Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Options for re-barreling a Smith & Wesson 14-4

I have a K-38 that serials to late 1980, locks up nice and tight, but has a badly pitted barrel. What are my aftermarket re-barreling options, or would I be better off looking for a good used barrel off of a Model 15 or something along those lines? Just shoot it as is?
I'm a fool for these K Frames, and I think this one is worth keeping on the road. Heavy barrel 4"? Build my own faux Dayton? Short of a couple end of muzzle noogies, and the obvious pitting, it's in pretty decent shape. Target hammer and trigger which I can take or leave. I've never done much monkeying with revolvers, just buy and shoot, so looking for input as to what others would do if they had it in their safe.

I’d be shopping for a takeoff barrel just like the one it has on it. Should be able to turn one up on EBay pretty reasonably.

Then, there’s this option:

But, I do realize that not many are as enthusiastic about heavy PPC barreled K-Frames as I am. They certainly do shoot good, though.

I have a Model 15 barrel in my parts box back in Michigan. It does show holster wear. I will be back there in about 4 weeks. If you still need a barrel then, give me a PM.

I appreciate the input and the Model 15 barrel offer. With some timely help from a fellow member, I won an auction and have one on the way that should work. If I'm reading the numbers on the barrel correctly, it came off of a 1954 K38.

If you’re not already familiar with it, and are interested, there’s an easy non-marring method for swapping revolver barrels, using an ordinary workshop bench vice and a crescent wrench, which I’ve used successfully for probably 40 years. S&W barrels are easiest. PM for details.

If you look on Ebay on a regular basis, you'll find a M14 barrel.

Hell, I’ve still got a few M14 barrels in the parts bin from the mid-70s, left over from when I was making PPC guns for the other guys in the office. They aren’t doing me much good, beyond taking up space. Some are rather “weathered,” though. Don’t believe any are pristine. Anybody willing to pay shipping can have them.