OK, model 51 Thoughts ,advice & Guidance

[bcarroll]

I have a model 51 98-99% box sealed tools,papers. I have bought a 34 cyl. And am looking at a crane and other small parts. My plan is to turn (model 51) it into a 22lr. Make it user friendly? I do not have the skills needed for this work. I need direction, opinions on the custom shop (S&W), or other gun smiths.

 

[murphydog]

You could certainly call S & W (the Performance Center is the gunsmithing shop) and ask them if they will perform the work. I think that if you have a complete cylinder assembly that you don't need a separate yoke (just exchange it onto the original yoke) but the ratchet may need fitting.

If the factory will not take on the work, others will be along with gunsmith recommendations.

 

[smitholdtimer]

bcarroll

The idea you have has been done in years past but when I inquired with S&W they were no longer performing the needed fitting nor did they have the necessary parts for the modification.
My suggestion is to locate the .22LR cylinder the same length of the .22Magnum cylinder in your M-51 and have a competent gunsmith or armorer fit it to your revolver. If you do find the proper cylinder you will also need the ejector rod, the center pin and associated springs as well as the ejector star so these will not need to be exchanged separately as you change from one caliber to the other. Please observe the ejector star in your M-51 and be sure the LR cylinder ejector star is the same. (I'm actually not sure there will be any differences from the older J frames but please be sure to identify each as identical except for caliber)

 

[bcarroll]

Great, well all I need is the rod and I am ready for gunsmithing services. Any of you think I am hurting collective value?

 

[murphydog]

If it were a factory matched cylinder from purchase the value would go way up, but since you are not altering the gun itself and you can shoot .22 LR from it I would guess it is worth more with the extra cylinder, perhaps by $150-200 or so.

 

[H Richard]

Since you will have to hire the work done, and get some parts, I think you would be better served buying a Mod 63 or 34 to go along with your 51. When you price out everything you may find it is less expensive.

 

[bcarroll]

Since you will have to hire the work done, and get some parts, I think you would be better served buying a Mod 63 or 34 to go along with your 51. When you price out everything you may find it is less expensive.

Yes, you may have a valid point. I thought along those lines.