Shorting a 58 Remington barrel

[Tater Peale]

Oh wise brethren of the smoke and flame,

I'm gathering up the guns I need to shoot SASS. My plan is to use 58 Remington conversions for the pistols, not conversion cylinders but factory conversions. I went with the 58 as I have had a moderate amount of experience with the C & B ones and they fit my hand and shooting style and we all know black powder is the only true powder. Plus they are so much prettier than those four letter guns.  Any way I plan to use the 5.5" versions but I have recently come across one which I may be able to get for a good price that is an 8" barrel that came from Longhunters shop. I was wondering how difficult it would be to locate a gunsmith to convert it into a 5.5", and a rough estimate on the cost. Some of my reasons for wanting to shorten it is I think it would point better plus my wife wants to shoot some as well with it untilshe decides what guns she wats and the shorter barrel would lighten it up. Finally after looking at a bunch of different holsters the selection for an 8" is very limited. I realize that I could have pretty much anything I decided on custom made but don't want to spend that kind of money until I have settled on exactly what I want in both guns and holsters. I have seen Bottom Dealing Mike's video of the Remington he shortened and I'm not quite comfortable with my ability to do it.  I'm not dead set on having to shorten it but think I would prefer it. So any advise would be appreciated.

Tater Peale
SASS 105015

In one minute Ned, I plan to kill you, or take you back to Ft. Smith to be hanged at Judge Parkers convenience, so which will it be. --- Deputy U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas

[Coffinmaker]

Not to Rain on your Parade.  Well ........ actually I am.  Cutting down an 1858 Remington involves considerably more than just lopping off the barrel.  Ejector rod need shortened, Support Web needs shortened, New dovetail for the front sight and a new dovetail for the Ejector Rod Hanger.  Re-Blue??  Taint gonna be cheap.  By the time you have the gun cut (and done right), you'll actually have more in the gun than if you went out and bought a new one, with a 5 1/2 inch barrel.  

Before you decide, I'd suggest contacting Hoof Hearted (Gary Barnes) and get a WAG (Military acronym for "Wild Ass Guess") on the actual cost.  Be sure and take your Heart Meds first  

Coffinmaker

[Tater Peale]

Thanks Coffin!

That's why I asked even before I bought the gun, I knew you guys on here would know if it was feasible or not. I kind of suspected it would be a problem. The price isn't good enough to go to the trouble. As usual it's better to just buy what you want rather than try to buy something and make it into what you want. Thanks for the help.

Tater

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[Dick Dastardly]

Shortening a barrel is a LOT easier than lengthening one. . . 

DD-MDA

[Shawnee McGrutt]

Gee Dick, a little heat and they can be stretched out a bit.
They just don't seem to shoot the same.   

[Noz]

Gee Dick, a little heat and they can be stretched out a bit.
They just don't seem to shoot the same.   

Depends on what brand of vise grips you use.