Fitting a revolver cylinder

[fatelvis]

I just aquired a New Model Ruger Single Six revolver with a 22 mag cylinder installed. Can I just buy a used 22 LR cylinder for the model and expect it to work correctly, or does it need to be fit by Ruger, or a gunsmith? Thanks guys!

 

[jds holler]

I'm thinking that if I found a used one that I'd be smart enough to check fit and function of it -- but I don't know about you.

I know what Ruger and most gunsmiths would tell ya. jd

 

[Rwfish]

You could have timing issues especially if there are allot of years between manufacturing dates. This is a small issue even with matched cylinders. In some cases the LR cylinder can get allot of use wearing the cylinder and the hand together. Then when the magnum is finally used the cylinder will not have same wear and timing slightly off.. Most would never really notice though unless there was an extreme amount of wear.. So, yes you’d be better off to have a smith fit it….l

 

[Bill K]

If it a cylinder for that make and model of Ruger it should work just fine. Ruger does sell ( Others do also) models with both cylinders so you can switch back and forth from 22lr to 22wm by just changing the cylinder.
I have just that type of set up in one of my revolvers in 22lr/22mag.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I have been messing around with revolvers for ever.
Every body will say the usual, pointing out the mysteries and dangers.

The truth is, if you install the cylinder, it turns free, and the cylinder locking pawl engages at full cock, it will be fine.

If the cylinder does not lock under full cock, you have a timing problem.

 

[Fuj]

As Jackie mentioned about lockup.....Then check rotational play.
You do not want excessive play in this area. Too much, and you
risk shaving a bullet if the barrels forcing cone is tight. Next check
for end shake. You do not want excess here where the cylinder slides
back and forth too much on the rod. Too much will have the cylinder
rub on the barrel. This can cause misfires. With the cylinder pushed
forward at lock up, I try too maintain a .006" cylinder gap......

Note......On a Ruger Bear cat I had worked on, A new cylinder was
skipping lockup. It was a combination of being loose fitting, and
lockup ramps not cut deep enough. More then a stacked tolerance
problem.

 

[rockhound78]

Picked up a mag single six. Found a 22lr cylinder and tried it. Fit fine and shoots well. Lucked out there. You might get lucky and you might not.