Speaking as someone who has never blown a gun up, my first reaction is to say don't try it. But on the other hand we are talking about low pressures ( compared to .44 mag) Chamber a round and with a bright light look to see how much brass shows. Then place a straight edge (ruler) on the receiver (standing breech) and see how much of an angle the barrel droops. Odds are something needs to be relieved to get the barrel to fully lock up. Personally I would guess that making it work in the .44 wouldn't affect it's fit on the other frame. Keep in mind this is only a guess and I have never had to make one fit.
If you believe it is safe to shoot, but want to verify, tape a Kleenex over the gap, and fire the gun with a string from a distance. The Kleenex will be intact if nothing is wrong. If the Kleenex is even lightly charred, do not put your face or hands near this gap when shooting. In other words, don't shoot it.
I am sure someone has done this before, and I have seen something in the sticky posts about barrel fitting. So check there while you wait for more knowledge to arrive.
