Another "Franken-Gun"

[Babalooie]

In the past, I took a 3914 slide and mated it with a 439 frame. This resulted in a short barreled gun with a larger grip area. A friend liked it more than I did, so I traded with him. He's happy and so am I.

My latest concoction is a 351PD ( seven shot .22 magnum) to which I added an eight shot .22 LR cylinder. I haven't shot it yet, but the timing appears to be fine.

I'll post a photo later in the day.

 

[DCWilson]

Struggling to understand. I can see how the cylinder stop might automatically handle the difference between 52 and 45 degrees of rotation, but wouldn't you need a different hand? I'd think the seven-shot hand would jam at the top of its travel on an eight-shot cylinder.

Looking forward to the pic.

 

[Babalooie]

Struggling to understand. I can see how the cylinder stop might automatically handle the difference between 52 and 45 degrees of rotation, but wouldn't you need a different hand? I'd think the seven-shot hand would jam at the top of its travel on an eight-shot cylinder.

Looking forward to the pic.

Surprised me also. I expected to have to replace the hand in order for it to work properly in .22LR Mode. However, it indexes properly. Go figure.

Having problems with the photo. Tried to make a quick and dirty shot using my new scanner. It doesn't focus as well as my other one. Will have to set up my camera equipment later.

In the meantime, here's a shot of my last "Franken-Gun."

 

[Babalooie]

Still, having problems with the photo. But, FYI I today, I fired eight rounds of .22LR using the "new" cylinder. Worked without a hitch. No timing issues.

 

[Tyrod]

Struggling to understand. I can see how the cylinder stop might automatically handle the difference between 52 and 45 degrees of rotation, but wouldn't you need a different hand? I'd think the seven-shot hand would jam at the top of its travel on an eight-shot cylinder.

Looking forward to the pic.

I don't think it does. If I'm not mistaken, at the top of the hand travel, the hand is actually resting next to the rachet.

 

[Tyrod]

Consider this. According to SAAMI:

22 lr bullet diameter .2255-.0040
22WMR bullet Diameter .2245-.0040

 

[Speedo2]

removed PC

 

[Babalooie]

It worked. Sorry if anyone is disappointed. I fired eight Aguila Super Colibri .22LR rounds through the "new" cylinder without a hitch. I wasn't trying to prove anything. Was curious to see if it would work and it did.

Super Colibri rounds use the primer to propel the slug. I double checked. Nothing is stuck in the barrel.

When I get a chance, I'll check bullet diameter with a digital micrometer and compare it to the barrel diameter.

As previously mentioned, I really expected to have issues with this experiment. I'm very pleased with the results so far.

 

[Tyrod]

You sure about that? I've always thought that the 22LR as around 0.001" smaller in diameter that then the 22WMR.

Folks needn't believe me. Look it up yourself.

 

[Babalooie]

I checked the diameter of the ammo I have on hand, using my el cheapo digital caliper. Here's the result:

CCI Mini-Mag .22LR average .220" for ten rounds

Aguila Super Colibri .22LR average .221" for ten rounds

CCI Maxi-Mags .22 Magnum average .221" for ten rounds

S&W 351PD Barrel at muzzle .223"

So, that's that.

 

[1 old 0311]

You got a relative in Indy? I know a guy who also likes to 'mix and match' things. His nickname is BuFord for putting a Buick engine in a Ford. :eek:

 

[Babalooie]

You got a relative in Indy? I know a guy who also likes to 'mix and match' things. His nickname is BuFord for putting a Buick engine in a Ford. :eek:

Don't know about Buick engines in Fords. However, I just turned my handgun into a dual purpose gun that shoots .22 Magnums and .22LR's (Shorts and longs too).

 

[surfgun]

.22 lead is soft. There have been guys running .22 lead bullets down .20 and even smaller bore diameters (in custom rifles), with excellent results (increased range and accuracy). It basically elongates the bullets.

 

[Babalooie]

Finally! Here's a photo of my favorite "Monster"

Here's what I did to it:

-Removed the fiber optic front sight and installed a Tridium night sight.

-Removed the hammer, stripped it, added the parts to a Model 351C shortened spur hammer and installed it.

-Removed the internal lock and installed "THE PLUG."
I highly recommend it.

-Removed the really nice bantam rosewood grips and replaced them with a set of those $35 ebay grips from Thailand. They're very comfortable.

-Purchased a used "Ladysmith" (that's what the seller called it) parts set and currently have the eight shot .22LR cylinder installed. So far, it works without problems.

I'm satisfied with all the changes I made. Now, I have a gun that will shoot .22 Magnum and .22 short, long and long rifle ammo. Nothing I did is permanent and I can put this gun back to its original configuration by replacing parts.