J frames with 4" barrel?

[opr1945]

1. Have any of the J frames ever come with a 4 inch barrel? I have a model 60 with a 3 inch barrel.

2. can a gun smith put a 4 inch barrel on a J frame?

thanks,
opr1945

 

[Double-O-Dave]

The Model 34 comes to mind immediately - they came with either a 2.0 inch or 4.0 inch barrel (the Model 63 is the stainless steel equivalent). I can't think of any reason why a gunsmith couldn't fit a 4.0 inch long barrel on a J frame - irrespective of caliber.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[opr1945]

I talked to a gun smith at a gun store today and he said I would have to send it back to the factory to have the barrel replaced???????

 

[OKFC05]

I talked to a gun smith at a gun store today and he said I would have to send it back to the factory to have the barrel replaced???????

Well, for sure you don't want those folks at that store working on it!

Changing revolver barrels is not a black art, but you best be sure the smith has the right tools and knows what he is doing. It can have a BUNCH of complications unless you get lucky.

If you have a used barrel, it may or may not work without major rework. Not like changing a tire or something universal.

 

[Wee Hooker]

As I recall, the mod 60 came with a 5" barrel not that long ago. I think the mod 34 came with a long barrel and some earlier 36's that had 4's. So short answer is yes. Not sure how easy or cost effective it would be to retrofit one though.

FWIW, I've got a mod 63 with a 4" BBl. Here it is with a 2" mod 34.

 

[toroflow1]

Don't forget the 6" barrel that was put on model 35's!

 

[lafayne]

I recommend keeping the 3 inch 60 and buying another 4 inch - can't have too many.

 

[parts]

My 651 has a 4" bbl.

Dave

 

[NiklasP]

My regular concealed carry is a S&W M60 with 5 inch barrel and it is exactly what I wanted for my preferences/needs, which is mostly trail, backcountry and hunting concealed carry. It is also my all-round SD revolver. The 3 inch version was very tempting but they usually sell for a few 100 dollars more. IF I really needed a full-time concealed carry gun, a M37 with 3 inch barrel would be real tempting.

Niklas

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Model 63 came in 4".

 

[browning2]

also the model 30 came in a 4 inch

 

[Nygma]

Model 63

Model 651

Model 631

 

[BUFF]

S&W has made J frames with 4 inch barrels chambered for .22 LR, .22 WMR, .32 Long, .32 H&R Mag and .38 S&W.

They never made them with 4 inch barrels in .38 Special. Seems a pity. It would make a dandy kit gun.

 

[flagman1776]

I really love the feel of my 3" 36-1... my 4" 22/32 kit gun is also a joy to handle.
A 4" 38 with target sights... would be a superb trail gun.
Russ

 

[Denise]

I have a stainless 63 with 4" barrel on it. but it's only a .22lr.

 

[Engine49guy]

4" J frames

I have a few 4" J frame Smiths, Also recommend not altering your gun but purchasing another for many reasons....
I recommend the 3" bull barrel RB 36-1 or SB 37 airweight in 3" because they seem perfect for me.
The J frame model 30 in 4" seems 1" too long for some reason.
The square butt model 34 with 4" barrel in 22 is a perfect trainer for those that find the k frame model 17 or 18 too big.

Pictured below is a 4" barrel model 34 Square Butt in .22 L.R. with adjustable sites

Here is a RB model 30 in 32 long with 4" barrel above a model 37 Airweight with 3" barrel (Below)

Shown together top to bottom all J frames,
Model 34 with 4" barrel and SB
Model 37 with 3" barrel and SB
Model 36-1 with 3" bull barrel RB (as issued to NYPD female officers)
Model 36 with 1 7/8" barrel RB

 

[jarhead1991]

I’ve had 4” M63’s before and I currently have both a 5” M60 & M63… they are my wife’s favorite to shoot.

 

[opr1945]

I talked to another gun smith today. He said he could do it but he thought it would cost more than the gun was worth. He said at least $150 in labor, maybe more. Then the cost of the barrel. He suggested I just hit the gun shows and look for one.