Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-03-2010, 08:43 AM
Shooter Shooter is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pascagoula, MS
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Shortening K-22 Barrel

I aquired a 70's vintage K-22 with an 8 3/8" barrel. Can this be economically shortened to 6" with the sight moved back? This gun was under water during Hurricane Katrina and most of the finish is gone. No rust or pitting just NO finish at all.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-03-2010, 09:03 AM
Norton 750's Avatar
Norton 750 Norton 750 is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Two hours out of KC
Posts: 367
Likes: 34
Liked 515 Times in 129 Posts
Default

I would think you would be better off just buying a six inch model. The 8 3/8 is somewhat scarce. Having said that, fitting a six inch barrel to your revolver would be a ton cheaper than having a gunsmith shorten that tube.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-03-2010, 09:34 AM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,712
Likes: 1,631
Liked 9,066 Times in 3,352 Posts
Default

You'll have to do some shopping around to see what the prices are for bbl shortening work. It also must include properly moving the original front site back and any refinishing work you desire.
Prices are all over the map for custom work as are the quality of the finished products.

For example, Hamilton Bowen charges $325/$395 to shorten a factory S&W barrel as a separate chore from one of his package custom jobs.
Thats probably at the top of the rate chart for that work but it gives you some idea of where it can lead.

The upside is that, assuming the barrel/cylinder gap is good on the original,,no extra work need be done there. Not always the case with a replacement barrel of unknown history. A replacement may even require a setback operation,,more $$.

Replacement 6" K22 bbls are around & they usually don't come cheap. But once in a while a decent one can be had for a real fair price,,especially if you're not looking for a collectors finish on it.
Your old 8 3/8" tube would be worth something to sell of course.

There'll probably be others by here with gunsmith recommendations that can do the work along with some prices and contact info.

If it was mine and I was going to shorten it,,I'd go for a 5" barrel. Something a little different and one of the handiest bbl lengths around on a S&W.

Sometimes you just end up with more into these projects than you could buy a decent unmolested one for.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-03-2010, 10:26 AM
Camster Camster is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,795
Likes: 993
Liked 1,923 Times in 956 Posts
Default Not an 8 3/8 barrel fancier myself

I would vote for shortening your existing barrel-any replacement would be more expensive and the finish wouldn't match. I agree with the previous posters five inch length suggestion.I would talk to a few local gunsmiths for an estimate.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-03-2010, 10:30 AM
redhawk444 redhawk444 is offline
Banned
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 11 Posts
Default

I would send it to Smith and ask them to put a 6" barrel on it and also refinnish it at the same time.

Then you would have a nice gun.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-03-2010, 10:40 AM
Shooter Shooter is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pascagoula, MS
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

In my first post I forgot to add that the topstrap has been drilled and tapped for a Burris pistol scope mount. I see this as a shooter only. I have a Mod. 63 stainless with a five inch barrel and you are right it is handy. Maybe I'll go with that.

I'm open to any gunsmith recommendations.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-03-2010, 10:52 AM
model70hunter's Avatar
model70hunter model70hunter is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sante Fe Trail, Kansas
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 14,441
Liked 6,562 Times in 2,597 Posts
Default

I like the 5" idea. Let us know. I finaly found a 6" 22 Masterpiece a few weeks ago. I was riding that horse hard. It did seem to me the 8 3/8" guns for the most part were up to $200.00 cheaper than a K-22 in 6". You might be the trend setter with 5" and Nickel......

Last edited by model70hunter; 04-03-2010 at 12:24 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-03-2010, 11:17 AM
fyimo's Avatar
fyimo fyimo is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 18,773
Likes: 6,048
Liked 5,762 Times in 1,992 Posts
Talking

The gun is a shooter anyway and the above suggestions are all good. I would probably send it to S&W and have them do the work and a finish of my choice as they do great work. They will also check the gun for any damage and change things like springs if it needs them.

The 8 3/8 barrels are rarer then the 6 inch but on the ones I've bought the pricing was very close to the same if in like condition for the model 17's. This of course may be different on K22's that are in excellent condition because then we are talking collector guns. My model 17-4 with 6 inch barrel and my model 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel both ran me $550 out the door and they were in excellent condition.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-03-2010, 02:10 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,408 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

I generally advise AGAINST modifying or refinishing a gun but in this case I would seriously consider it.

I would cut it to 5" if it were me. The 5" is way high on the cool factor, nobody has one, and would look great.

