Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-24-2017, 05:40 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default Altering a LERK Barrel

I am the proud possessor of a K-22 barrel that I purchased as it currently appears off of e-Bay or GB some time back with the plan of having it rebored to 32 S&W Long to form a long awaited mate for my original late '40s vintage K-22 and K-38. The complication is that this is a VERY early post-War barrel in near-perfect condition and having the notch for a LERK. How much of a Philistine would I be to have it rebored, have the caliber markings polished off and have it rebored to make my K-32? Does anybody have a good narrow rib K-22 barrel for standard e-rod that they would like to swap with me? I'm not in a big hurry to do this (I don't even have the donor gun to build it on) but I did hear from fellow forum member SuperMan of a gunsmith who might be the perfect one to get the job done.

What think you all?

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 04-24-2017, 08:51 PM
CptCurl's Avatar
CptCurl CptCurl is offline
SWCA Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Fincastle, VA
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 2,879
Liked 6,282 Times in 910 Posts
Default

Wouldn't you be better off buying a nice Model 16 or pre-16? Your money would be well-invested and would grow over time. With your project gun I'm not sure the investment is sound.

I know where a couple of K32s are available if you act now.

Curl
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-24-2017, 09:48 PM
THEMULE THEMULE is offline
US Veteran
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 820
Likes: 726
Liked 1,327 Times in 423 Posts
Default

If this smith does restamp/re-roll mark the barrel, adds the serial # and it falls into the wrong hands...... we have a pontential fake k32 in circulation.
We have enough problems with our buddy from Sparta tenn.
I agree with the above.....save your pennies and go with a model 16-??? Gotta be cheaper than a 5 screw

Just my 2 pennies.
Bob
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 04-24-2017, 11:40 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,815
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Bob,

You make a great point although not a risk in this case. The modified firing pin/recoil shield would be a dead giveaway, whether the frame mounted firing pin was relocated in the frame or the hammer was switched to a firing pin mounted hammer.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 04-26-2017, 09:48 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Obviously I don't plan to fool anyone (except myself perhaps) but to have the trio of early K targets is a long-held dream. With the current price and lack of availability of the third member of the triumvirate, I can have my build done for well under the cost and be done relatively quickly as well. Would it be marked (inconspicuously) as a redo? ABSOLUTELY! If, in the next few years I get back to my existing pair of Ks as I plan, then it will become more imperative that I pursue this project. Heck, if it's chambered and marked "32 H&R" or even "327 FM" that may be the best answer to insure no later fakery.

Meanwhile, the question remains, assuming I do this, should I use the LERK barrel, or should I leave that for someone with a LERK K-22 and seek out a narrow rib barrel to build around? The barrel is packed away right now, but IIRC, it is marked with a SN in the expected range.

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 04-26-2017, 12:02 PM
wheelgun610's Avatar
wheelgun610 wheelgun610 is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Grinder's Switch, TN
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 1,440
Liked 1,444 Times in 664 Posts
Default

Personally, I wouldn't modify a K-22 LERK barrel. They're just not easy to come by, and if you need one - nothing else will do. I've got one with a S/N in the 4xxx range that I've had for probably 10 years. Almost forgot about having it till just now....

Mark
__________________
S&W Forum Member #721
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-26-2017, 03:43 PM
ParadiseRoad's Avatar
ParadiseRoad ParadiseRoad is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,774
Likes: 17,025
Liked 39,804 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

...I guess I don't understand why one would want a K-32 that they know for a fact isn't a K-32...kind of like getting a copy of the Mona Lisa off the back of a cereal box...

__________________
A Country Boy Can Survive

Last edited by ParadiseRoad; 04-26-2017 at 03:46 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 04-26-2017, 05:47 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ParadiseRoad View Post
...I guess I don't understand why one would want a K-32 that they know for a fact isn't a K-32...kind of like getting a copy of the Mona Lisa off the back of a cereal box...
I'm not one who is into collecting perfect examples of rare guns to put away in a safe and only taken out on state occasions to fondle and oil them briefly before putting them back to lie in state. I like to have guns that I can shoot. A 1949+/- vintage narrow rib K-32 in shooter grade would be a difficult thing to find (like a Wise Man in DC or a Unicorn in the Bronx Zoo.) I would still be hesitant to shoot and really enjoy such a gun due to the very rareness mentioned, regardless of condition.

