S&W M-19 barrel swap?

[Bwana John]

Hi,
Ive got a S&W M-19 with a 6" barrel, I dont really like the 6" barrel or the partrige style front sight.

A local "gunsmith" has a M-19 4" barrel with a ramp front sight.

He says he can just swap barrels.

What about cylinder gap? Did S&W keep close enough tolarences that barrels should just swap out without any other fiddleing?
Can the cylinder be shimmed back and forth?

Thanks,
John

 

[Spartacus451]

The cylinder gap is set as part of the swap. You have to be careful which smith you choose to swap barrels. Plenty of horror stories of bent frames. It might make more sense to cut down the existing barrel.

 

[rcmodel]

Actually, it would make much more sense to swap guns with him.

The 19's were fitted, and in all probably, both guns will end up out of whack.

Setting the barrel back one thread, and cutting off the ejector rod to fit the new front lug location is the only way to keep the headspace right, and also close up the cylinder gap at the same time.

In addition, you are mucking up the history of two fine old S&W's for some future generation owner who might factory letter one or the other gun.

IMO: Do Not do it!

rcmodel

 

[Bwana John]

Actually, it would make much more sense to swap guns with him.

Unfortunatly hes only got the barrel, it came from his racegun project at "Gunsmithin School".

The present gun is very tight, with a great trigger, tight cylinder gap, and great barrel inside, but i dont like the barrel lenght or front sight (which is a machine rib on the barrel, cant just "cut it down").

It also has some finish issues, nothing big but missing some blue in the cylinder flutes, one place on the frame, and end of barrel. It is also the less desirable 19-5 series.

Ill probley just sell it and find a nice M19 4".

 

[gsw-survivor]

Swapping barrels is an easy job for a competent,knowledgeable gunsmith with the correct tools. Cutting the barrel is not the best choice. The fitted parts are usually considered to be the fire control parts. changing the barrel on a common 19-? would not affect history any more that changing tires on a Chevy Nova. Assuming the gun has no endshake, the gap is set when the new barrel is installed. Unless the 'smith is not qualified a barrel swap is no big deal. Brad