Has anyone here removed the barrel lug from an L-frame and recontoured the barrel to look more like a model 19? Have pics and recommendations? I remember seeing one done several years ago, but can't find it right now. I have a custom project perculating in the back of my mind.....

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Mossyrock

Mossyrock,
I just Googled on "modifying barrel lug on M686 to half lug", and came came up with several hits that looked helpful.

Best and Happy Boxing Day.
Rick

I've seen a few pictures posted here on the forum, if I remember the conversion was a rather specialized, read expensive, operation. Are you thinking about attempting this type of conversion.

In the 2009 edition of Custom Combat Handguns #60 by Harris Outdoor Group there was an article by Dennis Presbrey where Cylinder and Slide shortened and removed the lug on the barrel of a M586 for him along with several other modifications. Perhaps you can get a back issue from them. Their E-mail in the magazine is:[email protected]. Hope this helps!! Lots of good articles in that magazine. The gun came out pretty nice also!!
Jim

To mossyrock:

I had (4) 5" model 610 barrels with full lugs modified in 1994 to half lug versions. I have 2 Model 610"s with them and 2 converted Model 686 (40S&W) with the other 2.

Can be done and I believe it cost me around $65 each.

baldeagle8888

Band saw, files, and a Dremel tool. Shouldn't take more than an hour.

Seen a 5 inch 629 that had been de-lugged.

Whoever, had done a neat job. Hard to tell from factory.

I could/would attemp this in my garage. But my garage is fairly well equipped. Just go really slow, because you cannot put metal back!!!

Twogunnes

Like the short-lived 619/620, or am I thinking down the wrong track?

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NRA Certified Instructor

I would not trust the job to anyone but Hamilton Bowen, and because I prefer the look of the old Combat Magnum Models 19/66, I e-mailed him. He said they could not take on such a project at this time.

As an aside, when the L frame was first introduced with the attendant advantages of being able to withstand more firing with Magnum rounds, I had hoped they would just offer two barrel options for the L frame when they discontinued the 19/66. The two options would have been the "Python" type full lug on the 586/686 as introduced and a standard lug barrel to give the look of the 19/66.

Like the failure to produce the 5 inch K38 or the 3 inch 19 as a standard production model, I have always felt S&W missed the boat with all of the Combat Magnum fans.

The 619/620 were great ideas, if they had only used a one-piece barrel.

Look for one of the Stocking Dealer 686's from 2004, it has the half lug, 5" one piece barrel. I think you will like it.

There is not as much material below the ejector rod as a factory half lug barrel for it to look exactly like one , but it can be done. Any competent gunsmith/machinist should be able to do it.


Kevin

Or better yet sell you 686 and buy a 686 mtn. gun. Thats exactly what you're wanting. I don't like full lugs either. Waste of metal.

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S&W Accumulator