S&W Revolver Guys - have question...

[orangeusa]

686 - how hard to change barrel? Is this a job for a smith?

I have 2 686's - both are older 6" 686's -1 and -2.

I'm enjoying them but bought a 4" barrel here. So am contemplating replacing the barrel on one of them. Have a Ruger/Colt SAA repair manual, and know that torque and barrel to cylinder fit are really important.

Am I over thinking this? Just don't want to foul up a really nice gun...
I'm fairly handy, but basically want to know if it's a job that requires heating the area around the barrel threads.. etc..

Thanks ...
.

[9mmepiphany]

It really is pretty much a job for a gunsmith.

Unless:
1. You have the vice and the fixture to keep the frame from being deformed when you lever off the barrel.
2. You'll also likely need the ability to turn down the barrel if it doesn't clock right when you screw the new barrel on.
3. You might even have to refit the ejector rod is it is too tight or too loose after removing material to align the top of the barrel with the frame
4. Then you might have to reset the cylinder gap

[saki302]

Swapping barrels = gunsmith only. Woe betide the sorry sap who tweaks his frame trying to do it improperly..

-Dave

[mlevans66]

You're going to need a smith for that, buddy OR send to S&W.

[orangeusa]

I kept looking at the 4" barrel, wanting to install it.. Then re-read the Ruger/Colt book, and realized how things could go sideways...

Thanks for all your inputs. Make me realize that this is why GOOD gunsmiths are still in business.

.