Please assist with a double action revolver question. Is the timing altered on the cylinder assembly or in the revolver itself? Can a cylinder assembly be swapped out of one revolver and put into another revolver of the same type? Are the tolerances somewhat similar that it should just be able to drop in? If it is not the cylinder assembly that is modified, but rather the gun itself that is altered, can a gunsmith do this and would it be a relatively easy procedure for a gunsmith? Additionally, if it is the gun itself that is to be altered, then I assume that the original cylinder assembly that came with that revolver will no longer work without the timing on the revolver being switched back to that cylinder assembly. If you have knowledge on this specifically pertaining to a Ruger double action revolver then please advise.

 

I would like to be able to use a 9mm cylinder assembly that came out of a 9mm Ruger SP101 in a Ruger SP101 calibered for .357 Magnum. Although, I would like to be able to easily switch between the two cylinder assemblies, I am not that concerned if I cannot easily switch back to the original .357/.38 caliber once the gun is setup for 9mm cylinder, as I would like to shoot the 9mm caliber through it. However, it would be nice to use both cylinder assemblies interchangeably.

 

Lastly, if it can be done, please recommend a local northern NJ gunsmith that might be able to help me with this, as I doubt Ruger could or would assist.

I asked a gunsmith who worked for S&W about this. The timing would be affected and the gun would need tuning.

But it could be done for not too much expense? Is there any way to set it up for both cylinder assemblies to be able to work?

But it could be done for not too much expense? Is there any way to set it up for both cylinder assemblies to be able to work?

 

I would assume so as there have been factory revolvers in the past and currently that are set-up this way. Timing is affected by both the cylinder and the fire-control components in the gun. Theoretically the bolt notches in the cylinder are always 60 degrees apart for any six-chamber cylinder or 72 degrees for any five-chamber cylinder, but with production tolerances and the number of moving components that affect timing and cylinder lock-up, it will take a skilled gunsmith. I doubt that you will find someone locally to take on this task. Someone like Hamilton Bowen could do it, but it won't be fast and it won't be cheap.

 

If switching back & forth isn't an issue, you would be further ahead to just buy two guns of the same model (SP101's) in the two calibers you desire.

 

Remember, anything can be done providing you have enough time & money - the question is: Is it cost effective?

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I would think it would be easier, cheaper, and a better fit to send the gun to Ruger and have one fitted than have a smith try to make the cylinder you have work.

 

 

I would assume so as there have been factory revolvers in the past and currently that are set-up this way. Timing is affected by both the cylinder and the fire-control components in the gun. Theoretically the bolt notches in the cylinder are always 60 degrees apart for any six-chamber cylinder or 72 degrees for any five-chamber cylinder, but with production tolerances and the number of moving components that affect timing and cylinder lock-up, it will take a skilled gunsmith. I doubt that you will find someone locally to take on this task. Someone like Hamilton Bowen could do it, but it won't be fast and it won't be cheap.

 

If switching back & forth isn't an issue, you would be further ahead to just buy two guns of the same model (SP101's) in the two calibers you desire.

 

Remember, anything can be done providing you have enough time & money - the question is: Is it cost effective?

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

Bob, I agree witheverything you've said. Now let's throw something out there. Ruger has probably one of the most up to date production facilities and relys the least of any of the manufacturers on hand fitting.

 

There is a good chance that things may line up. If the cylinder is the same length. Now knowing if it lines up requires a range rod. And any revolver smith will have one. Now there is the headspacing issue and if clips are going to be used or not.

 

Before I did anything I'd like to have all the parts on the bench.

 

Joe- Do you have the cylinder already?

I'd take what Bob said and take that as the final word, now apply for more P2P's..

I'd take what Bob said and take that as the final word, now apply for more P2P's..

 

Harry- Bob is right as I said but there's more to the story. Unless all the parts are layed out and measured there is not a definative answer.

Bob, I agree witheverything you've said. Now let's throw something out there. Ruger has probably one of the most up to date production facilities and relys the least of any of the manufacturers on hand fitting.

 

There is a good chance that things may line up. If the cylinder is the same length. Now knowing if it lines up requires a range rod. And any revolver smith will have one. Now there is the headspacing issue and if clips are going to be used or not.

 

Before I did anything I'd like to have all the parts on the bench.

 

Joe- Do you have the cylinder already?

 

The cylinder is not in hand, yet.

I have decided to take your advice and move in another direction. Thanks, everyone.