S&W K Frame Cylinder Interchange

[rbernie]

If I have a Model 64-3 and a cylinder off of a 66-1 (and the ability to check endshake and in general verify that everything is according to Hoyle), what would preclude me from installing the 66 cylinder on the 64? I'm not gonna run out and convert my 38sp Kfrmaes to 357 Magnum - I'm just wondering what technically if it could be done and if there would be any real issues with such a thing.

 

[Old Fuff]

Smith & Wesson's model 64 was supposed to be the stainless version of the model 10 - chambered in .38 Special with a cylinder 1.56" long (give or take). However a few 64-1's were made with .357 Magnum chambers and a cylinder length of 1.67" with the rims recessed.

The model 66-1 was originally a .357 Magnum and used the same 1.67" long cylinder.

If you are going to switch a 66-1 cylinder into a model 64-3 you would first have to remove the barrel, shorten the back end .011, and re-throat it.

You might also have to match up the replacement cylinder with a different yoke.

Could all of this be done? Maybe, but it wouldn't be easy, and you'd have a lot more to worry about then a little endshake.

I'd suggest that a good, used model 65 would be a far better solution,

 

[rbernie]

Ah - the cylinders that look to be the same length are in fact not. That answers that question. Thanks.

I'd suggest that a good, used model 65 would be a far better solution,

Oh, lordy - I'm not looking to do this, or even interested in replacing my 64 in any way. I've got a 686 and a GP100 for the 357 Magnum stuff. I'm just trying to learn the ins-n-outs of the K-frame.....

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'm just trying to learn the ins-n-outs of the K-frame...

Shouldn't take longer than a decade or two.

 

[Jim K]

I might add to Old Fuff's remarks by noting that the K frames made in .357 had frames made from a different alloy as well as heat treated and hardened differently from the frames for the other calibers. Even then, they don't standup well to full house .357's, which is why S&W went to the L frame.

Now I may get flamed by people ranting that they have a Combat Magnum that has had 100 billion rounds of super hot ammo through it and is still like new, but the fact is that the gun was intended for LE use and for more carrying than shooting. They served well and are fine guns, but long term use with hot loads will hurt them.

Jim