Looking for recommendations re: highly competent gunsmiths who could chop (and finish) a barrel on a 629-1 ... 8-3/8" down to something in the 3" range. I started with the Gemini website and noted some very steep prices for custom work. I recall reading a post on the forum about a gentleman either down south or in the midwest who does excellent revolver work as he is S&W trained and certified. Unfortunately, I can't find the post. Thanks in advance for any leads and opinions.

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Andy Horvath, google his name and the phone number is there somewhere. he has a gun of mine right now. Larry

Mag-na-port International does very fine work. Their work is top notch. When people hear the word "Magnaport", they think mainly of the porting process. This company provides a whole array of gunsmithing services, and they have been at it for a long time. It would be worth a look. wyatte

Maybe replace the barrel and have one to sell.

I have used Jim Stroh for such work and recommend his front sight arrangement that matches the original quite well while allowing blade interchangeability. It is attached via three hidden screws so really does not require a reblue, just cold blue of the crown. Here's a 5 " 45 Colt conversion of a M29 he did. He is really a perfectionist.







Here's his sight on a 5" M29 cut by Alan Harton.

Boxhead, nice gun. The KB grips are sweet. At my NE Ohio meeting in a couple weeks, Keith should have my K ropers. Can't wait. Andy is converting a 17 into a 32 long for me. Larry

Much obliged. I also was given the names of Wayne Novak and Karl Sokol, so now I have some options.

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Is there a reason that S&W can't do a barrel change?

Don't forget Hamilton Bowen. Hamilton cut down a Model 29 for me that had become a victim of corrosion inside the barrel around the muzzle area. He does a nice job at this sort of thing.

S&W can do a barrel change, but I have not yet found a barrel replacement ... thus I'm thinking about a custom chop job. I've had S&W do certain custom work in the past, and found the service and pricing very fair.

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