Author Topic: CONFUSED and asking for help  (Read 467 times)

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Offline EDELWEISS

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CONFUSED and asking for help
« on: August 18, 2007, 05:43:46 AM »
I have and old Colt DA revolver in 45, ( I think its a 1917 but there are no markings to confirm).  A previous owner shortened the barrel to make it a snubbie.   Id like to put a longer barrel on it but I cant find a  replacement.  I remember in the early PPC days Smiths were making all kinds of specials by switching Colt and Ruger and S&W frames and barrels.  So I was thinking about putting another barrel on the gun, BUT I dont have a clue where to start and what might fit my frame's threads.  Id like to have everything in hand before searching for a smith.  Im not looking to recreate an original.  Id just like to have something in a 4, 5, or 6in length that seems more balanced  for this gun.

The gun isnt in pristine shape so a used barrel would be fine. It wont get a lot of shooting, think of this as more like restoring an old car to be driven on sunny weekends.   I dont want to spend a fortune, but this is a project Id like to work on, even if my part is limited to searching for the parts and then a willing smith.

Sooooooo, now for some really stupid questions...Will an SAA barrel fit my frame?  of howbout a S&W Mod 25?

Any suggestions for barrels AND Smiths?

Offline iiranger

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What a project... Re: CONFUSED and asking for help
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2007, 09:34:44 AM »
As a friend and now retired 'smith taught me, anything is possible if you have enough money. In Shotgun News (shotgunnews.com) there are advertisers that handle used parts for about anything. Hard copy, 3 times a month, will have more details. No the ads are not the same each issue, sorry. WW I revolver? I think the Civilian version was Colt New Service.  Rare but possible. Fastest service is usually Gun Parts division of Numrich, costs the most too. SARCO comes to mind. No telling what they might have around. No, S&W parts will not, probably, fit without alot of work. b). You can buy a new barrel of whatever description and quality that suits you and have it fitted. Not a terrible job for anyone trained as a machinist. Gun Smiths, today, are machinists with FFL's (Federal Firearms Licenses.) Ask around. There are many "metal workers" with machine tools in their basements. Might find one with an FFL or just likes to play cheap. If the "gun" (the frame) does not leave your possession he could screw a barrel in without an FFL or so I was told... Otherwise, in Gun Digest Annual in the back there is a list of the better 'smiths that choose to advertise. Cost and delivery will reflect this. luck.