What is the process to convert a k frame 22 lr cylinder to fire 22 magnum rimfire? Is it just reaming the cylinder bores or does it involve extractor work also?
Thanks in advance
Kelly
Thanks in advance
Kelly
Converting K frame 22 LR cyl to 22wmr
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While it's probably been done, my recollection is that the bore of the .22 mrf is very slightly larger than that of .22 rf. Shouldn't involve extractor work, but I'd be reluctant to do it. The lowly rim fire cartridges generate a lot more pressure than we tend to believe. Yeah, yeah the cylinder walls are thick, that isn't the entire concern. They made the barrel bore larger for a reason.
I just bought a .22 WMR cylinder and fit it to my model 17. Left the original .22 rimfire cylinder and extractor in-tact.
Cylinder, .22 Mag, 6 Shot, Stainless (w/ Extractor) | Gun Parts Corp.
Cylinder, .22 Mag, 6 Shot, Stainless (w/ Extractor) | Gun Parts Corp.
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Get a second cylinder, then you can shoot both cartridges in the revolver
I have lost track of when I did this Model 34, but it is at least two decades ago.
Right now I am looking for a second cylinder for my 617 to make it a convertible. I would love to use one of the 8 shot 22 Magnum cylinders from the 648s
Pressure vs. bore size is a non issue.
In fact, when shooting lead projectiles, accuracy is much better shooting a larger projectile in the tight bore vs. shooting a smaller projectile down an over-sized bore.
I have lost track of when I did this Model 34, but it is at least two decades ago.
Right now I am looking for a second cylinder for my 617 to make it a convertible. I would love to use one of the 8 shot 22 Magnum cylinders from the 648s
Pressure vs. bore size is a non issue.
In fact, when shooting lead projectiles, accuracy is much better shooting a larger projectile in the tight bore vs. shooting a smaller projectile down an over-sized bore.
OP
Armorer951 question
How much fitting did it take to make the cylinder work for you? I have a 18-3 that I would love to shoot 22 magnums out of.
Thanks
Kelly
How much fitting did it take to make the cylinder work for you? I have a 18-3 that I would love to shoot 22 magnums out of.
Thanks
Kelly
Kelly,
With cylinders of the correct era, any of the older guns I converted have been about a 50/50 chance of not needing fitting
The newer CNC produced revolvers and part have about a 95% chance of dropping right in.
I have done more 357Magnum/9MM convertibles than 22s.
Greg G,
I use my 1954 K-22 as one of my teaching revolvers.
I had more modern revolvers on hand so those are the ones I converted.
I can not see a reason why 22 Magnum would be a big deal for a pre-model number K-22
I configured a new S&W manufactured stainless 648 6 shot cylinder (one with the "new style" non-pinned extractor from Numrich) to my 17-2, which was manufactured in 1962. All of the gauges (measurements) with respect to the cylinder fit in the frame and existing yoke were good, and required no modifications at all. The the only concern for me in terms of fitting was to fit the new style, "non-pinned", uncut extractor to the gun. This work on the ratchets was done by hand, with a 4" barrette file.
Admittedly, not the most beautiful girl on the block, but the timing and fit of the cylinder is very good, and the gun functions perfectly. This is obviously a shooter grade model 17, and the stainless cylinder is of no concern at all to me in terms of appearance. It actually helps me to easily determine what caliber the gun is currently set up for based on the appearance of the cylinder. I can now just switch the cylinders and shoot either caliber.
Admittedly, not the most beautiful girl on the block, but the timing and fit of the cylinder is very good, and the gun functions perfectly. This is obviously a shooter grade model 17, and the stainless cylinder is of no concern at all to me in terms of appearance. It actually helps me to easily determine what caliber the gun is currently set up for based on the appearance of the cylinder. I can now just switch the cylinders and shoot either caliber.
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You need to leave the extractor in cylinder while reaming as the 22 mag case is slightly larger diameter and the reamer will cut the extractor a bit.
The cylinder may or may not fit. Some yoke tubes are slightly longer or shorter, so your new cylinder may need shims or the center hole cut a bit deeper. Or you could trim the yoke tube and then add shims to the orgianal 22 lr cylinder. As some said you may have to adjust the ratchet teeth a bit.
The cylinder is way more than strong enough for 22 mags. I and others have made a K22 cylinders into a 327 mag cylinders with no problems. I have also made one into a 22TCM cylinder and another into a 22Harvey Kay Chuck, both of which are way more than any 22 mag
Also the cylinder and barrel don't care about the fact that the 22 mag is slightly larger. Once it hits to forcing cone it instantly becomes bore diameter. Guys regularly shoot 223 dia bullets in 22 Jets and some even use .224 bullets. It is a total non issue.Guys with large throat 45 colts regularly shoot ,454 bullets down ,452 bores. 44 mag guys shoot .430 bullets down .429 bores.
The cylinder may or may not fit. Some yoke tubes are slightly longer or shorter, so your new cylinder may need shims or the center hole cut a bit deeper. Or you could trim the yoke tube and then add shims to the orgianal 22 lr cylinder. As some said you may have to adjust the ratchet teeth a bit.
The cylinder is way more than strong enough for 22 mags. I and others have made a K22 cylinders into a 327 mag cylinders with no problems. I have also made one into a 22TCM cylinder and another into a 22Harvey Kay Chuck, both of which are way more than any 22 mag
Also the cylinder and barrel don't care about the fact that the 22 mag is slightly larger. Once it hits to forcing cone it instantly becomes bore diameter. Guys regularly shoot 223 dia bullets in 22 Jets and some even use .224 bullets. It is a total non issue.Guys with large throat 45 colts regularly shoot ,454 bullets down ,452 bores. 44 mag guys shoot .430 bullets down .429 bores.
I’ve had two older 51’s years ago both with 22LR swap cylinders. Both of these revolvers shot 22WMR better than the LR off a Ransom rest. Honestly not that much better but consistently noticeable with several ammo brands. Years later I picked up a 48 and it wasn’t accurate shooting the 22 WMR either and again I fitted a 22 LR cylinder and the Long Rifle 22’s didn’t shoot worth a darn. I did get better accuracy however with hotter ammo and stingers. As I recalled 22 WMR bore dia is .224” and 22 LR bore dia is .223. My thinking at the time was the 22 LR bullets were not fully obturating or slugging up to the larger bore with the milder ammo. And I never slugged the barrels so have no idea what the twist is as I hate trying to slug 22 cal bores. Anyway this was back in the early 80’s and This is educated spitballing or opinion only cause I know guys that have swap barrel 48’s that shooot very well.
Rick
Rick
Kp321
Member
If you do convert rather than doing an interchangeable cylinder, no need to worry about the extractor. The chamber reamer will also cut the extractor recess when it reaches that point.
I rented a cylinder reamer and converted an extra .22 LR cylinder for my Ruger New Model Bearcat. As noted above, the reamer will enlarge the extractor as well.
