Is it possible to make a half lug out of a full lug barrel?

[ShootnSteel]

I own a 617 with a 4" full lug barrel, as far as I know they were only available with a full lug. It has crossed my mind a few times that I would much rather have a half lug, it's just what I like. So I've been thinking, is it possible to machine the bottom lug off to match a similar model half lug K frame?
I know it's probably sacrilegious, but If it could be done, and look well, then I would love it. And since the gun will not leave me till I'm buried in the ground that is all that matters to me.
I work in a huge machine shop, but we do not have any CNC mills capable of doing anything near that small, I'm not even sure it's possible.
If I have to pay for the machine time and a programmer this will quickly become an expensive idea, although I am friends with few shops with small CNC mills in my area.
I'm about as hesitant to post this as to call Smith and Wesson to see if they could do anything about it. I guess that's my next move.
Any ideas?

[Hunter]

I would guess it could be done, maybe get a spare barrel and have at it and see how it comes out?

[gearchecker]

Having a friend with a quality CNC mill will make easy work of it.
Buy a barrel from the Service Center and have it milled down. Don't mess with your current wheelgun until you have a working cut down barrel first.
A new barrel ought to run around $150 or so.
Another really great option, would be to buy a Model 66 in the barrel length you want.
Then you have the best of both worlds.

Regards,
Gregory

[azmick]

I have a Dremel,,,

[onenut58]

I would imagine by the time it over you may have a lot of money in it. Maybe find a school that teaches machine work and see of they want to make a class project out of it.

[Injunbro]

Possible? Sure... but probably not practical. Anyone good w/ a mill machine (either CNC or old school) could do it but Dom's suggestion of using another barrel is a good one. At any rate it would cost some serious coin. I used to take on projects like this for the amusement factor but have too much going on nowdays. You might be able to scratch your itch w/ a model 63 that has a half-lug barrel but is on the smaller J frame.

[ShootnSteel]

I know I'm in the right place when the most popular answer is buy another gun!
I like the idea of getting a replacement barrel too, that's more along the line of what I was thinking. I might be able to get by with a rotary table on a manual Bridgeport...
Anyway this is just an idea for now, but that's how it starts for me.

[1 old 0311]

Get a 18 K frame 1/2 lug, or a 63 J frame 1/2 lug.

[Len]

This was originally a full lug barrel.

[DocZeus]

That's a clean job, Len.....Custom 624?

DocZeus
AKA
David