Model 60 Unfluted Cylinder

[Dain Bramage]

I've been looking for an unfluted cylinder for a long time to customize my .357 Mag Model 649. I found a guy selling a Model 60 stainless, unfluted cylinder that he says is for .38 Special. He hasn't gotten back to me yet to confirm the caliber or tell what dash number Model 60 the cylinder was meant for (he says it is a new old stock replacement part). Is there any metallurgical difference between S&W Model 60 replacement cylinders? Can I ream it to .357, or am I asking for trouble?

 

[colt_saa]

The older frame window and the J-magnum frame window are not the same size. so it depends when it was manufactured

I would also bet money that a cylinder manufactured before the advent of the 357 Magnum J-frame would have metallurgical differences from a modern 357 Magnum cylinder

I recently moved, so I may not be able to find it, but I have a unfluted cylinder in my future projects box. Odds are it is 357 Magnum. I would not have bought a project part hat was 38 special as I love the J-magnum platform/357 Magnum cartridge

If I can find it tonight I will measure it against one of my old model 60s

 

[F75gunslinger]

In to learn...

 

[GerSan69]

What I know: if the cylinder in question was built for the older .38 frame, it will be too short for your j-mag frame.
What I don't know: anything about any metallurgical differences.

 

[Dain Bramage]

So, what I learned, if the Interwebs are to be believed, is that there are two J-frame cylinder lengths, original and magnum. They are about 1/16" difference. Also, at some point S&W switched to all-magnum frame guns, irregardless of caliber, to save on manufacturing.

An early .38 Special would be on the original length cylinder, while a late .38 Special would be on the magnum length cylinder. It's not entirely clear when this switch happened.

The seller confirmed that it's a .38 Special, and it appears it's an original length. So, I will give up on the reaming idea, and continue looking for an unfluted .357 Mag cylinder.

 

[colt_saa]

So, what I learned, if the Interwebs are to be believed, is that there are two J-frame cylinder lengths, original and magnum. They are about 1/16" difference. Also, at some point S&W switched to all-magnum frame guns, irregardless of caliber, to save on manufacturing.

An early .38 Special would be on the original length cylinder, while a late .38 Special would be on the magnum length cylinder. It's not entirely clear when this switch happened.

The seller confirmed that it's a .38 Special, and it appears it's an original length. So, I will give up on the reaming idea, and continue looking for an unfluted .357 Mag cylinder.

Manufacturing wise, J-frame production was switched over to the J-Magnum frame in 1996 when Smith and Wesson went to using CNC mills.

Shipping wise, specific models might have changed as late as 1997 since Smith and Wesson would have used the remaining inventory of old J-frames

I have not located my unfluted cylinder, but I am still looking through unpacked boxes

 

[Chop]

I have a model 60-4 3" with a Un-fluted cylinder. .38 special.

It's in my safe somewhere....I take a picture when I find it.

 

[Sevens]

I have no proof in any form and can cite zero, but streamlined manufacturing being what it is, and giving a nod to information above regarding S&W changing to all Magnum frames because it's only logical from a mass manufacturing standpoint...

I can see no reason whatsoever why there would be even a minute metallurgical difference in the construction of the cylinders between .38 and .357.

From all we have seen from S&W specifically, it simply wouldn't add up.

 

[one eye joe]

So, what I learned, if the Interwebs are to be believed, is that there are two J-frame cylinder lengths, original and magnum. They are about 1/16" difference. Also, at some point S&W switched to all-magnum frame guns, irregardless of caliber, to save on manufacturing.

An early .38 Special would be on the original length cylinder, while a late .38 Special would be on the magnum length cylinder. It's not entirely clear when this switch happened.

The seller confirmed that it's a .38 Special, and it appears it's an original length. So, I will give up on the reaming idea, and continue looking for an unfluted .357 Mag cylinder.

IMHO, THAT WOULD BE THE PRUDENT THING TO DO. YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER SENDING YOUR GUN BACK TO S&W TO HAVE A NEW CYLINDER FITTED. THAT WAY, YOU WILL GET THE CORRECT PART, AND THE WORK WILL BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY......