OTOH, if I start out with the premise that my gun is a tool to be shot and enjoyed, without regard for collectibility, then my proposal makes more sense. My already completed "Project 616" is an example of a fantasy design that no collector would mistake for factory. I'm now giving some thought to building a fantasy K-32, using features from the pre-War and post-War models so I can get a useful and flexible piece which nobody will accuse of being an original anything. The way I've got things planned, I may be able to bring things in for around $1200 or less, which wouldn't bring a sniff of the original early narrow rib K-32 I lust for. I've got e-mails in to my two gurus of S&W, DCW and Hondo44 with my full proposal outlined, so we'll see what they think. If I decide to go that way, somebody will be getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy a perfect K-22 barrel in LERK configuration.

If all of this makes me a Philistine, then I'm an unrepentant but very happy Philistine!

Froggie

PS - Recalculated and upped estimate... still under $1500 with all the bells and whistles, turnkey job.

Last edited by Green Frog; 04-26-2017 at 06:32 PM. Reason: Typo correction + additional thoughts
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 04-26-2017, 06:03 PM
El Biblioitecario's Avatar
El Biblioitecario El Biblioitecario is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 471
Likes: 222
Liked 550 Times in 210 Posts
Default

I learned the hard way about the cost effectiveness of project guns. But its your barrel and your money and you should do whatever you sweet please to it.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-27-2017, 05:49 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,815
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default Broadening one's horizons.

There's several very good reasons to build a gun that one wants:

1. It was never made.
2. Too scarce to find one.
3. If you found one it's way out of your budget.
4. If you acquired one, it's too valuable to shoot, carry in the woods, and shoot 2000 rds a year thru it, etc.
5. You also want it modified to shoot an another cartridge as well (in this case 32 H&R Mag).

All of those apply to a K32 except #1.

Cost then is almost immaterial within reason when compared to the price of an original K32 and (gasp!) modifying it. That doesn't make one a Philistine!
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Last edited by Hondo44; 04-27-2017 at 05:52 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 04-27-2017, 07:54 AM
g8rb8 g8rb8 is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Kansas
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 5,443
Liked 2,921 Times in 1,222 Posts
Default

You do know, don't you, that the moment you alter the K-22 LERK barrel, someone is going to offer to give you free a really nice, age-appropriate, K-22, with beautiful finish and stocks, and the only problem with it will be that it needs a new barrel?
__________________
Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-27-2017, 10:10 AM
CQB27's Avatar
CQB27 CQB27 is offline
US Veteran
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Lavender Mtn, Georgia
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 4,644
Liked 4,059 Times in 680 Posts
Default

It's your revolver, your barrel.....do what makes you happy.
Life is a vapor.....and too short to worry over what others thing when it comes to harmless contentment.
As always, YMMV.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 04-27-2017, 11:17 AM
sodacan sodacan is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 1,100
Liked 5,123 Times in 1,572 Posts
Default

You will have a 32 caliber revolver, but it will be an ersatz K-32. Good luck with it. Sounds like an interesting project.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-27-2017, 11:26 AM
stu1ritter's Avatar
stu1ritter stu1ritter is offline
US Veteran
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 854
Liked 4,380 Times in 1,078 Posts
Default

I find your projects interesting and often think, if I had the same parts and pieces, I'd probably put the same thing together.

Stu
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 04-27-2017, 03:23 PM
ParadiseRoad's Avatar
ParadiseRoad ParadiseRoad is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,774
Likes: 17,025
Liked 39,804 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
I am the proud possessor of a K-22 barrel that I purchased as it currently appears off of e-Bay or GB some time back with the plan of having it rebored to 32 S&W Long to form a long awaited mate for my original late '40s vintage K-22 and K-38. The complication is that this is a VERY early post-War barrel in near-perfect condition and having the notch for a LERK. How much of a Philistine would I be to have it rebored, have the caliber markings polished off and have it rebored to make my K-32? Does anybody have a good narrow rib K-22 barrel for standard e-rod that they would like to swap with me? I'm not in a big hurry to do this (I don't even have the donor gun to build it on) but I did hear from fellow forum member SuperMan of a gunsmith who might be the perfect one to get the job done.

What think you all?

Froggie
...did you ever consider having a new barrel made from a 32 caliber blank...no S&W artifacts would be killed or injured if you did it that way...

