Got my new barrel in the mail yesterday!!

[shooter]

Ordered a takeoff, like new barrel for my .357 Blackhawk off Gunbroker the other day for $25. It arrived yesterday, and I am very pleased. It really is like new, not a blemish on it. I wanted a 4 3/4" barrel instead of the 6" ? barrel that's on it. I really like the shorter barrels, but didn't want to try to sell that one and buy another. Now all I have to do is figure out how to change it or find someone to do it for a reasonable price.

[piller]

While I don't know how, I am confident that there are several good people on this forum who can give good instructions for what you need.

[kimwcook]

It's a relatively easy job with the right tools. Most people don't have them because it'd be cost prohibitive to have just lying around for one or two barrel swaps. Plus there's the bbl. cylinder gap to contend with. If you were able to swap the bbl. you'd be taking a chance the gap would be with within specs. Then there's possibly cutting the bbl.shoulder back and cutting the end of the bbl. for the gap. I'd suggest a good smith to do the job. He can set the gap to minimum specs and you're good to go.

Get ahold of Nate.

[TedH]

What's your plan for the 6 inch barrel? I've been thinking just the opposite of you. I've got a 4 3/4 but would like a 6 inch barrel.

[Terry Murbach]

IF IT IS A REAL RUGER BARREL IT IS NOT 4 3/4", IT IS 4 5/8". AND FOR THAT MATTER, THE OTHER ONE IS 6 1/2".

[milton]

Get someone to do the job that is a good gunsmith.You can do it your self IF you are somewhat mechanically inclined,have the correct tools and know what to do.

[J Miller]

Ordered a takeoff, like new barrel for my .357 Blackhawk off Gunbroker the other day for $25. It arrived yesterday, and I am very pleased. It really is like new, not a blemish on it. I wanted a 4 3/4" barrel instead of the 6" ? barrel that's on it. I really like the shorter barrels, but didn't want to try to sell that one and buy another. Now all I have to do is figure out how to change it or find someone to do it for a reasonable price.

shooter,

Here is my experience with having a barrel removed and replaced on a Ruger BH:
My Old Model BH came from the factory with the front sight tilting to the right. I took it to a gunsmith who said he could not tighten the barrel any more because it was already in as tight as it could be.
So, he removed the barrel, turned a bit off the shoulder and reinstalled it. The front sight was then perfectly vertical. This lasted about 6 or 7 years until I started experimenting with 300 gr bullets and heavy loads. The additional torque imparted by these bullets actually started turning the barrel farther into the receiver. My front sight now tilts noticeably to the left.
From one extreme to the other.

What this means is he took off a 10/1000" or so too much and only torqued it in till the front sight was vertical, not till the barrel was completely tight.

Be sure that who ever does this work gets the barrel tight and the sight straight. It's a pain to have to have something redone.

Joe

[shooter]

Ted, PM sent.

Terry, thanks for the correction. I always get the different lengths mixed up. Don't know why, just do. I know them, I just can't ever seem to recite them correctly when the time comes.

JMiller, thanks for the info. I will be sure to address this with the 'smith I get to do the switch.

[dave in maine]

doesn't it seem as though a simple gun swap would cure both itches?

[shooter]

doesn't it seem as though a simple gun swap would cure both itches?

That's just what I was thinking. Unfortunately I didn't know about Ted's similar situation and I've already purchased the new barrel. I would still consider the gun trade, and it would save some money to not have to pay a 'smith. There would still be FFL fees and such to deal with, but I'm sure they would be less than a gunsmith shop charge.