Modified 46

[Aussie Collector]

My first Model 46 not the best one I have seen it is however the only one I have seen for sale in Australia. Thought Id show the modifications and repair. The barrel is a 7” cut down to 5 5/8” and is a very good job. The person who did the barrel shows skill in his work unlike the slide repairer. The barrel was cut directly behind the front sight so the sight could be reused. The bore at the end chamfered the under lug stepped and groves cut. The original sight then placed back. The slide repair is quite rough and on both sides the S&W logo and address info was removed after welding I guess to remove splatter as it was not to cleanup the welds that’s for sure.

Just about to post this and thought before I do Ill check the year of manufacture and got out the trusty SCSW. I have never notices before that in the SCSW it lists the barrel lengths as 5 1/2" and 7 3/8" then later 7”. I was not aware and find it hard to believe that there was a 7 3/8 barrel on the 46 if there was it had to have a false muzzle or a muzzle brake. I always believe S&W used “raw” unfinished model 41 7 3/8 barrels to make the 7” for the 46.
Cheers

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Good pictures. Interesting repair approach on the slide - based on SN probably 1961/62 and probably had a square cut at the rail/body junction that was prone to crack. Looks like the repair could handle about any .22 ammo? Interesting (and not real uncommon) the relief cut in the bbl to improve ejection. A top down picture of the front site would be interesting. The 46 bbl was made as a 46 bbl (7", 5.5"Bull, and 5" sporter with patridge or ramp front sites). Remember, 41 bbls were undercut for slide, drilled for weight, and the top ribbed VS plain finish. The key differences were early in the mfg. process. You have developed a collection and knowledge well above most of us in the US with what has to be a very limited pool to pull from. Yor imput is greatly appreciated.

 

[civil1977]

I'll echo Tom's comments and add that the reference in the SCSW to a 7 3/8" barrel for the Model 46 is most likely a typo. The authors issued a list of corrections which is available on the Internet and this one may be listed.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Thanks for the kind comments. This site and you guys are a wealth of knowledge that continues to help everyone.

Here is a picture of the front sight. There is some nice work done on the ejection as you mentioned I have included a picture showing better details.

I imagined the barrels all starting life as a steel blank say 270 x 20 x 40mm, then all the milling and machining done. I had a look in “Images of America” hoping to find a picture of barrel production, and then realised there is not to many production pictures. A great book idea, one that shows the steps of making of a few S&Ws from the blanks to finished product. I guess there is only one person with access to those types of photos, would buy it that’s for sure.

I remember when I first purchased and read SCSW ed1, I made notes on a few dozen errors or inconsistencies with the idea of sending it in. Never did as I thought the authors have done such a great job and would be flooded with letters. Just checked, yep my notes are still in the book, also the 46 barrel lengths have changed as they are correct in the first edition. Not a typo but an incorrect revision change.
Cheers.