Need Some S&W Tech Advice

[PRM1]

My model 36-1 has what appears to be a defect in the barrel. About 1/2 inch from the muzzle there is a hole in the barrel (on the inside) This looks like a manufacturing defect.

Anyway, I want to replace the three inch heavy barrel.

I called S&W and was first told they could replace the barrel no problem. Since my gun is a 1980 vintage, I asked to make sure they had the barrel. The person I talked to said he didn't know. That once they received it they would check and if they didn't have it, S&W would mail the gun back???

Seems a lot of trouble, when a check of inventory could be made first, without mailing a gun.

I called back and was told by another person that there is no way they would have that barrel since S&W no longer makes a Model 36???

Does anyone have any contacts at S&W that could help with this issue.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Being as the gun is that old you're better off finding a barrel from another source and having a gunsmith do the work. I doubt that Smith would do it for free even if they did have the part. It will probably cost you shipping both ways plus labor for both.

Numrich does have barrels, and you could also look on ebay to see what you could find.

36-1 (J Frame) Schematic | Numrich

 

[Sevens]

Just my opinion and my opinion may not help you.

If I shot the gun and it worked well...
If the condition of this 1980 J-frame revolver weren't unfired, NIB/100% Mint...
If the original box in perfect condition weren't also included...

...I'd leave a sleeping dog lie, and I wouldn't do anything to it.

If this were a brand new gun, I would also want it properly addressed. But if this is a 38-year old and not exactly collectible shooter-grade working gun, I'd see if everything shoots properly, safely and straight, and then I'd be done worrying about it.

 

[PRM1]

Didn't expect it to be done without a cost involved. Gun was practically mint in the box when I bought it. OK its one of my "Grail Guns." I just apparently missed the barrel defect.

I just can't see going through the hoopla of mailing a gun when S&W can't even tell me if they have the barrel. One person says they think they might, another doesn't think so.

Doesn't seem like a huge request to get someone to check if you knew who to ask.

 

[colt_saa]

They won't have the barrel in stock

Now just to clarify, you have a 36-1 Chief's Special and not a 36-1 Chief's Special Target, Correct?

Typically 10 years after an item is discontinued any remaining parts are sold off to the secondary market. The manufacturers want to clear up the shelf space

That is why Numerich has the Chief's Special barrels in stock

Other paarts houses may have hem as well, but Numerich is a good place to buy from

 

[ken158]

I have heard the factory will install parts sent with a gun and have also heard they will not install parts sent with a gun. (should you decide to seek and purchase your own). The guy on the phone is far away from new old stock parts... a stock number would be needed and a confirmation of exactly what replacement part you need for your particular gun. Too much work here without the gun in hand and it will not be free.

 

[PRM1]

Numrich had 3 in stock, One they said looked close to new. I bought it. We will see.

If it is as nice as the said that's good, worst, I'll have to have the gun refinished to match everything.

 

[Pisgah]

Are you sure it's a "defect"? It may just be built-up fouling or a minor pit. A pit's not good (sign of poor maintenance), but it likely won't hurt a thing.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Get a mdl 60 barrel put on it. They have those. Will be amost a pinto.

 

[colt_saa]

Numrich had 3 in stock, One they said looked close to new. I bought it. We will see.

If it is as nice as the said that's good, worst, I'll have to have the gun refinished to match everything.

If the replacement barrel needs refinishing, you might consider going Pinto.

Just have the barrel and cylinder nickel plated

 

[PRM1]

"Are you sure it's a "defect"? It may just be built-up fouling or a minor pit. A pit's not good (sign of poor maintenance), but it likely won't hurt a thing."

This is not a pit from rust. Looks like the metal broke away. I have never seen anything like it. Its definitely a hole. Almost like it was a hollow place in the metal.

Like I said, I thought this gun was mint, don't know how I missed it unless it broke out on the range. It was one of my "Grail Guns." I'll be putting it back original. Besides, I just put pre-ban elephant ivory on it.

 

[muddocktor]

Wow, that is a weird defect! I've never seen anything like that before in a barrel. I think I would want to replace the barrel too. Good luck with the replacement barrel from Numrich.

 

[MajorD]

If it shot with acceptable accuracy I would leave as is. I have seen some guns with pretty shaggy bores still shoot great

 

[S&W ucla]

Looking at the rounded edges of the void, it has been shot a good bit since the void "emerged". Probably in steel from when it was forged, either void or impurity that caused it. I would think after many rounds, the void would be full of copper/lead and look like a spot of leading. If it bothered me, I would replace it, but it wouldn't bother me, just my $.02 Those 3" Js are the perfect woods/trail/kit gun!

 

[raljr1]

If it shoots okay, why bother with it?since it is in the groove, does it even effect anything? Granted you may not like it, but swapping out the barrel isn't a trouble free effort.

Robert

 

[Hapworth]

Still waiting to hear if this is a working gun or a collectible; you mention it was mint in the box when it was purchased, but looks like you shoot it some, too.

If you're looking to maintain its collectibility, swapping the barrel tanks that.

If it's a working gun that's been working well, don't mess with a good thing.

 

[PRM1]

Update

Replacement barrel from Numrich came in. It had been on a gun before, but the bluing wear matched my gun perfectly. Bore was perfect.

Joe Daniels at Royal Range in Belview, TN did the swap. Joe was formerly a gunsmith with Guns and Ammo in Nashville. Was hired by Metro PD as their gunsmith, had a full career there and after retirement is now gunsmithing at Royal Range. He is definitely one of the best.

Since the barrel had been mounted on a previous gun the barrel cylinder gap was off. Joe turned this to get a perfect match. After the swap, it was virtually impossible to tell it had ever been done. Took it to the range and it is definitely a tack driver in the right hands.

Got my grail gun back... Pic shows it sporting pre-ban elephant ivory grips by Jerry Meacham.

 

[ABPOS]

That is beautiful!!!!

I probably would've left it, but I could see why it would be annoying. It was pretty big. But a bore doesn't have to be perfect for it to shoot good.

But seriously, the finished product is seriously nice. Good job.