tools for j-frame barrel swap
- Thread starter ltkatz
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The ones I have seen have been hand made by the individual Gun Smith. If there are store bought ones available I certainly don't know where they would be sold if not at MidwayUSA & Brownell's.
Doug M.
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My favorite tool for some projects is a checkbook. I am pretty sure that this would fit solidly into that category.
I have a frame wrench but there are no J-frame inserts for it.
I took a dremel and a couple of 2x4s and made a set of blocks that fit the frame.
I am about to do another J-frame and would love to use a better tool
Let us know if you find something
I took a dremel and a couple of 2x4s and made a set of blocks that fit the frame.
I am about to do another J-frame and would love to use a better tool
Let us know if you find something
dfariswheel
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Wrench inserts are easily made using epoxy putty.
Just coat the frame and the wrench with a release agent like Johnson's Paste Wax.
Press the putty to the frame and clamp the wrench in place.
When the putty is almost fully cured like hard rubber remove the wrench and the putty and clean it up.
Allow it to fully cure and you have fitted inserts.
Just coat the frame and the wrench with a release agent like Johnson's Paste Wax.
Press the putty to the frame and clamp the wrench in place.
When the putty is almost fully cured like hard rubber remove the wrench and the putty and clean it up.
Allow it to fully cure and you have fitted inserts.
Truer words have never been spoken. IF someone has to ask where to find necessary tools... then my money is not on a successful conclusion to the project. A twisted frame turns you gun into a wall hanger. A replacement barrel installed without having to be fitted by mill or lathe turning would be a small miracle.
cgt4570
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I've unscrewed several with a wooden block in the cylinder opening (after removing the barrel pin, of course). If it breaks free with little effort, you're good to go. If it's overly tight, seek adult help to keep from warping the frame.
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The very, very thin threaded area at the yoke cutout makes changing J frame barrels very chancy. The area doesn't support much torque on the barrel and it's extremely easy to crack the frame while installing a new barrel and/or removing one. You may not crack it right away, but the crack will appear in a box or two of ammo.
If by some chance your J frame has an aluminum frame, I've been told the factory won't try to change those.
If you decide to try it anyway, take pictures, make sketches, mark the frame or whatever to record the position of the original barrel when it's hand tight on the frame. If the new barrel doesn't come up to the exact same point at the same pressure, take your project to a revolver smith or send it back to the factory. There isn't a heck of a lot of rotation between hand tight and lined up. There also isn't a heck of a lot of difference between just right and buying a new frame.
If by some chance your J frame has an aluminum frame, I've been told the factory won't try to change those.
If you decide to try it anyway, take pictures, make sketches, mark the frame or whatever to record the position of the original barrel when it's hand tight on the frame. If the new barrel doesn't come up to the exact same point at the same pressure, take your project to a revolver smith or send it back to the factory. There isn't a heck of a lot of rotation between hand tight and lined up. There also isn't a heck of a lot of difference between just right and buying a new frame.
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dfariswheel
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Some possible sources for a rebarrel. Note that none of these companies are your standard local general gunsmith............
The S&W factory.
Professional Gunsmith - Accurate Plating & Weaponry | Cogan Custom
Frank Glenn-Glenn Custom Complete Gunsmithing Service Glendale AZ
Spartan Firearm Company - Home | Facebook
Home - Cylinder & Slide - Handguns parts and accessories
Gunsmithing - Hyatt Guns
http://www.theactionworks.com/
http://smithgun.com/
