Re-marking of rebored barrel

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RWJ

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I just recently had a 4" Model 17 Heavy Barrel rebored to .32 for a .327 project I am contemplating. Does anyone know of a source to get the barrel re-marked for the proper calber? While obviously usable in its current form, I would like to have it re-marked to reflect the proper cartridge.

Thanks
 
One way would be to mill flats on the sides of the barrel to remove the original markings, engrave the new, and reblue. The flats could be full length or partial, just as long as both sides are the same.
 
I had my Model 28-2 rebored from 357 to 45 ACP. I did not bother to have the barrel remarked because it is a bit of fun watching folks (usually cops) insert the smaller cartridge and have it fall through the cylinder!

At some point I will have the markings updated. I will probably peen the cartridge marks flat and restamp it.

Kevin
 
I appreciate those that suggested methods of the manner and methods of re-marking, but I'm still looking for a source of someone who can do the actual work, which is beyond my meager skills, for sure. I already have a Model 16-4 cylinder, and am planing on using a Model 15-5, -6, or -7 frame as the basis for the donor gun. In essence, it will give me a 4" heavy barrel Model 14-3 (which I already have), a 4" Model 17-5 (which I also already have), and 4" Model 516?? as a matching set, similar to the ones below, but with heavy barrels instead of underlugged ones. Why, you say? Just because I think it would be neat :):). I sent the barrel out while it was still unattached and as a barrel only, simply because I'm sure it was easier for the re-boring job, and I'm assuming it would be for re-marking as well.

I contacted Al Siegrist in Whittenmore, Michigan for the re-boring work after checking with him by mail first to see if he could do the work.

It would give me a third set, like 3 generations :)
 

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You'll just have go online an find if someone will do it. Might be that remarking is only done by others if they do the conversion.

For anyone that might need to mark a new caliber only once or twice, and not want to invest in a number stamp set and letter stamp set, I recommend an etching kit. Stamping the caliber takes practice and patience. You seldom see restamping that is straight and they look worse than just leaving the original caliber marking.
 
Trophy Shops do engraving ... lots of awards and gifts require custom engraving ... The new caliber can be Laser Engraved onto the barrel ...
not sure how to remove the old designation ...
Go to shop and talk to the engraver about the project and best way to do it ... They probably have ideas on best way .
Good Luck ,
Gary
 
Laser engraved is a good choice. Hand engraving will not look like factory stamps unless the engraver agrees to match the stamping.

Yeah removing the original caliber rollmark is another issue. Especially if it's on the lefy side of the barrel with the SMITH AND WESSON rollmark. If it's on the right side of barrel, sand it off leaving the barrel round. Apply your marking of choice, then have the barrel hot tank blued.

And don't forget the Dingbats* at the beginning of the factory caliber rollmark. Laser engraving makes it very easy to produce these and make your new caliber marking look factory.
1780695389372.webp
*i.e., Typographical Ornaments. Many wonder what the little iron cross-like marks are at the beginning and end of the cartridge and/or patent date roll mark on the barrel. Typographical ornamentation of many types was used as "feet", in printer vernacular, back in the day to begin and end text to help align printing, or rollmarks on barrels. The use by S&W, of their ornament choices we're so familiar with, began in the 19th century and used thru and after WW II on many models. They come and go throughout S&W revolver production over 100 years without any discernible pattern and is very inconsistent.
 
I recently acquired a Highway Patrolman that had been converted to .44 Magnum using a M/24 barrel, I drawfiled the .44 Special marking off and had the .44 Magnum marking pantograph engraved and the barrel rust blued to match the rest of the M/28's brushed blue. The project turned out very well.
 
You might try calling Hamilton Bowen and asking for advice. While Bowen is no longer making custom guns, I think I read that they are still selling parts, so I would think they have an active phone number.
 
Hondo44 said:
Laser engraved is a good choice. Hand engraving will not look like factory stamps unless the engraver agrees to match the stamping.

Yeah removing the original caliber rollmark is another issue. Especially if it's on the lefy side of the barrel with the SMITH AND WESSON rollmark. If it's on the right side of barrel, sand it off leaving the barrel round. Apply your marking of choice, then have the barrel hot tank blued.

