Shortening the revolver barrel

[Capt Billy]

Problem: I've a 5 1/2 inch Ruger New Vaquero that just doesn't feel right in my hand.
Remedy: Shorten the barrel to 4 3/4 inch.
Question: How much trouble am I getting myself into?
I know I'll be removing the front sight as well...anyone done this that will share tips?

[Shotgun Franklin]

First you might see if someone wants to trade barrels with you.

[St. George]

You won't gain anything by shortening your barrel, beyond needless expense.

Try a different pair of grips, first.

For that matter - see who might have a 4 3/4" Ruger to see how it feels.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

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[Capt Billy]

I have a Uberti 4 3/4 and it feels FINE.
I was told you couldn't switch barrels...so you see my level of expertise.

 

[Pettifogger]

If you measure back 3/4" from the muzzle of your Ruger you will see you wind up in the middle of the front sight slot.  If you cut back far enough to eliminate the slot then you need to shorten the ejector housing, the ejector rod, and drill and tap a new hole for the ejector housing screws.  If it is a matter of "feel" then try different grips.  If it is a matter of balance, then that is a different matter.  Not much difference between a 5 1/2" and 4 3/4" barrel on a .45.  Might be a noticeable difference on a .357.  What caliber to you have?  Were the Uberti and the Ruger the same caliber?  You really can't compare a 4 3/4" Uberti with a 5 1/2" Ruger because the Ruger is just plain heavier.  You have to compare apples to apples.  Go to a gun store and handle a shorter Ruger, including a Montado and other special order 3 3/4" barrel Rugers.  BIG difference in  balance.  As an experiment I cut a 7 1/2" and 5 1/2" Ruger down to exactly 4" to see how they balanced.  Work well for me, you have to handle the different guns AND calibers to see what you like.

Before




After

[Capt Billy]

Sorry, I should have clarified, the Uberti is .45 and the Ruger is .357.
The measuring I did constitutes removing the front sight entirely, yet still leaves a wee bit of room ahead of the ejector assy.
Thanks for jumping in and helping a reenactor, rather than a real shooter.

[Professor Marvel]

My Dear Capt Billy -

You might do well to advertise for, and keep your eyes peeled for a used 4 3/4 inch Ruger barrel.
Whilst swapping them out isn't rocket science, it does require the proper vises, jigs and ability to "time and fit" a barrel.

I have had no qualms whatsoever to taking a hacksaw and file to my C&B revolver barrels, but I would think twice (then do it) to an otherwise nice factory cartridge pistol. Hacking at a beater however .....

I am still looking for the perfect beat-up project Superblackhawk in order to whack off the barrel and reshape the overly square frame ...

yhs
prof (whack happy) marvel

[St. George]

A larger caliber will feel lighter and more 'alive' in the shooter's hand, than will a smaller one.

The reason is that the .357 has more steel than does the .45 - thus affecting balance and ergonomical feel due to a heavier barrel and cylinder...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Coffinmaker]

After you have determined whether you really want a shorter Ruger, it gets simple.  If you don't, you don't   If you want a shorter Ruger, it's a mite more complicated.  You can invest in a barrel clamp and frame wrench and jump in.  You didn't mention if it was stainless or blue, but you have to mill a sight channel, solder in a new sight blade and then re-blue.  Or re-polish the stainless.  Oh, and re-crown the barrel (you have a lathe??)
Then hope you got all of the above right.

Or ..... cut your losses.  Send the gun back to Ruger and ask them to re-barrel it.  It isn't all that expensive.

Coffinmaker

[Capt Billy]

If I was in a larger area and a little better funded (my Federal disability barely covers the bills), I'd try a swap with someone...but mine is one of those towns that doesn't even have a traffic light (pop. UNDER 1,000) and the one sporting goods store caters mainly to long rifle hunters.
I suppose I should be happy with what I already own (.357 Ruger, .45 Uberti, .38 Man w/no Name, 2] 51 Navies .36 C&B, 4] Leech Rigdon .44 C&Bs), so maybe I'm just being finicky.
I KNOW I'm involved in a "rich man's sport" but I'm hooked.
Thanks for all of your help.