K38 with 357 magnum cylinder

I

Ignacio49

New member
Somebody I know is selling his S&W model 14 (not sure if it is a 14 or a Masterpiece) with an extra 357 cylinder that he bought directly from S&W.
What would you say about occasionally shooting 357’s in this model 14 with its “custom made” 357 cylinder?
Will it be accurate?
Would you expect problems with other parts - frame, barrel... other?

Thanks
 
Knew a smith back in the 80's ...

and he indicated that there were different "heat treat" specs for the .38 frame and the .357Mag frame.

If he has the documents from S&W indicating its origins, then he got "something" there.

Let's know more!
 
A M19 .357 cylinder is longer than a M14 .38 cylinder, you could not use both interchangeably.
A M14 length cylinder chambered for .357 AND HEAT TREATED for it would be ok for occasional use with loads not too long for the cylinder. It would not be easy on the frame.

As said, if he can document it, there would be novelty interest and value.

If he cannot document it, how do you know the extra cylinder is anything but a .38 rechambered for magnum loads it is not strong enough for?
 
I think the key would be in the word "occasionally". As JrothWA says, the K-Frame .357's have different heat treating of the frame and cylinder. Firing a few .357's out of a K-38 would probably do no harm, but any extended firing could be problematical, especially in regard to the forcing cone. Accuracy would not be a problem.

In addition, I would be concerned that the cylinder is not a .357 cylinder but a .38 cylinder with shoulders reamed. I might be wrong, but I don't think S&W will sell just a cylinder because a cylinder has to be fitted, nor would they install a .357 cylinder on a K-38 frame.

Jim
 
Assuming the .357 cylindar fits well, and the revolver is overall in very good condition with good lockup and timing, I'd still be hesitant to shoot any 357s. trying to make a gun something it isn't made to be is a bad idea 99 times out of 100. If you want a 38, buy a 38. If you want a 357, buy a 357.
 
Probably smart.
I know just enough to be dangerous and would be giving him the opportunity to prove what he claimed. Like a letter or purchase order from Smith.

Most likely he could not back his claim and I would have a good laugh and he would be disappointed.
 
JamesK- You know this for a fact? Over on the S&W Forum nobody can document that the frames were tempered any differently. People think they were. They assume they were. Nobody KNOWS they were.
 
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