Shortening an S&W Model 19?

[mmattockx]

I prefer the looks of the half-lug barrel and the old time S&W workmanship and bluing. But I don't want a 6" barrel length. Any reason not to bob one to 4.2"? Is the sight base integral to the rib or something that can be relocated after shortening?

Finally, anyone know the going rate for a bob job like this?


Thanks,
Mark

 

[gnmontey]

Send Gunnar at ArmCo an email. He has been offering a revolver bbl shortening service.

M

 

[gunzik]

I love my 6" model 19, I just got it, fabulous artillery piece! In my shaky hands it holds a nice 3" group at 20 meters offhand.

Once you shorten the barrel there are lots of front sight options. The gunsmith supply outfits can make you properly crazy with choices. Gunnar appears to mill a groove into the top rib and re-locate the old sights, which he must cut out somehow unless they're installed in a similar groove to start with? I can't see it, but Smith could hide almost anything with their Model 19 era finishing.

I always thought the sight base was integral, but after I saw the shortening job Gunnar had done on a stainless revolver (I think it was a model 66) where you could just make out some seams when you looked at the muzzle, I could imagine that they could be inserted before the barrel is finished.

Let us know what you learn, Mark!

 

[tjhaile]

I bought this Model 29 from Armco in its shortened state:

It has the Weigand sight base that screws onto the barrel and allows for different sight blades to be interchanged. Shortening typically involves a new front sight.

Early Model 19s had the sight pinned in place with two pins through the rib. Later ones had the sight base integral with the barrel.

 

[cableguy]

If you want to keep the integral ramp...here's an example of someone who has done it.

It sure looks like a lot of work shortening it from the forcing cone end...but what a nice finished product though.

http://www.docsmachine.com/projects/mag/mag01.html

 

[BCRider]

Cableguy, it won't work with a 19 due to the half lugged barrel. There's no extra lug metal to allow for the forward latch spring and pin. So a half lug barrel MUST be shortened from the muzzle.

 

[cableguy]

Right BCRider.

Brain fart for a second there.

 

[rgv]

the sight base is integral but its a fairly simple job to cut it out and mill an appropiately sized slot and reinstall.

Barry Jensen did both of these, the upper one has the weigand ramp that takes the newer S&W inserts