Colt Lawman.MK III .357 Magnum

[RoninDelaware]

Hey guys, just acquired this pistol. And I have the blued 2" barrel. Looking for a swap over to 4", possibly 6". Still undecided. I've been to Numrich Gun parts and see a 4" barrel for $70.00. Blued, not bad. But, I'd like to see the 6", for a cost comparison. Does anyone know or can recommend a site that is fair.
On a side note. Is it better to have the barrels swapped at a Smith, or is this a home job SWAP. I'm handy, but if this requires a Machinist, then I'll pay the money.

[RoninDelaware]

Also looking to get a fingered Hogue grip. Looks like only hardwood for the Trooper. Not Lawman III. Does anyone k ow the frame size for this Lawman. What's a good Hogue Grip to fit?

[Guesser]

They were designated "J" frame by Colt. I have a Trooper Mark III, 4" and a Lawman Mark III 2". The 2" Lawman commands a premium because of it's ability to handle the most powerful 357 loads and still be comfortable to shoot. Think seriously before you change it, they ain't makin' them no more!!!!

[Mike in Reedley]

You're probably already aware, but firing pins tend to be more fragile, so don't dry fire without snap caps. I have a very clean 6" I wish I could swap with you.

[376Steyr]

Swapping barrels on a revolver requires a frame wrench and a barrel vise, a proper set up will run about $200. Or you can use some Bubba method and scar your barrel as you wreck the frame, but you "saved" $200. It is a job for a smith. If you want a 6" barrel, you would probably be better off selling the 2" and buying what you really want.

[Harry O]

Phineas is entirely correct on the fact that no other grip will fit the Mark III other than a Mark III grip. I have had a couple of people try to sell me Mark V grips as ones that would also work. They will not. The Mark V steel butt is smaller than the Mark III. Of course, all the earlier models (Trooper, etc) are not even close to working.

[smkummer]

A 2" Lawman is bringing a good price these days, no way would I swap the barrel on one. The only other barrel made for the lawman was a 4". You could also use a MKIII official police barrel as they were made in 4, 5 and 6. Realistically you can sell the 2" lawman and get what a trooper MKIII is bringing. They are available in 4, 6 and I believe that last ones were also made in 8" as well.