How to change cylinders on a model 53 Smith and Wesson

[champe]

I have a Smith model 53 with interchangeable cylinders. One is for regular .22 rimfire and the other is for the .22 Remington Jet. I have inserts for the Remington Jet cylinder but am finding I shoot mostly rimfire so I want to change to the rimfire cylinder. The gun came with the rimfire cylinder serial number matching to the gun and a small aluminum handled screwdriver. The replacement cylinder has the ejector rod attached but no crane. Does anyone on this forum know how to swap cylinders ? Does the sideplate have to come off ?
Thanks,
Charles Hampe

 

[dfariswheel]

To change the cylinder:

Unscrew the screw on the right front of the frame, just above the trigger.

Turn the revolver over so the left side is up.

Open the cylinder.

Hold the cylinder still, and pull the yoke forward and out of both the cylinder and frame.

Install the other cylinder on the yoke, and insert it into the frame.

Close and reinstall the frame screw.

When reinstalling the frame screw, be sure the yoke is all the way in before tightening the screw. If the yoke isn't in all the way, the screw can chew up the end of the yoke shaft.

 

[champe]

Perfect description. Thanks.

Worked like a charm. You have added a lot to my enjoyment of this fine gun. Thank you very much.
CH