Converting an S&W Model 15-2 from 4" to 2" barrel

Don't know if this is the place for this, if it belongs in gunsmithing category feel free to move it.

I have a great Model 15-2 with a 4" barrel and what I would consider the best DA trigger I've ever pulled. I'm considering trying to find a 2" barrel for it and using it for a pocket carry gun or IWB, but want the ability to change it back. Is this something the average guy can do or does it require a gunsmith. If it takes a gunsmith, I'm scrapping the idea and looking for a well used old Model 15 with a 2" barrel. Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I'm not looking to trade mine for a 2", it has sentimental value.

I have a 4 and a 2 inch 15 they are sweet, but i would just try to find one and leave yours as is, do you already have the 2 inch barrel? if not where would you find one? this is a job for a gun smith, good luck!

It is a job for a smith, not as easy as it sounds. Several specialized tools are needed.

Hadn't priced them but buying a barrel and the gunsmith's fee would be close to what a good used one would run. I could be wrong. Any pic's?

Barrels can be had cheap, the tools to do the job right are not. It could conceivably be done by a novice, but definitely would not recommend it. Just removing the original barrel its possible to destroy the frame.

Thanks for all the comments! Y'all have convinced me not to mess with a good thing. I sure would not want to damage such a good shootin' pistol. Guess I'll start looking around for used 2". Gonna have to start saving some cash or find one cheap that needs some cosmetic work.

sidroski wrote:Hadn't priced them but buying a barrel and the gunsmith's fee would be close to what a good used one would run. I could be wrong. Any pic's?

Kinda figured that would be the case. Don't have any pics right now, but will try to post some tomorrow or Friday.

I had Bob Jones convert a 4" model 10-5 to a 2". He did it while I watched. Took less than 30 minutes and the new snub shoots great.

I say go for it!

rdinak wrote:I had Bob Jones convert a 4" model 10-5 to a 2". He did it while I watched. Took less than 30 minutes and the new snub shoots great.

I say go for it!

Did he do the conversion by cutting the 4" barrel or putting on a 2" barrel? How do I get in touch with Mr. Jones?

granjack wrote:

rdinak wrote:I had Bob Jones convert a 4" model 10-5 to a 2". He did it while I watched. Took less than 30 minutes and the new snub shoots great.
I say go for it!

Did he do the conversion by cutting the 4" barrel or putting on a 2" barrel? How do I get in touch with Mr. Jones?

Don't cut it, you will regret it later. A new barrel is fine but you can't undo a cut barrel.

sidroski wrote:

granjack wrote:

rdinak wrote:I had Bob Jones convert a 4" model 10-5 to a 2". He did it while I watched. Took less than 30 minutes and the new snub shoots great.
I say go for it!

Did he do the conversion by cutting the 4" barrel or putting on a 2" barrel? How do I get in touch with Mr. Jones?

Don't cut it, you will regret it later. A new barrel is fine but you can't undo a cut barrel.

No way would I cut it...that's why the question. I would still be interested in getting in touch with Mr. Jones to find out the cost, where I can get a 2" barrel, etc. Do you have contact info for him? I am going to call the local gunsmiths here in Vicksburg, but don't know about their abilities to do that kind of work. I would prefer someone that I know has done it successfully.

Look here http://www.msgunowners.com/t3965-gunsmith
He does great work

Xd357 wrote:Look here http://www.msgunowners.com/t3965-gunsmith
He does great work

This sure looks like the man I need to talk to. Thanks for the info! I'll do before and after pics if I decide to proceed with the project, and let y'all know how it shoots.

Bob Jones-601-373-7873. He may well have the barrel you are looking for as well. A gentleman and a master of the S&W. He has done a few guns for me and all of them were excellent!

rdinak wrote:Bob Jones-601-373-7873. He may well have the barrel you are looking for as well. A gentleman and a master of the S&W. He has done a few guns for me and all of them were excellent!

Thanks to all for the comments and info. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

granjack wrote:

rdinak wrote:Bob Jones-601-373-7873. He may well have the barrel you are looking for as well. A gentleman and a master of the S&W. He has done a few guns for me and all of them were excellent!

Thanks to all for the comments and info. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

I spoke to Mr. Jones and he was willing if I could find a barrel and would wait 6 months until he could get to it. Guess I'll scrap that idea!

There was a 2 inch barrel on the smith&wesson forum a few weeks ago i dont know if it sold or not ill see if i cad find it for you

Want to sell the 2" barrel from my 1980 model 15, it is blued, was pinned.

$60
Steve
727-253-9975
I have no dog in this race, just passing on the info good luck!

csa 357 wrote:Want to sell the 2" barrel from my 1980 model 15, it is blued, was pinned.

$60
Steve
727-253-9975
I have no dog in this race, just passing on the info good luck!

I do appreciate the offer and it is tempting, but I just bought a used Charter Undercover 2000 in excellent shape this past Monday. Not exactly what I wanted, but the price was reasonable and I actually like the feel of the gun. The trigger is surprisingly smooth and breaks clean. Only shot it a few times to get the feel of the trigger and haven't shot for accuracy yet, but so far it seems like I got a good deal. As soon as I get some time I'm gonna take the wife out to shoot it and see whether she will be comfortable with it in her vehicle when she travels. If she doesn't like it, it may be for sale soon! Thanks again for the offer!

Jack