I would have it nickel plated but again that's me. A nice reblue would also work.
__________________
No life story has happy end.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-03-2010, 05:12 PM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,712
Likes: 1,631
Liked 9,066 Times in 3,352 Posts
Default

As long as we're building this thing,,throw on a set of ivorys..

I like the nickel plate idea. Plus it would completely hide any holes filled in the top strap if the prep was done right.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-04-2010, 08:13 AM
Speedo2 Speedo2 is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 835
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
Talking

Since we're all contributing such great ideas here, howz-about hard chroming or Metalife-ing that unique, soon-to-be 5" K22? You could make it even more indestructible than it already is and in a few years we can all pontificate on that newly found, rarely seen, and yet mysteriouly mis-marked "stainless" prototype. If you could wrangle some kind of a Douglas MacAurther provenance with it, and get Iggy to be your negotiator, you could conceivably live off of the book rights.

Seriously, great ideas here and good luck resurrecting it. -S2
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-04-2010, 09:08 AM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,408 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

Damn... now I'm thinking how cool that 17-3 I have been trying to sell would look with a 5" tube.
__________________
No life story has happy end.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-04-2010, 07:38 PM
BUFF BUFF is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 5,062
Likes: 739
Liked 3,271 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

Have a GOOD revolversmith cut the barrel to 5 inches. Do not remount the front sight and base yet. Then, have it refinished in nickel. Then, have the front sight base and front sight blade, refinished in blue, put back on.

THAT would be cool!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-04-2010, 07:43 PM
WILDPIG WILDPIG is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MN
Posts: 347
Likes: 447
Liked 402 Times in 128 Posts
Default

I'm with BUFF on this one.

WILDPIG
__________________
I ain't from around here.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-04-2010, 09:59 AM
Shooter Shooter is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pascagoula, MS
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Update on the project: The K-22 is in the hands of a gunsmith with plans for the following work, cut barrel to 5", repair holes in topstrap by welding up and machining back to original configuration. I think i want this to be a walkabout gun so I plan to have Birdsong give it a Black-T finish. The gunsmith is trying to talk me into round butting it but I haven't made up my mind on that. He has a few months backlog so I've got time to decide. What do you think? Have you seen a K-frame round butt?
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 05-04-2010, 10:03 AM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,408 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

Sell the gun you have and buy the gun you want. Always faster, cheaper and easier.
__________________
No life story has happy end.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 05-04-2010, 10:19 AM
sheriff54 sheriff54 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Dallas, Tx
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
Liked 11 Times in 4 Posts
Default

since you are gettin' all this great advice on spending your money... I'll try and help ??? I don't care for the round butt unless 2 - 3" barrel. longer lengths need square butt. round butt is for shooting lower than eye level, square butt requires sighting... of course, you can do as you wish... this is your dream not mine... I have a 6" but am wondering if I can find a "fixer-uper"... the 5" in nickel sounds too good... do you know you started something???
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 05-04-2010, 10:31 AM
HAWKEYE10's Avatar
HAWKEYE10 HAWKEYE10 is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MURFREESBORO TN.
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 90
Liked 402 Times in 177 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
Sell the gun you have and buy the gun you want. Always faster, cheaper and easier.
I agree with Pig 100%. Don
__________________
"Don't worry be happy"
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 05-04-2010, 12:44 PM
scorvers's Avatar
scorvers scorvers is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
Default

5",parkerized, and combat grips.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 05-04-2010, 03:02 PM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
Member
Shortening K-22 Barrel  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,712
Likes: 1,631
Liked 9,066 Times in 3,352 Posts
Default

As long as he's welding, another concept would be to elliminate the target feature and build an M&P 22rf.
Remove the target rear sight and weld up the frame cut, re-profile to M&P style. Remove the barrel rib, leave enough at the muzzle to form a sight base and pin in a nice partidge gold bead blade,, properly sighted for the new frame fixed rear sight of course.
Might be able to reuse the original with some rework.

We like spending your money!


How 'bout a Pinto finish.....
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
bowen, gunsmith, k-22, k-frame, k22, masterpiece, model 17, parkerized, pinto, round butt, scope

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
S&W Mod. 29 barrel shortening? Flattop5 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 13 04-12-2018 12:26 PM
Barrel shortening... Federalis S&W-Smithing 12 05-30-2015 12:11 AM
M&P 15 Barrel Shortening Jamers99 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 19 10-11-2014 09:56 AM
Shortening the barrel on a 15-22 ??? TJ... Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 11 08-06-2010 07:17 PM
Shortening a Barrel ENGINE18 S&W-Smithing 16 04-14-2010 12:27 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 05:42 AM.


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