Interchanging Model 27 cylinders 6&8 shot

[happyhunter1911]

I read someone who had a 686 and had both 6 shot and 7 shot cylinders for it. They could just interchange them as they wanted.

I was wondering if that could be done with the N frame 357 Mag. I would like a 6 shot for IPSC matches where revolvers are limited to 6 rounds. Then change cylinders and have an 8 shot protection gun.

I have a hard time picturing the hand (I think that is the correct name for the part) moving the same distance to rotate both cylinders. Does it really work that way??

Thanks,
HH

 

[handgunner356]

Won't work, the barrel bore is offset differant between the two. I've used my 8-shot in IPSC/USPSA, just have to dump the extra two rounds so you don't get put into open class.

 

[happyhunter1911]

OK I guess this idea won't work on the N frame. Will it work on the L fram?. I heard of someone doing that but, I kinda have some doubts about it working well.

Thanks,
HH

 

[BruceM]

It would seem to me that the position of the top of the hand when the piece is cocked would be different in a 6, 7 or eight shot gun so just changing out the cylinder would not work. I could be wrong but...

Bruce

 

[Nightowl]

The hand is shaped different for 8 shot cylinders than 6 shot cylinders. I think there are other dimensional differences as well.

 

[Alk8944]

The only difference between a 6 shot or more L or N frame S&W, except for the number of charge holes, is the ratchet, period. I realize this is contrary to "what seems should be" but it is true.

The length of the hand is not nearly so critical as in a Colt because they work in a completely different fashion. In the S&W the end of the hand only gets the cylinder started, and as the charge hole gets close to aligning with the barrel the hand bypasses the ratchet and finishes the final rotation and locking against the side of the ratchet. This is why, when a gun does not "carry-up" the problem is addressed by fitting a thicker hand, not a longer one.

And there is not any difference in the frame dimensions. The charge hole radiius is the same for a 6 shot cylinder as an 8 shot N frame, and the same for a 6 or 7 shot L frame. Exactly the same situation applies to the 5 shot and 6 shot J frames and 6 and 10 shot .22 cal. K frames.

 

[tomcatt51]

The only difference between a 6 shot or more L or N frame S&W, except for the number of charge holes, is the ratchet, period. I realize this is contrary to "what seems should be" but it is true.

Sorry but that's not true. I have both. The 8 shot's chambers are on a larger diameter circle and the hand has a thinned tip where it engages the ratchets (like a 10 shot 617). The firing pin sits higher in the frame relative to the center pin. You can have a 686 with a 6 & 7 shot cylinder that interchanges. You can have a 617 with a 6 & 10 shot cylinder but you have to change the hand along with the cyl. assy.