Buying a Replacement Barrel

[StarRider]

I recently purchased a model 10-5 circa 1969. It's beautiful with the exception of a chip on the bottom end of the barrel. My gunsmith tells me he can replace it if I can get him a barrel that fits. After checking on-line at gunbroker.com and elsewhere these seem affordable, but how do you know what fits and what doesn't? Are there any specs out there I can use to determine this before I buy?

Thanks, SR

 

[bluetopper]

Any model 10 pinned barrel will fit, whether it be a bull or pencil barrel.

Any K frame 38 Special caliber barrel will fit also, no matter the model number.

 

[StarRider]

Thanks for the information - that helps a lot.

I'm curious how you know this - is there an online reference for parts by various year models?

 

[okie john]

...a chip on the bottom end of the barrel.

Can you be more specific? There might be something easier than replacing the entire barrel. Pics would be ideal.


Okie John

 

[scha]

The Frame on a Model 10-5 is contoured to fit the standard or "pencil" barrel. A heavy barrel will fit but it will not match up to the frame shape. It will be safe to shoot, but it won't look right. I suggest you find a replacement "pencil" barrel which should be easy to find.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[StarRider]

I appreciate the advise - I think I'll take it to my gunsmith next week and see what he recommends. The damage is very minor (see photos), but the labor charges could cost the same to repair the barrel as to replace it. Armed with the information here I think I can make a better decision on my options when I talk to the smith next week.

Thanks,
SR

 

[okie john]

That damage is very minor. It probably occured when someone dropped the gun onto a concrete floor. The pits are probably too deep to buff out without looking odd, and replacing the barrel could cost almost as much as the gun is worth, so unless you just can't stand the thought of a banged-up gun, I'd ignore it. Spend the repair money on ammo and enjoy a fine old Smith revolver.


Okie John

 

[acl864]

That damage is very minor. It probably occured when someone dropped the gun onto a concrete floor. The pits are probably too deep to buff out without looking odd, and replacing the barrel could cost almost as much as the gun is worth, so unless you just can't stand the thought of a banged-up gun, I'd ignore it. Spend the repair money on ammo and enjoy a fine old Smith revolver.


Okie John

That would be my call too. I bet it's a great shooter.

 

[Engine49guy]

If it really bothers you maybe you can get an estimate to shorten the barrel and remount the front site?
I didnt see any mention of its current length but a 6" barrel makes a nice candidate for a 5".
Most of the time the barrel stampings are set back far enough so as not to look odd.
Of course cost is the key factor.

 

[bronco45]

These old Model 10s are work horses and wear many ribbons for efficiency and power. The damage is cosmetic, shoot it or shorten it, then shoot it. Performance is not affected by the damage seen to the bottom of the bbl.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Only A Flesh Wound!

'Tis but a scratch! . I've had worse

I'd sure not spend a dime correcting that small defect but would greatly enjoy shooting a fine revolver.