.44 SPL CYLINDER DIFFERENCE

[KLYDE]

Was organizing some pictures this morning. Placed a picture of my new M 21 next to the photos of my 624 in my file. Light bulb popped on as the side by side pictures revealed obvious cylinder length differences.

Just got done loading some .38 Spl and had the dial caliper out so I took some measurements. 624 cylinder length is 1.575. Model 21 is 1.70. I then measured my 629 DX as I had an idea of what was going on. The same 1.70. Probably in an attempt to reduce inventory it appears the Factory is using .44 mag cylinders and reaming the chambers for the Special.
Anyone know how long this has gone on versus a shorter, dedicated Special cylinder.

Wondering if this also holds true for the J magnum framed .38 spl. having same length cylinder as the .357 magnum.

 

[M29since14]

All the new "Classic" series guns that I recall seeing have been that way - .357s, .44 Specials and .45 Colts. There might be slight differences in OAL but the cylinders in all appear to be "Magnum" length. Kind of ruins the looks of the "Classic" guns for those of us with old eyes, but I don't blame S&W for making the change. Most of the young fellows who look at the so-called "Classic" recreations would never know the difference anyway.

 

[KLYDE]

Also has to make you wonder about the heat treating process. Being all of the cylinders are magnum length I can't see the factory selecting the Spl cylinders for a different strengthening process. Would not be cost effective.

Not going to try and magnum the Spl. as I don't want to destroy any guns and will leave the experiments to others. Probably is safe to say though, that max loads for the .44 Spl can be approached with peace of mind.

 

[M29since14]

Probably is safe to say though, that max loads for the .44 Spl can be approached with peace of mind.

Probably isn't worth much. You could have the cylinder tested and make a "semi-informed" judgment, but really, the .44 Special is such a sweetheart as-is, why bother? If a 250 Keith at 900 FPS won't do it, I'd want a Model 29 with the regular contour barrel. Shooting .44 Magnums in guns with skinny barrels is not my idea of having fun.

 

[KLYDE]

Totally agree, 100%. That is what the long barrel magnums are for. Just thinking out loud and have absolutely no intentions of hot rodding above listed data.

I would have more peace of mind shooting the Keith load out of the 21 than the older 624. The flutes on the 624 are cut much deeper into the cylinder. Far more steel surrounding the chamber on the 21.

 

[M29since14]

Pretty stocks you have there. Keith Brown's creations... ?

 

[Dave T]

Just re-inforces my belief that there is nothing "classic" about the current S&W Classic models.

Dave

 

[KLYDE]

Pretty stocks you have there. Keith Brown's creations... ?

M29,
624 is wearing Schofields. They are very nice but naturally takes a bit of time for him to make them. I know he has been busy and I wanted a pair quick.

The 21 is wearing Collinscrafts. If they are in stock it is a quick turn around. Subtle differences in each which is good.

Regards Mike