Thanks for the welcome 49 and Shadow. I'm glad I took the plunge and finally registered here. Shadow I appreciate the tips on possibly needing to stone certain parts of my barrel hood and underneath  barrel lock up lugs when it gets here. I will compare the original and new side barrel closely. I have a medium square stone on the way. I ordered the barrel..1006 R3 from Smith CS yesterday, their about 125.00 atm and said to take about 4 weeks to be delivered. Doesn't appear I could get a another guide rod so hope the aluminum one it has though well worn worn will hold up for me.

I realize this thread is ancient history but as our model 1006's begin to wear this will be asked again, and there is still no good responses when googled. Just got mine back after a 9 month wait from Smith, a bunch of replacement parts for sure were needed. I figured a new barrel and I'll almost have a new weapon lol. So I sent Smith and Wesson CS an email and ask the difference between the 2 barrels that Midway USA has listed and several days later I received a response and is as follows: In terms of getting a barrel for a 1006 the only barrel that is available is the current version of the barrel, our item #236060000, which is currently available from us. If you would like to order please call 800-331-0852 ext. 4125. I did a search on this part number on Midway USA's site and it comes up with the S&W 1006 R 3. I hope this helps. I'll be ordering mine next Monday from S&W directly so if it doesn't fit I can at least get my money back. I presently own a 1006 fixed Novak Sight Smith TFJ 12XX. I'll follow up whenever it comes in and post here and on Midways site. If any googles this question again it can be clarified. Hope this helps someone. Oh I forgot, new to forum but have read it for years...great stuff here, ty.