Found a NOS, 3" pinned, Airweight marked barrel on GB. Will I run into any problems making this swap ?. My blue 37 is a flat latch (#2285XX) shooter,not mint enough to have great collector value. When was this one made?

Thanks,
Ischia

Found a NOS, 3" pinned, Airweight marked barrel on GB. Will I run into any problems making this swap ?. My blue 37 is a flat latch (#2285XX) shooter,not mint enough to have great collector value. When was this one made?

Thanks,
Ischia

My experience is that changing barrels on Airweight frames is rather "iffy." As I recall, even the factory was reluctant to do it. Once a steel barrel is torqued into an aluminum alloy frame, it's best to leave it alone. There are a number of factors here including effects of galvanic reaction between steel and aluminum, and differences in hardness and expansion between steel and aluminum. The stock thickness of the Airweight frame above the yoke where the barrel threads into the frame makes this a weak point to begin with. Personally, I would not do it.

The frame will most likely crack when you remove the old barrel. If it does not, then it will when you install the new barrel.

Sell your 2" gun and buy a 3" gun. Best way to do this conversion.

__________________
Formerly know as Lucky Derby

+1...too many risks involved. One could potentially ruin an irreplaceable alloy frame.

The thought scares me!