Hi!
This is my first post on here. Anyone have any experience on changing barrels on an X-frame revolver? Do I need a special tool to get the barrel off an back on again? Somewhere I read that it has to be done by a gunsmith with the proper tool, but I think those are hard to come by here in Scandinavia.
What about taking the X-frame apart, is that difficult, or about as easy as taking apart a Ruger?

Thanks for your time guys.

Taking an X frame apart is easy. Just like an N frame, but an extra screw in the side plate. Changing out the barrel is something else. I have never tried on my X frame guns. I suspect it requires special tools. Don't know if you could easily send it to the factory from where you are, so you could look for a gunsmith who might be able to do it.

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Tom

Contact Smith and Wesson by E-mail or call. I'm sure they sell the tool that fits the muzzle and ask them for torque specifications maybe they will tell you everything you need to know to do it the right way.

I'm sure your gonna need to buy some tools though, like a good machine vise, Bore tool, torque wrench, and of course you may need to install the barrel measure cylinder gap and fit it.

I'm not sure never did it myself but I been doing a-lot of reading and I have a-lot of Machine shop experience in proto-typing.

Just contact them and ask what can it hurt. Hope you get the answers your looking for.

I wouldn't bet on it. S&W doesn't want someone doing work that could be critical to safety that will come back on them liability wise or for an expensive repair. Same reason they won't sell ILS parts.

I'll bet that S&W will say send the gun in for work or forget it. Don

I just called Smith and Wesson about the barrel replacement and they confirmed what you said. They won't sell the tools or give you info., they will have do the job.

So no big deal at least it'll be done right which is the main goal.

Also asked him how many shots it takes to wear the barrel out and the answer was many thousands.....lol. Sounds like I won't be doing any major work on this revolver for a very long time, maybe never.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

I've gotten to know a S&W engineer, very nice guy but he won't go around company policy on things like the OP suggested. Sometimes corporate America can be difficult (probably with good reason with all the frivolous law suits) and if you value your job, you won't get crosswise with them. Don

I know what you mean Don. I, with the utmost respect, ask these guys questions with an open mind so I can get the best help from them. That goes with anyone I talk to though.

That's how I learn, besides actually doing things.

Have a Great Day

And a Merry Christmas and great holiday season to you, Scrapper.

This is a good forum, most of the members seem to be pleasant people. Don

I enjoy this forum and get a-lot out of it, it keeps my brain juices flowing.

Jim Rae @ S&W PC told me that a special fixture is used @ the factory to do the .460 Barrel changes. I had a ES barrel changed out to a 14"

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Tom

I was thinking of gett'in the 14" PC too...I just sent S&W an e-mail asking what the cost would be to install one on my 8 3/8' or is it just more economical to buy one and just have two one for short and one for long. Just kick'in it around.

If ya don't mind, How much did it cost ya Tom Revo?

I talked to S&W, threre was just no way that they would sell me the tool needed to take off the barrel. Too bad, since sending a gun from Norway and into the US is a major PITA. Mayne it would be possible to cast a hard lead bullet with a squared bolt in it, ram it into the barrel and then unscrew it?