Project mod 14/15 re-barrel to 3 inch - UPDATE

[Nedroe]

All of the sights are pinned on. Here is the 617-1. I used only 1 pin here.
I cut the sight off the 6 in. barrel, flipped it upside down in the end mill & machined a tenon on the bottom of the base, ala S&W. Then use a slot or keyway cutter to machine a slot for the tenon in the top of the barrel rib.



This 19-7 has 2 pins holding a factory S&W sight on, the way S&W did it in the 50's & 60's. The pins were left "proud" so you can see "em. Not to be mistaken for a factory gun.

The 681 has a pinned night sight available from Brownells for multiple applications.

Ebay is a good source for donor barrels, as well as original S&W sights from time to time. Also Numrich comes up with some NOS old stuff every now & then.
This factory pre-27 barrel has an example of "proud" pins.

This barrel has an example of not proud pins. You can barely see them as they have been blended in.


Hope this helps.

Ned

 

[.455_Hunter]

The 3" Model 15 and 3" Model 12 are top of some of my "Why didn't they make a bunch of these?" lists.

 

[F224]

I love 3" barreled K frames and Colt D Frames, here is a M65-5 I had cut down, and a 2" Detective Special I had a 3" barrel installed on:

 

[jtcarm]

Just a thought on the conversion: I see people paying big bucks for the Dayton 4" Model 14s, and not just as collectibles.

 

[jtcarm]

The 3" Model 15 and 3" Model 12 are top of some of my "Why didn't they make a bunch of these?" lists.

It's also the top of a lot of "Why don't they make them now?" lists.

 

[SS336]

Not really a naysayer……but, I don't like the roll marks off centered or cutoff.
I like F224's M65-5,very clean and sorted out. If I was doing this that is way I would do it. It looks finished.
As always these projects take on a life of there own and It' you revolver to do with as you please.
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have often thought of doing this with a model 17 because I think a 5" would just be a perfect length for one of those!

 

[Doug M.]

If you are going to do the barrel, consider round butting the grip, too. That will require making sure that the conversion does not mess up the serial # before you do something you can't fix, but for most purposes a round butt just seems better with the shorter barrel. My M66 was modified in that manner and I find it better for carry and shooting.

 

[Georgia1911]

There is no crime in modifying an otherwise forlorn S&W to rescue it from oblivion, but the Model 547 may be the ultimate 3" K frame, so you are chasing your tail building anything to compete with that.

 

[heeter3]

Nedroe,all of yours look fantastic.They should give Belgian 686 a good idea of what great things can be done with these great guns.

 

[StrawHat]

..Not really a naysayer……but, I don't like the roll marks off centered...

How about if the roll marks are off center from the factory? Would that make a difference?

My take is when I am looking over the sights, I don't notice any marks on the barrel.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

If you are going to do the barrel, consider round butting the grip, too. That will require making sure that the conversion does not mess up the serial # before you do something you can't fix, but for most purposes a round butt just seems better with the shorter barrel. My M66 was modified in that manner and I find it better for carry and shooting.

The OP is in Belgium. I am not familiar with the laws there. They may be different.

Kevin

 

[Belgian686]

Just another little suggestion… a 3" revolver is not primarily a target gun, so I would be hesitant to use a Patridge front sight blade. Instead I would be likely to use a Baughman ramp instead. If you carry it in a holster the ramped blade will work much better for you than the flat face of a Patridge. JMHO, of course. You have to please you!

Froggie

Finally back online - sorry for the delay to get back to the forum, but we had a lot of work this week.

I agree with you, although here we do not carry guns, and I have only one single holster, I was given when buying a refinished but very nice 5" Victory. So the project gun will be a range gun only, besides being hugged when watching TV in the evening (safe and unloaded of course)

I have no idea how to get a Baughman sight here, unless removing it from another gun. So right now, I confirmed the deal with the seller, and should pick up the gun somewhere next weekend. I will then see with my GS to start shortening the barrel to 3", with the patridge sight, and take the gun back home. I will take pictures of the gun before finishing the project and having a re-blue, or cera-coat. That will also leave me the opportunity to modify the patridge before refinishing. This input of you guys at the forum was too valuable to ignore, so I will be back to have your thoughts on anything before taking the next step. So the challenge is set for you all

 

[Belgian686]

Finally, a naysayer. I have had the bbls of 2 revolvers cut: A 25-2 from 6" (6.5"?) to 4" and a New Frontier SAA from 7.5" to 4 5/8". Both jobs were performed skillfully by qualified 'smiths. Later on, however, I wondered why I had bothered since I did not care for either gun after the 'smithing. The 25-2 is long gone, and the SAA New Frontier sits unappreciated in the safe. It's your call, OP, but myself, I would prefer a concrete, 'using', reason for such a drastic modification. As always, YMMV.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thanks, I appreciate your opinion, that was why I asked . My major motivation is to 'save' a S&W from total destruction, to learn in the process, and to get something 'unique' that should please me, knowing the mecanics inside are still quality S&W and no other cheap brand. I learned the latter the hard way, by buying junk, fortunately not expensive. I share you thought about ideas I find great at some point, and where a gun then never leaves the safe anymore. However, same applies to unmodified guns too, so ... but keep watching. Best.

 

[Belgian686]

Kaaskop49,

The OP states in his post that he knows the cost will exceed any expected return if he were to sell it, but he really likes 3" K frames and since he's getting his "donor gun" at a fire sale price due to its cosmetic condition, no real collectible condition consideration will be involved. I really don't see any legitimate negative to this project. I may be looking through rose colored glasses, but I like it!

Froggie

Exactly

 

[Belgian686]

Not really a naysayer……but, I don't like the roll marks off centered or cutoff.
I like F224's M65-5,very clean and sorted out. If I was doing this that is way I would do it. It looks finished.
As always these projects take on a life of there own and It' you revolver to do with as you please.
Just my 2 cents worth.

I see what you mean, and here in Belgium, the caliber should stay visible in the end, so no further chopping off than '.38 SP'

 

[Belgian686]

If you are going to do the barrel, consider round butting the grip, too. That will require making sure that the conversion does not mess up the serial # before you do something you can't fix, but for most purposes a round butt just seems better with the shorter barrel. My M66 was modified in that manner and I find it better for carry and shooting.

After the pictures of Kevin (aka StrawHat), Nedroe, and others this is indeed foreseen in the process

 

[Belgian686]

There is no crime in modifying an otherwise forlorn S&W to rescue it from oblivion, but the Model 547 may be the ultimate 3" K frame, so you are chasing your tail building anything to compete with that.

That 547 is exactly where the 3" disease started, but seen the inherent value I am always hesitant to shoot it. I hope this project cures at least that symptom of the disease.

 

[Belgian686]

Thanks for the pictures, Kevin, Nedroe, F224 and others ... spot on what I needed.

I'll print some of these to take with me to the surgeon before starting the chirurgical process

 

[Belgian686]

By the way, this is what I have about the gun.