Korth replacement cylinders for S&W L-frames?

[jski]

I have a .357 S&W L-frame 7 round revolver. The Korth 9mm replacement cylinder looks interesting but it’s a 6 round cylinder.

Is there a 7 round Korth replacement cylinder? Would the 6 round cylinder work in the L-frame? How much are these puppies going for?

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Korth makes very nice and $$$$ stuff. I don't see them making replacement cylinders for Smiths and if they did they would want to fit it to your revolver. May well be $1k plus for them to do it. Takes some effort to put a cylinder in a DA gun.

 

[The Evangelist Cowboy]

Just get a Smith 986...

 

[Apuesto]

I have no idea if you could get a Korth cylinder to work in an S&W.

You could always have your 357 cylinder machined to accept 9mm. I had one of my 686s machined at TK Customs to shoot 9mm. It still shoots .38/357.

 

[gotboostvr]

I have no idea if you could get a Korth cylinder to work in an S&W.

You could always have your 357 cylinder machined to accept 9mm. I had one of my 686s machined at TK Customs to shoot 9mm. It still shoots .38/357.

I've heard of issues with sticking brass with 38/357 loads after having that done. How's yours run?

I'd be hesitant to have my early -0 done, but if I come across an extra cylinder might consider it.

 

[Catman42]

when i got 45 long colt cylinders for my percussion uberti colts several were 5 shot and not 6. that means they can take a lot more pressure than if they were 6. im sure thats what its about, making the gun stronger. they rotate just fine and i love to shoot them. stronger is better.

 

[George P]

For about $6K you can buy a Korth 357 with a factory 9mm cylinder on GB

 

[reddog81]

I see talk of the cylinder a couple years ago. Doing a couple minute search I don’t see it available anywhere now or ever.

I’d bet the 6 shot cylinder would work just fine. I’ve heard of people swapping from 6 to 7 shots without issue. I’d be more concerned about headspace and barrel cylinder gap. I’d also bet you could buy a S&W 986 or 929 for less money than the Korth cylinder.

 

[George P]

I see talk of the cylinder a couple years ago. Doing a couple minute search I don’t see it available anywhere now or ever.

I’d bet the 6 shot cylinder would work just fine. I’ve heard of people swapping from 6 to 7 shots without issue. I’d be more concerned about headspace and barrel cylinder gap. I’d also bet you could buy a S&W 986 or 929 for less money than the Korth cylinder.

How do you adjust the timing for a 6 to a 7 shot revolver?

 

[Apuesto]

I've heard of issues with sticking brass with 38/357 loads after having that done. How's yours run?

I'd be hesitant to have my early -0 done, but if I come across an extra cylinder might consider it.

No problems with either 9mm or .357. With the 9mm you have to use moonclips.

 

[Apuesto]

How do you adjust the timing for a 6 to a 7 shot revolver?

I swapped a 6 shot cylinder for a 7 shot on my 681. I had to change to a K Frame arm that I stoned a little to get it to work. Not difficult to do but requires a little patience.

I kept the original cylinder with the original arm if I ever decide to change back.

 

[jski]

KORTH 9MM CONVERSION FOR S&W L-FRAME

 

[Rock185]

Any replacement cylinder might need fitting, but the 7 to 6 shot, or vice versa, conversion should not in itself be a problem. I have a 686 that was originally a 7 shot gun. I had S&W fit a new 6-shot cylinder, but the 7 shot cylinder still works too. The lockwork is the same.

 

[Walkalong]

That is very cool @jski

Anyone know how much?

 

[reddog81]

KORTH 9MM CONVERSION FOR S&W L-FRAME

View attachment 856591

The article’s 3.5 years old and most of the discussion on the subject revolves around that article with nothing much else over the years. I’d guess nothing came of it.

 

[Riomouse911]

Since it was from Korth I’ll hazard a guess the kit was probably similar to the cost of a new gun so the idea faded.

I remember when Beeman Precision Arms (Best known for airguns) was the importer for Korth back in the 1980’s. They were pricy back then just like they are now.

Stay safe.

 

[jski]

 

[jski]

Korth 9MM conversion for 386/586/686 revolvers

 

[silvermane_1]

Personally i would rather have a Phillips & Rodgers cylinder than a Korth.

 

[Apuesto]

Korth 9MM conversion for 386/586/686 revolvers

Let us know if you are able to get one. You've got me interested now.

 

[Master Blaster]

I believe this was aimed at the German / EUMarket where it is expensive and difficult to get a handgun license. The cylinder gives you another caliber without licensing another handgun. It's also very very expensive. In the US you could just buy another gun for less.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Unless you are set in not using moon clips I think buying a 7 round S&W M986 or the 8 round M929 would be a good choice. It would be cool to have the Korth name on your revolver but at what cost?

I have shot a 5" M986 and it's a fun gun to shoot. The 5" Performances Center revolver is right @ $1,000 from Bud's. The 2.5" barrel revolver is just over $925.