Barrel for 624 3"

[hastings]

Picked up a model 624 3" about a month ago. Got it for a good price because the previous owner had the thing ported, and the port job was not the best one I've ever seen.

I've put fifty rounds of 240gr soft lead ammo thru it, as well as 20 rounds of Grizzly Ammo 260gr hardcast. Zero problems with lead fouling the port holes (which look like they were drilled with 1/8" bit). Zero problem with debris coming back into my face. And no detectable impact on accuracy. In fact, with the 260 gr Grizzly rounds the gun shoots cloverleafs at 15 yards.

The holes look poorly done, but don't negatively impact the performance of the revolver in any way I can measure. Basically two small holes on each side of the barrel by the front sight. holes are at 10 and 2. Definitely not machined. Sorta twists my knickers that somebody would do this to a great revolver, but on the other hand, I wouldn't have got a sweet-shooting revolver for half price if the buffoon hadn't had it done.

I'm struggling with these options:
-Just keep it as a shooter.
-Replace the barrel, if I can find a one.
-Trade it for a model 69 with 2-3/4" barrel.
-Use it for the starting point of a custom build - maybe a short-barreled
45colt.

Any suggestions on where I could find a barrel, or any other helpful suggestions?

[SLT223]

I'd probably just leave it alone, but then you said:

"Use it for the starting point of a custom build - maybe a short-barreled 45colt.".....

....I think we know what do

[6GUNSONLY]

I'd just shoot it. I'd rather have a .44 Special than a .45 Colt any day.

[SAFireman]

You might be able to get a TIG welder to fill in the holes, then file flat and polish the area with grey Scotchbrite

A replacement barrel will likely set you back 250-300 bucks. They are listed from time to time on the auction sites.

Or, you could get really crazy and do this.....




That barrel was from a model 29, cut down, radiused, ball detent added, then mounted on a model 58 frame. You would in essence make a 2.25" Model 624 out of it. How cool would that be

[Pizza Bob]

I'd just keep it since it seems to have no impact on performance. However, if you are slightly OCD, like me, I know that it probably bugs you - so I'd keep an eye out for another barrel. Not something that is going to happen immediately - maybe never, but just keep looking. Even if you find one it doesn't mean that you have to change out yours.

My best friend, who is not a gun person, and his wife moved to Santa Fe a couple years ago. They were just exploring the town and found themselves in a gun store. He wrote to me to ask if I had any interest in a Model 610. They wanted some ridiculous price (even for a 610). IIRC it was around $2400 - because it was a "custom". It had a ported barrel - I ask my friend if he could send me a picture - expecting maybe Magnaporting or Gemini. Here is what I got...



It looks like somebody attacked this poor gun with a Black & Decker and a hacksaw. I made them an offer in the $500 range figuring I could have the barrel properly shortened and recrowned or replaced and have myself a nice 610 at a fair price. They were insulted. For all I know that gun is still there - certainly is if any knowledgeable buyer looked at it.

So, take heart - it could be worse, your 624 could have ended up like that 610.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[Muley Gil]

Numrich has a 4" barrel in stock. If I had your revolver, I would buy a 4" over a 3" every day of the week.

Smith & Wesson Model 624 Revolver Parts | Numrich Gun Parts

[Irate45]

On the other hand...if you did want to get a bit crazy, have a .45 Colt bull barrel and unfluted cylinder installed. add an optic sight like the Burris Fastfire III on an Allchin mount and you're good to go.

Although not a 624, this was a 24-3.

Glad I did it. Great shooting, accurate gun.

10.jpg

[hastings]

Thank you, all, for the info and advice. I am ocd, and the pic of the 610 barrel made me throw up a little in my mouth. 45colt is my first love cartridge-wise, but 44 special has been growing on me.

I like the suggestion of putting a 4" barrel on the 624. Might go that route. Think I'll shoot it some more while I think it over. Since the barrel is already less than perfect, I feel more comfortable with the idea of using it as a bang-around woods gun and shooting it a lot. Might be a blessing in disguise.

