Help Please! S&W N-Frame Barrel Swap.

[SCMA-1]

I have a S&W 629 Classic Hunter w/8-3/8" barrel. The model number is 629-2E. I would like to install a 6.5" barrel from a 629-4. Is this a direct swap? Can any 629 barrel be swapped with mine?

Thanks,

SCMA-1

[uxo2]

You are better off selling it and getting the modle you want.

Expensive work...............

Or get it cut down but it will never be the same as in value

[eaglemike]

It's not especially difficult if you have the right tools. The barrel from S&W usually isn't all that expensive. A S&W expert would tell you what differences there are between the dash numbers. I'm not a 29 or 629 expert. My SWAG would be that it's an easy swap. I use hardwood blocks to hold the frame, with hardwood spacers cut to fit. Someone might make thoose and sell them. I also made some hardwood blocks to hold the barrel. They are often reaaalllly tight from the factory. After you screw in the new one, you'll likely need to face the back surface of the barrel where it meets the frame to get the clocking right, then face the back end to get the cylinder gap correct, and maybe a light re-throating. You might also need to do some light fitting at the forward lockup.

all the best,
Mike

[Beelzy]

Good Luck.....the barrels are Crush-fit at the factory IIRC.

PITA

[uxo2]

Good Luck.....the barrels are Crush-fit at the factory IIRC.

PITA

Expensive work...............

to the point it would be cheaper to sell and buy what you want

[SCMA-1]

Anyone know of a S&W gunsmith in the SoCal (LA, Orange co.) area? I used one many moons ago but I think he moved to Arizona (Don Williams - Action Works).

Thanks for the replies so far,

SCMA-1

[trashman]

I'd sell it -- the Classic Hunters have an unfluted cylinder, right? Certain folks (myself included) reaaaly like those older guns. Better to take the money and buy a different one that has the features you want.

--Neill

ETA: my SCSW says that (if yours is unfluted) only ~50 were made. I have found posts on THR that say 2500 were made -- which is still a small run. DON'T CHANGE IT!!!!! PLEASE!!!!

[SCMA-1]

Expensive work...............

to the point it would be cheaper to sell and buy what you want

That's what I'm trying to determine. I bought my S&W 629CH a long time ago and it cost me less than half the going rate for a new one (or a similar current model) at the current ridiculously inflated prices (including tax, DROS, dealer fees, etc.), so it may be worth the expense/effort. The barrels themselves are not that expensive; I need to figure out what a qualified 'smith would charge for the work.

SCMA-1

[SCMA-1]

I'd sell it -- the Classic Hunters have an unfluted cylinder, right? Certain folks (myself included) reaaaly like those older guns. Better to take the money and buy a different one that has the features you want.

--Neill

ETA: my SCSW says that (if yours is unfluted) only ~50 were made. I have found posts on THR that say 2500 were made -- which is still a small run. DON'T CHANGE IT!!!!! PLEASE!!!!

Yes, mine is unfluted and I ALSO appreciate the quality of the older guns. The newer models get more expensive and are typically lower in quality. I'm going to keep it.

[Black_Talon]

Alan Tanaka in Gardena is a S&W guru. Contact him at 310-327-2721.

[SCMA-1]

Alan Tanaka in Gardena is a S&W guru. Contact him at 310-327-2721.

Aha!! I've heard of Alan being a S&W revolver guy. I'll get in contact with him as he's in the neighborhood. Thanks!

SCMA-1

[john323]

Help Please! S&W N-Frame Barrel Swap.

I work on S&W . Give me a call . John johnsgunsmithing@live.com 323-722-3903 located in Monterey Park

[maxicon]

Recent thread on S&W barrel swapping:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=166642

Definitely get a pro, though I'd also recommend trading or selling to get the gun you want.

[SCMA-1]

Recent thread on S&W barrel swapping:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=166642

Definitely get a pro, though I'd also recommend trading or selling to get the gun you want.

Thanks for the link! I have no illusions of attempting the job although I do quite a bit of 'smithing myself; just not on revolvers. I've sent Alan Tanaka an email as he's in my neck of the woods and comes highly recommended by the locals.

SCMA-1

[ar15barrels]

Anyone know of a S&W gunsmith in the SoCal

Dave Lawver

https://www.davesmetalworks.com

He's the guy that makes the S&W barrel timing tools that everyone uses...