S&W M686 CH gunsmithing plan, help.

[bear71]

I have been offered to purchase by private sale a M686-3 Classic Hunter manufactured in 1988.

I've discovered the 6" barrel is blown, with a bulge visable in the bore and can actually see that the barrel is slightly bent.

I've done some research and discovered I can get a factory replacement barrel (Classic Hunter) for around $175.00. A smith might charge about $100.00 to change barrels.

That being said, how does this sound for a plan -

Pay $150.00 for the firearm "as is", wait two months for the barrel and then spend $275-$300 (barrel and smith work) for the repair. Total investment appears to be about $425-$450.

I end up with a firearm with a smith fitted brand new barrel for what appears to a fair overall price.

What am I missing or not considering?

Do S&W factory replacement barrels come with a front site affixed?

 

[Oro]

It sounds like a plan if you do indeed have someone to hand who knows how to do the barrel swap and will do it for $100. That bit sounds iffy to me - someone experienced and reasonably priced can indeed do it for that. But if you have no one local shipping it away can escalate your costs.

PS, you should verify that the barrel you want in the length you want is actually "in stock" and not just catalogued. Older barrels, once the supply is used up, are usually not replaced in some cases. OTOH, the 686 frame with the CH is not different and you can fit about any 686 barrel to it. Numrich's may have the barrel, also.

 

[bear71]

Hi Oro,

Gander Mountain offers the service for $100.00 with a $25.00 written quote added on. The smith at my local Gander is a S&W afficianado or so I'm told.

Good tip on barrel availability verification. They have the CH barrel catalogued in both 5" and 6". I'm tempted to go with a 5" rather the the replacing the 6" that's it wears now. Thought being that 5" 686's might be a little more rare than the ever available 6" models.

 

[Oro]

I'm tempted to go with a 5" rather the the replacing the 6" that's it wears now.

Oh, I would definitely do that! I was almost going to say in my first post to check that out, I thought there were now 5" 686's made. If they offer the 5" barrel, go that way. The same rear sight blade is used for 4" and 6" barrels, so no need to alter that. If you have a Gander Mtn. local to do that swap affordably and competently, you should definitely do this. Make sure it is not a newer style two-piece barrel (I do not know how the 686 is currently made, traditional one piece or the newer two piece barrel).

Leather will be a bit harder to find - but the fun of a 5" L frame to me is worth it over a more pedestrian 6". Stretching a 5" K frame holster will likely not work since the barrel lug, rib, and sight will be too much for the K leather to stretch around (most 5" k frame holsters were made for fixed-sight Model 10s).

 

[kanook]

your wife just called, she said it's fine with her if that's what you want.