Help on Model 48 & 53 Questions..

[Flyingliver]

I've been collecting S&W revolver, with auxiliary cylinders, and picked up a boxed Model 48, 5 screw, with the extra LR cylinder this past winter. I went to install the extra cylinder and found that it was a bit too long. It measured out at 1.67", compared to the 1.62" correct cylinder. When I compared it to the two Model 53 auxiliary LR cylinders I had, they are identical.
I then tried the cylinder from my Model 18, and it fit perfectly in the 48, but is NOT INDEXED CORRECTLY, and will not function.
I took the longer cylinder and installed it in both of my Model 53 Jets, and it fit, AND FUNCTIONED AND INDEXED PERFECTLY!
Both my Jets have auxiliary cylinders, and they are numbered to the gun, so there's NO CHANCE I mixed them up.
Question 1.) Will any 1.62 cylinder fit in this gun, and will it have to be indexed?
Question 2.) Why did this 1.67 cylinder function perfectly in either one of my Jets?
I guess I will have an extra Model 53 .22 LR cylinder to find a new home for, or buy another Jet!
THANKS..... Flyingliver

 

[brian10xaz]

Just trying to figure out what Auestions means

 

[gdogs]

1.67" is the correct length for the 53 cylinder. Models 17, 18, and 48 will all use a shorter cylinder. Sent you a PM about your extra one.

 

[Retired W4]

Never heard of a 5 screw model 48.

 

[larryofcc]

Never heard of a 5 screw model 48.

Not pertaining to 5 screw M48's, but my BIL was a W4 USMC. He was called a Gunner. Is that correct Navy terminology? Big Larry

 

[65Whelen]

Never heard of a 5 screw model 48.

Agreed, 48 came out several years after the 5-screws were discontinued. Typo?

 

[glenncal1]

That model 53 .22LR cylinder is worth a chunk of change. Not sure what they are selling for these days, but a few years ago they were in the $500 range. You are correct that adding a LR cylinder to your model 48 may require fitting by a gunsmith. You might get lucky and find one that doesn't but given the age of your 48 it will be difficult.

 

[Retired W4]

Not pertaining to 5 screw M48's, but my BIL was a W4 USMC. He was called a Gunner. Is that correct Navy terminology? Big Larry

To be correct per the regs he would be addressed as Mr., at least for the Army. I always preferred to be called Tom.

 

[Flyingliver]

Sorry for the 5 screw notation on my Model 48/53 cylinder post. I was counting the mainspring screw, in the front of the handle frame. I guess that screw doesn't count. Am I correct in in that assumption?
I guess I'll try to find a cylinder from a comparable year Model 17.
My 48 is a NO DASH GUN, EARLY SERIAL NUMBER.

 

[jcelect]

He was called a Gunner. Is that correct Navy terminology? Big Larry

NO! A rag hat would call him "Sir"! His Marine buddies might call him Gunny!
jcelect