If you don't really want a shorter barrel, I'd have the ports welded up and the barrel re-blued if you prefer the 6 1/2" barrel.
Top gunsmiths use the following who specialize in welding repairs on guns:
Micro Welding
PULLMAN ARMS
Dan Harvey- Lead Gunsmith
[email protected]
(508) 926-8730
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am- 5:00pm
>> Gunsmithing Services
Micro-welding - Wicked Welding
5703 Webster St suite j, Dayton, OH 45414
Phone: (937) 454-9023
Top gunsmiths/refinishers:
Professional Gunsmith - Accurate Plating & Weaponry | Cogan Custom
404 Not Found | APW Cogan Custom
Possibly the best all around metal finisher. They don't offer a Colt Royal Blue type mirror polish.
Glenrock Blue Phone: 307-436-2330
Email:
[email protected]
Contact Us | Glenrock Blue
Possibly the best bluing operation. Many top custom gunsmiths use them.
Precision Bluing | America's #1 Bluing Company!
Precision Bluing | America's #1 Bluing Company! Time lapse photography of a gun rusting
Custom Shop, Inc. Montana
Home - Custom Shop
They are NOT affiliated with Colt or the Colt Custom Shop. They also do S&W revolvers and probably other brands also.
Ron's Gun Shop - 262-255-4920, Milwaukee, WI
A top restoration service that can also replicate original S&W carbonia blue.
https://www.ronsgunshop.com/
Classic Guns L.T.D. (John)
Does early 20th century replicate original S&W Carbonia (Carbona) blue refinish.
1702 Dixie Hwy.
Crete, IL 60417 United States
Phone:
708-367-1620
Email =
[email protected]