J-frame cylinder interchangability

[fireman 9731]

The cylinder on my 442 has seen better days. After 5 years of carry in an IWB holster its pretty rusted and pitted despite frequent cleanings and attempts to prevent it. I have seen stainless 642 cylinders and cylinder/yoke assemblies on fleabay for around 75 bucks. I wouldn't mind the stainless cylinder on the black gun as its purely a utilitarian gun. Are the modern J frame parts pretty interchangeable or would it require fitting?

 

[Tallball]

I have that exact same question.

 

[cfullgraf]

Just remember, when S&W introduced the 357 Magnum j-frame, they stretched the frame a bit to fit the longer cylinder. The 38 Special j-frames made after that point also used the longer cylinder.

I cannot comment on how much fitting is required.

 

[Jonesy814]

A 638, or 637also have stainless cylinders and should be just as interchangeable as the 642 cylinder. I believe some minor fitting would be needed no matter which you got.

 

[Riomouse911]

As was stated make sure you get the proper length cylinder for the replacement or it won't fit. The new one may need a bit of fitting to time correctly, or you could get lucky like I did and have one drop right in without needing anything. This happened when I swapped a K frame cylinder out (Got rid of a Bubba'ed .38 S&W cylinder for a .38 Special one).

If you do swap it out and it works well, let us see how it turns out. A two-tone J Frame would look great .

Stay safe.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

If you haven't swapped out a cylinder, I will suggest getting a copy of Kuhnhausen’s book on Smith revolvers. Also have a good feeler gauge and a range rod to check bore alignment.