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S&W Model 36 Barrel swap

splash2371
Does anybody know what model barrels are compatible with a Model 36, 38 Special Chief's Special? Barrel appears to be pinned at the top. I have several snub nose pocket guns now and would like to install a 4 to 6 inch barrel if possible on this one for longer range plinking. I see a number of S&W barrels for sale in the listings in 38/357 cal. and many that appear to have the correct configuration for the extractor rod, but that is all I know about it and would like a little advice.
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Hawk Carse
    The Model 36 is a J frame gun. I would bet that the 4" and 6" barrels you see advertised are for K, L, or N frame revolvers and will not fit. The longest Model 36 barrel I know of is 3", and they are not very common.

    S&W is now making a Model 60 (stainless J frame) with 5" barrel, but I don't know about putting one on an older pinned barrel gun, even if S&W would sell you one. The sight ramp would be too tall for your fixed sights anyhow.
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  • tsr1965
    It would be a lengthy project, but could be done, iI am sure.

    The most practical thing to do would be to replace the short ejector rod with one made for the barrel length you are proposing.

    Then, if those barrels are for the k or l framed revolvers, the shank with threads needs to be turned down and re-threaded, and indexed properly...then the rear of the barrel fitted for the proper barrel/cylinder gap.

    Like I said...lengthy....but fun, and deifnately not for the beginner.

    There would be somnething to be said for a j-frame 38 with this set up.

    Best
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  • beantownshootah
    My advice is to forget this idea and instead trade your Smith model 36 for a Smith model 10 (or other longer barrel .38).

    Not only will a trade be far easier than this sort of conversion, it will likely also be cheaper.

    Depending on the condition of the guns in question, you might even be able to come out ahead in cash on a trade like this, by $100 give or take a bit.

    In contrast, you'd undoubtedly be REDUCING the value of your Smith 36 if you swapped out its barrel for a long one.

    Alternatively, if you are willing to kick in another $50 to buy a Smith barrel, instead kick in the $50 and swap your Smith 36 for a Smith model 19 in .357 magnum with adjustable sights. Now you have a far nicer gun that will shoot .38s all day, plus take 357 magnums (if you like).
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  • splash2371
    Thank you fellas for all the advice. Replacing the barrel, threading, resizing, adjustment of the barrel cylinder clearance I can do. Indexing the threads however is something I do not feel comfortable with and is very little room for error there. I do like a good project, but the different frames having different barrel threads and OD sizes for the same calibers had not occurred to me so I thank ya'll for bringing that to my attention. I know my limitations and appreciate the good advice.
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  • 11b6r
    Splash- think you will also have to change the ejector rod- shorties have a different length.
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  • v35
    I've a three inch barrel in the planning ( about 8 yrs)to go on a Model 37 Airweight Chief. It may just happen this year as I have more concealable pocket guns.
    Since it's not a chambered barrel, I don't believe the thread needs to be timed. Just adjust the shoulder to bring the sight into alignment and set the gap.
    The three inch ejector rod will fully eject a 38 Spl case.
    I installed one on my Chief in the '60s after grinding off the the front latch housing on a 1 5/8" barrel.
    Colt's been getting away without a front latch for over 100 years. The modest amount of shooting this gun has seen hasn't loosened it up any.
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