Can a S&W 642 be converted to .357mag?

[Super Trucker]

Is this possible? If yes what needs to happen? I think the 340pd has to much recoil, and the 640 is a little heavy so maybe the 642 being in between might make a difference, but I don't know why a .38 can be fired from a .357 gun but not the opposite.

 

[Old Fuff]

Ya can't chamber a .357 Magnum cartridge in a .38 Special because the Magnum is longer - on purpose. They wanted to be sure someone didn't try and shoot the much more powerful Magnum in an ordinary .38 Special revolver. The only way I know to convert a .38 Special to a .357 Magnum and not get into trouble is to sell the .38 and use the money toward buying a .357 Magnum.

PS: You can buy .357 Magnum snubbies, but I stongly suggest that you don't. If you do shoot it you'll likely end up using .38 Special cartridges - and be back where you are now.

 

[pezo]

a .38 goes "pop" a .357 goes "kaboom". lol. Ill beg to differ on the "dont get a .357 snubbie. I have a 2.25 sp101 .357 snubbie and I shoot full house .357 mags outta it and love it. though after 10 to 15' forget accuracy, but their not range guns there concealable close range shooters, that pack a punch. I found the sp101 .357 mag snubbie a complete joy to shoot. Again , you can always shoot .38s in them to, but stay away from .38 specials lead bullets they get the guns filthy , stick with jacketed bullets only. shoot +ps they're fun to.

 

[alamo]

Even if a 642 could shoot .357, it wouldn't last very long. It wasn't designed to withstand that sort of pressure.

 

[Old Fuff]

pezo:

Many years ago when I lived in your fair state I used to show off by dropping six out of six into the K-zone of a silhouette target at a measured 100 yards, using an old Colt Detective Special.

Course it wasn't a Magnum ...

 

[Super Trucker]

Thanks guys, I was not aware it was longer, I guess I did not think to look. I have a 686 and have recently fired a 649 j frame but it was a little heavy. I guess I'll just suck it up and go with the heavier 649.