What's the correct way to measure a barrel?

riptrack44 · Sep 19, 2008

I have a model 36 I inherited from my Dad. I measured the bbl from the end of the frame and it's 1 1/4". The box says 2" and has the wrong S/N although I know my Dad bought the gun new in that box. The bbl is pinned. I don't know when Dad bought it but he died in 1976 so it's probably about 35 or 40+ years old. Never been fired. Any help appreciated.

riptrack44 · Sep 19, 2008

I have a model 36 I inherited from my Dad. I measured the bbl from the end of the frame and it's 1 1/4". The box says 2" and has the wrong S/N although I know my Dad bought the gun new in that box. The bbl is pinned. I don't know when Dad bought it but he died in 1976 so it's probably about 35 or 40+ years old. Never been fired. Any help appreciated.

panamajack310 · Sep 19, 2008

Hi, when you measure a revolver barrel you need to measure from the start of the barrel wich is right in front of the cylinder to the tip of the barrel.The model 36 does have a 2" barrel, it was also offered with the 3" barrel. The gun was called the chiefs special. By the way welcome to the forum glad to have you here...

shawn mccarver · Sep 19, 2008

Originally posted by riptrack44:
I have a model 36 I inherited from my Dad. I measured the bbl from the end of the frame and it's 1 1/4". The box says 2" and has the wrong S/N although I know my Dad bought the gun new in that box. The bbl is pinned. I don't know when Dad bought it but he died in 1976 so it's probably about 35 or 40+ years old. Never been fired. Any help appreciated.

The barrel is measured from the back end of the barrel next to the front of the cylinder to the end of the "dangerous end."

In the era you are talking about the measurement you will most likely get is 1 7/8, but it was called a 2 inch barrel by the factory and everyone else.

The official serial number of an S&W revolver is on the bottom of the grip frame, and if you are looking anywhere else, the number you see might be an assembly or other number, but not the serial number. If the revolver has original grips, you will see the serial number by just turning the revolver upside down (assuming it does not have "target grips"). If it has target grips which cover the bottom of the grip frame, you will have to remove the grips to see the serial number.

What's the correct way to measure a barrel?

riptrack44

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riptrack44

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panamajack310

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shawn mccarver

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