Swapping a 686 barrel?

[DJ Skillz]

What is all involved in swapping a barrel on a S&W 686? I've got a 4" 686-3 in jail right now, and I'm curious in case later on I decide I'd rather have a 6".

I fear it may be more cost effective to just buy a second 686, as I'm doubting it's something I'd be able to do myself. Has anyone had it done by a gunsmith or done it themselves? How much did it cost or what was involved?

Thanks!

[CamW]

Have a gunsmith with the knowledge and the right tools do it. I've seen the results of someone clamping the barrel in a vise and trying to twist it off with a piece of pipe through the frame opening.He sprung the frame and ruined a perfectly good revolver.
If you need a great gunsmith, check with Dave's Metal Works in Covina,626-859-0299.

[gigante]

I'm actually about to do that very thing. I have a 6" model 586+ that I want to put a 4" barrel on. I contacted S&W and was told it was $120 for the work plus the cost of the barrel. Don't have the price on the barrel though. I figured it was best just to let them do it.

[Trakker]

At custom Alan tanaka is very capable


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[Mr. Beretta]

Buy a 4" gun.

[checkenbach]

^^^ This.

[GunDog]

About 12 years ago I had a 2 1/2" bbl S&W Model 19 that I sent off to the factory for a barrel swap. S&W had a 6" semi-lugged K-frame bbl sitting on a shelf down in their basement and changed out the barrel for me. Had the revolver back in roughly two weeks and the cost was very reasonable. Used to joke that I had the only round butt Model 19 with a 6" bbl. Sold the revolver 8 years ago. In any event, give Smith & Wesson a call. Think you'll be happy with their custom service.

[DJ Skillz]

Buy a 4" gun.

I did.

[BigRich]

By the time you buy the support blocks and action wrench (you DO have a humongous vice bolted to a very strong bench, or the ground, right?), the barrel shoulder cutter (to time it properly) and torque wrench (it does require quite a bit and it needs to be accurate or you will distort the barrel extension and ruin the barrel for accuracy), you will have spent more than sending it to the factory to have it done right.

[railroader]

What is all involved in swapping a barrel on a S&W 686? I've got a 4" 686-3 in jail right now, and I'm curious in case later on I decide I'd rather have a 6".

I fear it may be more cost effective to just buy a second 686, as I'm doubting it's something I'd be able to do myself. Has anyone had it done by a gunsmith or done it themselves? How much did it cost or what was involved?

Thanks!

If you can shoot a 6" 686 before you change out the barrel. I've had it both ways and the 4" balanced better.

[Freq18Hz]

Call magnaport.


-Freq

[big blaze]

Sale your S&W686 and buy a Dan Wesson 715.Then you can swap barrel's from 4" to 6" whenever you want.

[rromeo]

It's a pretty simple job for a gunsmith with the right tools. Expect around $60 plus the barrel.
That said, just buy another gun, or you'll miss your 4" barrel.

[DJ Skillz]

It's a pretty simple job for a gunsmith with the right tools. Expect around $60 plus the barrel.
That said, just buy another gun, or you'll miss your 4" barrel.

That's not bad at all.

In all honesty, I doubt I'll end up doing it. I really like the 4", but I've never shot or even held a 6" 686, which is going to have to happen before I even consider changing the barrel. I've been looking at pictures of 686's while mine is in jail, and the 6" is just so damn pretty. It might end up being more gun than I'd like to handle though.

I guess I'll just have to keep my 4" 686 and go find a 6" blued Python. That sounds like a good plan... we'll go with that.

[nrgcruizer]

I got the 6" snake & 6" S&W 686-1.....I'd trade the 4" for the 6" so you can go hunting with it. In all honesty, I think you'll just like rocking out with a couple of 6" wheelguns with a left & right holster to do a double gun salute. They're both sexy in their own ways. It's like having a brunette & a blonde hanging on each of your arms.