In article , DoN. Nichols
wrote:

[snip]

Next is the strength of the frame, and I don't really trust a
to-break frame with more powerful cartridges -- though I could be wrong
about the .22 Magnum.

While I agree 100% WRT the H&R revolvers, the British Webley range of
top break revolvers are very strong designs, originally chambered for
rounds in the Colt 45 ACP range of power (.455 Webley & Scott).

I too think the wall thickness in a 9 shot cylinder too marginal for a
22 Mag round. Making a new cylinder is possible but I think altering
the revolver timing to use a cylinder with (say) 7 chambers is gonna be
difficult; the cylinder is gonna have to rotate further, needing at
minimum a new hand. I pick 7 chambers because it increases wall
thickness while keeping the cylinder stop cutout between chambers
rather than right over the thinnest point.

I once manufactured a complete 22LR revolver for my son and made the 8
shot cylinder plus all d/a lockwork for it. Fun project.

PDW