Getting 22lr cylinder for 48-4

[qballwill]

I traded an 18-4 for a 48-4 today but I'm already missing my 18. I have other 22 lr Smiths, but I still miss it. How much trouble would it be and would it be worth buying a used 22lr cylinder and have it fitted to the 48? I'm not picky about looks, so would a 617 6 shot fit? are there any 6 shot cylinders that I would need to avoid for lack of compatibility? Thanks in advance
William

 

[locodriver]

22 LR in 48

Hello
I just had this done to my 4 inch 48 about two weeks ago.
I bought the cylinder for a 17 same size and had my smith fit it up.
Now I have the best of both worlds.
A 53 22 jet and a 48 with both cylinders.
Good luck .
I love my combo.
Locodriver

 

[qballwill]

Hello
I just had this done to my 4 inch 48 about two weeks ago.
I bought the cylinder for a 17 same size and had my smith fit it up.
Now I have the best of both worlds.
A 53 22 jet and a 48 with both cylinders.
Good luck .
I love my combo.
Locodriver

How does the accuracy compare between the two?

 

[locodriver]

I havent shot on paper yet but still can shoot them bunnys and cans like before ,but alot cheaper .
Works fine for what I use it for .
Think it is good enough for plinking.
Locodriver

 

[Big Cholla]

How does the accuracy compare between the two?

I also fitted my Model 48 with a .22LR cylinder. With std. ammo the accuracy was much less than with the original cylinder and .22 MRF (WMR) ammo. It is because the diameter of the barrel is slightly larger for .22 MRF than it is for .22LR. My solution was to purchase a 'Neal Waltz' bump up die and run my .22LR ammo up to 0.225" diameter. I have to check each round to make sure the bullet was not broke free from the original 'seal' during the process. The ammo with the tight bullets is now very accurate using the .22LR cylinder and the bumped up ammo. The ammo with the bullet seal broken shoots, just not as accurately. ........... Big Cholla

 

[Frank237]

I've NEVER found ANY changeable cyl .22 mag platform that shot as well as a std .22 LR gun did.

Unless the conversion could be done at a reasonable price...I wouldn't bother.

I'd keep that M-48 and buy back the M-18 or replace it with a K-22.


FN in MT

 

[buckspen]

.22 LR and .22 Mag From Same Gun

I once had a Model 648 with .22 LR cylinder that shot standard velocity .22 LR ammo as well or better than it shot .22 Magnum ammo.
And I had a Freedom Arms 252 silhouette model chambered for .22 LR that shot .22 Magnum almost as well in a fitted cylinder (FA did the work).
That FA 252 was the most accurate .22 pistol (semi-auto or revolver) I have ever owned and I have had some of the best.

- - - -Buckspen

 

[qballwill]

Thanks for the info. If it is unlikely I will get similar accuracy, I will probably just scrap the idea. I have other 22s I can shoot.