Colt Police special positive in 32-20 question?

[A pause for the COZ]

Ok seems I cant pass up a old 32 cal gun when ever I run into them. This is my 1st Colt. This one is a 1928 model.
It came with 3 cylinders, 2 in 32-20 and what looks like a brand new one in 32S&W L
Noticed the ejector is different on the 32L cylinder. It appears to be one for the model gun. Same size as the 32-20 ones.
What all has to be done to be able to swap out the 32-20 cylinder for the 32L cylinder and back?

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8930_zps6b6ff7e4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8929_zps4cffffe4.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d66/Kelly2215/100_8932_zps5f28c651.jpg

[Artful]

Cool find - Your going to need an ejector star assembly and have the cylinder timed to the frame with changing any part of the frame - I am assuming you can use the same crane assembly but you will need to verify that the headspace will be correct with the crane you have now.

[A pause for the COZ]

I think I would prefer to have the whole assembly to swap out. I think the previous owner purchased the spare 32-20 cylinder to replace the original. The original has some pitting. Also picked up the 32L cylinder to do what I am thinking.
Then lost interest.
Thats happened to me before. Actually I have more than a couple tractors in the shop in parts. So I know how that goes.[smilie=s:

[beezapilot]

Dang- Did Colt do that as a set like the .22 / .22Mag Rugers? Or are those just wicked cool extra parts?

[leftiye]

The extractor (star) unscrews from the back of the ejector rod. The cylinder comes off of the crane. Then you need a special 2 prong tool to unscrew the ring inside the crane to remove the ejector rod to completely tear down the crane. $9.95 from Brownell's. Headspace, cylinder gap, and cylinder lock detents should be in the right place or close as manufactured. Several of the ones that I've worked on accepted replacement cylinders. Complete assemblies with crane is probly not only a good idea, but probly necessary for switch out systems, as end shake and Headspace are related. If you decide to sell one of the 32-20 cylinders, or the 32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W long) please contact me. Extractor end tips are like hen's teeth.

[danski26]

Nice revolver! I love those old Colts!

[smkummer]

I believe 32 S&W long (32 Colt New Police) was more common of a chambering in the pre-war shorter frame police positive. But my references show that it might have been offered in the longer cylinder police positive special that most commonly chambered 38 special and 32-20. Post war, the 32 S&W long was offered in the police positive special and detective special as the shorter police positive was dropped. Post war d frame guns had changes made to the crane, cylinder bushing and I believe cylinders. So make sure the 32 S&W long cylinder is the same as the 32-20 cylinder before you try to swap cylinders.

[A pause for the COZ]

I believe 32 S&W long (32 Colt New Police) was more common of a chambering in the pre-war shorter frame police positive. But my references show that it might have been offered in the longer cylinder police positive special that most commonly chambered 38 special and 32-20. Post war, the 32 S&W long was offered in the police positive special and detective special as the shorter police positive was dropped. Post war d frame guns had changes made to the crane, cylinder bushing and I believe cylinders. So make sure the 32 S&W long cylinder is the same as the 32-20 cylinder before you try to swap cylinders.

Boy it sure looks the same.

I did find a NOS Crane for this 32L cylinder.
I have no idea if I will be able to find the rest of the stuff though.