Colt Woodsman Barrel question

[harmie]

I would like to know how to remove a well worn out Barrel from a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series ( 4.5").
When I pull the receiver open, I see nothing to loosen. The Barrel I ordered from Gun Parts Corp shows only threads. I don't see (from the cut away pics, any thing like a nut to fasten it to).
Does it just screw in and out? If so, is it right hand threads or left hand threads? I have a 1st Series 41/2 Inch Barrel ONLY somewhere and I remember that it was threaded with many threads!
I ordered the Pocket Manual and Another Book from Gun Broker called the Woodsman DO ANYTHING.
I haven't received either yet and I am worried that they won't cover the Barrel Removal! I am new to the site and need help and friends. I need some contacts! I am not a member of any Law Enforcement or Government Agency.
I am a poor old 60 year old who like his toys!
HELP PLEASE!

 

[Edarnold]

Stop, take a deep breath, and don't do anything until you are informed! The gun is pretty small, put a wrench on it and turn the wrong way and you could have a paperweight. Get the manuals, and unless you are sure you have the necessary tools, find a gunsmith. That's a fine pistol, you don't want to ruin it.

 

[Joe Demko]

I strongly suspect that this is not likely to be quite as simple as out with the old and in with the new.

 

[rcmodel]

It is screwed in TIGHT with fine RH threads.

But a different barrel is very unlikely to screw back in Tight, with the sight lined up on top, and the extractor cut in alignment.

Each barrel was hand fitted to each receiver at the factory back in the day.
And hand torqued to sight it in perfectly with the rear sight on the slide.

You best find the other barrel before you do anything rash.
Then do some Very Precise measurements of the barrel shoulder to breech face length.
If the are not exactly the same, it won't tighten down in the right place without lathe work on the shoulder & breech face.

rc

 

[gpb]

To: rcmodel

In a case like this would a reline, by a competent smith, of the existing barrel be a practical approach? My though is that the wear and finish on the existing barrel would match the rest of the pistol and that this approach would be the least disruptive to the character and originality of the pistol. Also, would a reline possibly be less expensive than a replacement barrel and fitting fees?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, and yes.

A re-line would be the most practical choice with less chance of harming the collector value of the gun as much.

rc

 

[Jim K]

One thing to remember about the Woodsman is that in spite of a rugged look the frames are very thin and can bend easily. So doing anything that involves the barrel or frame must be done with great care.

Jim