Changing out revolver barrel

[drc2777]

So I have a Smith and Wesson 686 with a 7 inch barrel, and I was wanting to see if there was any gunsmiths in the panhandle that would be able to change it out (spare barrel provided)?

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

My .02. Sell that one and get the one you want. Been down this road. Ymmv.

 

[skyydiver]

Good revolver gunsmiths can definitely do this. However, I’m not aware of any specialists in the area. Good luck, and please update us if you find one local!


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[rossi]

Howard Mahute at RumblWepnz in Milton.

 

[boatbum101]

Send it back to S&W .

 

[J pace]

what caliber and what barrel length do you want.

 

[ABlaster]

I’m with Rebel Rider. Unless there is a compelling reason to switch the barrels out I would sell it and buy the configuration I wanted.

I have seen barrel swaps work out and I have seen them not work out as well.

 

[5lima30ret]

Of course you could always sell the S&W and get a Dan Wesson then you can swap out barrels yourself in less than 5 minutes. An added bonus is the Dan Wesson has better trigger with faster lock time than most Colt or S & W!

 

[drc2777]

what caliber and what barrel length do you want.

Intend on keeping it at the same caliber (357 magnum), but was wanting to swap it with a 4 or 5 inch barrel

 

[J pace]

Unless that particular pistol has Sentimental value either sell it or trade it and get the Barrel you won't on an original gun.

 

[sloporsche]

Of course you could always sell the S&W and get a Dan Wesson then you can swap out barrels yourself in less than 5 minutes. An added bonus is the Dan Wesson has better trigger with faster lock time than most Colt or S & W!

Does dan wesson [cz] still sell revolvers ?

 

[5lima30ret]

Does dan wesson [cz] still sell revolvers ?

Not sure but if CZ is involved in the production but if they are they should be good to go. Their 1911's are also top quality!

 

[boatbum101]

If S&W does the work , it will be done to OEM standards with approved tools / technique . Plus factory warranty . Now for me it'd depend on what dash 686 it was & rather it was 6 or 7 shot . If it's a dash 4 or earlier ( especially an early pinned barrel ) & you shoot lead bullets Leave It The Hell Alone . The newer EDM rifled barrels don't shoot lead as well as the older broach cut barrels . They do OK with jacketed . The 7 shot cylinders are stronger than the 6 believe it or not . Like most here IMHO you'd come out better either selling or trading for exactly what you want .

 

[Bodhi]

These days it might depend with the cost of any work vs cost of new/used revolvers.

Check out Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana for great work and quick turn around. I’ve used them for work and their work is second to none.

 

[RiflebuilderSOT]

COLT HOWARD
Gunsmith at Talon. 301 commerce blvd suite f midway fla 32343

 

[RiflebuilderSOT]

COLT HOWARD
Gunsmith at Talon. 301 commerce blvd suite f midway fla 32343

9287107353

 

[ammodave]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just shorten the existing barrel?

 

[RiflebuilderSOT]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just shorten the existing barrel?

If you can find a used barrel on ebay or some reliable parts source, its much better to swap the barrel because of the S&W roll stamps and keeping some essence of originality.
The S&W L frame barrel is a crush fit relationship between the frame and tennon shoulder. Sometimes you luck out and only have to turn a few thousandths off the barrel shoulder to alow the barrel to sufficiently crush and align the barrel. But sometimes you have to do a full setback of 1 full rotation. This takes skill and precises machining. Then you have to set the forcing cone gap and front crane locking mechanism that engages the ejector rod. The tennin threads are very fine and it takes skill to chase them on a lathe.

But i would 100% prefer this if it were my L frame over cutting a barrel and and having a visually incorrect Smith. "Butchered".

Let me know if I can help.
Regards,
COLT. GUNSMITH AT TALON.

 

[RiflebuilderSOT]

Also. Keep in mind those barrels are pretty tight. If you dont have the proper tools (IE) action wench. You can bend the frame and then you have a whole other set of headaches. Let a professional that understands the full mechanical relationship in regards to forcing cone angles, gaps, timing and safety.

 

[RiflebuilderSOT]

Changing a barrel out is not difficult if your setup to do it. But backyard gunsmithing is probably going to bite most doing this themselves.