Sleeve revolver chambers?

[H Richard]

I recently obtained a reasonably nice (shooter) 5" Pre Victory returned from Australia. Bore is near mint. Exterior (since last reparkerizing) is very good. It has been "reamed" for 38 Specials to fit, but with the 8/1000 to 9/1000 difference in the .38 S&W chambers caused the .38 brass to swell out (with mild 2.8 gr bullseye loads). When you shoot 38 S&W loads, the further out 38 Special chamber throat "peels" lead from the bullet and the accuracy isn't too great.

I would like to either: 1. Reline the chambers to properly fit .38 Specials; or 2. Reline to properly fit 38 S&W.

Can anyone recommed someone to do this reasonably? Probably not economically smart, but I like the gun.

 

[H Richard]

I recently obtained a reasonably nice (shooter) 5" Pre Victory returned from Australia. Bore is near mint. Exterior (since last reparkerizing) is very good. It has been "reamed" for 38 Specials to fit, but with the 8/1000 to 9/1000 difference in the .38 S&W chambers caused the .38 brass to swell out (with mild 2.8 gr bullseye loads). When you shoot 38 S&W loads, the further out 38 Special chamber throat "peels" lead from the bullet and the accuracy isn't too great.

I would like to either: 1. Reline the chambers to properly fit .38 Specials; or 2. Reline to properly fit 38 S&W.

Can anyone recommed someone to do this reasonably? Probably not economically smart, but I like the gun.

 

[deadin]

Have you considered just picking up another cylinder? The numbers wouldn't match, but for a shooter it doesn't matter. Use the star out of your existing cylinder and there should be no timing problems.

 

[john traveler]

I just looked at a couple of K frame cylinders. There is not enough material in the cylinder wall to ream out and reline to .38 Special. It would result in cutting into the bolt locking notches.

A replacement Victory model .38 Special cylinder is best, if you can find one. The problem with using a later model cylinder is that the extractor may not fit or be made to fit if the indexing is different.

You probably also need to replace the barrel as nominal groove diameter for the .38 S&W is 0.005"-0.006" inch larger than the .38 Special.

Generally, unless you can get the parts for cheap or free and install them yourself, its not feasible to convert to .38 Special. Your Victory model has collectors value now, and maybe you can sell or exchange it for a more suitable shooter.

 

[H Richard]

I think I'll look for a replacement 38 S&W cylinder.

 

[A10ACN]

By "chamber throat" I assume you mean forcing cone (the back of the barrel sticking through the frame). You might want to ask a qualified gunsmith if camfering the throat of the forcing cone would prevent the leading. Just a suggestion.

 

[Gun-runner]

Originally posted by H Richard:
I think I'll look for a replacement 38 S&W cylinder.

Get one here:
http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=358020&MC=

Hope this helps.

 

[H Richard]

Gunrunner, thanks, I've already looked at that particular item, and that will probably be my decision. Any reason why a .38 Special Cylinder wouldn't fut just the same?

 

[wiley]

It could be sleeved to 22LR, Parker Hale did these after WWII
Wiley

 

[mikepriwer]

Any 1905 4th change , or Victory, cylinder in .38 special should fit.

Later, Mike Priwer