So I'm looking on Numrichs for a 4" barrel to have swapped out on my .22 LR 17-6 6". They have three different 4" barrels listed. Anyone know the differences? #301680 4 blue $110.10, #302140 4 1/8 $107.15, and #345590 4.125 partridge sight full lug(which is what my gun currently has in 6" trim) $138.30 (sold out). I'd just as soon NOT have the full lug 4" barrel anyways, unless one of the other won't fit. Additionally, what is a fair price for a qualified gunsmith to remove and refit a new barrel on said gun.

The biggest "issue" you'll likely run into with this is that the Model 17 was not regularlly made with a 4 inch barrel and what they are selling you is a barrel from a Model 18. The major difference between the two was in the size of the "Rib" on top of the Barrel. Simply putting a m-18 barrel on a M-17 will look funny since the "Rib" on the Frame and the "Rib" on the barrel will - LIKELY - not match.

The second "issue" will be in the color of the bluing between the two. It may be close and then is may be way off which requires a refinish. I'd suggest selling the 17 and purchasing an 18. Cost of these two guns is pretty close to the same if you compare "Apples to Apples". Same overall condition, same vintage, same hammer & trigger configuration, same accessories etc.

I believe you are right, I checked and they listed the same barrel parts numbers for the model 18 too.

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Originally posted by robotoid:
So I'm looking on Numrichs for a 4" barrel to have swapped out on my .22 LR 17-6 6". They have three different 4" barrels listed. Anyone know the differences? #301680 4 blue $110.10, #302140 4 1/8 $107.15, and #345590 4.125 partridge sight full lug(which is what my gun currently has in 6" trim) $138.30 (sold out). I'd just as soon NOT have the full lug 4" barrel anyways, unless one of the other won't fit. Additionally, what is a fair price for a qualified gunsmith to remove and refit a new barrel on said gun.

Have you checked parts at S&W? If I recall, the last time I checked, they were listing barrels for 17s but not 18s. I suspect that is the case because the last time they made the four inch 22 Combat Masterpiece, they called it a 4 inch Model 17 instead of a Model 18. The factory can tell you which, if any, of those barrels will perfectly match the top rib on your 17. I suspect that the gunsmiths at Brownells can tell you the same thing. You could of course take a micrometer to the top rib of your gun and have the parts vendor do the same to the top rib on the barrels. Just an idea.