Can this be done? (make 22lr into 32 long)

[HappyHunter]

I want a J frame found butt in 32 long (32 mag ok). Needs adjustable sights and a 5 inch barrel. This gun is for my Wife, and she can shoot but has small hands.

Is it possible to modify the model 63?

Is this a viable project?

What would have to be done?

Who would be able to do it?

Any thoughts or alternitives?

Thanks,

Fred aka HappyHunter

 

[HappyHunter]

I want a J frame found butt in 32 long (32 mag ok). Needs adjustable sights and a 5 inch barrel. This gun is for my Wife, and she can shoot but has small hands.

Is it possible to modify the model 63?

Is this a viable project?

What would have to be done?

Who would be able to do it?

Any thoughts or alternitives?

Thanks,

Fred aka HappyHunter

 

[Alk8944]

Model 631, except for being 4", is already exactly what you are looking for. The only 5" J Target (actually the ONLY any type I or J frame) ever made was the 60-18 .357. The 60-18 has the two-piece barrel and would be the easiest of all to convert if you could find a .32 cylinder and have the barrel liner made for it.

If we could get S&W to make a 5" J-T in ANY .32 caliber, preferably one piece barrel and no lock (LOL) I would be first in line for one. Blue or stainless would be OK.

Converting a rimfire frame to centerfire can be done but isn't the most practical thing.

 

[HappyHunter]

Alk8944,

Thanks for your help. The 4 inch 631 seems like a nice gun but this is a rare gun and commands a high dollar. I do not want to pay a premium and "settle" at the same time. As well I may need to fit a red dot to gun, this will involve tapping frame; a detraction in value to a collectable.

This is my quandry.

 

[OKFC05]

Grip size: All J frames take the same grips, so the 5" target Model 60 would have exactly the same grip choice and would fit small hands as well as any other.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...angId=-1&isFirearm=Y

So then your only missing spec is caliber?
Being a handloader, my first thought is that you need to buy a press, not spend money on an expensive conversion. (Would not even consider converting a rimfire).

A .38 148 gr wadcutter over 3gr of HP38 is as easy to shoot as any .32. The only obstacle is getting the shooter over the idea that .38 is more than .32 and they JUST KNOW it is going to kick! (NOT)

 

[tomcatt51]

I have to agree that a 38/357 with light target loads makes more sense and the savings would pay for reloading equipment really quickly. If you aren't reloading already and are buying factory ammo. Even shooting factory ammo 38's have got to be considerabley less expensive, and more available. .22 LR J frame might be a good choice. I shoot a lot more 22's for practice than 38's or 45's, 617 and 625 and 627. Big cost difference and I reload less.

 

[HappyHunter]

Thanks guys, I do reload, use a single stage and two progressive machines.

In these PPC match we reload under time. If you have ever used speedloaders and wad cutters it is the slowest round to load into a cylinder under time.

As far as recoil goes, the 32 long loaded with a wad cutter is even less of a cream puff than the typical 38 wc (148hbwc over 2.7 bullseye or 3.1 W231). Regardless my wife will is currently shooting a 185 swc in her 45 1911. Recoil is really not the issue. I think that it would be novel, and a nice addition to my other K frame 32's.

Thanks for the dialog,

Fred

 

[shovelwrench]

PPC rules ussually have provisions for use of issued calibers only(at least where I shoot)