[Abby'sDad]

Is the K frame Model 17 series the largest frame S&W used for a 22lr? In this day and age of really expensive ammo, shooting a similar size and weight gin in .22 might be nice for those shooting N frames

 

[Hair Trigger]

Yes, K frame is the largest frame used for .22LR (or .22 magnum). Not even an L frame. If you want a heavier .22 to shoot, find a Model 41 with the long barrel. Mine weighs the same as my 6" Model 28 (a shade over 2-1/2 pounds).

 

[tomjimmy00]

Smith & Wesson made the Model 53 in .22 Jet which could use inserts for .22lr. I can't remember what frame it was but it was before L frame so it was either K or N. 22 Jet is pretty powerful for a K frame but I think it was K, not N.

 

[StrawHat]

I

Smith & Wesson made a .22 Jet N frame that had inserts for .22lr. I can't remember the model number but they are rare and expensive, the inserts alone are several hundred dollars. But it was .22lr out of an N frame with the inserts.

The Model 53, 22 Remington Jet and 22 Long Rifle was built on the K frame.

There is exactly ONE (1), 22 Long Rifle built on the N frame from the S&W factory, a Registered Magnum. It was shipped to California and has not surfaced in a very long time.

A gunsmith should be able to make you one on a larger than K frame if he is even halfway good.

Kevin

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

If you read int SWCA vol 1 or 2 I believe at least one registered magnum N frame was experimentally chambered in 22lr.........Never left the factory.

 

[Abby'sDad]

If you read int SWCA vol 1 or 2 I believe at least one registered magnum N frame was experimentally chambered in 22lr.........Never left the factory.

Now THAT would be a great find!

Could a barrel be put on an N frame?

 

[StrawHat]

Now THAT would be a great find!

Could a barrel be put on an N frame?

There are no factory barrels available for the N frame in 22 Long Rifle, or any 22 caliber, so if you want a factory barrel, no.

If you merely want a 22 Long Rifle N frame, sleeving the barrel and cylinder to the appropriate size is a no brainer. And it can be done by the kitchen table gunsmith. The hardest part is converting the hammer to rim fire. All S&W rimfire have frame mounted firing pins. So you either need to start with a modern N frame or consider adapting the nose mounted firing pin to rimfire. Either is not that hard for a gunsmith. Or, someone with more time than money and some basic skills.

Kevin

 

[msharley]

There is one member here, that has a "N" frame .22LR.

This old Official Police is slightly larger than a "K"...(in 22LR)

 

[jonesy814]

The closest you can probably get to an N frame for weight is the 10 shot GP100 at 42 ounces
Ruger® GP100® Standard Double-Action Revolver Model 1757

 

[Mac23]

How about a 617? 6" version is 44 oz.

 

[Abby'sDad]

How about a 617? 6" version is 44 oz.

I will have to give that a look see, thanks

 

[Hair Trigger]

I'll bet an N frame cylinder is big enough that it could be bored for a dozen chambers in .22LR. Make it a 12-shooter.

 

[saemetric]

Colt had the Mk III in 22 and now the new King Cobra is going to be in 22. Both are med/large frame.

 

[delcrossv]

If you read int SWCA vol 1 or 2 I believe at least one registered magnum N frame was experimentally chambered in 22lr.........Never left the factory.

That went to someone in California and disappeared. Another white whale.
On the blue forum someone found a 455 Triplelock that had a gorgeous .22 LR conversion done to it. So there's at least a few out there.

 

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I once handled/played with a Colt .45 LC single action that had been sleeved to .22 LR. It was as heavy as a boat anchor. I wouldn't have brought it home if they had given it to me.

 

[delcrossv]

I once handled/played with a Colt .45 LC single action that had been sleeved to .22 LR. It was as heavy as a boat anchor. I wouldn't have brought it home if they had given it to me.

Nah, that would have been a tack driver. Weight is your friend shooting freehand.

 

[needsmostuff]

Dan Wesson made a big one.
Based on the 357 frame which was about an L frame size. Being DW of course any barrel length could be had.

 

[Gork]

Came across this smith when looking for info on another 22lr. There was no info on it, just the photos. Appears to be a model 1917. Not factory but still pretty cool.

 

[delcrossv]

Supposedly a Registered Magnum was made in 22LR. Sort of a collector's "White Whale" as it's location was lost in the 60's.

 

[StrawHat]

Nah, that would have been a tack driver. Weight is your friend shooting freehand.

To a point. And that long hammer throw and heavy smack is not real conducive to Target work. Not many competitive records set with a SAA!

Kevin