Convert a 638 to 22LR?

[wrangler5]

While sitting at work waiting for a telephone callback, I got to wondering:

I carry a 638 daily (even shot an IDPA match with it last weekend - it was a "shoot what you carry" match, with max 5 shot strings - with pretty good results) and have had a 49 for decades. I really like the size and shrouded hammer design of these guns, and think it would be nice to have one to practice with in 22. So I'm wondering - is there any likelihood S&W could make one up into an 8 shot 22LR? Something like putting a barrel and cylinder from a 317 into a 638 frame?

Has anyone had this sort of caliber-change work done by S&W? Or do you know if they'll even talk about it? Just curious. (I know I probably should just call 'em and ask, but if somebody has already been down the road . . . )

 

[OKFC05]

Has anyone had this sort of caliber-change work done by S&W? Or do you know if they'll even talk about it?

I gotta believe they'll just ask you the same question as I: "Why don't you just buy the 317? "
The "conversion" of a centerfire to rimfire is horrendously expensive just for a shrouded hammer, if you can even find someone to do it..

 

[sodacan]

Buy a new gun instead of a can of worms. Good luck.

 

[carl3989]

The cost of conversion would be prohibitive if it could even be done. As for resale value, I would think that it would be near impossible to recoup your investment. Buy a Model 317, seems like a good excuse to buy another gun. Not that you need one.

 

[wrangler5]

Buy a Model 317, seems like a good excuse to buy another gun. Not that you need one.

Sadly, true. I was just daydreaming about the conversion process - seems like the barrel would just screw in. And assuming the 22 cylinder is the same length as a 38/357 one it too might just fit. I'm guessing they leave the bolt/cylinder stop in the same position throughout the J frame line, so that might just work too. The hangups I can imagine (not being an engineer I'm only guessing) would be the hand's connection to the hammer to get the right timing on cylinder rotation, and the off-bore-axis firing pin needed for rimfire. Frame modification is always a bear (I assume) even if doable, and fiddling with an aluminum frame is probably worse than with steel.

I was probably led to thinking about this by an ad for the Ruger LCR line, which includes a 22 as well as a 38 and 357. I know I could get a hammerless 22 J frame, but I like the (old) Bodyguard option of single action with a no-snag hammer. Oh well, I've been imagining things nobody seems to make for most of my life.

 

[TSQUARED]

The last time I spoke with S&W they stated that as a matter of policy they will not convert one of their firearms to another caliber.
You might be able to bob the hammer on one of their J-framed 22's without encountering too many ignition failures.

 

[murphydog]

A model 43C is currently produced and would be a close (not exact) understudy to your 638.