__________________
A Country Boy Can Survive
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 04-27-2017, 07:07 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

ParadiseRoad, I had considered following in the steps of friend Jebus35745 and building a bull barreled, slab sided PPC gun in 32 S&W, but then it dawned on me that I don't shoot those events any more. Also, I already have my 4" heavy barrel "Model 616" if I want to go in the heavy direction. What I really want is something graceful and elegant for those occasions where my Beau Brummell side comes out. I really want the Early K-32 or even the Model 16-3 I should have bought 40 years ago if I had known back then what I know now.

"Oh what tangle webs we weave..."

Froggie
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-27-2017, 07:53 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,786 Times in 8,483 Posts
Default

"...I guess I don't understand why one would want a K-32 that they know for a fact isn't a K-32...kind of like getting a copy of the Mona Lisa off the back of a cereal box..."

Well, in 1976 I had a M27 converted to .44 Special, basically making an M24. That model had been dropped in 1966 and I couldn't find one I could afford. Making your own K-32 sounds like the same thing to me.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 04-28-2017, 12:55 PM
Jebus35745's Avatar
Jebus35745 Jebus35745 is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Independence, OH, USA
Posts: 6,911
Likes: 28,791
Liked 7,158 Times in 2,579 Posts
Default

I had Andy Horvath build me a .32 long out of a 17-2. It came out nice and was a lot less then a K-32 abt 3 yrs ago. Building a .32 lerk would be a lot cheaper then a Pre-16 seeing that one sold the other nite for 4500 on the Woodlawn Boys on GB. Had my guns bbl cut to 5" cause I like the bbl length.


Always wanted a custom gun and having one made in .32 long seemed like a good idea. Its a bucket list gun. I finished it off with a set of Keith Brown grips. It matches a .38 ISP overrun gun I have with a 5" bbl. Not saying a model 16 isn't accurate but my bbl has a faster twist then a stock Smith has. I can shoot it a lot and not have to worry about ruining the value of a nice model 16 seeing how much they go for.
Its fun to shoot knowing it was custom made and is something S&W did not make.

I don't shoot PPC but found a .32 bbl here in the classified. Had a .32 PPC made last fall from Andy, it was slab sided and has no rib on top. Thought it would look cool with the model 15 adjustable sights with a big fat bbl. I shoot a double action revolver league and this is perfect for it. It weighs less also. Both guns shoot better then i can shoot them. I'm sure I can sell them for what I have in them.

Froggie, you'll need a cyl with a LERC extractor to match the cut out. Neat project for roughly 1200-1500 dollars. I had my guns made to ENJOY the CALIBER and not putting out a lot of money.

Have all the parts to build a gun in .327 but bought a 4" 16-4 instead. The barrel I found for the next .32 project is a 4" .32 Mag bbl so buying the 16-4 was a wash price wise. The 16-4 matches the 2 14-6's PPC Roper guns with 4" full lug barrels I found. All I need is a 17-6 with the 4" full lug barrel to have a matched set in 3 calibers.

Last, I have a tapered rib K-22 with bluing issues that would be a perfect conversion gun for sale. PM if interested, Larry
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 04-30-2017, 12:56 PM
ParadiseRoad's Avatar
ParadiseRoad ParadiseRoad is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,774
Likes: 17,025
Liked 39,804 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
ParadiseRoad, I had considered following in the steps of friend Jebus35745 and building a bull barreled, slab sided PPC gun in 32 S&W, but then it dawned on me that I don't shoot those events any more. Also, I already have my 4" heavy barrel "Model 616" if I want to go in the heavy direction. What I really want is something graceful and elegant for those occasions where my Beau Brummell side comes out. I really want the Early K-32 or even the Model 16-3 I should have bought 40 years ago if I had known back then what I know now.

"Oh what tangle webs we weave..."

Froggie
...I didn't mean going with a bull barrel...I was thinking a good Smith could replicate a K-32 barrel from a .32 blank...
__________________
A Country Boy Can Survive
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 04-30-2017, 03:05 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

The standard profile barrel and the ribbed target barrel are both, AFAIK, made from forgings. To machine one from a cylindrical barrel blank would not be practical. Even for the basic barrel, one would have to deal with the locking lug under the barrel and somehow provide the front sight base. Not so simple for even an accomplished machinist.

You would be much more likely to succeed by starting with a pre existing barrel and rebore or reline it where possible to achieve the desired bore. Trust me, this is something to which I have devoted a great deal of thought and research. I would happily accept any new information and technical strategies, but I haven't seen any lately.

Froggie

Last edited by Green Frog; 04-30-2017 at 03:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 04-30-2017, 04:53 PM
ParadiseRoad's Avatar
ParadiseRoad ParadiseRoad is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,774
Likes: 17,025
Liked 39,804 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

...the right machine could handle it...

