Hey, guys! Since talking to some guys at a pawn shop, I became really curious about the conversion of a model 10-6 to .357. Since its a k-frame, converting the model 10 effectively makes it a model 19. The guys said the conversion consisted of taking a .357 cylinder and also shaving some of the forcing cone off to allow the extra length of the .357 cylinders. I'm curious about this because I cannot currently buy a .357 pistol, and converting my K-frame (which is already pretty huge for a snub) would allow me to shoot .357 as well as .38 special out of it, only increasing its function. My question to you guys is what do you guys think of modifying revolvers? Does it take away from the value, or add to it? Does value lie within the originality of the revolver, or in the function it serves? Keep in mind, I'm not able to purchase a .357 at the moment.
The "guys at the pawn shop" are not operating within the realm of any kind of safe reality, and have been, if you will pardon the expression, "smoking too much crack."
Doing what you suggest will not turn your model 10 into a Model 19. Unless you also change the frame to a KT frame, and the barrel to a .357 Magnum barrel with enclosed ejector.
Just how do these "guys at the pawn shop" think that they are going to "shave some off the forcing cone" to make that .357 cylinder fit? Do you suppose they know the difference between a barrel shank, a forcing cone and a lunette?
Increasing its function? Unlikely. Increasing its ability to cause you serious injury? Maybe.
Modification such as you are considering? A very bad, and potentially unsafe idea. I realize the 10-6 served as the basis for the experimental .357 K frame with fixed sights, which resulted in the introduction of the Model 13, but ordinary 38 Special Model 10-6s may not have had the same heat treat, the barrels may or may not be rifled the same, and there could be other issues. And "shaving some off the forcing cone" is just not the way to do it. In fact, the whole description you give makes it sound like "amateur night out."
Value will be destroyed. Only a complete imbecile would purchase such an abomination if you ever decided to sell it.
If you are unable to purchase a .357 Magnum, then just get some good 38 Special +P defense ammo and consider yourself well armed. .357 Magnum out of a snub is not really going to set the world on fire anyway. If you just have to have heavy stopping power out of your Model 10-6, order up some Buffalo Bore "Outdoorsman" 38 Special ammo. It is the same as the old 38/44 (158 grain Keith type semi-wadcutter at 1125 fps or so), and quite frankly, that is as good as most .357s these days, as manufacturers have been loading down the .357 Magnum for years now. The issue you are trying to solve can be handled with the right ammo for the gun you now own.
In my opinion, you would ruin a perfectly good 10-6 to create something that no person with even the slightest knowledge of Smith & Wesson would ever consider purchasing. Ever. Bad idea. Don't do it.
And, stop paying attention to the "guys at the pawn shop." Personally, I am glad you had the sense to ask your question on this forum, and even though some of the responses have been - well, direct, it is good that you asked.
I hope you will come back to this forum often. There is only one way to learn, and the folks here will always do the best they can to help answer your questions.
Sorry that the answer about your "conversion" is not what you had hoped for, but at least you will not ruin a perfectly good Model 10-6.