To tell you all the truth, I saw the gun in 1997 at my local gun shop, new at $515. It had a three inch barrel and the unfluted cylinder. I did not care about the 3" barrel, I wanted the unfluted cylinder. So I bought it and sent to S&W. I wanted a 4" barrel, S&W said, "How about a 5 inch barrel?" I said sure, that would be better. It is well balanced, shoots spot on and I love the look. I still have the unfired 3" barrel. Would like to sell it, don't know what's its worth. So there you have it.