__________________
A Country Boy Can Survive
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 04-30-2017, 06:20 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Cool! When can you fire up your Daishin Seiki 5 axis CNC and make me a couple of barrels? None of my gunsmiths have one of those. It looks like you can even use a very fine pointed stylus to mark it properly and put the texture lines on top of the rib. Let me know how soon you can knock out a 6" narrow rib barrel for my next project.

Froggie
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 05-11-2017, 09:36 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Well, life got a lot more complicated. I am now the proud possessor of an original K-32 barrel, never installed, as new, with narrow rib. I thought it was going to be the later one but in a weird, wonderful swing of Karma, I got the barrel I wanted all along, the one to match my 1948 vintage K-22 and K-38 guns with narrow ribs. Now I can build exactly what I want.

So why complicated? On the assumption that I was getting a late style barrel, I found a very nice Model 14-3 to use as my donor gun. I got it right on GB because it had a set of really ugly Goodyears and was poorly described as to amount of blue loss. Now that it's here, the Goodyears came off and a pair of the proper football relief targets went on. With a little cleaning, it looks much better than expected. The fat rib won't match the narrow one on the barrel, so it's disqualified as a donor, but it is really pretty nice. Now my dilemma... what do I do with another K-38? Should I keep it and expand my herd in a new and unexpected direction, or trade it off for the donor gun I'm going to need to go with the barrel (and K-22 cylinder I already have for reboring) or what? Should I mention that the 14-3 has a really good trigger pull? Complications!

Oh yeah, and I also have this gorgeous LERK K-22 barrel to find a home for. See what I mean? Complications!

the confused Green Frog
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #24  
Old 05-11-2017, 11:23 PM
GerSan69 GerSan69 is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: metro Phoenix
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 16,363
Liked 3,962 Times in 1,603 Posts
Default

Geez, Froggie, I wish I had your problems!
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 05-12-2017, 01:28 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,815
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
Well, life got a lot more complicated. I am now the proud possessor of an original K-32 barrel, never installed, as new, with narrow rib. I thought it was going to be the later one but in a weird, wonderful swing of Karma, I got the barrel I wanted all along, the one to match my 1948 vintage K-22 and K-38 guns with narrow ribs. Now I can build exactly what I want.

So why complicated? On the assumption that I was getting a late style barrel, I found a very nice Model 14-3 to use as my donor gun. I got it right on GB because it had a set of really ugly Goodyears and was poorly described as to amount of blue loss. Now that it's here, the Goodyears came off and a pair of the proper football relief targets went on. With a little cleaning, it looks much better than expected. The fat rib won't match the narrow one on the barrel, so it's disqualified as a donor, but it is really pretty nice. Now my dilemma... what do I do with another K-38? Should I keep it and expand my herd in a new and unexpected direction, or trade it off for the donor gun I'm going to need to go with the barrel (and K-22 cylinder I already have for reboring) or what? Should I mention that the 14-3 has a really good trigger pull? Complications!

Oh yeah, and I also have this gorgeous LERK K-22 barrel to find a home for. See what I mean? Complications!

the confused Green Frog
Froggie,

I feel your pain.

However: don't you want the donor gun to be a 5 screw to match the other two with narrow ribs? I would. Sell/trade the 14-3 wide rib, for a 5 screw narrow rib K38. Sell the K22 Lerk barrel.

One part I don't understand though: the new 14-3 K38 donor gun may have a wide rib on the barrel, but the frame is almost identical.
The only difference I know of is the two corner divots on the front end of the top strap for the narrow rib barrel. I looked at my 5 screw K22 with narrow rib, and Mod 14-4 wide rib to confirm it. So there's just another 10 minutes of work since you have a K22 frame to look at and copy the divots or have them copied.

But I'd still hold out for a 5 screw narrow rib K38.

Don't let the Siren of a nice trigger blind you to your quest, lest Lorelei pull you onto the rocks!
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Last edited by Hondo44; 05-12-2017 at 01:32 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 05-12-2017, 08:57 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Thanks, Jim... I knew already that everything you say is true.. I just needed one of my "big brothers" to reaffirm what I should have done all along.

I guess my next step will be to either make a couple of announcements on S&S for the 14-3 and especially the barrel or perhaps take the 14-3 to the next gun show where it would make great trading fodder.

