Need Help with safety & value of M-17 converted to .22 WMR

[sergeant 042]

I recently acquired a 6" M 17-2 in a trade with a friend. The gun is about 90%-95%, perfect timing, locks up tight, etc. It was, however, modified by a gunsmith to chamber .22 WMR rounds. My friend tells me it shoots "real well" and he's had no problems with it. I would like to tap your expertise regarding the safety of firing the mag rounds in this revolver. My guess is that the barrel dimensions and cylinder dimensions are the same in the M-17 as they are in the M-48. If any of you have done the same thing, or know of somebody who has, I'd appreciate your input. I've also thought about contacting S & W to see if they'd fit a new .22LR cylinder or cylinder/yoke, and how much it might cost. Finally, what do you think the gun is worth? Thanks in advance for your help.

sergeant 042

 

[murphydog]

The bore diameter for the .22 WMR is .224 and the LR .223 - doubt this is a safety factor. You are correct in that the external cylinder dimensions on both are the same. I don't know if the Magnum cylinder has different heat-treatment, but if so this may be a safety issue.

I think if you can find a .22 LR cylinder it may be a simple drop-in exchange, but having both a yoke and cylinder assembly would make it an even easier swap.

Finally, it's difficult to estimate its value, but it is probably less than an unaltered model 48 (or 17). Hope this is helpful.

 

[rburg]

Who knows what the heat treatment is for the two. There certainly is enough metal in the cylinder to cover it. Maybe the barrel internal dimensions are close enough not to create a problem. Any excess might be exhausted out the barrel cylinder gap. Might result in some gas cutting over time.

The biggest problem is 22 lr is cheap to burn, and 22 mag costs as much as centerfire ammo. Its also so much louder it hurts. Everyone points out the barrel diameter differences as why you shouldn't perform the modification. To me its more of an economic one.

I don't think you're going to blow the gun up right away. But given the choice, I'd rather have the 22 lr.

 

[sergeant 042]

Thanks

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply. I checked the SAAMI website, and don't think excessive pressure should be an issue. I'll have to contact S & W to find out about the .22 lr cylinder.

sergeant042

 

[Alk8944]

With a rimfire, specifically a K-Frame S&W, cylinder strength is absolutely not an issue. The head of the cartridge case would blow out at a far lower pressure than the cylinder even with the aluminum cylindered 617s.

Hamilton Bowen regularly re-chambers K-22 cylinders to .32 H&R and .327 Federal for use in Model 16 and 16-4 revolvers.

 

[SuperMan]

I have a 17-3 that recently had a M48 cylinder installed...shoots better than M48s with .22 Long Rifle cylinders installed...

Once you get the second cylinder add $150-200 to the price someone would have paid for the gun alone. And if Smith says they will put the proper cylinder back in the gun I would not send it back to them without a guaranty that they will send you back the original rechambered cylinder. Their excuse would be "liability".

Look on GunBroker. There are often Model 17 cylinders for sale.

Bob