[hastings]

Originally Posted by Irate45

On the other hand...if you did want to get a bit crazy, have a .45 Colt bull barrel and unfluted cylinder installed. add an optic sight like the Burris Fastfire III on an Allchin mount and you're good to go.

Although not a 624, this was a 24-3.

Glad I did it. Great shooting, accurate gun.

Attachment 460541

Interesting idea. Might have to try that with my old 686. Long, heavy barrel and full wadcutter 38special loads sounds very appealing.

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by hastings

-Use it for the starting point of a custom build - maybe a short-barreled
45colt.

Any suggestions on where I could find a barrel, or any other helpful suggestions?

How short of a barrel do you want on that 45 Long Colt?

Numerich still has these barrels in stock. These would be cool with adjustable sights

[LittleCooner]

buy the 4 inch barrel from Numrich. you will be glad you did.

[hastings]

Originally Posted by colt_saa

How short of a barrel do you want on that 45 Long Colt?

Numerich still has these barrels in stock. These would be cool with adjustable sights

3-1/2" barreled, fixed sight model 25 = my dream gun.

Wonder how tall the front sight would have to be on a super snubbie like those two 45 colt revolvers if the barrel was installed in an adjustable-sight frame. Might look like a unicorn, or a rhino.

[hastings]

Originally Posted by LittleCooner

buy the 4 inch barrel from Numrich. you will be glad you did.

Was headed in that direction, but checked the website earlier and all barrel lengths for the 624 are currently out of stock. I'll pick one up when they are back in stock, or I come across a used one.

Thanks

[jcs266]

Originally Posted by Pizza Bob

I'd just keep it since it seems to have no impact on performance. However, if you are slightly OCD, like me, I know that it probably bugs you - so I'd keep an eye out for another barrel. Not something that is going to happen immediately - maybe never, but just keep looking. Even if you find one it doesn't mean that you have to change out yours.

My best friend, who is not a gun person, and his wife moved to Santa Fe a couple years ago. They were just exploring the town and found themselves in a gun store. He wrote to me to ask if I had any interest in a Model 610. They wanted some ridiculous price (even for a 610). IIRC it was around $2400 - because it was a "custom". It had a ported barrel - I ask my friend if he could send me a picture - expecting maybe Magnaporting or Gemini. Here is what I got...



It looks like somebody attacked this poor gun with a Black & Decker and a hacksaw. I made them an offer in the $500 range figuring I could have the barrel properly shortened and recrowned or replaced and have myself a nice 610 at a fair price. They were insulted. For all I know that gun is still there - certainly is if any knowledgeable buyer looked at it.

So, take heart - it could be worse, your 624 could have ended up like that 610.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Wow that's hideous. What a butcher job that was.

[hastings]

Here are a few pics of the 624. Looks to me like a quarter-wit took a cordless drill to the think. Holes wouldn't be so bad if they were uniform from side to side.

I guess when compared to the 610 pic, I shouldn't complain.

[jughed440]

Originally Posted by hastings

Here are a few pics of the 624. Looks to me like a quarter-wit took a cordless drill to the think. Holes wouldn't be so bad if they were uniform from side to side.

I guess when compared to the 610 pic, I shouldn't complain.

Damn. It's too bad that an idiot once owned your 624.
Someone has to have a spare barrel for sale.

[hastings]

I'm really surprised that it doesn't affect accuracy, but it doesn't.

It does make you wonder what goes thru a person's head to make them think doing this was a good idea.

I've decided to shoot it as is, and whichever barrel length I find first (3" or 4") will be the one I replace it with. Leaning toward 4"

[CH4]

No matter what you do it won’t be original. If it were mine and I couldn’t find a 3” factory barrel, I’d probably leave it alone or flip it. How much I paid for it would also be a factor in its fate.

Edit: looking at your pictures, I’d finish the job by slightly flaring or radius the openings and touching it up with a little perma blue to give it a more finished look.

[colt_saa]

Originally Posted by hastings

3-1/2" barreled, fixed sight model 25 = my dream gun.

Wonder how tall the front sight would have to be on a super snubbie like those two 45 colt revolvers if the barrel was installed in an adjustable-sight frame. Might look like a unicorn, or a rhino.

