Barrel Shortening on New Model 57?

[MakeMyNight]

Anyone know of a Stateside gunsmith who currently can shorten the barrel on a new Model 57-6 from 6 inches down to 4 inches?

I can't seem to get a clear reply from S&W Customer Service.
They said to send the revolver to them, and the gunsmiths will decide if anything can be done.

Also, I called places such as Midway USA to see if they could obtain a model 57 4" barrel from S&W, but no dice.

I haven't purchased the model 57 yet, because I'm not interested in another 6" or 8-3/8" gun.

Most of the used stuff is pretty rough in condition, and when I find something in high condition, it's generally close to, or more than $3,000.

Thank You in advance for your replies!

 

[Doug M.]

I am sure that you will do better if you search more for a 4" than if you cut a 6". The $3K prices you are seeing seem to be really out of line. I am not in the market for any additional/new/new to me guns but I am pretty sure that $1500 is more realistic for a decent shooter 4" M57 of any dash. I suspect that folks more in tune with the market will show up and correct my guesses.

 

[WR Moore]

When you say "new" exactly what do you mean? I'm not sure what modification series it started, but current production seems to use 2 piece barrels. A rifled tube inside an outer sleeve. The muzzle nut may be either a separate piece or integral with the tube.

If the barrel is one piece, it can be shortened. However, done correctly it won't be cheap. And, any collector value will be significantly lowered as the S&W logo will not longer be centered at the length of the barrel. The factory hesitation is no doubt based upon availability of a new factory barrel being uncertain until someone checks stock.

ETA: you might check with Alex Hamilton of Ten Ring Precision in TX. Don't know any smiths in FL.