What Does Pinned Barrel Mean For A Revolver?

[Max Owner]

Hey all.

Seen a few Smith & Wessons in the EE with a "pinned" barrel.

Why is this and what does it mean, if anything? Any problems?

 

[curtmg]

a "pinned" Barrel???????

 

[Cerdan]

From what I've gathered, it's a feature that hearkens back to a time when S&W made top-quality firearms. It's not inherently better than the barrels they make today, it's just that the overall quality was superior at the time when they produced guns with pinned barrels.

Sellers definitely mention it as a sign of quality.

 

[Ishootguns]

There is a pin that goes through the frame and rides in a grove on the top of the threads of the barrel where the barrel threads into the frame.

 

[Max Owner]

Thanx guys.

I wondered what the significance of this was.

Any downfalls to a pinned barrel?

 

[Master-G]

As far as I know there are no real drawbacks to a pinned barrel...it might make barrel replacement a little tougher but that's not a concern for most shooters.

You can see the pin on my Model 28-2 here--it's located near the top of the frame in front the the cylinder.

 

[Brutus]

A extra step method of securing barrels, to the frames of factory S&W revolvers...ceased in 1982 I believe.

 

[Max Owner]

Thanx guys.