Shortening the BBL (Pros&Cons)

johNTO

johNTO

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I've always liked the looks of 4" bbls on revolvers. Unfortunately, I cannot own one in Canada so my question is what are the pros and cons of shortening the bbl on my 686 to just over 4"s. How will it affect performance, balance, etc. Also, how much does it costs?

Thanks.
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I believe ARMCO is the man for revolver barrel shortening. It's stainless so it is easier to do from my conversation with him (no blueing afterwards).

One thing is for sure... it'll look cooler and be lighter (better balanced) - accuracy will not be affected.

The only con is cost and waiting. Everything else is a Pro!! :) Do it if you can afford it (then post pics!).
 
this is my carry m29 shown here, Barry has also done a M19 for me (wifes pistol). I can recommend him highly.


Bits of Pieces said:
SW29106mm2.jpg
SW29106mm3.jpg


This is a S&W we shortened. We charge $95 + postage and tax to shorten the barrel and move the sight.
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I waiting to get my 12(6). Have bought a S&W model 19 with a 2 1/2" barrel. If I didn't get my 12(6) then I would also shorten one to just over 105mm. As mentioned, it is a nice ballance.

Also I have a problem focusing on the front sight. On a 4" I don't have as much of a problem since both the front and rear sight are closer together and it is easier for me to get the front sight back.
 
Bits of Pieces said:
SW29106mm2.jpg
SW29106mm3.jpg


This is a S&W we shortened. We charge $95 + postage and tax to shorten the barrel and move the sight.
Click to expand...




rgv said:
this is my carry m29 shown here, Barry has also done a M19 for me (wifes pistol). I can recommend him highly.
Click to expand...

Nice gun!
I'm sure it's just the angle of the photo but it looks like the front sight is not centered?
 
Thanks for the input everyone. I'm very tempted.....

Just wondering what the process is to register the HG once the bbl's been shortened? (ie. would I do the paperwork or does the gunsmith forward them on my behalf.) I'm sure someone in the "big office" would wanna know!?
 
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I'm really excited that my 686 will look like this one day. Note the GP100 "like" nose on a 4.25"bbl....sweet.
I'll be calling to set up an appointment for the make-over real soon.

686.jpg
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Only thing you need to be careful doing is making sure that the crown is done well. Otherwise you should be good to go.
 
johNTO said:
Thanks for the input everyone. I'm very tempted.....

Just wondering what the process is to register the HG once the bbl's been shortened? (ie. would I do the paperwork or does the gunsmith forward them on my behalf.) I'm sure someone in the "big office" would wanna know!?
Click to expand...

The gun smith may also be a verifier. If so then he probably will take care of it. If not then call up the CFC and ask for a verifier in your area. Print out a verification form.

http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca/online-en_ligne/form-assistance/indiv_forms/804_e.asp

Fill in the details you know and have the verifier fill in the rest.
The verifier must match an entry in the Firearms Reference Table. If your barrel length is not listed for the model you have then a new entry must be added. Easier if the length is the same as a existing entry. Not a real big deal if it is not. Just remember that the verifier does not get paid so anything to make it easier is appreciated.

Now if the barrel length is real close to the magic 105 mm length (I thought 666 was evil, now I know it is 105) then the gun may need to be inspected by the RCMP forensic lab. This is what I have been told by them. Seems when it comes near the evil number the Registrar does not trust their verifiers.

Sending a gun to them involves having them send a regular pistol case to you. You put the gun in the box then send it back to them. They do the inspection and hopefully send it right back to you. And hope they were no close to the financial year end. One time I did this. I called found out the inspection was done. After some time and my gun had not arrived I called to ask why. They still had the gun. They could not send it because they had run out of money to ship the gun back. Since it was close to year end (a little over a month away) the gun had to wait until the new fiscal year so the expense could be charged to that year.

I looked up some FRT listings for the 686.

686
106mm FRT#21957-12,
109mm FRT#21957-5,
115mm FRT#21957-11

686-1
106mm FRT#21958-8,
108mm FRT#21958-7,
127mm FRT#21958-6

686-2
106mm FRT#21959-7

686-3
106mm FRT#21960-7,
107mm FRT#21960-3,
124mm FRT#21960-4
 
Rudy H said:
The gun smith may also be a verifier. If so then he probably will take care of it.

Thanks for the great info Rudy H.
I'll have to find a gunsmith/verifier (would make my life easier) to take care of everything.
Looks like I'll have to file this for future reference:
686-2
106mm FRT#21959-7
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