Barrel swap for 327??

[963852]

Greetings. I found this forum while trying to research a barrel swap for a S&W 327. Most factory guns either come with a tiny 1.87" barrel or a 4" barrel. I want a 3" barrel. I know a PITA unicorn want. I just love actual 3" barrels on wheel guns.

I found a new 686 Barrel on MGW but I am unsure if it will screw on the 327 frame?

Is there any other alternative to a 3" bbl for a .327 wheelie?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[-BTM-]

Which 327 do you have?

 

[963852]

Which 327 do you have?

I don't own one yet until I can confirm a barrel swap is possible.

My goal is a lightweight, 8 shot, 3", .357 for hiking and trail walks.

Mostly it will have two rounds of snake shot, 3 rounds of .38 Wadcutters and 3 rounds of .357 hard cast.

I call it a "trail mix"

Currently I walk with my dogs with a Ruger LCR 5 shot with 2 rounds snake shot and 3 rounds of wadcutters. Plenty for anything I encounter around my house. But I would like a little more for vacation hikes with unknown contingencies.

 

[WR Moore]

OK, the L frame barrel tenon is smaller than the 327 N frame barrel tenon, so it's not going to fit. Also, I expect the spacing between barrel centerline and cylinder/extractor axis wouldn't line up.

IF the barrel was one piece, it could always be shortened. If it's 2 piece, as many apparently are today, you're looking at major bucks to shorten the barrel. Plus, it's an alloy frame, even the factory allegedly doesn't do (one piece) barrel replacements on those. It might be possible to find a one piece N frame factory barrel, modify it and have it installed, but again, it ain't gonna be cheap-the frame may need modification too.

Speed loaders are a lot cheaper. So's an L frame-despite the weight, or a K frame.

 

[M29since14]

This project sounds like $1000 per inch, or maybe twice that, when all is said and done.

I understand wanting what you want. I’ve done a bit of that myself, but I think what you want, if done by a competent revolversmith, will be pretty pricey. I would not want to unscrew the barrel already installed on a valuable revolver with an aluminum frame and re-install another one.

 

[s&wchad]

OK, the L frame barrel tenon is smaller than the 327 N frame barrel tenon, so it's not going to fit.

Yup, different barrel shank diameters. You'll find the sizes listed in this thread: Barrel thread pitch

Even if you were able to sleeve a 686 barrel, the construction is different and the front sight would be way off. The 327 has a lug that keys into the barrel shroud. Here a comparison of a 327 and a 686.

 

[magnum0710]

I totally understand where you're coming from, I love a good 3 inch magnum myself but I just don't think the juice is worth the squeeze on this one. Your best bets for a high capacity 3 inch would be the 686+, the 7 shot Ruger GP100 or the Taurus 692. Those are the only 357s with more than 6 rounds and 3 inch barrels that I know. None of them are light weight but with a good belt and holster none of them should be a problem to carry. My EDC is a 2.75 Ruger Speed Six and it weighs 2lbs unloaded. I forget it's there sometimes. I really want a true 3 inch Speed Six like the USPS guns and I was considering having a 4 inch cut down to 3 so I definitely get it. Between the frame and 2 piece barrel on the 327 I just think it would cost way too much, plus I'm sure there's a reason the factory won't rebarrel that particular model. Another option would be one of the lighter 6 shooters. The Colt King Cobra and Viper 3 inch and the Rossi RP63 all weigh 27 oz roughly.

 

[963852]

Well, poop on a pixie stick. I'm glad I asked before jumping in with both feet.

Thanks for the replies.

Have an awesome day.