Lots of different flavors (viewpoints) here - collectors, shooters, DIYers, factory work only-ers. Pick your poison.
If the OP is looking for a shooter, he probably doesn't care about collectability. Canada probably won't have the selection of guns to pick from either. After weighing all of the options, a barrel change may be the best choice. It's not rocket surgery and can be done by a decent smith or a sharp gun owner with the correct tools/knowledge without damaging/destroying the gun. I've done several.
In addition to the usual correctly ground screwdrivers, a barrel vise, action wrench (no hammer handle through the frame), cup tip punches, forcing cone reamer, and a means of setting back the barrel shoulder/facing the barrel (if needed) are required. A lathe is preferred for the latter, but it can be done with the tool sold by Brownells. Kuhnhausen's S&W manual is a good thing to have handy, too.