__________________
SWCA #3942 / SWHF #988

All good points and all well taken. Thanks so very much for all of the well thought-out answers. I believe that I will leave well enough alone and simply order some 38/44 Buffalo Bore ammunition. My intent is to use the HD as a woods carry gun instead of my collector-grade 27-2 (also a five-inch barrel). We’ve had a significant increase in the black bear population during the last few years, and it’s now that time of year when one needs to look outside before opening the door to let the dogs or oneself out. Bear spray is also kept at hand.

As an aside, at some point, I intend to convert the 27-2 to an early post-war .357 with a five-inch barrel. That could likely end up being a shooter-grade specimen, also. Thanks again for the collective reasoning!