It will be shorter in appearance than the Shark Fin that is on the 2" Chiefs Special Target

I want to build an adjustable sight 45 Long Colt version. I already have the spare barrel from Numerich and a cylinder to go with it, I just need to find a donor frame

[elm_creek_smith]

Originally Posted by colt_saa

How short of a barrel do you want on that 45 Long Colt?



Numerich still has these barrels in stock. These would be cool with adjustable sights

No. Just...no.

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[jringo8769]

Just have those holes you welded
These are my favorite carry guns
Love that caliber too
My favorite
Nice find
I would not put a longer barrel on it
It defeats the purpose
You can have that repaired and it will look like it was never damaged reasonably
Just my 2 cents
God Bless,John

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[Wyatt Burp]

Originally Posted by jringo8769

Just have those holes you welded
These are my favorite carry guns
Love that caliber too
My favorite
Nice find
I would not put a longer barrel on it
It defeats the purpose
You can have that repaired and it will look like it was never damaged reasonably
Just my 2 cents
God Bless,John

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And I’ll raise you ten cents. I’d go with having it welded up. It already shoots great. I think it would be a crime of the century to put a longer barrel on it.

[jringo8769]

Originally Posted by Wyatt Burp

And I’ll raise you ten cents. I’d go with having it welded up. It already shoots great. I think it would be a crime of the century to put a longer barrel on it.

Very well said
it would be a crying shame to change this beautiful gun...
just bring her back to her former glory
If it were me I would find a original set of smith combat grips
I had a 24-3 lee Horton and I loved it with those grips
To me yours is the perfect carry gun
Everything you need and nothing extra
God Bless,John


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[Warren Sear]

I think the ejector rod would have to be replaced, and maybe some other items too, if you tried to put a 4" barrel on a 3" N frame.

No bueno.

[StrawHat]

Come on, some yankee ingenuity, a couple of 6d nails and a ball peen hammer will fix those holes real quick!

Kevin

[hastings]

Originally Posted by StrawHat

Come on, some yankee ingenuity, a couple of 6d nails and a ball peen hammer will fix those holes real quick!

Kevin

I think that's the kind of thought-process that led to the porting in the first place.

[hastings]

Originally Posted by Warren Sear

I think the ejector rod would have to be replaced, and maybe some other items too, if you tried to put a 4" barrel on a 3" N frame.

No bueno.

Hadn't thought of that. Appreciate the insight.

Probably best left as is until I stumble upon a 3" barrel to replace it with.

Paid $600 for it knowing it was a gamble. The seller said the porting had been done by the S&W Custom Shop. My first thought was "S&W must be outsourcing their custom work to Springfield High-School's 10th grade introductory metal-shop class." After inspecting the rifling very carefully, I decided that in spite of the obvious hack-job porting it might still shoot okay, and decided to buy it. It's ugly, but it performs very well, and the action is absolutely perfect.

[Grayfox]

Such a shame that somebody did that to a fine and scarce revolver. I happen to be very fond of .44 Specials and that just makes me feel bad.
However, I think any attempt to repair that would be a mistake. It'll probably end up worse than it already is. I'd just leave it alone and search for a another 3" barrel. But be aware that it may take some time. Just keep watching the auction sites and hope for the best.

As for using it to build a custom short barreled .45 Colt, I've done that project starting with a bare 28-2 frame. While I have been completely thrilled with the final result, trust me, its much more complicated than you think. It took me well over two years just to find all the parts and then there was a whole lot of work putting it together. I dearly love the gun, but I don't think I want to go through that again.

[hastings]

Originally Posted by Warren Sear

I'll give you that for it if you want out.

I appreciate the offer, but not looking to get rid of it unless I stumble upon someone locally who has a model 69 with 2-3/4" barrel they want to trade. That is what I was looking for when I came upon this revolver.

Can anyone recommend a reputable gunsmith without a 2-year wait-list that would be able to plug the holes? I definitely am not going to try to fix it myself. It would be interesting to see what the cost difference would be between buying a new barrel and having it installed vs having the holes filled appropriately.

