Reader Forum

Converting Revolver Cylinders I enjoyed RK Campbell’s "Converting Revolver Cylinders" (February 2020) very much as I have worked with several conversions with customers over the years. The article included several tips that I sure could have used!

It did bother me somewhat when I read, "Still, if someone has a .22 LR revolver they like, I suppose it is okay to fit a .22 Magnum cylinder." I understand that the .22 Magnum has a larger diameter bullet and requires a larger diameter barrel and that factory revolvers using both cylinders have the larger diameter barrel for the .22 Magnum cartridges. I have no proof of this, however, as I have not gone to the trouble to measure the barrel diameters.

When the .22 Magnum first came out I read that Winchester warned about not rechambering .22 LR guns to the new .22 Magnum but they didn’t say why. My shade tree gunsmith friends were sure it was because Winchester didn’t want to lose any potential market for any new guns. To investigate their reasoning, I chambered a .22 LR single-shot rifle to 22 Magnum. It was a big mistake. The cartridge case ruptured, expelling gas and unburned powder out the extractor slot.

A two-inch free bore did cure the problem to save the rifle. I think I still have that ruptured cartridge case in my "goof up" box to remind me of my stupidity. I am not sure if the same problem would occur in revolvers with their gaps before the bullets reach the rifling, but maybe you know. Keep up your inputs to our magazine. I enjoy them very much. Fletcher M. Pool Ordway, CO RK Campbell responds. Point well taken!

Regarding .22 caliber handguns the article discussed primarily single action revolvers such as the Heritage .22 and Ruger Single Six .22. The Ruger is supplied with a Magnum cylinder and the Heritage is the same handgun with either the spare cylinder or not. I was mentioning the trouble in fitting a cylinder to a handgun that did not have a spare cylinder primarily as a result of a loss. I would not attempt re-chambering a rifle at all.

Lantac Bolt Carriers Concerning your articles covering AR-15 bolt carrier tilt and your fixes, have you seen the Lantac enhanced bolt carriers? Do they align the bolt carrier like your modification does? Trey Badd From author Joe Carlos. I have tested the Lantac carrier and found it to be no better than conventional carriers. There is not enough build up on the bottom rear of the Lantac to raise it up enough to be level in the upper receiver.

Unfortunately, it still tilts the back of the carrier down which throws the bolt face at an angle to the bore of the barrel. AG