Security Six Cylinder Swap for Unfluted Cylinder Possible?

[doctorj77]

Kind of a odd request. But has anyone successfully found a way to convert their Security/Speed/Service Six, either .38 or .357 to a unfluted cylinder?

I know Ruger never made such a thing from the factory. So this would be purely aftermarket or retro fit from another revolver. I know that Biseley, Vaquero, Blackhawk cylinders wont work. They might fit, but since they're single action it won't have an ejector.

Just curious if anyone has attempted such a thing before. Maybe with a SP101? Or GP100? I'm wondering if there any custom service that makes unfluted blanks and can be chambered for 357 and cut/fitted to a security six frame. Or something like a unfluted cylinder from a S&W 686, could it be fit to the Security Six Frame? I know that a GP100 is a comparable L-frame size to the S&W 686.

I'm sure the cost wouldn't justify the means. But that is for normal people. Apparently I like ridiculously expensive little projects like this.

Thank you in advance

 

[RKRCPA]

Check with Hamilton Bowen, back in the 80's he made up a 44 spl on a speed six that had an unfluted cylinder. I'm sure he can do the same for your project.......but I'm sure it will be priced accordingly also.

 

[Cosmoline]

I've seen exactly one of the .44 Special sixes, going for over a grand on gunbroker. It's probably necessary due to the increased diameter of the round. Unless you need the space, why get rid of the flutes? You lose your indexing when you lose your flutes.

 

[doctorj77]

Well I did talk with Bowens and they do not offer that service. They referred me to Clements Custom Guns. They only offer a unfluted cylinder, but as part of their .44spl conversion. I did call Ruger. They don't even have parts listed for any of the Six series.

I know I'm kind of asking the impossible and probably should just face it, this part don't exist.

Only other idea I thought of, I know of someone locally that that does high quality stainless welding. Typically its commercial grade, but he does some work on the side. I'm wondering if its possible to weld in the flutes, and then grind back to a flat surface. IF that were even possible, I would have to think there would be some discoloration between the original cylinder stainless and the welds stainless.

I dunno, that's getting pretty drastic I think though. Of course I could always have him try on a project test cylinder

 

[Fleet]

Probably not. The steel is heat treated, welding will destroy that.

 

[BBBBill]

I do recall seeing an extensive thread on on one of the manufacturer oriented gun forums where a guy made his own cylinders. Don't recall if it was S&W or Ruger. A search of the forums should turn it up.

 

[CraigC]

I'm sure you could find someone who would make you one but expect it to cost several hundred dollars. Not many gunsmiths make cylinders for double actions and even fewer do so for the older Rugers. You'll have a fine-shooting sixgun but that's a lot to spend for such a minor cosmetic change.