Eric R Snow wrote:

I have two .22 pistols. Both are H&R brand. One is the Trapper model
and has a 7 round cylinder. When the cylinder is pushed toward the
trigger there is almost .030 between the end of the cylinder and the
barrel. This gun is LOUD. even shooting CB shorts. I want, and can see
how, to remove the barrel. Then the barrel can be machined so that it
goes farther into the frame. If I do this, how much clearance should
there be? The other pistol is a top break with a 9 round cylinder. I
am entertaining the idea of buying or making a new cylinder that can
chamber .22 magnums. Is there a way for a layman to determine if the
pistol can safely shoot .22 magnums?
Thanks,
ERS

A well used revolver will develop cylinder gaps that are of the order
you mention. The usual recourse is to remove the barrel, and if screwed
in, add threads, so that you can close the cylinder gap to .005 -. 010.
( the correct gap size can be determined by a call to the manufacturer
or measuring a similar brand new revolver)
Sometimes in order to allign the sights correctly at full barrel torque
down, the gap will be negative and you will need to cut the portion of
the barrel protruding into the cylinder space. Then you also will need
to recut the forcing cone. You should check the back strap of the
revolver for stretch, cracks and erosion (flame cut) around the gap area.

On the question of the 9 shot top-break ( probably a model 925,926,935
or 999), do not ream the 9 shot cylinder to accept .22Wmag. There is not
enough meat for the pressures and you don't know if there are internal
cracks or stresses in the original cylinder. You can make a new cylinder
out of 4140 and retime it for 6 shots,then harden it to a minimum R35 (
or start with pre-hardened stock). You will also have to manufacture a
new extractor. The question is the barrel. It is sized for .22LR and a
..22WMag ideally requires a barrel up to .001 larger. Not really a big
deal with a revolver, because there is a place for pressures to go (the
gap). The frame of these guns is strong enough for .38 special and you
could just buy a barrel and cylinder/extractor in .38 special from Numrich.

cheers
T.Alan