I have a question regarding the barrel length of a M & P 5 Screw revolver. The revolver in question has a 3 inch barrel. It is of the long action type and has the half moon front sight. It has a square grip frame with the magna grips with the diamond. I have not examined the revolver, as of yet, so have no serial number. I am interested in the revolver but am concerned that the barrel has been shortened. I would apreciate if a member or members could enlighten me regarding the barrel lengths available for the vintage of revolver that I have described. Thank you all for your time and information.

Marty

Hi, and welcome. This gun came with a 2, 4, 5, 6, and (much earlier in production) a 6.5" barrel. If you are measuring from the muzzle to the cylinder face, it has been shortened. The lettering on the barrel sides (plus usually a crudely relocated front sight) are the typical giveaways to such an alteration. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Maybe the person who described it as a three inch barrel wasn't measuring from the front of the cylinder. A four inch barrel would be close to three inches from the muzzle to the front edge of the frame.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

It should be very easy to tell if the front sight base is factory-forged with the barrel, or re-installed after the barrel was lopped off.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

If the gun is pre-WW2, its probably not right. There is a slightly
better chance, but not a lot better, for a post-WW2 to be a 3".
In both cases, it would have had to be a special order.

As noted, its probably not measured correctly. If it is truly 3" from
the front of the cylinder to the muzzle, then get us a serial number.

Later, Mike Priwer