S&W Two Piece Barrels ... Que?

[GungHo]

I'm in the market for a new revolver, and I've owned mostly Rugers and only one .38 Smith that dates from the 50's or so (inherited from grandfather). I'm considering giving it a brother in the form of a 625 or 686.

I've heard grumblings about Smith using a "two piece barrel" in newer models and how it's not a good thing. I've looked at a few Smiths, and I guess I'm either too blind or too stupid to figure it out. What is meant by two piece barrel? Is it welded together or is it a lug separate from the barrel or what? I've searched on the term here and on TFL, but my search fu is not strong.

And, yes, I know about the locks and how they possess children and make them shoot eye-beams.

Thank you for your assistance!

 

[JoeHatley]

What is meant by two piece barrel?

It's an inner barrel, surrounded by a shroud. Sota like a Dan Wesson, but without the removable nut holding things together.

This 325 has a stainless inner barrel and an alloy shroud.


If you look at the muzzle and forcing cone areas, you can see the ends of the stainless inner barrel.

Joe

 

[RedAlert]

Joe

Joe, in the photo you posted, there is a shim below the top strap just above the cylinder/barrel clearance gap.

Is that to prevent cutting the top strap with propellant gasses? Is it replaceable?

RDF

 

[Croyance]

I've never heard of anybody complaining about the Dan Wesson barrels, so what is the difference? Is it because of S&W making a change, meaning complaint is inevitable? Or is it an important difference with the way Dan Wesson does it?

 

[perpster]

there is a shim below the top strap just above the cylinder/barrel clearance gap.

Is that to prevent cutting the top strap with propellant gasses? Is it replaceable?

Yes, and I don't know but don't see why not.

 

[JoeHatley]

Is that to prevent cutting the top strap with propellant gasses? Is it replaceable?

I would guess flame cutting is why S&W put it there, but with a .45 acp it's probably not much of an issue. Yes, it appears it could be replaced.

Joe