Hi,
I have a 25-2 that I wanted to put a 4" barrel on, but I wanted to leave the original barrel alone. I got a spare 'model 1950' barrel on the internet that I was planning on having someone shorten. It just arrived, and it is 6" - not 6+1/2" - and it is a straight bull barrel, not tapered. I just read about the 'mis-marked' model 1955 barrels, and this appears to be one of them. Is this too scarce to cut down?

If it is, would I be able to have someone who rebores barrels rebore a 4" m27 or m28, or would they be too thin? Thanks from a newb to smithing issues.

If it's a bull barrel (straight taper) and 6" it's the later mis-marked barrel from a Model 25. They aren't numerous but not much collector demand especially without the original Mod 25 attached. So I'd cut it and remove the Model 1950 marking and have it properly restamped and mounted by Bowen or Turnbull (much faster turn around). Or get a true 1950 barrel if you want the tapered barrel. I have a 1950 Target w/4" tapered and love it.

The barrel you want is on a 1917 in this thread: US Army 1917 or Model 1950 ?

He'd probably trade you for an original miilitary 1917 barrel.


Since your dealing with an N frame barrel, no problem reboring but figure an extra $150 in your project at least and have to restamp the cal. as well.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

have you called S&W for the barrel you are looking for? Seems thats the first place I would of tried.

S&W charges $70 to install a barrel & return revolver - hard to beat the manufacturer.

Magnaport shortens them up too & has a real good reputation.

It's just a barrel. Since it is not original to your gun, it is futile to worry about it. Do with it as you please.