4597
.30 Stingray
Posts: 182 
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Post by 4597 on Nov 9, 2015 17:15:30 GMT -5
I have a Colt NF that I have been talking to the owner about selling to me. It has a 7 1/2" barrel and I want a 5.5" OR 4 3/4" barrel. My question is, should I have the barrel cut and the sight re-installed or try to find what length I want and have it installed. And also who would be a good Smith to do the work? Thank You, Randy
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Post by CraigC on Nov 9, 2015 18:38:10 GMT -5
The shorter barrels are tougher to find and command a premium. The factory short barreled gun will maintain its value, while you may not get your investment back out of a chopped 7½". If you get a good deal on the 7½", cutting it might be a more attractive proposition. Personally, I'd do something a little different and install a custom front sight. Or you could go whole hog and have a new octagon or banded barrel installed. Something I've considered for my own 7½".
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4597
.30 Stingray
Posts: 182
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Post by 4597 on Nov 9, 2015 19:43:45 GMT -5
I like your idea. In fact I don't want a safe Queen I want a Shooter, I have the ability to cut and if I held my mouth just right could install the NF style front site. I have done so on Ruger brand single actions. Guess I never thought about the custom barrel. I was thinking of using the barrel it came with. Anyone else care to comment, like to hear from you.
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Post by cherokeetracker on Nov 9, 2015 19:51:08 GMT -5
I have a Colt NF that I have been talking to the owner about selling to me. It has a 7 1/2" barrel and I want a 5.5" OR 4 3/4" barrel. My question is, should I have the barrel cut and the sight re-installed or try to find what length I want and have it installed. And also who would be a good Smith to do the work? Thank You, Randy Have you shot this gun? If so, is it accurate? If it is accurate then cutting it would seem OK. If it doesn't shoot well, then pull the barrel and sell it. You can put whatever barrel you want on it then. If I was going to change barrels I would check with a few Smith's to see what they might have, or offer. Also while it is down then go through it and get it all fixed up to your liking. |
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Post by sagebrushburns on Nov 9, 2015 23:51:47 GMT -5
A few years ago I had my local smith shorten a 7 1/2" NF to 5 1/2" and install an Alpha Precision front sight. It worked out perfectly and I have been very pleased. Any competent smith should be able to handle the job.
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Post by texagun on Nov 10, 2015 9:06:07 GMT -5
Since you are buying the gun as a shooter and not as an "investment", I would have the original barrel professionally cut to the length you prefer. If it is done right, value should not be too adversely affected. Re-installing the original front sight on a barrel with the length modified may or may not work. I would consider installing a custom front sight as Craig suggests.
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cable
.327 Meteor
Posts: 681
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Post by cable on Nov 10, 2015 12:04:52 GMT -5
I found some brand new appearing [ probably were new ] new frontier barrels at Sarco a couple of years back. picked up a 4 5/8" second generation 357 for quite reasonable price.
you might check there and at numrich arms......that would be the cheapest solution and you'd still have the original barrel.
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Post by CraigC on Nov 10, 2015 12:55:00 GMT -5
If it's a 3rd generation, short replacement barrels are rare as hen's teeth and may cost as much as a new barrel and front sight. The 2nd generation barrels are much easier to find but are not interchangeable. Thread pitch is different. Found out the hard way.
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princeout
.375 Atomic
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Post by princeout on Nov 10, 2015 13:56:51 GMT -5
4597,
Didn't see what caliber or what gen gun you are working with, but I've got a 7-1/2" 45 Colt 3rd Gen barrel that could replace your original (if correct caliber and thread). Then if you wanted to restore it to original, you could swap barrels back.
Tim
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4597
.30 Stingray
Posts: 182
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Post by 4597 on Nov 10, 2015 18:55:55 GMT -5
Princeout that sounds like what I did on a Ruger. If the person ever tells me he will sell, I will contact you (if you don't mind)and see if we can work something out. Randy
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princeout
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Post by princeout on Nov 10, 2015 19:55:55 GMT -5
No problem! If I've still got the barrel, we can figure it out.
Tim
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chutch
.30 Stingray
Posts: 283
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Post by chutch on Nov 10, 2015 20:02:13 GMT -5
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Post by CraigC on Nov 10, 2015 20:25:38 GMT -5
Is the New Frontier in question a 2nd or 3rd generation?
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Post by bobwright on Nov 10, 2015 21:05:53 GMT -5
This New Frontiewr was originally 7 1/2":  I had my 'smith, Keith Warner, of Memphis, cut it to 5 1/2". I had gotten this at a bargain price so bought it though I already had a 7 1/2". It is easier and cheaper to cut to 5 1/2" rather than 4 3/4". Cutting to 4 3/4" requires cutting from both ends to preserve the lettering on the barrel. Also front sight ramp has to be located slightly further forward toward the muzzle, which is an advantage in that it does slightly increase sight radius. Believe my cost was just over a $100 for the job. Bob Wright |
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4597
.30 Stingray
Posts: 182
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Post by 4597 on Nov 11, 2015 9:59:30 GMT -5
Thanks Bob, CraigC , it is a 2nd Gen.
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