Cylinder Swap??

[cstjones1999]

Is it possible or how hard is it to convert a 7 shot 686 to a 6 shot 686. Can you just swap out the cylinders?

 

[robertrwalsh]

Theoretically yes. However, cylinders are factory fitted items. Sometimes they will just drop in and fit great, timing and b/c gap both. Mostly, they won't.

 

[dfariswheel]

As above, cylinders DO NOT just "drop in", they have to be fitted by a pro who knows cylinder work.

Second, to go from a 7 shot to a 6, you'd have to make changes in the action.

 

[bountyhunter]

I believe if you fit in a new cylinder assembly complete (including extractor) and a new hand it should work. They do have to be fitted.

 

[cstjones1999]

I'll send it to Smith & Wesson if I ever get mt hands on one.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Mr. Jones where are you located at, I have a six shot cylinder that I will trade for the 7 shot, and if you are close at hand I will fit it for you. I'm in Morgantown WV right now.

 

[cstjones1999]

As soon as I get the 686 I can send it down. Are you a S&W armorer? My email is:
[email protected]

Thanks!!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Tryed to e-mail you and it was kicked back to me. try me [email protected]

 

[Hoptob]

I had a 7 shot 686+ converted to 6 shot by S&W. I now have both 6- and 7- chamber cylinders, each with it's own extractor rod. The cylinders are interchangable - I can swap them anytime just backing out the crane screw. According to S&W gunsmith the cylinder is the only difference between 686 and 686+; the hand and all other action parts are same.

Name of S&W gunsmith who did the job for me is John Seyfert. If you want to have this done, ask to get John on the phone. Customer Support rep had no idea what I was talking about and sounded a bit scared.

Mike

 

[cstjones1999]

I contacted S&W about the swap. They said $140 for a cylinder and $60 for labor.