Replace 65-4 barrel with full lug barrel?

[Layneb]

Hi, everyone-
So I'm looking at some nice pre-lock stainless models, but not liking the prices. One thought I had was replacing the 4" barrel on my model 65-4 with a full lug barrel. I'm guessing it would have to be a barrel with similar sights - like a 681.

First- is that an advisable/doable update?
Second- assuming I can find a 4" barrel for under $100, what'sa competent gunsmith likely to charge (located in sw FL).

Thanks for any info or suggestions

 

[Protocall_Design]

A 65 is a K frame. A 681 is an L frame. The L frame barrel has bigger threads than a K frame, but could be turned down and re threaded to fit a K frame gun. The front sight would probably still be too tall since it goes to a larger frame gun.

 

[NY-1]

I'd say just hold out for a good L-frame to come up for sale. The 65's certainly have an appeal all their own in my opinion, and putting a full-underlug on one would look a bit strange.

 

[Dump1567]

I think you'd be better off just selling the 65 & getting what you want. But there's nothing wrong with the 65, unless you intend to feed it a steady diet of .357 mag. And replacing the barrel would have no effect on that.

 

[tennexplorer]

Also the front of the ejector rod of the 65 will not line up with the front latch. There is a difference in the distance between the centerline of the bore and the centerline of the ejector rod in the two frames.

 

[Layneb]

Gah, I was afraid of the technical incompatibility.

I like the shielded rod on my 65 LS and the fixed sights on my 65s. Just trying to come up with a novel, cheaper solution.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Green Frog]

If you really want a Model 65 with a full underlug, you could buy a Model 617 barrel (22 LR) and have it rebored. Unfortunately the matchup where the extractor shroud meets the front of the frame would probably be a poor match and I'm not sure how you will deal with it.

Froggie

 

[steelslaver]

The missalignment of the front lug would only be about .056. If anything at all that could be taken care of by re-contouring the front of the tooth slightly. Turning down the barrel shank and re threading isn't hard, but then you need to put the flat under barrel for gas ring and as pointed out that is the weak spot on the K frame 357 in the first place. How well the top of the L frame barrel would line up with the K frame is another possible glitch.