Posted: 6/15/2008 4:13:11 PM EDT
I had asked this question on the suppressor forum and silencertalk.com a few months ago, but didn't really get anywhere. Maybe you guys will have some more creative responses.  I have a S&W 22a with the 5.5" standard (not bull) barrel. I'll be moving to IN soon, and I'll probably start the paperwork on a can before I'm unpacked. The problem is that I'm finding very few people with success actually threading one of these. I'd like to keep the current 5.5" barrel length so I can keep the existing optics rail without it looking goofy, but I guess it's not required. Here are the ideas that currently appear viable: 1. One guy on silencertalk had drilled out his barrel and installed a liner, which he left protruding and had that protruding end threaded. This option doesn't really appeal to me, because that would leave me with a different chamber and the possibility of reliability issues. It also seems like it would be just about the most expensive way to go. 2. Is it possible for a skilled 'smith to weld an extension to the muzzle, and thread the extension? I'm looking at aluminum cans that only weigh 3-4 ounces, so stress on the welds shouldn't be a concern, and it looks like there's enough "meat" around the bore to make this feasible. 3. Having the existing barrel turned on a lathe. This has it's own logistical issues, due to the optics rail which is the same length as the barrel. I could do this by cutting the barrel back to 4" plus threads, and finding a 4" rail... or finding a 7" barrel, cutting it back to 5.5" plus threads, and using the existing 5.5" rail. Any input would be greatly appreciated... thanks! 
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I don't own a 22A, so I'm not certain if this idea is feasible or not, but perhaps something along these lines could be fabricated and fitted to your barrel. |
Unfortunately, that's not feasible here. The older S&W auto's had a threaded barrel setup similar to the Walther P22, and only needed an adapter like this to be good to go. The 22A barrel has no threads anywhere. 
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You mean like a small pipe nipple kinda thing, and not sleeving the whole barrel, right? I hadn't thought of that, but it seems simple and (relatively) cheap enough. Do you have any recommendations for a 'smith that can do this? |