Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-06-2013, 09:05 PM
illinoisbuck illinoisbuck is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Forgive my stupidity!

what do they call the barrels with the flat sides that i have seen on some of the model 60's also what all models are they available on? sorry but new to the smith revolvers but am at seven and building!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-06-2013, 09:19 PM
bamabiker bamabiker is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Near Birmingham
Posts: 7,174
Likes: 4,857
Liked 8,176 Times in 2,161 Posts
Default

The only thing I've seen them called is slab sided. I don't know all the models.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-06-2013, 09:23 PM
gm272gs gm272gs is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 179
Liked 1,550 Times in 685 Posts
Default

"Slab Side" or "Slab-Sided" is the general term.

Here is a 686SSR (Stock Service Revolver). I don't know how many Smiths are available with this barrel profile, though.

Last edited by gm272gs; 08-04-2013 at 12:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-06-2013, 09:39 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
SWCA Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 3,513
Liked 6,728 Times in 2,620 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gm272gs View Post
I don't know how many Smiths are available with this barrel profile, though.
Any are too many.

I am sorry - I just find the slab sided barrel to be an abomination. It is revolting.

Its contours do not match the frame. Remember when S&W took so much care to match its barrel contours to the frame that it would bevel the frame edges on the Combat Masterpiece so that the frame would match with the tapered barrel? Now, it just doesn't seem to matter. Barrels with every conceivable profile are just screwed on the frames.

To my admittedly old eyes, these new performance center profile guns are just wrong.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-06-2013, 11:08 PM
Retired W4's Avatar
Retired W4 Retired W4 is offline
US Veteran
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Atlanta area
Posts: 8,800
Likes: 15,779
Liked 19,354 Times in 4,351 Posts
Default

The Masterpiece was just that. The slab side is also just that.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-06-2013, 11:40 PM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
Absent Comrade
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,386 Times in 11,801 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by shawn mccarver View Post
Any are too many.

Remember when S&W took so much care to match its barrel contours to the frame that it would bevel the frame edges on the Combat Masterpiece so that the frame would match with the tapered barrel?
Even my 1966 10-5 with the pinned, tapered barrel exemplifies what you're talking about, though not as beautifully as the lovely 15-8 I gave my son.

Is there any functional reason for the slab barrel, or is it simply for a perceived coolness? I don't get it.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-06-2013, 11:51 PM
66Park's Avatar
66Park 66Park is offline
SWCA Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 73
Liked 670 Times in 281 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by shouldazagged View Post
Even my 1966 10-5 with the pinned, tapered barrel exemplifies what you're talking about, though not as beautifully as the lovely 15-8 I gave my son.

Is there any functional reason for the slab barrel, or is it simply for a perceived coolness? I don't get it.
I've got to admit I don't get it either. I'm with Shawn. To me they are an abomination.
__________________
Peter
S&WCA #2620
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-07-2013, 12:45 AM
627Pro 627Pro is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 134
Likes: 15
Liked 81 Times in 52 Posts
Default

Wow, no shortage of opinions on the flat side barrels. My 627 Pro has one, and I like it. As for why S&W did it, I have no idea. Maybe the marketing types would say something like to reduce the weight in order to improve the balance, but I suspect it was just marketing to offer something "new." Doesn't matter to me, I like the way mine looks. Like shooting it even better.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-07-2013, 08:01 AM
labworm's Avatar
labworm labworm is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 11,738
Likes: 17,756
Liked 22,460 Times in 8,391 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by illinoisbuck View Post
what do they call the barrels with the flat sides that i have seen on some of the model 60's also what all models are they available on? sorry but new to the smith revolvers but am at seven and building!
Remember, you will get many different opinions about any firearm being discussed. Bottom line, what do you like.

Although I do not own the Pro Model 60, I think it is a really nice looking J frame. I do own a Model 60 3 inch Hi viz.

Good luck with your selection.
__________________
Doesn't hasta call me Johnson
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-07-2013, 09:42 AM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,393
Liked 8,047 Times in 3,652 Posts
Default

I remember when custom gunsmiths would rebarrel a Smith with a larger diameter " target " barrel, a few left it heavy bbl. style but most slabed the excess off the sides of the barrel. I seem to remember Jim Clark , Clarks Custom Guns, doing his Custom Combat Conversion that featured a Douglas bull barrel and could be had full diameter or slabsided...
I am sure they still offer the conversion, I just can't remember what year all this started. Now the factories offer them right off the shelf. Clark's conversions looked really good , the old master knew what " good looking" was .
Gary

Last edited by gwpercle; 03-07-2013 at 09:45 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-07-2013, 10:26 AM
DonD DonD is online now
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Central TX
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 431
Liked 877 Times in 447 Posts
Default

I like both conventional barrel models and the slab sides, variety is the spice of life as is often said. Don
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-07-2013, 01:59 PM
ohiojerry ohiojerry is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 396
Likes: 74
Liked 281 Times in 113 Posts
Default

I was under the impression that the slab sides allowed you to place the barrel against your "cover" to help provide stability when shooting in such matches.

I could be wrong, I was once before.
__________________
Pray for Gridlock
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-07-2013, 02:19 PM
Pilgrim's Avatar
Pilgrim Pilgrim is offline
US Veteran
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Massachusetts - Live Free
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
Liked 609 Times in 206 Posts
Default

just plain wrong..............uuuuuuggggggglllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeee
__________________
ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-07-2013, 03:01 PM
ejeli's Avatar
ejeli ejeli is offline
US Veteran
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 215
Likes: 282
Liked 249 Times in 100 Posts
Default

I have a PC627, PC 625 and a pro 60. Love the look of the slab side and tapered underlug but then I do like skinny women with small breast so what do I know.
e.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-07-2013, 03:16 PM
OLDSTER's Avatar
OLDSTER OLDSTER is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 10,146
Likes: 14,187
Liked 12,739 Times in 3,480 Posts
Default

What's the purpose of a slab sided barrel other than a marketing ploy because some designer thinks they look cool ??
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-07-2013, 10:35 PM
66snub's Avatar
66snub 66snub is offline
Member
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SouthWest Michigan
Posts: 583
Likes: 284
Liked 338 Times in 194 Posts
Default

I prefer the traditional rounded barrel profile, but I don't mind the flat sided look. If I may take a stab at the reason that they do it, maybe it's to give the purchaser of a PC model with the flat sides more of a tangible explanation as to why these guns cost more than a standard one. Perhaps if they can "see it as well as feel it", it may make it seem more legit. Just a guess...
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 03-08-2013, 09:39 AM
shouldazagged shouldazagged is offline
Absent Comrade
Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity! Forgive my stupidity!  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Louisville, KY, USA
Posts: 19,336
Likes: 53,737
Liked 38,386 Times in 11,801 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ejeli View Post
I have a PC627, PC 625 and a pro 60. Love the look of the slab side and tapered underlug but then I do like skinny women with small breast so what do I know.
e.
I share your taste in women, but not barrel design. On the other hand, I'm 75, ugly enough to curdle paint thinner, and living on Social Security, so my taste in both areas is pretty much moot...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Stupidity Rastoff The Lounge 5 05-10-2016 10:10 PM
TV show stupidity badguybuster The Lounge 41 02-25-2015 03:55 AM
More Hollywood stupidity StatesRightist The Lounge 84 03-12-2014 01:54 PM
Stupidity at Sea Old TexMex The Lounge 73 01-28-2014 08:59 PM
MSN Showing Stupidity, Again 357larry The Lounge 9 12-26-2012 08:08 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:11 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)