Opinions needed on S&W 648

[Radagast]

G'day all. I'm looking at getting a .22 magnum S&W 648 for my father, he would prefer to have a convertible cylinder for 22 long rifle as well.
Does anyone have any experience with this gun, good or bad; and has anyone tried a conversion with a 617 cylinder? I'm especially interested in the level of accuracy when converted.

Thanks in advance,

Radagast

 

[farscott]

I own an S&W M648-2, and I like it. The revolver is very accurate with the 30-grain JHP, especially the Winchester versions.

As far as I know, S&W will not fit an auxillary cylinder chambered for .22 LR to this model (unlike the M651 which can be found with both cylinders), but I have not tried this. My guess is that one could just about get another revolver for the costs involved in fitting another cylinder. These costs include shipping both ways, the cylinder, ejector rod (the ejector star of the M617 is not the same as the M648), springs, yoke, and the actual fitting. Considering that used M617's are available for $500 or less, I would opt for the second revolver.

 

[Radagast]

Thanks Farscape. I've spoken to my local S&W gunsmith, he's going to price fitting a spare 648 cylinder to a 617 for me.

Radagast