Single Six cylinder conversion question

[Heatseeker]

Can anyone tell me the issues involved with fitting a .22 LR cylinder into a Single Six in .22 WMR? I just got a cylinder of the same vintage as the revolver. The one difference I find is the overall length of the acquired cylinder is .042" longer on the front side. Being a machinist, I'm thinking I can machine a grinding jig and chuck the cylinder up in a surface grinder to cut it down to the exact size as the WMR cylinder.

Could there be a timing issue as well(it doesn't appear that there is)? Anything else I should be looking for?

I'm trying to avoid all hassle and expense of shipping the piece to Ruger.

Any input is appreciated.

[saki302]

THere may be timing issues- if you drop it on and it works, and all the cylinders line up when cocked, then lucky you! I would still have a good smmith give it a look over to be sure it's safe.

-Dave

[Heatseeker]

I think I will fit the cylinder and then take it to my local smith in Stockton. Thanks for the input!

[crob241]

cylinder

If the cylinder is the same model as the mag one is there should not be a timing issue. The larger caliber six guns use a removable base pin and bushing, you fit the base pin bushing to compensate for end gap. If the cylinder has a built in base pin bushing then you have to grind or file material from the front or back to get the proper cylinder to frame gap( should be 1-3 thousandth between the front of the cylinder and the barrel so be careful and measure twice and cut once. Feel free to ask if there are questions. thnx charlie@overlandplating.com

[Heatseeker]

If the cylinder is the same model as the mag one is there should not be a timing issue. The larger caliber six guns use a removable base pin and bushing, you fit the base pin bushing to compensate for end gap. If the cylinder has a built in base pin bushing then you have to grind or file material from the front or back to get the proper cylinder to frame gap( should be 1-3 thousandth between the front of the cylinder and the barrel so be careful and measure twice and cut once. Feel free to ask if there are questions. thnx charlie@overlandplating.com

Thanks for the input. The replacement cylinder is of the same model and vintage as the revolver. Looking at the two side by side it appears that the chambers and ratchet gear have identical orientation. The base pin bushing is an integral part of the cylinder.

I'm going to start on the grinding jig tonight. If I have any questions, I'll have your email address handy.

Thanks again!

[saki302]

Use a caliper to measure the length of both cylinders- if that is equal too, you're really in luck! (or of it drops in with no end shake or F/R movement).

-Dave

[Heatseeker]

Done!

I made up a nice little fixture to mount the cylinder into the surface grinder last night. I ground the base pin bushing down .024" and the cylinder dropped right in. I ended up with between .0015 and .0025 clearance between the cylinder and the barrel depending on which chamber I measure at. There is still a difference of .0045" on the gear end, but the cylinder mounts up and spins freely, so I think it will be fine. I need to reassemble the action(I stripped it down to the frame to take it to work)and test cycle it to be sure, but it looks like I'm good to go!

After a function test, I'm going to have to get out to the range and send some LRs through it!

Thanks for the tips guys!

[maxicon]

Thanks for the feedback - keep us posted.

I've got a 9mm cylinder for my Blackhawk that is just a hair too long, and am looking at doing the same thing.

[Heatseeker]

After reassembling the gun and confirming function, I think I'm good to go.

Looking down the barrel, each chamber seems to align perfectly with the barrel. I even dropped the cylinder into my New Model(I only have the WMR cylinder for that one also) and it seems to fit and align perfectly in that gun also, although wit a bit more gap @ the chambers/barrel(.0025-.0035).

It now appears that I can run LRs through either at a lot less expense than the WMRs!

I'm planning a range trip tomorrow for a test fire session.

[461]

I've fitted a few and indexing has never been an issue. Most times the cylinders simply drop in with no effort required but on occasion you do need to trim one down a bit to make it fit, I had one that was too short and simply sold it off and bought another.

[ar15barrels]

I got this Colt new frontier in 22mag that I need to fit a 22lr cylinder to one of these days...