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


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  #1  
Old 10-25-2011, 12:38 AM
Erik James Erik James is offline
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Default 6 shot 3" revolver?

hey, I'm looking for a revolver in .357 mag. but I cant find a 6 shot 3 inch version. anyone know where/if I can find one?
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Old 10-25-2011, 12:43 AM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
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Welcome to the forum.

Look for a 3" Model 65. This is a sought after variant, but I've seen a few on the market recently that were trade-ins from one agency or another. A 3" round butt Model 65 is a great carry gun, not as beefy as an L- or N- frame but it will last a long time if you practice with 38s and carry 357s. There are other options, but being that I just bought a 65, this is what I had on my mind when I posted this.

Good luck.
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Old 10-25-2011, 01:01 AM
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You didn't specify which brand, so I'll tell you that I have a 3" Ruger gp100 that I meets your 6 round request. It's a bit large for ccw (I guess some use it for that, however) but it makes a great truck gun. wyatte
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Old 10-25-2011, 01:36 AM
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Hi,

You can find 'em in our classified section here on occasion. Not as many 3" versions were made as the 4" service revolver versions, so they are "rarer." Then again, I don't know how rare thousands upon thousands of 3" version really are.

In the S&W line up, the most common 3" version .357s found is the Model 65 in stainless steel. It is the identical (except metal type) brother of the blued or bright nickel steel version called the Model 13.

Also encountered, but rarer and pricier, is the adjustable sight Model 66 model in stainless. Bring money. Most offered here are for "trade" fodder against something else rare that a collector currently wants worse but they DO sometimes show up.

All the S&W ones mentioned above are made on the sleek and fast "K-frame" size. S&W also offered the slightly beefier "L" frame revolvers in 3" as an option, but they too are much rarer than their 4" and 6" service revolver sizes. The beefy 3" Model 686 version is a great gun . . . but I love the sleeker K-frames personally.

N-frame
S&W also made their priciest and fanciest revolver, the big Model 27 with a 3 1/2 barrel. Because this large frame gun is much bigger, proportionately the 3 1/2" barrel makes it look and balance as great as the K-frame 3" guns too! These are expensive revolvers . . . but WOW!

I personally love the 3" - 3 1/2" barreled S&W revolver variants. Vs the 4" versions, they are:
-Faster from the holster in matches and on the street
-They have the perfect balance for fast, double action shooting (such as one would do in handgun matches AND during self defense use.

Great guns!!!

Here are some on the various frame sizes from large-medium-small, all with those unmatchable S&W triggers:

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Old 10-25-2011, 06:36 AM
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I second the 65 3". Gunbroker had a bunch a few months ago. I bought the best of the herd. Cost me $440 shipped to me. I've held the 3" GP-100, and it is much beefier than the 65. The GP is more of an L frame than a K frame, and the difference is noticeable. Then again, if you're gonna shoot lots of .357, I would not get the 65.
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Old 10-25-2011, 07:16 AM
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Also consider the 3" model 13 (the blue version of the model 65), as well as the 3" model 10/64 in .38 Special. You can load the latter with fairly effective loads and you probably won't miss having .357 capability that much.
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Old 10-25-2011, 07:34 AM
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You should get one of each.
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Old 10-25-2011, 08:49 AM
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Lots of good accurate information above.
I have also looked around quite a bit at 3" guns. The 65 seems to be the only 3" 357 out their in any real quantity used. I believe they came in both round and square butt versions. Something you might want to find out, before buying one unseen. The 3" versions also tend to be a little on the hi side price wise. The Police/Guard Guns are a pig in a poke. I have seen them from as new to beat up bad. I have seen them that lock up on each chamber like new, and some that are very sloppy. The problem is, you cannot tell from the pictures which ones are loose. If a distributor like J&G or Gulf States had several, and you could get one hand picked, at a reasonable price. That would probably be the best bet price wise.
My next choice would be from an individule on GB.

What you are going to do with the gun makes a great deal of difference in what you might consider acceptable. As was said above, you can order a brand new 3" GP100 for a little over $500. It is going to be a little larger, and heavier than a K Frame Smith. It is also much more robust, and will stand up to a hi volume of 357 ammo.

