Need help with mod

[Renbecker]

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions...
I have a family member who doesn't drive anymore and so can't get to the range who's willing to give me his S&W 639 - it's in beautiful condition. Only problem is, living in Canada, any pistol with a barrel that is shorter than 4.17" is *prohibited* meaning it can't be transferred to me as it has a 4.0" barrel. Having said that, other than my uncle giving it up to the RCMP I'm trying to find a way to keep the gun and was wondering if there are any aftermarket barrel options in existence? Maybe something 4.2" or 4.25"? Heck, even 4.17" would work.. The only way I could think of to keep this gun is having him change the barrel, having the gun re-verified having ownership transferred to me and registered in my name.
Feels like a shot since searching the internet hasn't turned anything up but it feels like there should be a workable option out there somewhere?! Seems a shame to have to give it up

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums. That question was asked a few years ago. As far as I know, there are no aftermarket barrels currently available for the 39, 59, x39, x59 pistols.

 

[Moo Moo]

We have similar issues here in Australia where Semi-auto handgun barrels need to be 120mm on a typical handgun Target shooters licence. We get a lot of threaded barrels here to overcome this issue. I've never seen one up close, but I know that some gunsmiths have been able to attach sleeves to make the barrel like longer.

I know where there's a Ruger P85 for sale with a barrel extension to show you what can be done. I'll PM you the link.

 

[Renbecker]

Thanks all - sounding more and more like it's going to go to the gun-pile in the sky.
In Canada to qualify as a "barrel" it needs to have "uninterrupted rifling" so extensions and like like won't work - needs to be purpose built. Only other option I've found is to have a custom barrel made but the gunsmith warned it would likely cost 2x what the gun is worth.
sigh - not worth spending just to get a "free" gun lol

 

[mikerjf]

Just redefine inches and make yourself a new ruler. Works for economics, why not here!

 

[WR Moore]

There's a forum member who posts as BMCM you might wish to PM about this issue.

 

[cmj8591]

Wrap it in rust resistant paper, put it in a plastic bag and stick it under the insulation in your attic until your neighbors come to their senses and elect a less intrusive government. Don't tell anyone. If the RCMP is up in your attic looking under the insulation, chances are that gun is the least of your worries.

 

[2152hq]

Will a Mod 52 bbl fit ?
(5") and bush the chamber for 9mm. (Slight bore&groove diff I realize)
Or reline the entire length to 9mm and chamber.

Use the existing bbl as a monobloc and sleeve it with a new bbl for 9mm and chamber.
It's a straight tube w/one locking ring/lug. Or use the orig locking lug and join the sleeve to the monobloc ahead of it.

Not cheap but it beats throwing a gun away.

I think I have a Model 52 bbl w/a bulge in the bore somewhere under the pile of stuff that is a bench.

 

[martyd]

Do you know how they came up with that bizar number, 4.17"?

Manufacturers generally list barrel lengths in 1/4".
So a manufacturer would list a 4.17" barrel as 4"

Actually measure the barrel.

My Model 39-2 is just under 4.2"