K 38 rebarrel?

[velocette]

I have a 1954 S&W K 38, 5 screw revolver with it's barrel / cylinder gap at the outer limit of .008". I am interested in learning about the cost and who to use to re-barrel the revolver.
The K38 is not a pristine collectors item. It is used in my club's combat pistol competition (PPC) and is well worn. The gap has not affected accuracy but I do get some spitting.
Ideas and suggestions are welcome

 

[Jim Watson]

Probably cheaper to set the barrel back a turn and cut the gap to suit. Frank Glenn charges $135. I would assume that includes trimming the extractor rod and center pin by 1/36" and a fresh forcing cone.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Probably cheaper to set the barrel back a turn and cut the gap to suit. Frank Glenn charges $135. I would assume that includes trimming the extractor rod and center pin by 1/36" and a fresh forcing cone.

Question about the Forcing Cone. is it apart of the barrel or separate? I kinda want to shoot full house loads on my 19-3 snub nose, and if I crack it, can I just have it replaced?

 

[Jim Watson]

If you look at the hind end of the barrel you will see a slight funnel shape leading into the rifling. That is the forcing cone. It is cut with a tapered reamer, there are several different angles to choose from, I am sure Frank has a preference.

Bad news: If you crack the forcing cone on your M19-3 you may be S.O.L. if Smith has run out of parts that old.
Good news: Cracked barrels are not as common as you read about on the Internet.

 

[Riomouse911]

Probably cheaper to set the barrel back a turn and cut the gap to suit. Frank Glenn charges $135. I would assume that includes trimming the extractor rod and center pin by 1/36" and a fresh forcing cone.

Go for the barrel turning and new forcing cone, and while you are at it the muzzle can be recrowned as well. If all times up well, your well-used K-38 will be the belle of the ball afterwards.

My 14-3 8 3/8 had to be cut down, a replaceable front sight was added and both ends were recut after a bulge was found near the muzzle post-purchase. It’s 5” now and shoots better than me (12 shots DA@15 yds).



Stay safe.

 

[Riomouse911]

Question about the Forcing Cone. is it apart of the barrel or separate? I kinda want to shoot full house loads on my 19-3 snub nose, and if I crack it, can I just have it replaced?

It is a part of the barrel, it can’t be replaced. But the gun can be rebarrelled if the frame is ok.

Stay safe.

 

[Mark_Mark]

It is a part of the barrel, it can’t be replaced. But the gun can be rebarrelled if the frame is ok.

Stay safe.

well that squashed that idea! lol

 

[velocette]

Probably cheaper to set the barrel back a turn and cut the gap to suit. Frank Glenn charges $135. I would assume that includes trimming the extractor rod and center pin by 1/36" and a fresh forcing cone.

Jim; turning back the barrel sounds good. How may I contact Frank? PM please.

Roger

 

[J-Bar]

Question about the Forcing Cone. is it apart of the barrel or separate? I kinda want to shoot full house loads on my 19-3 snub nose, and if I crack it, can I just have it replaced?

Your Model 19 forcing cone should not be endangered with heavier longer bullets. As I recall, the 125 grain and lighter bullets were blamed for forcing cone damage. Stick with 158 bullets in the magnum loads and have fun.

 

[Jim Watson]

Why PM?
CAVEAT: I have not had work done by Frank Glenn but he has a great reputation.

http://www.glenncustom.com/pricing_revolver.html

 

[J-Bar]

edit:

I found this article on line. My above comment implicating light bullets may not be correct.


https://www.ssusa.org/content/how-to-avoid-revolver-forcing-cone-failure/

 

[Mark_Mark]

edit:

I found this article on line. My above comment implicating light bullets may not be correct.


https://www.ssusa.org/content/how-to-avoid-revolver-forcing-cone-failure/

I’m going with 125 gn LEAD .38 Special at 900 fps. If that cracks it! then I have bigger problems! lol

and the occasional full house .357

 

[Dave T]

I have had word done by Frank Glenn. You can't do much better for revolver work.

Dave

 

[velocette]

Arrangements made with Frank Glenn. Thank you gentlemen.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

FWIW, according to the GPC/Numrich website, they have K-38 barrels in stock:

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/2077150

 

[Walkalong]

Why PM?
CAVEAT: I have not had work done by Frank Glenn but he has a great reputation.

http://www.glenncustom.com/pricing_revolver.html

I have, and he’s top notch to deal with, as well as talented.

 

[PzGren]

Question about the Forcing Cone. is it apart of the barrel or separate? I kinda want to shoot full house loads on my 19-3 snub nose, and if I crack it, can I just have it replaced?

I have not heard of a S&W 19 barrel for sale for a long, long time. I have a new old-stock M19 barrel in six inches in my gun parts box that I had the good luck to find and did not hesitate to sweep it up.

Just use 158 gr non-jacketed reloads.