K48-4 cylinder question

[OldRN]

I just traded a couple of semi auto pistols for a nice K48-4 circa 1982. It has a 22 mag cylinder. I'd like to get a .22 LR cylinder for it. Would a .22LR cylinder with crane from an 18-4 interchange? I was thinking swapping crane and cylinder would be easier than trying to just change cylinders. If so, any thoughts what a fair price frocylinder and crane might be? Thank you

 

[22hipower]

I think that is a maybe, that a 18-4 cylinder will fit. And a probably that it will fit with minor fitting required. I bought a 22LR cylinder on eBay, don't know what dash gun it came from and it would not "drop in" to my -3 and -4 48s but did fit my 48 no dash. The K frame 22 cylinders show up occasionally on eBay usually between $100 and $200; sometimes with crane, often without. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[steelslaver]

It will work, but minor fitting may or may not be needed. With the yoke your odds might be a bit better, but gun to gun there are often little differences. The first 2 or 3 cylinders I changed out went right in, Then several did not.

 

[OldRN]

I just purchased an 18-4 cylinder with crane. From what I could find out it looks like the 18-4 change, like the 48-4, was moving the gas ring from the yoke (crane) to the cylinder. When it comes in, I'll report on what happens.

 

[OldRN]

Follow up: the model 18-4 .22LR cylinder I purchased fits my 48-4 perfectly. It is a complete cylinder including the ejector and yoke. It's even in as good a condition as the original. Looks like $180 so I can shoot mag or LR is money well spent.

 

[ken158]

The extra yoke is just something else that may need fitting. I would try the new cylinder in the existing yoke first. Yoke fitting is not for the timid and you need a Babbitt and alignment pins to get it lined up correctly.

 

[OldRN]

Ok, you've sold me. Im all I for for getting this right. Today the pistol goes to a gunsmith to make sure it's set up correctly. Thank you