Barrel swap with a S&W 37

[Catshooter]

I have a three inch barreled 37. I've always disliked that barrel length in a snubbie. I have all the parts and pieces and a good revolver frame wrench. My question revolves around the aluminum frame and it's barrel threads. I heard years ago that you can't re-barrel an aluminum J frame as the threads don't like it.

Anyone have any experience in doing a barrel swap like this?

 

[BBBBill]

There is significantly greater risk of trashing the aluminum frame. If you are determined to do this then plan on sacrificing the barrel to preserve the frame. A relief groove carefully cut a few thousandths (leaving a very thin sliver of barrel) ahead of the shoulder (gonna take a lathe and some fixturing) will help to relieve the bite on the receiver. Carefully test the tension. If it doesn't move easily file that sliver of barrel with a narrow file to remove what's left. Try it again. If that doesn't do it bore out the barrel to a thin shell. After all of that you may succeed.... or not.
I actually prefer the 3" barrel on a J frame. Others do, too. Maybe better off to trade it for the one you want.

 

[GRIZ22]

What length barrel do you want? Easier to sell.your 37 and buy one with the barrel you want.

I like the 3" on a j frame. Makes it a much more accurate revolver.

 

[EMC45]

What length barrel do you want? Easier to sell.your 37 and buy one with the barrel you want.

I like the 3" on a j frame. Makes it a much more accurate revolver.

Agreed. Ton of folks who would want to buy that revolver outright vs rebarreling it. My opinion of course.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Aluminium frames can bend OR have their threads worn. I'd rather let the factory do it b/c if they make a mistake, they eat it.

 

[chickasaw_hunter]

I'm in the camp of don't do it. That pistol is worth more than what you lead us to believe you want. I'll bet it won't be too hard to find someone who would swap you into what ever you want. I've got two 3" J frames, I love them. So yeah, I'm biased. I think you can find a trade much easier than taking a chance on screwing up a good pistol.

 

[Catshooter]

Thanks.