H&R Model 649 22 Pistol

Question
Charles, I read your 2008 response to Steve about this pistol.  I have one, given as a gift back in 1980.  Its never been fired, still in original box.  I am naive about guns, so please forgive me if I come across as ignorant.  My question is this:  Which cylinder do I use to fire 22 SHORTS?  The WMRF cylinder or the 22 LR.  To me it seems obvious to use the WMRF since the other says 22 LR.  Am I correct?  Thank you for your time, Bill

Answer
Hello Bill Tench.
  WMRF stands for Winchester MAGNUM Rim Fire. It is to be used only with the .22 Magnum Rimfire cartridge, which has a bit larger case diameter than the .22 Long Rifle rimfire. Some firearms that call for .22 LR can only operate with the Long Rifle cartridge, such as some semi-automatic pistols and rifles. Some revolvers and bolt-action rifles, although marked .22 LR, can fire .22 Short cartridges. Your revolver can fire the .22 Short, but only in the .22 LR cylinder. Shooting very many .22 shorts through it can lead to a build up of lead fouling in the cylinder. This can cause difficult loading and ejecting of the .22 LR cartridges. You should make sure you keep the cylinder clean. Also, you must make sure the bullet has cleared the barrel each time you have fired, so as not to have a possible rupture of the barrel. DO NOT LOOK DOWN THE BORE TO CHECK IT!!! Use a small rod, such as the cleaning rod, to check for bore clearance.
  I hope this has answered your question and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage