Some advice re Registered Model

[charlies]

Several years ago in a confiscated police auction, I purchased a Registered model SN 56329 Reg # 3636 with correct grips. THe problem is the barrel had been cut to 3 3/8 inches, no front sight and the hammer bobbed. Allegedly it was a drug runners and he performed the work to make it more concealable. MY question is would it be better to rebarrel or leave it alone and have someone an expert use the original barrel by crowning and putting on a front sight? I have already replaced the hammer with a correct period one.
Charlie

 

[ken158]

I believe I would restore that gun since it has already been butchered.

 

[Big Cholla]

charlies: There was someone advertising on GunBroker what he claimed to be a S&W RM barrel. It has been listed a couple of times because he wants too much for it. Check it out, perhaps he has come down some. ...
Big Cholla

 

[murphydog]

Depending on your budget, I'd bet Turnbull Restorations or someone of their caliber (no pun intended) could make it look like a convincing 3 1/2" RM. Food for thought.

 

[VM]

charlies - is your barrel numbered to the gun?
Whether it is or not, I'd agree with murph and have a competent gunsmith make a clean and proper looking short tube.
If, down the road you find a long barrel at a reasonable price.. buy it and have it installed

 

[BKDinTexas]

I hope he got a long sentence for butchering a classic revolver like that.

 

[charlies]

THanks for the help...yes the butchered barrel is numbered to the gun.
Charlie