Any S&W aficionados have a clue how difficult (read expensive) it would be to convert a Model 48 (.22 WMR) to centerfire?

Nothing is impossible given enough cash, but I think it would cost more than just buying the centerfire you want. Smith is making a lot of nice light wieght centerfires now.

What I want is a K-32, seems I can't have one. Other than the firing pin issue, I don't think it would be prohibitive to have the .22 rechambered and rebarreled.

I like S&W revolvers and I like 22 magnums, I hate this revolver. Probably be best to trade it for a K-38.

Lucky for me, thinking about stuff is free. :)

Any S&W aficionados have a clue how difficult (read expensive) it would be to convert a Model 48 (.22 WMR) to centerfire?
Not having a clue as to the dimensions of a Model 48 in the cylinder area, would assume that the bare minimum you would need is a new cylinder assembly and barrel for the caliber that you desire. Would also help if you were a professional gunsmith with a well equipped shop.

Think Bob is right, why not try to trade in your 48 for something that your really want rather than tackle this project? K-32s are not that easy to find as they were never as popular as the K-38s and few K-38s come up for sale. Could start with a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece and rebarrel with the K-38 barrel as a possible alternative.

Hmmm, I was assuming all the K frame guns had the same diameter cylinder. Would need to make the holes about .100 bigger.

Switching from rim to centerfire can be done...several short-hornet wildcats were built on those guns (which has the advantage of using the existing barrel). The only one I looked at removed the old firing pin/bushing assembly, filled the hole, and machined a new pin and busshing in the right place. Not sure if he used the exact same hammer or had some modifications made to it or not..wasn't my gun and wasn't taking it apart to get a detailed look at how he did the work.

Getting one made in .32SWL would be a bit more work. Is enough room in the cylinder for a rechamber, but a new barrel (with that S&W crane lock) is
a bit tougher. Can have one made. Not going to rebore the existing barrel as the forcing cone seems to be rebated to a too small diameter. HAve seen the S&W barrel latch cut off and joined to new barrel by welding and by dovetailing (some folks have a mill but no talent at welding).

None of these was done by a commercial gunsmith, were home shop conversions...and the guy who dovetailed the barrel latch in lace used a .308" barrel...a 1/2 round chamber reamer he made...and it was chambered in what would be a tapered 30-32SWL case.

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One of my favorite small game guns was built on an old J-frame (well..this was an older I-Frame) 4 1/4" barreled .32SWL, Added the J-frame adjustable sights (which are different than the old K-frame as they do not need a blind T-slot to be machined into the top strap) and a new front sight. Set of target j-frame grips and a bit of load development made it into a mighty nice lite-gun. Were I to do it again today, would use a dovetailed front sight to allow some windage from that end and a choice of front sights.

there is room for 6 .32cal holes in a J-frame...there is room for 6 in a K-frame Mod.48.

Was going to do the same to an old Mod. 33 (.38SW) but found the 4" barrel shot right to the point of aim as issued...not wanting to fix what ain't broke, left it that way. Might have been a better small game gun (never sell the old .38SW cartridge short on accuracy), but I still liked the .32SWL for that work.

Hmmm, I was assuming all the K frame guns had the same diameter cylinder. Would need to make the holes about .100 bigger.
You're probably right. Don't know what a gunsmith would charge to bore out the chambers and you may need machine work done to the star extractor along with moving the firing pin to a center fire location. Make your decisions on whether to go with new parts or have the old parts machined after getting an estimate. BTW, GunsAmerica has a S&W K-38 listed. Looks right nice in the photo. Might want to check that out. Good luck on your project.

Lucky for me, thinking about stuff is free. :)

If I followed up on every hare brained scheme I came up with I couldn't afford a place to live. :D

If I followed up on every hare brained scheme I came up with I couldn't afford a place to live. :D
KenK, I know what you mean. I always have three or four "projects" I would like to see completed, but like you, food and a place to hang my hat seem more important. If I was a machinist.........but I am not!

What I want is a K-32, seems I can't have one. Other than the firing pin issue, I don't think it would be prohibitive to have the .22 rechambered and rebarreled.

I like S&W revolvers and I like 22 magnums, I hate this revolver. Probably be best to trade it for a K-38.

Lucky for me, thinking about stuff is free. :)

Ken

What about one of Ruger's little 32 mags. I don't know if your wedded to the Smith, but the little Ruger double action is a nice looking gun. It takes a bit of work to get the action up to Smith standards, but is doable.

I have not handled one but I like the looks of it. I believe Ruger has dropped the .32 completely from their line. Probably no better time to buy one than now, before they become "collectors items".