I have an early 1990's 686 with a six inch barrel. I was considering contacting S/W to see if they could re-barrel the weapon with a 4 inch. Is this a possibility? I would like to carry it more and a shorter barrel would be a plus. Any downsides to this project i.e. accuracy etc.
Re-barrel a 686?
- Thread starter puppyface
- Start date
It's considerably cheaper and less hassle to sell the one you have and buy the one you want. I would guess the cost to switch barrels is somewhere in the $3-400 range plus shipping. It is not a simple "screw one off, screw one on" proposition. There are tons of 686s out there.
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You may want to check out the S&W Forum. There is a current discussion of the same issue.
The recommendations seem to favor buying another 686 with a 4" barrel. I love mine with the well balanced 4" barrel.
The strong argument against changing the barrel is the long lead time for a S&W factory job order. Some are saying it is up to about 8 months. The negative is the cost of even a nice used 686.
To help damage control, you might even consider a 4" 586.
The recommendations seem to favor buying another 686 with a 4" barrel. I love mine with the well balanced 4" barrel.
The strong argument against changing the barrel is the long lead time for a S&W factory job order. Some are saying it is up to about 8 months. The negative is the cost of even a nice used 686.
To help damage control, you might even consider a 4" 586.
I can verify that that the S&W factory in Springfield Mass is swamped with work and is cycling slowly... My recent 586 rebluing job took a full seven months.
I concur with those who are suggesting that you sell the 6" and buy a 4"... It seems like less hassle. If you want to try a "trade" ad on armslist.com that might eventually work... or not... But you could do your sell and re-buy on there if you like, as well. If you type in lots of description and use decent photos and use discretion in your communications, armslist.com can work out fine. I've had good transactions on there, and no real problems. You could also do a trade at a gunstore; a large regional one will likely have a few 4" in stock to choose from.
I concur with those who are suggesting that you sell the 6" and buy a 4"... It seems like less hassle. If you want to try a "trade" ad on armslist.com that might eventually work... or not... But you could do your sell and re-buy on there if you like, as well. If you type in lots of description and use decent photos and use discretion in your communications, armslist.com can work out fine. I've had good transactions on there, and no real problems. You could also do a trade at a gunstore; a large regional one will likely have a few 4" in stock to choose from.
Bob Wright
New member
A couple of things to consider:
Relocating the front sight is a pretty big job for a gunsmith, milling out the rib to accomodate the front sight ramp, which must be cut from the barrel.
And, not all re-barreling jobs work out as planned. I had to have one S&W barrel pinned to prevent turning in the frame.
Bob Wright
Relocating the front sight is a pretty big job for a gunsmith, milling out the rib to accomodate the front sight ramp, which must be cut from the barrel.
And, not all re-barreling jobs work out as planned. I had to have one S&W barrel pinned to prevent turning in the frame.
Bob Wright
This is why I consulted with you guys before I jumped into this. I am real happy with the accuracy of this weapon as is, I would hate to ruin it.
I bought it before I received my CCW and I used it as a house gun and carried it in the woods, I lived in an area at the time that was populated with wolves. I usually loaded it with Buffalo Bore bullets. These days I carry small 5 shot revolvers.
I bought it before I received my CCW and I used it as a house gun and carried it in the woods, I lived in an area at the time that was populated with wolves. I usually loaded it with Buffalo Bore bullets. These days I carry small 5 shot revolvers.
