Rebarreling a New Bearcat?

[skfullgun]

Several years ago, I bought a BADLY mangled SS New Bearcat. Among other things, the barrel was chopped to about 2". I didn't pay much for it, and I really only bought it so that I could use the cylinder ultimately for a 22 wmr conversion. Then I lost it laying in the back of the safe and just recently relocated it.

I just purchased a barrel and cut frame and it's on it's way. The mangled bearcat is functional and SS. The only barrel I could find is blued, but also a New Bearcat barrel.

All that to ask this question; is swapping a barrel easy enough that I could do it? Or does it require a special action wrench to keep from bending or damaging the frame?

Anybody here have the skills/tools to do it? Or, is there a gunsmith you might recommend?

Thanks in advance!

 

[gasgas]

Send in to Ruger

 

[skfullgun]

Send in to Ruger

Not an option. I called them. They won't touch an "altered" firearm.

 

[Moonpie]

J-B Weld Twin Tube

J-B Weld is The Original Cold Weld two-part epoxy system that provides strong, lasting repairs to metal and multiple surfaces.

www.jbweld.com

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Length of wood through the cylinder part of the frame and held in a large vise. You can buy or make a barrel wrench.

 

[skfullgun]

So, a piece of wood that fits as tightly as possible in the frame? I have a vice and figured I would just use some wood blocks inside the vice jaws and wrap the barrel with inner tube rubber.

Might that work?

 

[Geezer]

I have changed S&W barrels before. Remove the cylinder, clamp the barrel in a padded vise, take a hammer handle and put through the frame opening for the cylinder, turn the frame off of the barrel. Install in reverse order.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

That could might work. I havent done a pistol personally but have watched many times. I've done several Savage rifles with home made barrel and action wrenches. None of them are complicated. I have used wood blocks for actions as well. NOTE Some are harder than others to break lose.