Replacement Barrel for 1858 Rem

[WALKERs210]

I have a 1858 Remington "Buffalo" with the 12" barrel. When I first got the revolver the novelty of that long barrel was cool. I have been looking at either trying to find a replacement barrel 7"- 8" or something in that range, or just cutting this one down. I have just about everything here in my shop to do the job expect for machineing the recess for the front sight. That will not be a major issue because I know enough people that have equipment to do that. So far in the search for a replacement barrel I have had no luck, anyone know of where or who would carry these

 

[Chawbaccer]

I see Numrich has them for Uberti's, don't know about other manufacturs. I, personally would just cut down what I had. Or sell it and buy a new one in the barrel length I wanted.

 

[WALKERs210]

Ok I forgot about looking at VTI they have what I'm looking for. Chaw I was thinking of selling it but doubt that it would bring enough to justify selling it so just decided to change barrel that way if I wanted I can change it back.
thanks

 

[dogrunner]

Dixie was a carrier of Pietta parts and ought to be able to either supply you one or steer you in the right direction.

 

[StrawHat]

Hacksaw to shorten the barrel and a file to dovetail the new sight in place?

 

[BHP FAN]

I like the VTI option... they're really good folks to deal with, and you can switch back, if you want to, or sell it to someone who wants to make a detachable stocked carbine.

 

[WALKERs210]

I agree with you BHP it makes more sense than chopping off the barrel. This way it can be changed back to 12" if next owner (grandson) wants to. The front sight is not a dovetail it has a slot running down barrel about 3/4" with the sight set into it and secured with machine screw. That is the only thing I can't do here at my home work shop (not yet anyway).

 

[rcflint]

Barrel

As long as you need a new front sight, get the Uberti sight, it's dovetailed and much easier to install and stay in place. The dovetail is a 74 degree, Brownells has them, if your gunsmith or you don't.

If the Pietta barrel you get from VTI has a sight, replace it with an Uberti sight when the original flies off.

 

[arcticap]

If the Buffalo were a steel frame, then I would consider swapping out the barrel. But since it has a brass frame, if it were me I would just cut it off to shorten it.
I wouldn't want to put too much torque on the frame possibly damaging it during the barrel swap. That plus the cost of the barrel would sway me to choose the hacksaw.

 

[scrat]

Remember to properly cut the barrel you also need to recrown the barrel. I would devise a Vise to secure the frame. Remove the front sight. Then wrench the old barrel off. Then install the new barrel. Now you have two barrels for the gun. WIN WIN situation.

 

[WALKERs210]

The cost for a 8" barrel from VTI is about $80.00. Basically having two guns for the price of one. I had given thought to sell the Buffalo but being it is brass frame I seriously doubt that I could get enough to make a good down payment on another 1858 with the shorter barrel. Like I said earlier at first the novelty of having a 12" barrel was cool, neat or what every adjective you wish to use. Then again I could just go ahead and keep this one like it is and just buy one with a shorter barrel length. With Christmas coming up I will have to shell out a substantial amount for the wife so it might be easy to sneak one more into the collection.

 

[Jaymo]

None of my Piettas seem to have a barrel crown. I wonder if that's intentional, or a happy accident?

Who's VTI? I need a replacement barrel for my Pietta .44 caliber '51 Navy basket case revolver.

Never mind. I found them. $125.00 for the barrel. Now I just have to decide whether I want round or octagonal, 5.5" or 7.5".
I'm thinking about going with the 5.5" since I have a 7.5" .36 Colt Navy.

 

[HisSoldier]

I'm curious as to why you didn't like the longer barrel?

 

[arcticap]

The Colts are definitely the easier design to swap barrels back and forth with. But if the 12 inch barrel could be sold then that would help offset the expense of the new barrel.

Then wrench the old barrel off. Then install the new barrel. Now you have two barrels for the gun. WIN WIN situation.

How many times would anyone ordinarily swap the barrel on their Remington brasser anyway? It's not quite as easy as when the wife decides to change her hair color!