Mystery K-Frame Cylinder

[MonroeT]

I bought this cylinder off GB thinking it was for a M19. It is the same length and diameter as a M10, but it is chambered for .357 magnum. The extractor an cylinder are numbered to each other. The yoke matches a M66 profile. The extractor is too long and wont allow the cylinder to close in a M10 or an M66 frame. here are some pics:







What is it ?

 

[murphydog]

What is the number stamped on the cylinder?

 

[Muley Gil]

Some folks would have their .38 special cylinders re-chambered to .357.

 

[MonroeT]

The number is 933608. I think it may be a rechamber job, but what model gun? There is a faint capital "G" underneath the numbers on the cylinder.

 

[Nightowl]

I'm not convinced its a Smith cylinder. Don't know why, except there is only one extractor pin, and the serial number looks odd!

 

[murphydog]

The only S & W K frame to reach that high of a number stamped on the cylinder would have been a .38 M & P; the number is probably from late 1941 to early 1942. The non-counterbored (recessed) charge holes means it could not have come from a K frame .357.

If the cylinder will not fully go into battery, it is probably not the length of the extractor (assuming it will seat fully) but rather the extractor rod that has backed out. Try putting a few empty brass into the cylinder and tightening the rod (normal right hand threads).

 

[MonroeT]

The extractor rod is not present. I am not sure the number is serial number. It may be an assembly number to keep extractor and cylinder matched after fitting and then plating. It sure looks like a Smith K. The slots on the face of the extractor center hub look like photos of pre-model K-frames. I dont have anything to compare it to. I'm sure you are correct that it is rechambered since the charge holes arent recessed.

 

[steelslaver]

I am inclined to believe it is not actually S&W cylinder. Even for an early cylinder star, teeth and cuts in it do not look quite right. Plus, only the one pin and it does not appear there is a hole for the second.

IF if is a S&W cylinder it is way way to early to have been factory chambered in 357.

 

[stansdds]

The teeth on the extractor don't look quite like those of a S&W. Perhaps this cylinder is from one of the many knock-off or fake S&W's.