Modifying a S&W Model 329 PD into something between a K Frame and a J Frame

[JHT]

I would like to know if a model 329 PD "Scandium Alloy Frame" can be safely modifed into something in-between a K Frame and a J Frame configuration.  I would like to carry the 329 PD, it has many features that I find pleasing with the exception of the butt, at 165 lbs. I carry round butted frames more comfortably.  Thanks.

JHT

[Graybeard]

I honestly don't have a clue what you're asking but the short answer is no. J and K are frame sizes, you cannot change the frame size of a S&W gun, it is what it is. Can you be more specific in what you're really wanting to know?

With out going to their website to double check I think the 329 is an N frame or the next to largest Smith makes. The J is the smallest and the K is next. I just honestly have no clue what you're proposing.

[JHT]

Bill,

Having just reread my thread I now realize that one thing that it was definitely in lacking was clarity.

I know little about the nature of Scandium, other than when using it in concert with other alloys/metals it can vastly reduce weight.  That being said, I would like to know if a revolver made with scandium can be readily altered in its physical shape without affecting the integrity or strength of the revolver?  Can the Model 329 have its butt shape altered i.e., reduced in size and/or rounded, to aid in concealability?

[Graybeard]

OK now I understand a bit better what you're wanting. Still ya gotta realize this is an N-frame gun, it ain't never gonna be very concealable cuz it's BIG. I'd not wanna place any bets on doing much to the grip on it either. That generally requires some grinding, a bit of cutting and some welding and I'm just not sure how weldable that alloy is gonna be or who would do it. Why not just start with a more concealable gun to begin with? That's a lot of gun to be concealing don't ya think? Round butting it is gonna be of minimal help it seems to me.

[gunnut69]

I believe you're looking for a luight weight but powerful handgun. The problem is of course control.. I have seen S&W with altered frame sizes(not N to J though). It usually requires a lot of work and welding.. You might check out the L frame guns from Smith. They use the N frame size but the grip frame of the M19(K frame). Why the carry? For human predators the 357 is a better choice and for animals the weight of a steel frame may help with recoil in a heavier cailber. If that's not to be, have you tried the Magna style grips. They are quite small and with a 'T' grip adaptor they can make a large grip fit the smallest hand and without gunsmithing or welding.. The grips are likely available from Smith and the adaptor fills the area between the rear of the trigger guard and the front of the grip frame. If this area is not filled the knuckle of the shooting hand (middle finger) will be rapped. Most certainly in the extremely light weight/high recoil 329 type weapons...

[JHT]

Gunnut69, you are 100% correct in defining what I am hoping to develop.  One of the issues that I have not been able to discern is whether metals mixed with scandium react well to cutting and/or torching.  To move forward and have the grip thusly altered only to latter find out that the gun's grip has been compromised due to the application of head and/or cutting would be a great waste of resources.  I will investigate your suggestions, thanks very much.

JHT

[Graybeard]

For awhile S&W made a model 696. This was the mid size L-frame with a five shot cylinder in .44 Special. I think it was made only with a 3" or maybe it was a 4" barrel. It's NOT a .44 magnum and can't be turned into one but it can be loaded up plenty hot enough for any real world use such a gun would have. I don't wanna bet the farm on it but I think it was a round butt gun but for sure it was a steel gun so could be made into RB configuration I'd think. I looked long and hard at them but never bought one due to the short barrel offered. These days I keep looking for one in nice shape in local shops and at gunshows and if I find one at a good price will likely buy it but will have a bit longer barrel fitted to it. It might would be cheaper to just buy a 686 and have it turned into what I want.

[JHT]

Bill

I had never considered the Model 696, but I will concur that it does sound that it may just fill the niche that I am looking to fill.  Until I reasearch and actually hold and feel the Model 696 I will not know for sure.  Again, as you say, the Model 696 may in the real world come closest to my perceived needs.


JHT

P.S.  In an unrelated update:  some of my other projects that have been discussed on Graybeard's in which its members have contributed to there development are now getting on track, both with parts being acquired and in other cases where parts and guns have already been acquired being forwarded on to competent gunsmiths to be modifed and/or created.  Thanks very much.