While I love the "Classic" N frame lineup, one thing has me scratching my head. Why do the 44 specials have magnum length cylinders. I have never had an issue using "long" lead round nose or Keith type SWCs in older Model 24s with regular length cylinders. On the other hand, Model 27 cylinders will not accept some lead round nose and SWC bullets in their original (and current) sized cylinders. It seems that if a revolver could have benefited from a longer cylinder it would be the Model 27, not the 24.
N-Frame Classics question
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Dragon88
Member
Possibly to reduce production costs. Instead of making two different length cylinders, they can make one for use on multiple models.
I had thought that might be the case when the Model 21-4 "Thunder Ranch"" 44 Spl. came out with the long cylinder. But the Model 22 "Thunder Ranch" and Model of 1917, along with the Model 27 show S&W's capability to supply the correct cylinder size.
It has always been a mystery to me why they did not make a longer cylinder for the Model 27, especially after the Model 19 arrived with the longer cylinder.
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COST..............The new N .44's are really magnums with .44 spl. cylinder chambers.
Alk8944
US Veteran
Because the cylinder is long enough for SAAMI specification ammunition. S&W builds revolvers principally to shoot standard, factory ammunition, not to cater to handloaders whims.
There is a theory the longer cylinder in the 19/Combat Magnum was intended to provide a little safety margin against the gun locking up if there was some bullet pull under recoil. This is much less likely with the heavier Model 27.
boblink
Member
I assume one would be free then to make some home rolled loads for the 24 that are above and beyond normal pressure, like Elmer K used to experiment with; since you have the strength of the magnum frame (If not the cylinder).
I'm going with costs. Gone forever are the days of the 1950's and back. Sorry. But at least we have stainless
<COST..............The new N .44's are really magnums with .44 spl. cylinder chambers.>
I also wondered why those new 44Special classics had a 44Mag length cylinder, unlike the 24/624 from the mid 80's. Seems like I read awhile back that one could chamber a 44Mag cartridge in the cylinder of these "new classics" in 44 Special. Can an owner of this latest rendition confirm this? If so.........Smith has simply released a tapered barrel version of the 29 that has 44Special marked on the barrel. I'm a bit curious about this one.
I also wondered why those new 44Special classics had a 44Mag length cylinder, unlike the 24/624 from the mid 80's. Seems like I read awhile back that one could chamber a 44Mag cartridge in the cylinder of these "new classics" in 44 Special. Can an owner of this latest rendition confirm this? If so.........Smith has simply released a tapered barrel version of the 29 that has 44Special marked on the barrel. I'm a bit curious about this one.
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What I meant to inply was that Smith used magnum length frames and cylinders for the new .44 special classics. I just checked my 21 & 24 with a .44 magnum cartridge(250 gr cast swc/heavy crimp) and it went in both cylinders and stopped about a rim's thickness from seating flush.
Would I shoot mags in my specials if they fit? NO...........I have 29's/629's for that.
