I have one with a 6.5" barrel but would like a shorter one. I see barrels for these pistols for sale on ebay. I would like a 4.75" barrel for mine.


Any insight would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

At $119 (new) locally I can’t see the point.

I’m considering the shorter barreled one myself and giving this one to my old radio operator to chase cans with.

I agree but a barrel is just $30. I thought I’d see if anyone had tried it.

quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyBiker:
At $119 (new) locally I can’t see the point.

I’m considering the shorter barreled one myself and giving this one to my old radio operator to chase cans with.

My suspicion is that the mystery metal frame on those is kind of soft and that the “micro threaded” barrel (as Heritage puts it) may have a tendency to strip the threads out of the frame if removal is attempted. Heritage refuses to change barrel length on the guns, citing some bullshit about how it would supposedly be a vioation of federal law to do so.

From their website FAQ:
“No, because your Rough Rider was registered to you with a certain barrel length and serial number. BATF maintains this information and it cannot be altered. If a barrel length is changed, then a new serial number and new registration must follow. This is a lengthy and costly procedure. We do not sell Barrels and Frames to consumers or dealers.”


If you try it, let us know how it works out.

Knowing the frames are basically pot metal, I can't imagine they are going to take much stress when it comes to removing and installing a new barrel. They were one of the brands (besides a full cleaning) I wouldn't touch when I did gunsmithing full time.

The statement from Heritage is a blatant lie.

quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyBiker:
At $119 (new) locally I can’t see the point

This.

I refinished mine but stopped at removing the barrel as I didn’t want to risk destroying the zmak (?) frame.
I got this one for $50 from one of the officers I work with to remove a raccoon from the addition I was putting on. That was 20yrs ago.
I think I’ve gotten my $50 out of it.

I think cutting the barrel down to the desired length would be easier and more cost effective. I'm not sure how the front sight is secured on the Rough Rider - perhaps a bit of silver soldier. Good luck.

I agree I can picture the frame breaking when you start putting pressure on the barrel. I'd just buy another with a shorter barrel.

if you decide to do it,

mount the barrel in a vice, and cut a piece of oak the proper dimensions of the cylinder opening on the frame,

that's how Colt's etc are done, (or done by those I know that have done it,)

if it breaks,, you ain't out much

Sounds like a recipe for a disaster. Just buy a 4.75". My favorite is my 3.5" with a bird's head grip and magnum cylinder.

I appreciate the thoughts and suggestions. While I would like
to try, you guys are right, I will just get another one. I like the idea of the 3.77 with birds eye grips in magnum. That would be a great woods carry gun here in Indiana. I wonder if I can get it in a 9 shot?

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
The statement from Heritage is a blatant lie.

Yeah. It’s kind of insulting. I guess they figure most of their customers will go for it.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
... Heritage refuses to change barrel length on the guns, citing some bullshit about how it would supposedly be a vioation of federal law to do so.

From their website FAQ:
“No, because your Rough Rider was registered to you with a certain barrel length and serial number. BATF maintains this information and it cannot be altered. If a barrel length is changed, then a new serial number and new registration must follow. This is a lengthy and costly procedure. We do not sell Barrels and Frames to consumers or dealers.”

I know a gunsmith facing 20 years in the electric chair. I know for a fact that outlaw has changed barrels on a number of handguns and rifles without redoing the serial numbers!

I wonder if Heritage is actually that stupid.