barrel needed

[barryhud]

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]

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]

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

 

[crudedude]

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]

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

 

[SRG]

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.