Thank you,

[hastings]

Originally Posted by Grayfox

Such a shame that somebody did that to a fine and scarce revolver. I happen to be very fond of .44 Specials and that just makes me feel bad.
However, I think any attempt to repair that would be a mistake. It'll probably end up worse than it already is. I'd just leave it alone and search for a another 3" barrel. But be aware that it may take some time. Just keep watching the auction sites and hope for the best.

As for using it to build a custom short barreled .45 Colt, I've done that project starting with a bare 28-2 frame. While I have been completely thrilled with the final result, trust me, its much more complicated than you think. It took me well over two years just to find all the parts and then there was a whole lot of work putting it together. I dearly love the gun, but I don't think I want to go through that again.

Holy Smokes that's a beautiful handgun! Looks darn-near perfect. Would you mind sharing more photos of that revolver?

By the way, what is the rear sight on that revolver? If the height would work on the 624, I might try replacing the adjustable sight with one of those.

[Muley Gil]

"I would not put a longer barrel on it
It defeats the purpose"

I've never figured out the purpose of a 3" N frame. It is too big for the majority of folks to pocket carry and it doesn't conceal as well as a 4", if carried in a good pancake holster.

The 4" barrel in a pancake holster allows the longer barrel to press against the hip, which pushes the butt towards the side. Shorter barreled handguns tend to just kinda flop to the outside.

Have you called the factory to see if they have any 3" or 4" barrels in stock?

[Grayfox]

Originally Posted by hastings

Holy Smokes that's a beautiful handgun! Looks darn-near perfect. Would you mind sharing more photos of that revolver?

By the way, what is the rear sight on that revolver? If the height would work on the 624, I might try replacing the adjustable sight with one of those.

Thank you for the complement. Sorry, but this is currently the only pic I have available. I'm sure there are some more in my computer somewhere, but they will take time to hunt up.
As I said, I've been thoroughly happy with the way this one turned out. But it was a great deal of work. Mostly with the barrel That barrel was originally a 6" 25-2 .45acp barrel. I had to cut both ends as the shank was too long for a .45 Colt cylinder. That's also why it has a patridge front sight. It was on the original barrel and aftermarket stuff just didn't look right.
The rear sight is Cylinder & Slide's Extreme Duty fixed sight. It goes right on in place of the original adjustable sights. It worked out just fine for me and shoots to POA at 10 yards. I rarely shoot beyond that as this is simply a big bore belly gun.

[StrawHat]

I used a Model 28-2 as the basis for a 45 ACP revolver. Shipped the barrel off to have it bored and rifled for .452 bullets, fitted a new cylinder. When the barrel came back the shank was a bit short so took one thread off the shoulder. Then it was too long so trial and error until the cylinder fit. Remove and replace the frame lug so that was a proper fit to the new cylinder. Round the grip frame and I had a 4”, tapered barrel, round butted, 45 ACP revolver when the factory was not offering them.

Kevin

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by StrawHat

I used a Model 28-2 as the basis for a 45 ACP revolver. Shipped the barrel off to have it bored and rifled for .452 bullets, fitted a new cylinder. When the barrel came back the shank was a bit short so took one thread off the shoulder. Then it was too long so trial and error until the cylinder fit. Remove and replace the frame lug so that was a proper fit to the new cylinder. Round the grip frame and I had a 4”, tapered barrel, round butted, 45 ACP revolver when the factory was not offering them.

Kevin

Except for the stainless steel construction, your converted M28 is what I consider the best fightin' revolver ever built. It took me a while, but I finally found a M625 Mountain Gun in .45 ACP.

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Except for the stainless steel construction, your converted M28 is what I consider the best fightin' revolver ever built. It took me a while, but I finally found a M625 Mountain Gun in .45 ACP.

My blued one (Model 28-2) is my foothills revolver and one I carried on duty. The stainless is the Mountain Gun according to the factory. Both are swell!

But, the best for duty and my EDC is the Model 22-4!

Kevin

[jtcarm]

Option 5: send it to me for proper disposal.