Revolver barrel threads

[Ganderite]

If I had a Rossi 38 Spl with a buggered barrel, how difficult would it be to install a S&W barrel found in my junk drawer?

I assume the threads are different. Metric v SAE??

Would it be difficult to cut off the threaded section of the Smith barrel and then thread the barrel with threads to match the Rossi?

 

[BCRider]

Rethreading would be the way to do this for sure. However to ensure the bore and threads are truly concentric this is something that needs to be done in a metal turning lathe to form the stub. From there the threads would be turned using the thread cutting ability of the lathe so that you're sure the threading is concentric and axial.

To answer your next question.... No, you almost certainly will not be able to just run down to some local tool store and buy a threading die and do this by hand. The thread size is almost certainly one of the extra fine sizes that are at the very least a special order from a specialty outfit such as KBC or some other machine tooling supplier. But since at the very least you'd want to rough out the thread using the lathe before chasing it to size with a die it's just easier to do the whole job in the lathe. Assuming the machinist you get to do this job knows how to use the three wire method for measuring the depth of cut the new threads will work out just fine done completely in the lathe. And while it's still in the lathe hopefully he extended some sort of marking back from the front sight to the new stub so the shoulder can be clocked to the frame to sit spot on when properly torqued into place. This requires a bit of testing and facing off the barrel to frame shoulder to achieve. Once that's set then he can trim the rear to set the cylinder to barrel gap and form a new forcing cone before screwing the barrel into the frame for the last time.

What you're after isn't difficult for a decent gunsmith/machinist but it's not something you're going to do at home without this equipment and skill. Getting it done at the usual shop rates may well turn out to be more costly than the gun is worth unless you know someone.

 

[Ganderite]

Thanks. Your answer is just about the same as the email I just got from my gunsmith.

It would cost more than the gun is worth.

 

[BCRider]

Sell the frame and spare barrel as a "kit" to someone that can do the job themselves then. That'll bring you back your best return on this bad situation. It likely won't be much, at least I know I'd expect to get such a "kit" for a low price to make it worth doing. But at least you'll recoup something from the situation. But first check on selling the S&W barrel alone. It may well be worth more to a S&W gun owner than the "kit" would be worth to some hobby machinist. Especially if it's one of the now rare model 19 barrels.