And don't forget the Dingbats* at the beginning of the factory caliber rollmark. Laser engraving makes it very easy to produce these and make your new caliber marking look factory.
View attachment 881623
*i.e., Typographical Ornaments. Many wonder what the little iron cross-like marks are at the beginning and end of the cartridge and/or patent date roll mark on the barrel. Typographical ornamentation of many types was used as "feet", in printer vernacular, back in the day to begin and end text to help align printing, or rollmarks on barrels. The use by S&W, of their ornament choices we're so familiar with, began in the 19th century and used thru and after WW II on many models. They come and go throughout S&W revolver production over 100 years without any discernible pattern and is very inconsistent.
Click to expand...
Fortunately, it's a newer barrel that doesn't have dingbats, so at least that's one thing I won't have to worry about. I'm going to try and give Bowen's a call next week and see if they did theirs in house, or who they farmed the work out to. Maybe Ford's also?
 
RWJ said:
Fortunately, it's a newer barrel that doesn't have dingbats, so at least that's one thing I won't have to worry about. I'm going to try and give Bowen's a call next week and see if they did theirs in house, or who they farmed the work out to. Maybe Ford's also?
Click to expand...
 
I had a single shot rifle rebarreled and the gunsmith blued the barrel but could not put the caliber on it. A local gunsmith did it with a laser and looks as factory. No finish loss or damage. Cost was 35$. We'll spent. Looks great.
 
50 target said:
I had a single shot rifle rebarreled and the gunsmith blued the barrel but could not put the caliber on it. A local gunsmith did it with a laser and looks as factory. No finish loss or damage. Cost was 35$. We'll spent. Looks great.
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how about a picture? that would be nice
 
Years ago at the range I met a guy who had filed the warning label off the barrel of a Ruger Blackhawk. Being stainless steel it did not require any refinishing. His work was so good that you would never know there had been any lettering. I'm guessing he had to file the whole barrel in a uniform manner for it to look that good.
 
RWJ said:
I just recently had a 4" Model 17 Heavy Barrel rebored to .32 for a .327 project I am contemplating. Does anyone know of a source to get the barrel re-marked for the proper calber? While obviously usable in its current form, I would like to have it re-marked to reflect the proper cartridge.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Edit- sorry for the repeat question...
Who did you get to rebore and rifle the barrel?
 
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When I had Project 616 done, the final work was done by Andy Horvath, and since it had been laser etched at the factory, so he could lightly polish it off, the re-engrave (by laser) to match the job. It looks great to me!
🐸
 

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Not what you want to hear, but I’d leave it as is, especially since you still have the original cylinder.

I have 4” 16-4 and have contemplated finding a spare cylinder to punch out to 327. If I do, I’ll leave the original markings.

IMG_3632.webp
 
Green Frog said:
When I had Project 616 done, the final work was done by Andy Horvath, and since it had been laser etched at the factory, so he could lightly polish it off, the re-engrave (by laser) to match the job. It looks great to me!
🐸
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, this barrel has the roll marked caliber, so I don't think that laser marking would be possible without removing the old markings that easily :(

CH4 said:
Not what you want to hear, but I’d leave it as is, especially since you still have the original cylinder.

I have 4” 16-4 and have contemplated finding a spare cylinder to punch out to 327. If I do, I’ll leave the original markings.

View attachment 887597
Click to expand...

I already have an original Model 16-4 4" like yours, which I had once contemplated having the spare cylinder rebored and fitted to, but decided that I would leave as is, since it might be collectable some day for my kids when I kick the bucket. I just decided to make a non-underlugged heavy barrel version, well, just because I think it would be a neat compromise for a field gun and a unique conversion I could shoot without damaging the value. It could obviously be fitted to a Model 15-5,-6,or -7 (or even a Model 14 ) frame for frame/barrel fit esthetics, along with the spare cylinder, but I'd really like to have the caliber marked appropriately. I reached out to Hamilton Bowen's shop, but they stopped doing this work last year. I've emailed Turnbull's to see if they can re-mark the barrel, and am awaiting a reply. I also have a old .32-20 cylinder that I might have fitted as well, again, just because.... :unsure: :)
 

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Contact BMCM he modified a 9mm barrel ,to 357 SIG for me and had it stamped for the new caliber.
 
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Well, it turns out that neither Bowen's shop or Turnbull can perform this work, so I'll start down the list of recommendations that you guys have offered in your responses.
 
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