The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What types of firearms tranfers DON'T require an FFL

**44 AMP** · July 6, 2009, 09:51 PM

In the past (not sure the exact situation today), some gun makers have refused to sell certain parts (barrels, cylinders, etc.) to anyone but an FFL, or in some cases, factory authorised warranty centers. This may have been what your dealer was referring to.

Or he could have just been shining you on, to get your business. Installing a barrel on an S&W is not complicated, but its not a job for the home smith either. Bubba's garage gun shop can easily ruin the frame of your revolver trying to replace a barrel. Buy the part anywhere you can find it, but have a quaified professional shop do the work. Anything less (in pursuit of economy) is a disservice to yourself and your fine revolver.

There's a time and place to save a few bucks. Paying for quality smith work isn't one of them.

July 6, 2009, 09:51 PM	#6
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,818	In the past (not sure the exact situation today), some gun makers have refused to sell certain parts (barrels, cylinders, etc.) to anyone but an FFL, or in some cases, factory authorised warranty centers. This may have been what your dealer was referring to. Or he could have just been shining you on, to get your business. Installing a barrel on an S&W is not complicated, but its not a job for the home smith either. Bubba's garage gun shop can easily ruin the frame of your revolver trying to replace a barrel. Buy the part anywhere you can find it, but have a quaified professional shop do the work. Anything less (in pursuit of economy) is a disservice to yourself and your fine revolver. There's a time and place to save a few bucks. Paying for quality smith work isn't one of them. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.