I have a 3 inch m36 which I really like as a plinking gun. I can shoot it a bit better than any of my 2 inch .38s, but not as well as my 4 inchers.

What was/is the purpose of a 3 inch .38 revolver? It isn't as easy to aim as a 4 inch, and it doesn't conceal as well as a 2 inch.

Like I said, I love my 3 inch. Am I the only one? Id love to hear from others on the topic.

When NYC first allowed female officers, their duty weapon was a S&W Model 36, square butt, 3" heavy barrel. It is possible that NYPD comissioned S&W to begin the manufacture of this model.

Just my opinion, but the 3" aids the accuracy but carries just as easy as a 2".

My 3" 36-6 is one of my most accurate .38's.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

According to Roy Jinks in his publication," History of Smith & Wesson", law enforcement agencies requested 3" barrels shortly after the .38 Chiefs Special 2" was introduced.

I think you hit on it: it shoots almost as well as a 4" and conceals almost as well as a 2".

I love my 3" Model 60 as well.

The 3" in a J frame is ideal for almost everything except, of course, pocket carry, and easier to hit with to boot. The 3" M60-4 is about as close to perfect as you can get.

My 3in 36 is one of my favorite carry pieces. A Bianchi 19L is available for it. It's a great holster. It is also within reach right now. I like 3in guns because ya get a full ejector stroke.



Still on the hunt for that elusive 3in nickeled Mod.19.

I have a model 40 and a 3" model 36. I bought the 36 about 4 years ago. Made in 1970 I bought it still new in the box. My wife shot it and proclaimed it hers! So far I dont remember shooting it myself although I have carried it a few times.
Everthing in life is a compermise. I think this a good one. I am showing it with a 2" 34 and 40 and original grips and pachmeyers.

Like the 3" 10/64/65 series, the 3" 36/60 series are great carry guns, particularly the 3" HB, which just seems to "hang" right for me. I love 3 inchers of every variety. I had a 3" M19 Nickle RB back in the early 70s, but foolishly let it go, it was a really neat gun.

Here's a photo of mine . . . I'm still not settled on a carry method, but I slip it in my front pocket when plinking around the house.

mkk41 hit on one of the major plus points... A full ejector stroke.

Add the slightly better ballistics with the added inch, better balance, longer sight radius and it's easy to see the lure of the 3" J's.

Way back in the mid 70's both times I did trips up to NYPD I saw several detectives with 3" sq butt J frames in holsters. Then again...saw a lot of 2" Smiths too.

FN in MT

3" J's are the best kept secret in S&W's world of CCWs! But please don't forget that 3" K's are the best kept secret amoung LEO's

I never could like the 3 inch ones. I had a model 10 and a model 60 but traded both away. Different strokes for different folks. I'm glad all don't think alike.