Can I change barrel on a model 29-2?

Conservative Texan · #1 01-03-2013, 11:03 PM

My barrel has some bluing missing. I have a 6inch barrel but a local gun store has a 4 inch barrel threaded. Do these swap out?

Muley Gil · #2 01-03-2013, 11:10 PM

A gunsmith, with the proper tools, can swap barrels for you.

shawn mccarver · #3 01-03-2013, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conservative Texan

My barrel has some bluing missing. I have a 6inch barrel but a local gun store has a 4 inch barrel threaded. Do these swap out?

If by "swap out" you mean an easy "do it yourself" job, the answer is, "absolutely not." The job requires special tools and the ability to fit the barrel to the frame so that the barrel cylinder gap is the proper amount at the exact instant the barrel torques in the correct amount - oh and it all has to line up at 12 o'clock so the sights stand up straight when everything else is right.

Basically, it is a job for a really good, real gunsmith, not a parts changer; or really, a job for the S&W factory.

Why not just have it refinished if the loss of some finish bothers you?

HotRoderX · #4 01-03-2013, 11:38 PM

I just wanna add from reading online on forums and in books. There are some DIY barrel change video's out there "IGNORE THEM". I have read 75-90% of the time people end up destroying the gun. Barrel swap is something that your taught to do over years. Its not something you just go o I think I swap the barrel out.

Alk8944 · #5 01-03-2013, 11:53 PM

If the question is "Can a Model 27 barrel be changed?", then the answer is definitely yes.

Whether or not YOU can do this no one can say except you. But because you have asked the question it can only be assumed that you, at this time, lack both the tools and knowledge to do this. Do yourself a big favor and let someone who does know how do this for you. The condition of bluing on the barrel is not a sufficient reason to contemplate doing this. Chances are very good the finish still will be obviously mis-matched anyway.

Green Frog · #6 01-04-2013, 02:01 PM

If, on the other hand, you want to get a 6" barrel on your Model 29-2, the change is not that big a deal for a gunsmith with the proper tools and skill. I had my 29-2 changed from a 4" barrel to an 8 3/8" barrel way back in the '80s, and it worked fine. I wish I had the shorter barrel now, but that's a different story that is unrelated to your question.

Froggie