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Thread: Pistol Barrel Source?

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Pistol Barrel Source?

    I’m about to embark on another build, but one thing is holding my up. I need a revolver barrel in 32 caliber. I want to make a S&W “Kit Gun” on an old pre War I frame and in a best case scenario, I’d have a 4” +/- barrel with .312-.314 groove diameter that would have been turned to “heavy barrel” profile, then have a front lug inlet and silver soldered in place.

    The problem? Looking over the websites of the various barrel makers, I can’t find a blank to start from. One possibility is a 303 Enfield barrel... any opinions one way or another about that? Any other “out of the box” solutions?

    I eagerly await the collective wisdom of this august body.

    Froggie
    "It aint easy being green!"

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy
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    Try Green Mountain Barrels.

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by jblee10 View Post
    Try Green Mountain Barrels.
    Tried there... no joy on 32 caliber (that I could find.)

    Froggie
    "It aint easy being green!"

  4. #4
    Boolit Master


    Nueces's Avatar
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    I've been down that road...a long way, too. Wanted a barrel for my Dan Wesson 732 in 32 H&R, for heavier slugs. The 303 barrel is also what I came up with. Found an ebay listing of a cutoff new barrel that measured 0.313" when I got it, perfect, since the DW throats are 0.3143". The twist is faster than usual for a revolver, but that's what I wanted.

    redmansrifling.com supplies 32-20 liners, groove diameter 0.311, OD of .505". If anyone finds a modern maker listing what the OP wants, I would also be interested.

    Another idea for a small Smith project would be a ratty SAA or Official Police barrel with a nice bore.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master



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    How about a rebore ? ?
    Being human is not for sissies.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master

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    I have used 303 barrels for 32 pistols, .311 groove and 1 in 10 twist.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by John Taylor View Post
    I have used 303 barrels for 32 pistols, .311 groove and 1 in 10 twist.
    And they shoot very well!

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  8. #8
    Boolit Master

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    Currently out of stock, but I would ask when they will be available again. http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/ak-blan...ion-raw-blank/
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  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    Mosin Nagant barrels should work too and have a .312 dia.
    Also.
    Check McGowen Barrels.
    They were making replacement barrels for the Mosin Nagant
    You got to choose between .310" and .312 bores.
    Plus several profiles and I think one was a Bull Barrel diameter.
    Good luck on your build.
    I started on converting a S&W victory from .38/200 to .32 long and possibly ream it out to .32 H&R.
    I couldn't find a barrel either at a reasonable price.
    I ended up selling off the .32 cylinder and got a .38 spl cylinder that worked great with the .359 " bore on the pistol.
    I had thought about turning down the diameter on a Nagant or enfield barrel .
    Then boring the pistol barrel and use the turned down barrel for a barrel liner.
    Last edited by LAGS; 11-26-2020 at 10:45 PM.

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Douglas may have something. They were popular with ppc pistol builds back in the day.

    I may have a 308 stainless 1-10 krieger barrel for a m1a thats been shot out I could give you. between the shot out throat and gas port you can probably get 4" or so

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
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    FC60 uses .308 blanks in the desired twist and gets superb 50 yard accuracy.

  12. #12
    Boolit Master
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    Depending on your budget, Douglas, Shilen, and Lothar-Walther all offer suitable blanks in .311" groove diameter. Their twist rates vary depending on intended use. Sarco also has a likely looking blank here: https://www.sarcoinc.com/barrel-blan...-24-5-x-1-032/
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  13. #13
    Boolit Bub
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    Mcgowen would be where I'd look. They make a great barrel and have 10% off for black friday

  14. #14
    Boolit Master
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    Post on the WTB section of the S&W forum. You may get lucky. I picked up a NOS barrel for my Brazilian 1937 contract 45acp revolver. Originally for the S&W model of 1917 but the 1937 is identical to it's older brother. Frank

  15. #15
    Boolit Master kywoodwrkr's Avatar
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    Mr. Froggie, PM inbound.
    Thanks.

  16. #16
    Boolit Grand Master
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    I’ve got a donor barrel on the way from JMtoolman. Thanks to all for your suggestions and offers.

    Froggie
    "It aint easy being green!"

  17. #17
    Boolit Grand Master uscra112's Avatar
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    Went ahead and ordered that Sarco blank. Don't expect much at that price, could be from a rejected lot, but will report when it gets here. If it's any good at all it will get turned down to make a Stevens 101 into a .32 Long Colt centerfire. Something I've had in mind for years and years.

    Thanks for the info.
    Cognitive Dissident

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BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check