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.

 

[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]

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.

View 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]

-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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk