Personally, I would buy a known SB 2 framed gun; either in the classifieds, a used gun store or a new rifle and send it in for a 357 barrel. That is how I got mine. I was not a member here, but a prowler. I learned that Marlin was having a barrel sale. They were selling the barrel and fitting and shipping them free - I think; anyway it was a good deal. I bought an Ultra Varmint 223 with taking advantage of the offer in mind. I think I only shot it three times before I sent it in. I decided I wanted a 30-30 barrel and a 44 mag barrel for it. I learned here to call before I ordered. I called and they were out of the 44 mag barrels. So I ordered a 357 mag barrel instead. I was not set up for the 357 at all, but was for the 44 Mag. So I had to buy dies, cases, bullets - powder I had and primers I had. Any who, it turned out well for me. I got a 357 barrel that I really like and I got a later model 44 Mag barrel with a tighter bore. I know a lot of guys do not think any thing about fitting barrels, but it just does not set well with me. I am not afraid of doing a 'smithin' either. I have done trigger jobs on a variety of guns, including the Handi's I have. I have built up Savage guns and even rebarreled a Remington 700 myself. I have done lots of bedding jobs, I reamed the 357 to a 357 Max. One thing I have never done is epoxy shims or file away at a hinge point. I would not feel too bad about filing a hinge point if I had a way to holding the file at a perfect right angle so the cut was true and square, but I do not have the tools for it, so i do not do that. When you buy a barrel, you will not know if it needs a shim (I have had a few shims in my day, but that is a different horse) or fits well, or if it needs to filed on. Send it in and get your 357 barrel. Good Luck and Good Shooting
