There is an auction on GB for a model 66-2 with a 3" barrel. The bid is up to $719 with 14 bidders. The gun is a nice gun but has no box or papers. I just can't see that much hype over 1/2 inch. The 2 1/2 gun looks as good to me as the 3" gun. I know that the 3" barrel is more rare but still can't see paying such a high price. What do you all have to say about this? Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

My guess is that it's a collectors' thing... rarity increases value. Functionally I suspect there's little difference.

Personally, I think it's just the right length...2" or 2.5" seems too short, and 4" seems to long, for a home defense or car gun. Just my own preference, though...I'm no expert and this is not a scientific opinion, based on ballistics or anything like that...just a "plain old like it" kind of thing. Plus it is an unusual configuration.

I bought a NIB Model 24 Lew Horton .44 special yesterday, #167 of 250 made, nickle finish, that I just happened on in a little gun shop. It was made in 2006, according to the test fired shell envelope, and I called the Lew Horton company to verify it. I paid $725 for it, and was happy to get it.

The only down side is finding a good holster to fit...I've found a couple of places online that make them "custom" but there isn't much in the "ready to wear" category for the 3 inchers.

I think the reason you see so few 66 3" is that they were not produced in large numbers to begin with. The 3" k-frame round butt version of the 10,13,64,65,66 in general are valued by many for the nicely balanced feel in the hand. Besides the nice balance they generally produce only slightly less velocity than the 4" models but considerably more than the 2". They are also more concealable and lighter in weight than the 4" revolvers. Scarcity, desirability, and demand = highrer prices.

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S&W Armorer
Lost in the 50s

The 3" K frame is the shortest barrel that has a full-length ejector rod, but aside from this I agree that it is a collector/rarity thing. It may be the same with 3.5" N frame prices, some people just like the way they look too...

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

yep...that is why I don't have one ...but I do love my 65-3 3"...especialy for 275...

I have a M-19 and a M-60 with 3" barrels. I absolutely love the looks of the 3" and am always on the hunt for more examples.
But $700+? Not today, and probably not tomorrow

The 3 inchers have always had a big following. There is something about them that makes them seem so much smaller than a 4" and shoot better than a 2". It is just one of those things.
The gun you are talking about on GB has had a ball detent installed and is missing the factory detent at the end of the ejector rod so I wouldn't want to give as much for that one.

To each his own, I suppose. I find the 3" K frames to be neither "fish nor fowl". don't care for them at all. If I can carry a 3", I can carry a 4" just as easily, yet the 3" just seems more unweildy than the 2 1/2" barreled gun.
My opinion only of course. Another thing I don't understand is so many peoples affection for auto pistol cartridges chambered in revolvers. Again my two cents worth.

Darrel

I don't get it either. Something must be wrong with that gun. You, know - selling for such a low number and all.......

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.............SmithNut

I agree. A three inch M10 just seems so much smaller and handier than the four inch version. It goes way beyond reducing barrel length by an inch. You would think it is a different model. But this only works for the fixed-sighted M10, M13, and their stainless counterparts. When you add adjustable sights and a shroud for the ejector rod, you ruin the whole effect.

To me, a three inch barrel is perfect on a K-Frame w/ fixed sights.

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You're shy a few manners.

I never knew they made a 3 inch nickel model 24. I though it was only made in blue and stainless. DeSantis makes a factory three inch holster for your gun.

I like to LOOK at three inch M&P revolvers, but as for totin' one, I'd just as soon carry a good ol' J frame.

And for the record, I've owned both a model 13 as well as a model 65 with a three inch snout.

Sold 'em both.

Thanks!

The M 24 nickle 3" is on the S&W website, as a Lew Horton exclusive. I looked it up after I bought it...I wasn't looking for one, just happened on it. It was a good day...

Model 24

This 3" thread needs pictures...!!!...

I guess I like the three inch K frames as I have six of them. When I carry a revolver it's either a three inch Model 65 or 66. I like the full length ejector rod and the balance of the gun seems perfect for me. Sorry for the old photo but it's the only one I have of my mid-sized revolvers. Clockwise from the top: Colt Diamondback 38, Model 547, Model 64-3, Model 66-3, Model 66, Model 66-3, Model 65-3, and a Model 13-2.

[QUOTE=murphydog;135361412]The 3" K frame is the shortest barrel that has a full-length ejector rod, QUOTE]

I believe a lot of people tend to undervalue this feature for a serious fighting revolver. I don't.

m.

Did someone say pics?



Model 64


Model 60 and 65


Model 36


Model 10


Model 66


Model 60