replacement revolver barrels

[Mainer2009]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me any information as to where I could start to look for a replacement barrel for my Smith &Wesson model 57 41 magnum, the revolver has an 8 &3/8 in. barrell, and although I love the caliber, and the gun itself....it would be perfect (for me) with a 6 1/2 barrel. I've checked around online a little without much luck, one website I checked was out of stock &the barrel price was $156, wich didn't sound to bad to me. I know, tampering with such a nice gun sounds dumb...but I would have a competent smith do it for me. Any advice, or sources? Thanks in advance guys
-Mainer2009

 

[Oro]

I have some experience with this, and only three suggestions:

1) Numrich's (e-gunparts.com) That is probably where you saw the price/out of stock, I bet. If so, I doubt it will ever be in stock again.

2) S&W. They may have some. Call.

3) Gun broker - but it will show up only once in a blue moon.

However, you need to know this is not a screw/unscrew kind of change. It requires careful and methodical balancing of several variables, and specialized machine work on each part. You are better off selling your long gun and buying the one you want, really. Do it carefull and not in a rush and you can do it w/o a loss - about $400 cheaper than re-doing yours.

 

[MMCSRET]

There aren't any anywhere. I have been looking for a 4 1/8' for my M57 for about 5 years. In that time S&W had one 6 1/2" nickel and it went away shortly. My barrel was damaged in a horse accident, thats why I want another. I hope that maybe they will make a few extra now that the M57 is back in production as a Classic. I will continue to contact them periodically.

 

[LoneCoon]

Makes me wonder how Dan Wesson made barrel changes look so easy.

 

[rcmodel]

I hope that maybe they will make a few extra now that the M57 is back in production as a Classic.

Not the same thing at all.

The classic uses the "new & improved" rifling system and probably a few other things.

rc

 

[MMCSRET]

The rifling doesn't matter as long as the threads match, I don't even care about the finish as long as its not stainless or nickel. I just need a barrel of the original configuration. Its only a shooter, and I want it to continue that roll.

 

[richyoung]

How is the original barrel damaged?

 

[MMCSRET]

Horse stepped on it, cutting through leather holster on left side of barrel at the end of the lettering. Barrel is crooked, can adjust windage to be dead on out to 50 yds, then must compensate. Frame is true and the revolver functions flawlessly and smooth like silk. M57-1 has taken several mule deer, one cow elk and one medium sized black bear and a lot of ground squirrels and even more rock chucks, I continue to shoot it on at least a weekly basis, but I would like to find a new barrel.

 

[richyoung]

You might talk to a gunsmith about straightening the existing barrel, drilling it out, and installing a liner....

 

[MMCSRET]

I have not found anyone willing to try!!!!!

 

[Mainer2009]

Thanks for the info guys, Oro-yes thats where I saw the ad for one. It's just as well, it's a fine shooting wheel gun as is, I guess I shouldn't go messing with something like that anyway...a great excuse to buy another model 57

 

[MMCSRET]

I'll keep mine as is until--------. I'm looking at an M58 with Bomar rib and sights, 4", priced in the zone. i also have my TC Contender with 41 Mag 10" bull.