BoneDigger
Member
I noticed on EBay that you can buy barrels for the 686. Mine is a 2.5 inch and I would love to have a 4 inch. How hard is it to swap barrels on these guns? Is it generally frowned upon?
Todd
Todd
S&W 686, barrel swap?
- Thread starter BoneDigger
- Start date
- Status
ArchAngelCD
Member.
There is nothing good or bad about swapping barrels after all, the revolvers aren't different, only the barrel length. I would highly recommend having the barrel changes but a Gun Smith since there are setting that must be correct for the revolver to be safe and for it to fire correctly without losing bullet speed.
If you do make the change and decide to sell the 2.5" barrel please let me know...
If you do make the change and decide to sell the 2.5" barrel please let me know...
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,651
DO NOT attempt to change a revolver barrel at home. Send it to S&W or another good qualified pistolsmith.
Barrels require special tooling to change without damaging the frame, and there are a number of adjustments that have to be done to get it fitted properly.
Local gunsmiths seldom have the right tooling.
Also note: Often the barrels being sold on eBay are defective.
They were often removed because something was wrong with them, or they were damaged when unqualified people removed them from the original gun.
You cannot always see the problems until the gunsmith attempts to fit it to a gun.
Barrels require special tooling to change without damaging the frame, and there are a number of adjustments that have to be done to get it fitted properly.
Local gunsmiths seldom have the right tooling.
Also note: Often the barrels being sold on eBay are defective.
They were often removed because something was wrong with them, or they were damaged when unqualified people removed them from the original gun.
You cannot always see the problems until the gunsmith attempts to fit it to a gun.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I didn't think of that but dfariswheel is probably on the money, Ebay barrels are probably not a good idea. Take his advice and contact S&W. You know their barrels aren't defective and the work will be done correctly.
HighVelocity
Member
I suggest buying a 4" gun. Then you'll have both and won't have to pay a bunch of shipping and wait 6 weeks to get your gun back from S&W. 
BoneDigger
Member
Good answers guys. I think I'll just stick with the 2 inch barrel!
Todd
Todd
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
Check with S&W about a new 4" barrel. That would be the best using a new barrel. A smith will probably cost about $125 to swap a barrel.
The most economical way to get a 4" would be to trade your 2 1/2" for one or sell it and apply the funds to the 4".
But it looks like you are keeping the 2 1/2" , not a bad choice! I had one of the 2 1/2" 686s myself and it was a hec of a shooter!
But it looks like you are keeping the 2 1/2" , not a bad choice! I had one of the 2 1/2" 686s myself and it was a hec of a shooter!
- Status
