Mix & Match Question

[Green Frog]

OK, I've been scratching my head about this, but I don't have the parts here to find out, so I'm throwing it out for comments and ideas. I am wondering whether there is any difference in the frame of a Regulation Police in .32 S&W Long and one in .38 S&W? Is the frame window the same size or modified? Is the hand different to advance the cylinder one sixth vs one fifth of a turn? From the parts blow ups and listing, it looks like you should be able to switch the barrel and cylinder and go, but can it possibly be that simple?
I can't possibly be the only one to ever think of this. As always, TIA for any thoughts and info.

Regards,
Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

Hi Froggie,

I see that someone's wheels are turning again or should I say just in a new direction. I remember reading in the SCSW that the 38 frame window and cylinder diameter are slightly larger than the 32 but it didn't say how much.

I can speak from experience on the hand though. One would think that a 5 shot cylinder needs a longer hand to turn the cylinder farther each cycle, 72 degrees instead of 60. And indeed it should, however there is apparently enough margin of error, at least in my two cases, that the hand did not need fitting or changing.
In two conversions I have installed two 5 shot 44 cylinders in place of 6 shot 357 cylinders.