JimHartman
Member
I have a 18-2 the front sight has been filed down on. Guy I know has a 18-4 barrel, was thinking of getting it installed on the 18-2 but wasn't sure if it would work.
Will an 18-4 barrel fit on a 18-2 gun?
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Mule88
Member
It should work fine, any qualified gunsmith should be able to take care of that for you.
I don't think that there are any differences in the barrels of a 18-2 or 18-4. The -3 engineering change involved the rear sight and the -4 engineering change involved the gas ring on the yoke.
The only fly in the ointment would be that the -4 change was ordered in 1977 and the barrel pin was eliminated in 1982. The gun was discontinued in 1985, so if it is a late -4 made between 1982 and 1985, then it would not have the pin slot.
As long as it too is a pinned barrel version, I don't see any problem with a barrel swap. Ask your friend if the barrel has a slot for the pin.
The only fly in the ointment would be that the -4 change was ordered in 1977 and the barrel pin was eliminated in 1982. The gun was discontinued in 1985, so if it is a late -4 made between 1982 and 1985, then it would not have the pin slot.
As long as it too is a pinned barrel version, I don't see any problem with a barrel swap. Ask your friend if the barrel has a slot for the pin.
Barrel
I would think changing the sight would be easier than changing the barrel. Drive the pin out, remove sight, put new sight in, install pin. I believe S&W still has the Baughman front sight and pin that would be cheaper than changing the barrel.
I would think changing the sight would be easier than changing the barrel. Drive the pin out, remove sight, put new sight in, install pin. I believe S&W still has the Baughman front sight and pin that would be cheaper than changing the barrel.
Any reason the late 18-4 barrel couldn't have a pin slot cut in it?
I've had a non-pinned barrel installed on a pinned frame with no problem.
Cutting a slot in the threads to accept the pin was a piece of cake but I think I'd just replace the sight.
Cutting a slot in the threads to accept the pin was a piece of cake but I think I'd just replace the sight.
OP
JimHartman
Member
The sight is part of the barrel,I think the early 18's had pinned on front sights.
Engine49guy
Member
A channel can be cut in a non pinned barrel but the ampersands will be different and so will the blueing as the 18-4 has the lighter chemical blueing.
The front ramp was a seperate unit until the late 50's but part of the barrel on an 18-2,
I would look for an 18-3 or older barrel...unless the blueing mismatch wont bother you.
I may know a forum member with an extra 18-2 or 3 barrel and will give him a heads up to PM you with details if you like .
The front ramp was a seperate unit until the late 50's but part of the barrel on an 18-2,
I would look for an 18-3 or older barrel...unless the blueing mismatch wont bother you.
I may know a forum member with an extra 18-2 or 3 barrel and will give him a heads up to PM you with details if you like .
OP
JimHartman
Member
Maybe Ill call the factory and see if thats something they would do.
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