Changed the cylinder on a S&W 642

Is the timing correct?

Dumbdumb said:

Is the timing correct?

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Yes it is.

My summer gun. I have the no lock model also.

Nice pistola! Wish mine didn't have the Hillary Hole, as well!

A few years ago, I did the same thing, except I sent the other cylinder off to be cut for 9mm moonclips; TK Customs did the work.

For a while, I carried a 9mm as a primary with the 642 as a back-up, both with the same ammo. I didn't have any problem with fitting the new cylinder. Apparently, Smith and Wesson's modern machining is close enough to be interchangeable.

642 looks great. I have also swapped to a non fluted cylinder on one of my 686’s. Luckily everything worked out and had a super tight lock up

Dumbdumb said:

Is the timing correct?

Click to expand...

The hand on an S&W actually goes past the ratchet star, so final lock-up is done by the width of the hand, not the length. The result is cylinder timing is not as big an issue as on other revolvers.

Fishjager said:

I carry this 642 in my front pocket, and recently I noticed some ugly holster ware on my cylinder. Well I can send it in and have it cerekoted, or this:
I put a model 60 cylinder in it. Stainless steel and it locks up actually better than the factory cylinder. Bought it used for $49.00. Now it also looks pretty cool.

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Good to know. Filing this info in my 642 folder!