I agree that this barrel is such a rarity that it "deserves" the proper 5-screw frame to dwell on, just like the later one would have gotten this very nice later vintage frame, so that's what I'll try to find for it. I hope the K-22 cylinder I already have will be compatible.

See what I mean about complicated?

The Frustrated Frog
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 07-10-2018, 01:06 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

ZOMBIE THREAD WARNING: When I finally got everything together and measured, it turned out that the barrel was a wide rib type after all... on the K-32, the rib was not quite as wide as on its 38 cal brethren, but wider than the older "narrow rib" version. A look at original Model 16-3s shows a little step at the front face of the receiver down to the rib width. So, back to Plan A with the solid old Model 14-3, gather up everything else, and head to the gunsmith.

All of the above came to completion in this past November and I made a conscious effort to essentially put the whole thing out of mind. Flash forward to this morning when I got a call from my gunsmith telling me that with the exception of a little blue touch up on the rear face of the cylinder, it's done. I'll be able to pick it up Friday afternoon. From what he said on the phone, everything went as planned and when he test fired it off the bags he was getting 1 1/2" groups at 25 yards with standard R-P factory round nose ammo (lead bullets.) No shake, no rattle, sights centered, etc, etc. Works for me!

(Cue the music) "ANTICIPA-ATION..."
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #28  
Old 07-10-2018, 01:27 PM
jpage jpage is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 668
Likes: 1,138
Liked 646 Times in 255 Posts
Default

What is a LERK barrel ?
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 07-10-2018, 01:39 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpage View Post
What is a LERK barrel ?
Sorry... thread drift on my own thread! LERK is a commonly used shorthand for "Large Ejector Rod Knob." This refers to the style of ejector rod used prior to WW II then for a very short while after in order to use up old stock parts. In the early Post-War K-frame Masterpiece series, this feature has a special cachet as it demonstrates very early production and is pretty rare.

Of course this whole thing was left behind as I discussed the (much) later K-32 barrel I had acquired and having it built into a whole gun, an homage if you will, of the late Model 16-3 version of the K-32 series.

HTH~Froggie
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 07-10-2018, 02:45 PM
ParadiseRoad's Avatar
ParadiseRoad ParadiseRoad is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,774
Likes: 17,025
Liked 39,804 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

...pictures of the finished project coming?...
__________________
A Country Boy Can Survive
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 07-10-2018, 03:01 PM
Bullet Bob's Avatar
Bullet Bob Bullet Bob is offline
US Veteran
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Western NC
Posts: 3,689
Likes: 2,948
Liked 6,544 Times in 1,821 Posts
Default

I'd love to have a .32 long K-frame. Getting older and feebler, sometimes I'd like something with more recoil than .22's, but less than even .38 Special wadcutters in a revolver that doesn't weigh too much (or too little - hard to please).

K32's cost too much for me, and the .32 magnums are overkill, just don't seem pukka (something for the Kipling fans).

I've looked at Pardini target semi-autos, but I don't want to pick up brass.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #32  
Old 07-10-2018, 03:30 PM
JSR III's Avatar
JSR III JSR III is offline
SWCA Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,575
Likes: 3,695
Liked 8,924 Times in 3,545 Posts
Default

I guess that I am missing something here but I am not into projects or transforming .22's into .44 magnums.

I own a couple of old .32 caliber S&W wheel guns. Wouldn't one of those satisfy your lust???
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 07-10-2018, 03:37 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpage View Post
What is a LERK barrel ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
.... LERK is a commonly used shorthand for "Large Ejector Rod Knob." This refers to the style of ejector rod used prior to WW II then for a very short while after .....
HTH~Froggie
Froggie didn't get the memo.

We decided a while ago to rename the LERK to BSERK, barrel-shaped ejector rod knob, as opposed to the earlier MSERK, mushroom-shaped ejector rod knob, and the later KnERT, knurled ejector rod tip.

Gotta stay up on your terminology
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #34  
Old 07-10-2018, 04:48 PM
larryofcc larryofcc is offline
SWCA Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cedar City,Utah
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 5
Liked 2,977 Times in 824 Posts
Default

OH THE HUMANITY !!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 07-10-2018, 05:59 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
Froggie didn't get the memo.

We decided a while ago to rename the LERK to BSERK, barrel-shaped ejector rod knob, as opposed to the earlier MSERK, mushroom-shaped ejector rod knob, and the later KnERT, knurled ejector rod tip.

Gotta stay up on your terminology
Sounds like too much hard WERK!

