convert 2.5 66 to 3 inch?

[tbird]

I have a 66 f-comp 3 inch love the balance, but not to thrilled with loud muzzle blast from comp. I would like to have my 2.5 converted to a 3 inch. Any one know who could do this? Any assistance would be appr. Thanks tbird

 

[tomcatt51]

Good luck finding a barrel. That will be the hardest part.

 

[tbird]

tomcatt51,
I know what you mean, I am even thinking about if I can find a smith that can cut or make a 3 inch for me.

 

[Big Cholla]

tbird: Obviously the OEM S&W 3" barrel swap is the way to go IF you can find the barrel. I have been looking for more than a year. I have yet to find one offered anyplace. S&W chooses to not sell the barrel only. Given that a longer barrel can be cut to whatever length you want; if aesthetics are a consideration using the 8"+ barrel is the best because the roll marks on the side of the barrel are gone with the cutoff. Then you can get an engraver to duplicate the roll marks of the 3" barrel. The front sight ramp becomes a real problem to duplicate. Brownell's has a raised front sight assembly that sets into a slight mill cut. It does not try to duplicate the look of the S&W ramp. If you are working with a carbon steel barrel a really good craftsman could weld on a lump of steel, mill away everything that doesn't look like a S&W front sight ramp and then reblue the barrel. Welding and working with stainless is a big bother and never 'looks' just right. I am just about to the point of selling my M 66/2.5" and paying the awful price the 3"ers are bringing. ........ Big Cholla

 

[tomcatt51]

S&W chooses to not sell the barrel only.

S&W simply has no new 3" barrels. The "stock" is gone. You're also SOL if you need a 3" 66 barrel replaced under warrantee.

 

[tbird]

Thanks, I may just have to see if i can have one made and have a dovetailed sight like on my F-comp. i want this as a carry weapon, so I am going for function over form. I really like my F-comp but it is a 2 digit ser# so I am afraid to shoot it much and carry it. It has become a safe queen. Carried a 4 inch 66 while an office for 6 years (Still my favorite bed side ) and have a 6 inch when i need to reach out there, so the 2.5 get carried but really like the balance of the 3 inch. I don't ask for much but hey a guy can dream can't he?

 

[Marshal Tom]

I had a 2.5" 66-2 that I purchased NIB for years. I really wanted a 3" soI sold the 2.5" and waited until I found the 3" that I wanted. I found one NIB a couple of years ago for $50.00 more than I got out of my 2.5" 66. I love it. They are hard to find any pricey but they are out there. Remember also that you would not only need the barrel but the ejector rod assembly as well for the 3" gun.

Tom

 

[JC Garand]

Acme Barrel stretcher, avalable from Wile E. Coyote Mfg.

 

[JollyJerry]

Several years ago I read an article (by Sheriff Jim Wilson - I think) wherein he stated he had a 66 frame mated to a 3" barrel from a 686. He stated the pistol was well-balanced and fun to shoot. 686 barrels are not hard to come by. Maybe this would work for you?

 

[aterry33]

It will be much easier to find a 3" 66 than the barrel.. save up

 

[1 old 0311]

I have a 3 inch barrel on my 64 that I am considering having cut. If you like we could just swap barrels since mine is going to be cut anyway.

 

[D1911]

I'm having that same gun done right now. I found a 3" barrel on GB with some finish wear, but an excellent bore/forcing cone. Bought a rough P&R 66-1 at my local shop, so it's at my smith getting a facelift as we speak. Dropped off a proper new rear sight on Friday and when it comes home, it'll get a set of RB finger groove targets. Can't wait!