Cylinder change?

[Basenjishunt]

Hi All,
Can I just change out a 686-1 cylinder with a better looking one with no gunsmithing?- Thanks

 

[Big Cholla]

Probably. S&W has historically been the best at manufacturing gun parts spot on within the measurements allowed by their stated (very tight) tolerance limits. Given that you have a very good possibility of being able to just make a parts swap. BUT, to assure yourself that it was just a drop in project three checks should be made; cylinder to barrel gap, end shake and indexing (by the use of a proper range rod). Only after those three armorer's checks would you be assured that what you have done was correct. .................. Big Cholla

 

[Laketime]

How bad can your stainless cylinder look.you should be able to brush out any major flaws.unless you have dents.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Hi All,
Can I just change out a 686-1 cylinder with a better looking one with no gunsmithing?- Thanks

As long as you keep all the other original parts and change out only the cylinder, it will probably work just fine.

 

[Basenjishunt]

How bad can your stainless cylinder look.you should be able to brush out any major flaws.unless you have dents.

Not too bad,I'm mostly curious..The front around the edge of the cylinder looks a little "chewed up" ....but not bad

 

[Hapworth]

Cholla and Muss have this about square; I'll add two things:

1) Might want to make certain it's a cylinder from a 686 no-dash through -3; the extractor was changed in the -4s and although that might not have an affect on how the cylinders were machined going forward, I wouldn't chance it. A cylinder from a 681 no-dash through -3 would probably do as well.

2) Include a headspace check.