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #36  
Old 07-10-2018, 06:22 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

I'm going to close out this thread and start a new one when I have the gun in hand. That way there won't be the confusion of the old title and readers won't have to wad through all the historical information to get to the "real" topic I meant to discuss. In the meantime, if anyone has a need for the LERK (post-War) K-22 barrel, please drop me a PM, and maybe we can work something out... not necessarily trying to sell it, but if somebody has an interesting trade...

froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #37  
Old 07-12-2018, 08:44 AM
Jebus35745's Avatar
Jebus35745 Jebus35745 is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Independence, OH, USA
Posts: 6,911
Likes: 28,791
Liked 7,158 Times in 2,579 Posts
Default

Will be watching for the thread, how long did it take to have the gun made?? The 4” 16-4 bbl I have could be cut to 3” and I could make a carry gun in .327 with a round butt frame, just thinking. Larry
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 07-12-2018, 04:47 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

Larry, I really want to let this thread go... it has gotten too far off topic. I'll be filling in lots of details about the new project after I pick it up tomorrow. Look for a big new thread tomorrow evening or Saturday. I'm not sure I'd cut a Mod 16-4 barrel if I had one at hand, but as with all other special projects, it's not my circus and they aren't my monkeys!

Froggie Out!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #39  
Old 07-14-2018, 07:37 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,322 Times in 4,182 Posts
Default

OK, I have my faux K-32 in hand. Since the donor gun is a 1971 vintage K-38 and the barrel is appropriate for it, I am starting a new thread in the appropriate forum to talk about it. This thread is now officially over. Thanks for all of your interest, comments, and support.

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #40  
Old 07-14-2018, 09:03 AM
jimmyj's Avatar
jimmyj jimmyj is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 1,690
Liked 16,302 Times in 4,231 Posts
Default

What does LERK stand for ?
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 07-14-2018, 09:15 AM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is offline
SWCA Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,562
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

Large ejector rod knob. And early term for the barrel shaped knob.
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 07-14-2018, 09:42 AM
JSR III's Avatar
JSR III JSR III is offline
SWCA Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,575
Likes: 3,695
Liked 8,924 Times in 3,545 Posts
Default

Many folks refer to this style as the "mushroom" knob. It required a cut in the underside of the barrel so when guns went back at a later date for say a new cylinder and they installed a newer version extractor rod with the smaller knob it is a very obvious upgrade.

In my .22/32 database, I refer to them as the LERK, the MERK and the SERK.

Large Extractor Rod Knob
Medium Extractor Rod Knob
and
Small Extractor Rod Knob

As stated, the large is the mushroom shape, the medium is shaped like the rod itself but with a slightly larger diameter than the rod itself and the small is the same size as the rod so appears as just knurling on the rod tip.
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 07-14-2018, 09:59 PM
Speedo2 Speedo2 is offline
Member
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 836
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
Default

Well nobody else said it, so I will: they're Just Ejection Rod Knobs; JERK's.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #44  
Old 07-14-2018, 10:46 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,815
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

LERK is a relatively new verbal short cut which stands for Large Extractor Rod Knob, however it has a more specific period meaning for total understanding of the term’s usage. It’s not the largest knob; replacing the larger pre war 'mushroom' or 'acorn' knob by order dated 1/22/27 on all HE models with non-shrouded barrels.

It applies only to when the standard pre and during WW II 'barrel' style knob is used on early post war models that have this knob from leftover pre war inventory vs. the new post war straight knobs.

Therefore post war models with the Barrel knob variation are said to have a LERK or be a LERK model. Pre war models with the barrel style knob are not referred to as having a LERK or being a LERK model; they all had barrel knobs so it wasn't a variation.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #45  
Old 07-14-2018, 11:10 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel Altering a LERK Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

I think that following Jim’s line of reasoning and only using the acronyms when they are helpful with a specific distinction is the wisest course. It shouldn’t just be for the sake of in-group talk. The coolness factor is kinda lost if you have to come back and spell out what you meant anyway

Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
K38 Pre 14 Excellent ca. 1948. One line address, narrow rib barrel, LERK bullmack S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 22 07-08-2014 05:19 AM
Altering S&W revolvers ladyT The Lounge 15 09-14-2012 02:52 PM
Altering .38 S&W pistols jono2 S&W-Smithing 8 11-10-2011 09:31 PM
Altering Magazines. jeffj13 Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 6 04-15-2009 08:05 PM
Altering a 65-3 3" Aikido73 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 7 03-12-2009 12:06 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:09 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)