Overkill -- I "hear" your frustration! Where I reside, minimal population is the major "plus" -- putting services including a gunsmith requiring a minimal 75 mile drive... with him so over-booked, four to six months is not out of the unusual wait time for a repair. I have a .30 carbine Ruger Blackhawk, which I purchased quite used, with it sporting a 7 ½” barrel; s/n 51-193xx, made in 1980. My only complaint and one-half with this revolver is it gives new definition to ***LOUD*** when fired. And, the 1/2-complaint is my instructions advise against use of lead cast bullets -- which I believe is their being cognizant of the timing issue -- e.g., lead shaving. (???) Regardless -- for me -- it's been a great toy. The sights always seem to shoot low (just a "hair" -- which, as soon as I recall -- make it non consequential on targets) I got it due to its price being better than "right" and at the time it seemed a great complement to my IAI .30 carbine. Good luck-- it seems you're in right direction -- in finding someone competent to make it safe!