barrel needed

barryhud · August 11, 2008, 06:17 PM

I have a nickel plated Colt DA 38 with a 5'' barrel, patent Mar 5 1884 to Mar 5 95. It is a nice tight good looking gun, but the barrel is shot out. Part of it's life was as a circus stage prop. They probably shot blanks or shot thru it. It has been in the family 50-60 years.
Where could I purchase a nickel plated replacement barrel. I believe the proper ammo is 38 long colt, could anyone confirm the proper ammo?
Any help with the barrel would be greatly appreciated.

Dfariswheel · August 11, 2008, 06:45 PM

This is the Colt New Army & Navy.
The basic gun was made from 1889 to 1908 under various model numbers.

Your chances of finding a good barrel are slim, and an original nickel finish 5" usable barrel are astronomical.

Even if you could find a usable barrel, you're going to find it just about impossible to find any gunsmith who has the special tools needed to change out the barrel.
The old trick of using a hammer handle through the frame as a "wrench" WILL destroy the gun.

I simply don't have any good news for you.
These guns are 100 years out of production and the supply of parts in good shape have long since dried up.
Very few were produced in nickel, and I doubt a good barrel in nickel could be found at any price, much less a 5".

Last, these were very complicated actions that easily break or get out of order.
These days, these are pretty much considered to be collectors display guns.

My advice is to retire it as a family heirloom. Your chances of getting it re-barreled are almost impossible, and the chances of a local gunsmith doing it without ruining the gun are equally high.

barryhud · August 11, 2008, 09:03 PM

Dfariswheel, thanks for your apparisal of my old gun. I pretty much thought as much, but wanted a more learned view. I also have a SW 455 Eley that is basically in the same boat. I have plenty of modern guns to shoot anyway.
Thanks for your interest
Barry

crudedude · August 11, 2008, 09:11 PM

how about having a barrel liner installed in the existing barrel
Brownells sells them in different calibers
but i think you should retire it

Dfariswheel · August 11, 2008, 10:49 PM

These old "skinny barrel" Colt barrels really aren't thick enough to install a liner and be safe.

SRG · August 12, 2008, 04:01 PM

Just for giggles, you might try giving Eddie Janis of Peacemaker Specialists a call. As the name implies, he only works on the single actions but may be able to steer you in the right direction. You may also try the Colt Collector's Association for some input. Do the "Google" thing for both.

August 11, 2008, 06:17 PM	#1
barryhud Member Join Date: September 7, 2007 Location: Southeast Oklahoma Posts: 85	barrel needed I have a nickel plated Colt DA 38 with a 5'' barrel, patent Mar 5 1884 to Mar 5 95. It is a nice tight good looking gun, but the barrel is shot out. Part of it's life was as a circus stage prop. They probably shot blanks or shot thru it. It has been in the family 50-60 years. Where could I purchase a nickel plated replacement barrel. I believe the proper ammo is 38 long colt, could anyone confirm the proper ammo? Any help with the barrel would be greatly appreciated.

August 11, 2008, 09:03 PM	#3
barryhud Member Join Date: September 7, 2007 Location: Southeast Oklahoma Posts: 85	rebarrel Dfariswheel, thanks for your apparisal of my old gun. I pretty much thought as much, but wanted a more learned view. I also have a SW 455 Eley that is basically in the same boat. I have plenty of modern guns to shoot anyway. Thanks for your interest Barry

August 12, 2008, 04:01 PM	#6
SRG Member Join Date: October 12, 2005 Location: Prescott, AZ. Posts: 73	Just for giggles, you might try giving Eddie Janis of Peacemaker Specialists a call. As the name implies, he only works on the single actions but may be able to steer you in the right direction. You may also try the Colt Collector's Association for some input. Do the "Google" thing for both. __________________ Gunsmith/Machinist

August 11, 2008, 06:45 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	This is the Colt New Army & Navy. The basic gun was made from 1889 to 1908 under various model numbers. Your chances of finding a good barrel are slim, and an original nickel finish 5" usable barrel are astronomical. Even if you could find a usable barrel, you're going to find it just about impossible to find any gunsmith who has the special tools needed to change out the barrel. The old trick of using a hammer handle through the frame as a "wrench" WILL destroy the gun. I simply don't have any good news for you. These guns are 100 years out of production and the supply of parts in good shape have long since dried up. Very few were produced in nickel, and I doubt a good barrel in nickel could be found at any price, much less a 5". Last, these were very complicated actions that easily break or get out of order. These days, these are pretty much considered to be collectors display guns. My advice is to retire it as a family heirloom. Your chances of getting it re-barreled are almost impossible, and the chances of a local gunsmith doing it without ruining the gun are equally high.

August 11, 2008, 09:11 PM	#4
crudedude Junior Member Join Date: July 22, 2008 Posts: 7	how about having a barrel liner installed in the existing barrel Brownells sells them in different calibers but i think you should retire it

August 11, 2008, 10:49 PM	#5
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	These old "skinny barrel" Colt barrels really aren't thick enough to install a liner and be safe.