I want to put a longer barrel on a 327

[tiggen]

Actually, that's not entirely true. What I really want is a 327PD with the 4" barrel. Trouble is, I don't want to wait an age for one to come up for sale.

So I started thinking: maybe I'll buy a 327 2", and send it to S&W to have a 4" barrel put on it. Voila, a 327PD!

I know both versions have a two part barrel, so am I correct in assuming that this can be done?

Anybody here done this before?

 

[BUFF]

Call S&W's service department and ask them directly.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The two-piece barrel requires a special tool. When S&W patented their take on the two-piece barrel they patented the tool also. AFAIK they have the only they ones.

 

[tiggen]

10-4, gents. Will do. And thank you.

Anybody done this? Is there a catalog with prices for these parts somewhere, or do I have to call S&W for that a well?

 

[jaymoore]

The two-piece barrel requires a special tool. When S&W patented their take on the two-piece barrel they patented the tool also. AFAIK they have the only they ones.

Cerrosafe and a torque rod (I think brass, or, more probably in my case, AMS 4640) should work for the creation of a barrel tool.

That's Plan A if it ever comes up in our workshop.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Cerrosafe and a torque rod... should work for the creation of a barrel tool....

If you look up the patent, it's easy to find online, they show a real good diagram of the tool. Your method might work.... once. But once would get it done.

 

[colt_saa]

If they have the barrel in stock, I can not see a reason why they would not switch them for you.

Now on another note.......Do you realize that the Model 327 Carry (SKU170245) and the Model 327PD (SKU163419) are different frames?

The Carry is built on a fixed sight frame while the PD is built on an adjustable sight frame.

Sorry I don't have a 327PD, had to post a 357PD image

Further, the Carry is a Performance Center offering while the PD is a Production gun. So in addition to the rear sights being wrong, the logos on the frame will be wrong as well.

Using the PD barrel on the fixed sight Carry frame will require a shorter front sight on the 4" PD barrel. I do not believe that Smith and Wesson will offer to fabricate this for you, you will probably need to have it done or do it yourself. Whoever fabricates the front sight will need to know what ammunition you desire to shoot to Point of Aim. After all it will be a fixed sight revolver.

For the Parts and Labor prices along with wait time, you would have to contact the Smith and Wesson Performance Center, they would be doing the barrel swap.

 

[jaymoore]

If you look up the patent, it's easy to find online, they show a real good diagram of the tool. Your method might work.... once. But once would get it done.

May do that one day, any idea of the patent #?

As Cerrosafe is reusable, and easily recast, one time use isn't apt to be a problem, though. The torque rod of AMS4640 will likely hold up a long time.

All theoretical, though, at this point. Unless I go crazy on a Model 69!

 

[tiggen]

Colt_SAA,

Do you realize that the Model 327 Carry (SKU170245) and the Model 327PD (SKU163419) are different frames?

I did not know this. Thank you for pointing it out.

Further, the Carry is a Performance Center offering while the PD is a Production gun. So in addition to the rear sights being wrong, the logos on the frame will be wrong as well.

I was under the impression that the 327PD was a PC gun. Thank you for this tidbit as well.



What if I were to do something similar to a 386PD?

I found one local. As long as the top strap/cylinder/timing/etc. are all in good shape, what do you think it would be worth?

 

[tiggen]

Btw, just got the Blue Book value on this gun. Says 100% is $665. Dude wants $800, no box/docs. I know they are out of production, but that's a big premium. Perhaps I need to keep looking...

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The 386PD is on the L-frame. The 327s are on the N-frame.

.

 

[tiggen]

Going tomorrow morning early to look at this gun. Any guesses on what a fair price for this gun is, assuming barrel, frame, cylinder, and action check out?