Model 13 conversion from 4" to 3" bbl?

[tomshilling]

The 3" barrel Model 13 is a true gem. Simple question: what would the likely challenges be to convert a 4" barrel Model 13 to a 3"? or for that matter, any length of a K-frame to a 3"? Possible donors could be Models 10, 13, 19, 64, 65, 66 and probably others, although I would specify that it have a round butt and heavy barrel...

There is a model 13 on Gunbroker now, with a 3" barrel, but the front site is a modified "shotgun bead" and it has been ported. It looks fine, but the non-factory front sight and non-factory porting have me wondering if it is a "true" 3" bbl model 13 or if someone turned it into a 3" model 13...

I am considering making such a modification in order to get a 3" K-frame for CCW... I don't much care about re-sale, as this would be a keeper. But since I am not a gunsmith, I am also wondering what the cost might be to have that much work done to a donor gun...

Any insights?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Nanook 450]

I'd find a true 3 inch barrel - somehow. I also have a 4 inch Model 13 and am partial to most any 4 inch S&W revolver - besides being good hunting back-up, they are legal to actually take deer with in Oklahoma. I think the 3 inch craze will subside, in the mean time I'd leave that one alone.

 

[m1gunner]

I ran across an ad several weeks ago for some 3" blued barrels heavy, K frame 357. They were cut down from 4". Looked good for $30, but no front sight. What you are seeing is likely one of these.

 

[chief38]

If you look hard enough you can probably find one. The 3" barrel is a REAL SWEET carry .357 Magnum! I have the 3" stainless version (M65) and love it!

I am normally NOT a Gun - Modification guy, but in this case I would say go for it full steam ahead. I think you will have to start looking at secondary suppliers, as I would expect the main suppliers would not have a 3" tube in stock. Before buying a barrel, a call to Smith to verify which barrels will fit and which ones won't would be prudent. The last thing you want is a call from your Gunsmith telling you the pricey barrel you just bought won't fit, and the gun is already apart!!

Good luck with your project!

Chief38

 

[357larry]

Not a bad modification if done right. I have a 3 inch model 66 that is nothing short of fantastic, so I understand the desire to have a 3 inch gun.

This thread reminded me of the last gunshow I went to in Topeka Kansas. A dealer there had what was originaly a pencil barrel model 64. Someone had replaced the pencil barrel with a heavy 3 inch barrel. The frame on the topstrap was dished to accomodate the pencil barrel, therefore, it looked rather silly with the heavy barrel. Apparently the 3 inch tube was not cut to be pinned to the frame, therefore there were holes in the frame, but no pin.
I was thinking that if the dealer were to pay me, I would remove this hideous looking creation from his table and make the effort to locate the proper barrel and restore this once great gun to its former glory. Well, the dealer had a different view of things as he was asking just short of $400 for this thing. I am sure he still has it.

As I said earlier, nothing wrong with modifying a gun to your liking, so long as the work is quality. This was a prime example of a project which was not so well thought out.