Cutting down a model 19-7 4" to a 3"?

[Toblerra]

Considering cutting down my 4" model 19-7 to a 3" barrel. Have you or anyone you know converted a 4" model 19 to a 3"? Would such a conversion affect accuracy (besides the obvious change in sight radius) if done correctly?

Why am I considering doing this?

Because I prefer 3 inch revolvers. I used to own the 3" 686+ but found it to be a bit bulky for my taste and opted for the model 19. Obviously I would prefer a 3" model 19 but they are a rarity in general and very expensive. If you are a purist who hates such mods this post is not for you, nor meant to inflame your disdain for people like me who enjoy customizing their firearms

That being said I obviously don't want to destroy my favorite Smith and if it can't be done then so be it.

Thanks!

 

[C Islander]

You can probably find a 2 1/2 inch model 19 for close to the same as cost as having a 4 inch cut down and refinished. You would have two great revolvers instead of one.Which is always a good thing.

 

[326MOD10]

I think it would be a great idea and am working out the details right now on my own Model 64 conversion work.

Not sure if you viewed the post from THEREVOLVERGUY on his conversion of a Model 65 from 4 to 3 inch barrel. I love the slab sided barrel look!

You might take a look at the Cylinder And Slide companies Extreme Duty Sights for your conversion. While it would take away the adjustable sight capability of your 19 they would be easier to install on that model because they replace adjustable sights.

I have them on a Night Guard series Model 315 and really like them.

As to what would happen with the older 19 adjustable sights I believe it would be a matter of having to adjust the height of the rear sight to coincide with whatever height the new front sight will be adjusted. But I am not an expert in that area.

 

[Zipdog]

Here is how my M10 four inch was shortened to 3" without disturbing any of the blueing. The front sight is dovetailed in.

 

[Toblerra]

I will consider the sights you suggested, I would like to keep the adjustable sights on the rear if possible. Obviously the front post will have to be removed and a new one pinned on that is slightly higher to compensate for the loss in barrel length.

 

[Toblerra]

Here is how my M10 four inch was shortened to 3" without disturbing any of the blueing. The front sight is dovetailed in.

That looks great! Who did the work for you if I might ask? How did they crown the barrel without having to reblue it?

 

[Fide686]

I bought a 19-3 6" to convert to 3". I had it duracoated, round butted, bobbed, and a front sight installed. Pictures attached.

 

[Toblerra]

Very nice conversion!

 

[Zipdog]

That looks great! Who did the work for you if I might ask? How did they crown the barrel without having to reblue it?

The gunsmith that did that work doesn't want his name mentioned for fear of getting more work. I can tell you this none of you guys would have ever heard of him. He is local to me and gets all my work. I wait long enough as it is to get mine back.

 

[Toblerra]

The gunsmith that did that work doesn't want his name mentioned for fear of getting more work. I can tell you this none of you guys would have ever heard of him. He is local to me and gets all my work. I wait long enough as it is to get mine back.

That's too bad, looks like great work.

 

[Toblerra]

If anyone knows of a competent S&W gunsmith in Southern California preferably in the greater LA area let me know. Looking for someone to do this mod for me. Thanks!

 

[smoothshooter]

The gunsmith that did that work doesn't want his name mentioned for fear of getting more work. I can tell you this none of you guys would have ever heard of him. He is local to me and gets all my work. I wait long enough as it is to get mine back.

How would the Dura-Coat hold up to barrel-cylinder gap gasses, and aggressive scrubbing to remove lead fouling in the frame and front end of the cylinder?

 

[Nedroe]

3" 19-7

Yeah, I did it. Here it is.

Enjoy

Ned

 

[Jul]

Home

bayside custom gunworks

 

[Toblerra]

Thanks all for the help and the pics!

 

[kaaskop49]

MHO

I've had 2 revolver bbls cut down. I felt I could not live unless I had them done. Both were shortened by skilled 'smiths. After they were finished, I shot each gun once and wondered why I had gotten into this in the first place. Never shot either one again.

Just my take on this matter...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[scooter123]

You can probably find a 2 1/2 inch model 19 for close to the same as cost as having a 4 inch cut down and refinished. You would have two great revolvers instead of one.Which is always a good thing.

I will second this recommendation. Had my 2 1/2 inch 19-3 at the range last Sunday and my only regret is that I didn't take more ammunition with me.

 

[bananaman]

I have never done a side by side comparison of a 2", 2.5", & 3" K frame. Of the 3, the 3" I do not still own. 2" is a RB 10-5, 2.5" is a 66-2. Both shoot well for me. Obviously, to each his own. Bob

 

[Colonel]

For a 1" difference, why bother? Even if you like a round butt better than the square butt, I think the make conversion grips?

 

[Toblerra]

For a 1" difference, why bother? Even if you like a round butt better than the square butt, I think the make conversion grips?

Because the 3" looks so much cooler!