What Barrel Length 32 DA

[Johnm1]

I missed the broken piece of barrel rib when I bid on this 32 DA project gun. My fault it was in the pictures. But foe $34 I couldn't be sad.



I was going to fix it and re-nickel the gun but I found a parts kit that had a 3 1/2" barrel that was in a lot better shape qnd it is what is on the gun now. Despite only being 1/2" shorter, I really liked the profile of the revolver with the 3" barrel much more than with the 3 1/2" barrel. Here is the revolver with the 3" barrel installed.



In comparison here it is with its much better 3 1/2" barrel




So I figure I can cut the damaged 3" barrel and have a 2 barrel set. Both function fine. But what length? 3" seemed almost the perfect proportion but the longest this can be after removing the damaged part is 2 3/8". But would it be better proportioned at 2 1/8" (the shortest it could go)?

BTW - this is a fun gun, so I'm not concerned with the loss of velocity.

I realize were talking eighths of an inch, but at this scale thise eighths make a difference.

Totally subjective I know. But I'd like your opinions. Here is a picture with a tape measure inbetween the two barrels.



And if it helps, here's a photograph of a donor gun with a 3 1/2" barrel and mine with the broken 3" barrel installed.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Well your choice, as you say. Personally I'd go for the 3 1/2" tube. But perhaps I'd be compensating....

 

[Johnm1]

Well your choice, as you say. Personally I'd go for the 3 1/2" tube. But perhaps I'd be compensating....

The 3 1/2" barrel is thr default configuration and will remain unchanged. The damaged 3" barrel needs to be cut to be useful as a second 'just for fun' barrel. The revolver is too small to be an avenging angel. Maybe in avenging cherub?

At my age I wouldn't be compensating, I'd be making it sympathetic!

 

[Johnm1]

I found a picture of a factory short barrel and I think I'm going to try to replicate this:



I like the proportions of the 3" barrel but this is nice too.

 

[Johnm1]

And the answer is…..this



Here is the 3 1/2” barrel that will normally be on the revolver



And a size photo in the hand



Another fine job by @Jackrabbit1957

I’ll have to fit the front sight into the slot Jackrabbit cut into the barrel. But that’s for another day.

 

[Johnm1]

Comparison to a 38 DA. The 38 DA isn’t a full size revolver by today’s standard. Considered a pocket revolver in its day. Not tiny, but relatively small

 

[Johnm1]

Maybe a better size comparison. 38 Special J Frame vs 32 DA