front ramp/sight options for shortening a 66-1 barrel?

[Lou_NC]

I have a 66-1 with 4" barrel that I'm thinking of shortening to about 3". I've been looking for used S&W 3" barrels, no luck there, so now I'm searching for a decent looking sight base and ramp sight if I cut, and can't seem to find anything on Brownell's website or just about anywhere else. Has anyone done this job recently, and what parts are currently available for this work?

Thanks,
Lou

 

[BubbaBlades]

4" to 3" using the sight from a 686. Welding is required.

Slab side to remove off center factory markings.

 

[tt66]

I am not sure that he stocks sights for S&W's, but he might come up with something for you.

Fermin C Garza | Fermin C Garza

 

[Lou_NC]

4" to 3" using the sight from a 686. Welding is required.

Slab side to remove off center factory markings.

Nice work! I was thinking along the same lines, although admittedly I hadn't considered re-use of the factory ramp. I had also thought about the slabside approach, yours turned out great and I would likely go that route as well.

Welding would likely not be a showstopper, as I have a machinist friend who is very TIG savvy and has a full machine shop that's basically at my disposal.

I assume you'd have to re-fill the red ramp after welding?

Did you basically saw off the old ramp flush with the barrel and re-weld once the barrel was cut and re-crowned?

Thanks,
Lou

 

[Alk8944]

Have you contacted S&W about availability of a new 3" Model 66 barrel?

Personally I don't understand why you would want to shorten a barrel by just one inch! Functionally or for conceal-ability there is no practical difference between a 3 inch and 4 inch barrel except some apparently think the 3 inch barrel is in some was "Neater" than a 4 inch, or other barrel lengths.

 

[BubbaBlades]

Lou,

The red ramp insert did not need replacement. I did minor touch-up to it after all other work was done.

The ramp was cut off flush from the donor 686 barrel.

The ramp was welded to the cut down barrel on both ends but not on the sides.

I used a small file to match the rear weld to the groove pattern on the top of the barrel and the angled portion of the remp.

 

[stu1ritter]

The Weigand front sight base takes the S&W interchangeable inserts so you have a wide range available. Takes a bit of milling to get it on. Here it is on a modified 629. It was last available from Bowen Classic Arms. I also used it on a 3" barrel conversion (686) so you can see how it looks on that size barrel.

Stu

 

[RMFnLA]

I’d rather just pick up a whole 2-1/2” model and call it a day.

Two original guns beat one chopped up one in my book…

 

[mscampbell2734]

Contact these people

4 conversion

 

[Rich Richardson]

Contact these people

4 conversion

I went to the sdmfabricating website and it states they are not taking in any new smithing work.