Can a K frame .38 special barrel be put on a J frame .38 special? Maybe a 4" model 10 barrel onto a Model 36 frame.

Objective is to end up with a 4" J frame in .38 special. Is there an easier/cheaper way?

Thanks.

First and foremost problem....among others, different (incompatible) thread size and diameter. (.500" vs .540")

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

You may be able to find a 4" barrel from a model 33 in .38 S & W to fit; don't know if the bore diameter differs from .38 Special however. In theory .38 S & W is .361 and Special .357 but they may both be the latter. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Almost anything's possible with enough money and a good gunsmith, but not simple and assuredly cost and time prohibitive.

Cheaper would be to track down one of the Model 60 kit guns that were out a few years back and either learn to love the factory 5" barrel, or have it chopped.

Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum Five Inch Kit Gun

What's the intended use?

thanks for the info. i am going to pass on change.

The simple answer is no. the complicated answer is how much are you willing to spend doing so. Practically speaking though, no.

Shortening the 5" Model 60 is also outside of the realm of common gunsmith jobs because of its two piece barrel assembly.

The Colt Police Positive was only slightly larger than J frames and it was usually fitted with a 4" barrel. There are a lot of them. A long time ago they were common police revolvers. If you like the old Colt V mainspring double actions and can afford current Colt prices they are an alternative.

Possible yes, feasible NO.
Even if you turned down the barrel shank and threaded it to fit a J frame you would still have a problem. The distance from the barrel center line to the locking lug would be wrong because the K frame has a larger diameter cylinder assy. Be a major pain worse than the threads. The bottom of the K frame barrel could be milled and then another lug housing made up or salvaged off a bad barrel silver soldered in place. Then how the barrel OD and sight rib match up might require work.

No where near enough reasons to want a 4" J frame to justify.

Same problems with any frame size to different frame size barrel swap idea.

I have seen pictures of L barrels turned down to fit a K frame. The tip latch does not line up, so they get a ball detent.
The same would apply to a K on L conversion.
It's going to cost a cubic acre of money, though.

FWIW, I occasionally see a competitor at local matches firing a 7 shot stainless L frame that he installed a 5" blued Model 27 barrel on. He does his own gunsmithing but that is about all the detail I could get out of him. Also a local gun store clerk used to wear a K frame Model 19 fitted with a 4" 586 L frame barrel. The store's gunsmith installed it for him. If you want it bad enough and do not have to pay what a gunsmith would reasonably charge fitting a barrel to the wrong frame can be done.

Perhaps the most practical solution would be to rebore and rerifle a 4" .22 or .32 caliber J frame barrel.

I already suggested a 4" Colt Police Positive but on reflection one of the new 4" Ruger SP 101s would be the best choice.