S&W gunsmith

[songdog33]

Howdy all. I have a S&W model 53 that I would like to have a .22WMR cylinder made for. Can anybody recommend a reputable gunsmith that can do this for me? Thanks for the help. Tom

[nicholst55]

Hamilton Bowen (http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/) can certainly handle the job.

[bobthenailer]

Years ago i sent my S&W 53 back to them to install a extra 22lr cyl as well as a S&W 48 for a extra 22 lr cyl
I dont see why S&W could not do it as its the same cyl as the model 17 .
The problem might be is the 53 jet is either 222 or 223 dia and the 22 mag is a 224 dia bullet . cant you reload 22 jets for less or the same cost as factory 22 mag ammo ?
when i got my cyls done in the late 1970s the cost was approx $50.00 per cyl . figure inflation and im sure it would be over $150.00 + today . IMO save youre money and reload the jet for equal velocity of the 22 mag or to full velocity thats at least another 4 to 5 hundred fps higher than the 22 mag will do in a pistol. Lil gun should work well in the jet as it does in a 22 hornet handgun.

[square butte]

Dimensions on the model 53 cylinder are substantially different than the model 17 and 18, so neither of those two will work. I'm not sure Smith and wesson is still retrofiting cylinders. Last time I tried in 97 or 98, they said they were no longer doing them. Rather have you buy another gun, I suppose.

[ohiochuck]

I checked a year ago with the S&W factory about adding a .22 LR cylinder to my Model 48 & 651. They no longer do this. I located a SS cylinder in .22LR and sent both my 651 & the SS .22 lR cylinder to Hamilton Bowen. Excellent job.