I HAD MY M686 NO-DASH CONVERTED TO A 7 SHOT, WHEN I SENT IT IN FOR THE "M" RECALL. THE COST WAS A REASONABLE $114. IIRC......

OF COURSE THE TRANSPORTATION BOTH WAYS, WAS PAID FOR BY CS....

 

[bigshep85]

THAT WOULD BE THE PRUDENT THING TO DO, YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER SENDING YOUR GUN BACK TO S&W TO HAVE THE NEW CYLINDER FITTED. THAT WAY, YOU WILL GET THE CORRECT PART, AND THE WORK WILL BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY......

I HAD MY M686 NO-DASH CONVERTED TO A 7 SHOT, WHEN I SENT IT IN FOR THE "M" RECALL. THE COST WAS A REASONABLE $114. IIRC......

OF COURSE THE TRANSPORTATION BOTH WAYS, WAS PAID FOR BY CS....

WHAT?! $119?!
I GUESS THAT WAS FOR THE NEW CYLINDER?
AND HAVING IT FITTED. THAT IS EXCELLENT PRICING. (ALL CAPS JUST FOR YOU )

I would almost do that. Maybe soon.

What is the name of that S&W book everybody is al2ays referencing for history and specs? I must get one.

 

[chiefbob81]

Standard catelog of S&W. Available ebay, amazon, gunbroker, etc. Buy 4th edition.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Also, at some point S&W switched to all-magnum frame guns, irregardless of caliber, to save on manufacturing.

Not true. They dropped the Model 60 in .38 Special in favor of the Model 60 in .357 Magnum because people prefered the versatility of the ability of shooting two calibers in one revolver. If you can back up your claim, please post it.

 

[Dragon 1]

Man I can not recall I think years ago RSR dist had a SPL run of SW 640 with non fluted cylinder. That would look cool on your 649

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Not true. They dropped the Model 60 in .38 Special in favor of the Model 60 in .357 Magnum because people prefered the versatility of the ability of shooting two calibers in one revolver. If you can back up your claim, please post it.

I will make a third claim and say S&W did it because their popular Model 60 was losing sales to the Ruger SP-101.

 

[ABPOS]

Not true. They dropped the Model 60 in .38 Special in favor of the Model 60 in .357 Magnum because people prefered the versatility of the ability of shooting two calibers in one revolver. If you can back up your claim, please post it.

May be, but not all people. I'd rather have it in .38 Special +p because I would never plan to fire .357 through a J frame.

But there are those who are gluttons for punishment.... hehehehehe.

I would think the flash and bang are pretty stiff. I thought shooting .357 through my Dad's 66 snubby was not fun. And in my Model 19 6" they are tolerable. But not something I'd like to shoot a ton of. 19 ounces verses 39 ounces.... You know?

 

[one eye joe]

WHAT?! $119?!
I GUESS THAT WAS FOR THE NEW CYLINDER?
AND HAVING IT FITTED. THAT IS EXCELLENT PRICING. (ALL CAPS JUST FOR YOU )

I would almost do that. Maybe soon.

What is the name of that S&W book everybody is al2ays referencing for history and specs? I must get one.

THIS OL' SOLDIER APPRECIATES YOUR KIND ACCOMMODATION OF MY VISUAL IMPAIRMENT, bigshep85....

YES, IT WAS FOR THE COST OF A FACTORY FRESH CYLINDER AND ACCOMPANYING EXTRACTOR, ALONG WITH THE LABOR RELATED TO FITTING IT. IT FUNCTIONED PERFECTLY, WHEN THEY RETURNED IT......

SUBSEQUENTLY, I SENT IT OUT TO DENNY REICHARD @ SAND BURR GUN RANCH, FOR HIS "DELUXE ACTION JOB". MASSAD AYOOB CONSIDERS HIM TO BE THE FINEST GUNSMITH, CURRENTLY WORKING ON S&W REVOLVERS. MY GUN IS NOW SLICKER THAN SNOTS......

MY BEST WISHES GO OUT, FOR A SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF YOUR PROJECT. PLEASE POST BEFORE AND AFTER PICS, WHEN ITS DONE. YOU KNOW HOW WE ALL LOVE OUR GUN PORN......