Clark's M52 Barrels - who has one?

I haven't heard many success stories on the 52 barrel put out by Clark.
I bought one when they first came out, still sitting in the box along with the bushing. I thought I'd give it a try fitting it but I am too chickensh*t.
So I ask, how many are out there and was it a do-it-yourself fitting or did someone fit it for you?
If the latter, I'd be interested on who did the work.

Thanks, Bill

P.S. - Can't say I was impressed with the video Clark provided, had me worried.

KB2MBC wrote:I haven't heard many success stories on the 52 barrel put out by Clark.
I bought one when they first came out, still sitting in the box along with the bushing. I thought I'd give it a try fitting it but I am too chickensh*t.
So I ask, how many are out there and was it a do-it-yourself fitting or did someone fit it for you?
If the latter, I'd be interested on who did the work.

Thanks, Bill

P.S. - Can't say I was impressed with the video Clark provided, had me worried.

apparently KKM will work in Match barrels for 52's.

KB2MBC wrote:I haven't heard many success stories on the 52 barrel put out by Clark.
I bought one when they first came out, still sitting in the box along with the bushing. I thought I'd give it a try fitting it but I am too chickensh*t.
So I ask, how many are out there and was it a do-it-yourself fitting or did someone fit it for you?
If the latter, I'd be interested on who did the work.

Thanks, Bill

P.S. - Can't say I was impressed with the video Clark provided, had me worried.

If you give up trying to fit it then give me a shout. I might have something you want to trade for it then it can sit in a drawer at my place for awhile.

Len

I fit one to my 52-1 and I'm not a gunsmith, just a tinkerer.  Not to say it was easy,  it took me forever a very slow process that I really wouldn't want to do again.  In all I think it is an improvement over the original especially at 50 yards.

for the $75 why not have Clark fit it and not worry if you mess it up.

mustachio wrote:for the $75 why not have Clark fit it and not worry if you mess it up.

I would guess the shipping costs both ways would make that fee a lot higher. (double? triple?)

Len

wouldn't you only need to send in the slide?  Priority mail is $7.00

That's a good question. I know the barrel makes contact with the frame but that might be an area that doesn't need fitted. It looks like contact is very light.

It needs to lockup between the frame and slide lugs.  Need the whole gun to do it.

SW-52 wrote:

KB2MBC wrote:I haven't heard many success stories on the 52 barrel put out by Clark.
I bought one when they first came out, still sitting in the box along with the bushing. I thought I'd give it a try fitting it but I am too chickensh*t.
So I ask, how many are out there and was it a do-it-yourself fitting or did someone fit it for you?
If the latter, I'd be interested on who did the work.

Thanks, Bill

P.S. - Can't say I was impressed with the video Clark provided, had me worried.

apparently KKM will work in Match barrels for 52's.

This rumor has been circulating for almost three years now.

Anyone actually call KKM and see if you can custom order them?

I did a few months back.  They have no plans to make a 52 barrel anytime soon. 

zanemoseley wrote:Anyone actually call KKM and see if you can custom order them?

Dr.Don wrote:It needs to lockup between the frame and slide lugs.  Need the whole gun to do it.

I emailed Clark and they definitely need the whole gun to fit the barrel. 
When I ship FedEx, I never tell them what is in the box. I insure and use signature only. That keeps costs down.
I would not ship during Christmas because the likelihood of getting lost increases (porch pirates are not the only thieves around). Ship on an off season is best.
I would guess the whole job, barrel, bushing, fitting and shipping will run around $600.00, which is certainly less than a new, used 52.

"When I ship FedEx, I never tell them what is in the box."

Remember, it is only illegal if you get caught...

Cheers,

Dave

did I say that?

mustachio wrote:
I emailed Clark and they definitely need the whole gun to fit the barrel. 
When I ship FedEx, I never tell them what is in the box. I insure and use signature only. That keeps costs down.
I would not ship during Christmas because the likelihood of getting lost increases (porch pirates are not the only thieves around). Ship on an off season is best.
I would guess the whole job, barrel, bushing, fitting and shipping will run around $600.00, which is certainly less than a new, used 52.

There is no need to overthink problem that doesn't exist.  Call Clark or email ken@clarkcustomguns.com and ask for having them supply you with shipping label.  Follow packaging instructions, and don't get concern with anything else.  Cost for two guns a little bit more than a year ago was $845.00, including barrels with bushings (no changes to slides and frames as I wanted to have options to reinstall OEM Barrels/Bushings), fitting, test firing, shipping both ways with original parts returned, and no need to "game" the system.

AP

I have one on my 52.  I had a local gunsmith install it, who has an excellent reputation and very capable of building any type gun you want.  He wasn't impressed with the Clark barrel.
It required extra machining/lathing to get it to fit properly.  And he charged me $450 to do the job.  Ouch!  But at least his work is top notch.  He also fitted the Clark barrel in such a way that I can switch back to the original S&W barrel with no problem.

mustachio wrote:

Dr.Don wrote:It needs to lockup between the frame and slide lugs.  Need the whole gun to do it.

I emailed Clark and they definitely need the whole gun to fit the barrel. 
When I ship FedEx, I never tell them what is in the box. I insure and use signature only. That keeps costs down.
I would not ship during Christmas because the likelihood of getting lost increases (porch pirates are not the only thieves around). Ship on an off season is best.
I would guess the whole job, barrel, bushing, fitting and shipping will run around $600.00, which is certainly less than a new, used 52.

I got a quote from them this morning.
$475 with the bushing, $400 with out.
2 month turnaround.
Ken said that it wasn't much of a job for their smith.
He also mentioned that the need for a bushing is rare.
Most do not need a bushing.