Cost of Barrel Change

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maustypsu

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Ideal gun for me:

686
7-shot
3" barrel
No Lock

Thanks to some help from folks here I've been able to find a few with a 4" barrel. So there is the option of switching to a 3 inch barrel. After reading the thread on changing out a barrel, I will be sending in to S&W to have them do this for me.

I was wondering if anyone had this done and could roughly tell me how much it cost. I couldn't find it on the site as it looked like they only had prices listed for pre-determined "packages". I was just wondering if I would be looking at $200 for the barrel and $200 for the work or $500 for a barrel and $500 for the work.
 
I like to hear of those that hold out for a chosen barrel length rather than settling for something else just because it's more easily attainable.

I will only resort to changing a barrel or shortening a barrel when what I want just isn't made or is so rare it becomes cost prohibitive. My logic is based on a couple of things: I'd rather not change a guns originality and potential future collectibility if I don't have to and because it's not cost effective, I'd rather not sink money into a gun that I can never recoup. This is true of most customs and modified guns. But most people that go to the trouble and expense will usually say they will keep the gun forever and that doesn't matter to them, which is perfectly OK.

Your cost estimates are pretty accurate IMO and not very 'attractive'. So if it were me I would be patient and and keep searching to find what you want if it was produced by the factory.
 
This is an interesting question and I would like to know the answer. I have an a 6" M28 and a 5" barrel (from an M27) I would like to have swapped in.

If anyone knows what S&W currently charges, please speak up. :D
 
CALL SMITH WESSON I THINK IT IS 1 HR.LABOR AND PRICE OF BBL
 
I had the factory install a barrel on a Model 64 and the labor cost was around $70. The shipping costs are the main item. It would help is you have a local FFL ship it for you. They can ship via US Mail.

Hope this helps. Steve
 
I had S&W do a barrel change on a 1950's vintage .357 Magnum several years ago. I had to supply the barrel, shipping there was a little over $50 and the service and return shipping charge was around $70. They did an excellent job and replaced a couple buggered sideplate screws at no extra charge.
 
Hondo44 said:
I like to hear of those that hold out for a chosen barrel length rather than settling for something else just because it's more easily attainable.
Click to expand...

This is the one that has me thinking... I REALLY want this gun but am having tons of trouble finding it. So the "must have it now American spirit" in me says just spend the dough and get what you want.

However, I can also see myself 30 years from now taking this gun to the range or strapping it on for carry and remembering the day I found it after a long hard search!!!

We'll see which attitude wins out. For now, I'll try to be patient. But thanks all for the responses. I can get the barrel for $100 or less and sounds like another $100-200 for shipping and the work. So the cost isn't what is stopping me. I've spent more money on dumber things that don't last as long!!!
 
P.S. Or I could just suck it up and forget about the lock. I'd have my choice of grips and no trouble getting everything else I'm looking for. But that isn't likely to happen anytime soon!!!
 
Hi guys,
I don't know why it's costing you guys so much to ship... I live in northern Minnesota. I have shipped both revolvers to Smith and long rifles to Remington and I've never paid more than $24.50 for a one way trip. Both of these manufacturers are on the east coast. I like to use Fedex as they are less hassle than UPS. I'm sure you know that you don't need an FFL to ship a weapon directly to a manufacturer and they can also ship it directly back to your home after the work. Check it out...
Regards,
Tensilon
 
Had a local smith who does work for the S&W custom shop..change a model 10 barrel while I watched and got an education on S&W revolvers. $50 and 45 minutes later I went home happy. When we took the gun to the local range for sight in..it was dead on. This guy with years of experience said it looked right and then several loads and groups later we were amazed.
 
SHIPPING 686

maustypsu said:
Ideal gun for me:

686
7-shot
3" barrel
No Lock

Thanks to some help from folks here I've been able to find a few with a 4" barrel. So there is the option of switching to a 3 inch barrel. After reading the thread on changing out a barrel, I will be sending in to S&W to have them do this for me.

I was wondering if anyone had this done and could roughly tell me how much it cost. I couldn't find it on the site as it looked like they only had prices listed for pre-determined "packages". I was just wondering if I would be looking at $200 for the barrel and $200 for the work or $500 for a barrel and $500 for the work.
Click to expand...
U can ship through post office without ffl--u need a copy of who ever u send it tos ffl & show it to post office when u ship it.
 
This is from the USPS website:

Handguns — e.g., pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person — are nonmailable UNLESS mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms, or a licensed dealer of firearms, or an authorized agent of the federal government or government of a state, territory, or district, and ONLY when addressed to a person in one of the following categories for use in the person’s official duties AND upon filing the required affidavit or certificate, as applicable (see DMM 601.11.1.3–7):...

The mailer must be a licensed manufacturer or dealer mailing to another licensed manufacturer or dealer.

Handguns may be mailed without regard to the requirements noted in items a–h if the addressee is the FBI (or its Director) or a scientific lab or crime detection bureau of any agency whose members are federal law enforcement officers, or state, district, or territory officers authorized to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.

Manufacturers or dealers must complete PS Form 1508, Statement by Shipper of Firearms, and file with the postmaster.

Postmasters may forward an unsatisfactory mailer statement to their PCSC for a ruling.

http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm
 
tomcatt51 is absolutely correct. It's illegal to ship a handgun thru the USPS, unless you have an FFL. UPS and FedX require handguns be shipped next day air (their policy); that's why the high cost. Some folks don't declare it's a handgun and take their chances, but I wouldn't advise doing that. I also suggest insuring firearm shipments.
UPS: Shipping Firearms
 
s&wchad said:
tomcatt51 is absolutely correct. It's illegal to ship a handgun thru the USPS, unless you have an FFL. UPS and FedX require handguns be shipped next day air (their policy); that's why the high cost. Some folks don't declare it's a handgun and take their chances, but I wouldn't advise doing that. I also suggest insuring firearm shipments.
UPS: Shipping Firearms
Click to expand...

Last time I checked, sending a revolver to S&W from Ga. was just under $75 (one way) if I did everything by the book. Can save a little by going through a FFL, but they are in business to make money just like everyone else.

In short, I don't send anything back to the factory any longer, too expensive. If something is broken (and I can't fix it), it is cheaper to sell it "as is" and buy another that isn't broken. Gunshows are a good place to buy and sell.
 
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