For a house, range, or vehicle carried gun the additional weight and slightly larger size of a GP100 is no real issue. You will notice the difference on the belt though. The GP100 being more heavy duty, weighs more. This can be offset to some degree with good leather. I have Lobo Model 1 pancakes for my 3" 625 N Frame, as well as my 4" K frame Model 64. I do not notice the weight difference nearly as much in the pancake as I do in my old Bianchi #5 holsters. The 3" M65 Round Butt has a good seletion of grips available. This becomes more of an issue if you like nice wood grips. If you are happy with Hogue Rubber, the GP100/Super Redhawk "Tamer" grips will really soak up recoil.

My brother just got a new WC GP100 3". He was looking for a dual duty pistol. He will shoot in our club's Defensive Pistol Match with it using Safariland Comp III speedloaders. He also plans to carry it concealed to a lesser degree. He will also open carry it running around on the 4 wheelers, etc. My brother had another reason for looking at the Rugers. He is left handed, and he works the push button cylinder release easier on the Ruger doing a speed reload than he does the sliding version on a Smith & Wesson.

The GP100 3" has another thing in it's favor. A pinned on front sight. If you were wanting a Tritium Night Sight, or Fiber Optic front sight, the pinned on front sight is no big deal to change out. It is not as handy as the Quick Change sight system on a 4", 5" or 6" GP100's with adjustable sights. But much handier than the non-pinned on S&W revolvers to change to something else.

I have covered some options above. The 3" K Frame Round Butt Model 65 is very popular, and sought after for a combination of reasons: This combination is:
The 3" K Frame is very shootable. Points Great, enough barrel to shoot accurately, short enough barrel for concealed carry.
The 3" K Frame is reasonably light, but just heavy enough for 357 Magnums to be tolerable.
The 3" K Frame has a full length ejector stroke. A small detail of some importance during a combat reload.
The 3" K Frame action can be made to run like a Swiss Watch. I do not own any Swiss Watches, because I would rather own more Smith & Wesson revolvers.
The 3" K Frame carries very well in a quality holster. The size seems just right.
The 3" K Frame has a good selection of speedloaders, grips, holsters, ammunition carriers, etc available for it.

The GP100 3" has many of the same qualities as the M65, just slightly larger, and a little heavier to carry.

My 2 Cents

Bob
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Old 10-25-2011, 09:53 AM
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My 3" .357 choices .............



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Old 10-25-2011, 12:23 PM
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The only S&W 3" revolvers I have ever seen in person are model 36s and 60s, which are fine guns, but a bit hard to handle with magnums IMO unless you put big rubber grips on them.
I wound up going the GP100 route also (blued one, same as hitman77's) and am very happy with that gun. I'm not a big guy at 5'8" and 185lbs, but I don't find it any more difficult to carry than a 4" K-frame (same weight give or take a couple of ounces, but the shorter barrel makes it a little more comfortable to tote around). I can even carry it crossdraw if I want to, which for some strange reason works well for me when my back is giving me trouble. It is very easy to shoot .357s with, and surprisingly accurate. So if you can't find a 3" S&W you like, the GP100 might be a good alternative, or you could look for a 686 with a 3" barrel. YMMV.
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Old 10-25-2011, 12:27 PM
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I own a GP100, excellent gun, and I enjoy shooting it at the range. Emphasis on range. I would never want to carry that thing around, even with a 3" barrel.
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Old 10-25-2011, 02:18 PM
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As posted a 3" Model 13 or 65 is a good choice if you can find one in good condition. My favorite though is the 3" Model 66 but as stated they are much more difficult to find and command a premium price. Whatever you pay for one of these it's well worth it.
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Old 10-25-2011, 06:07 PM
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You might also take a look at a S&W Mod 19 or 66 with the 2 1/2" barrel.

I prefer them to the 3" and I also like the adjustable sights.

And they should be easier to find.

Last edited by NE450No2; 10-25-2011 at 06:13 PM.
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Old 10-25-2011, 09:26 PM
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I got a 3" 547 9mm and fell in love with the balance and feel. I decided to pick up a 3" 65 to save wear and tear on the 547. I have a holster on order from Lobo for a 3" K-frame and I plan to carry the 65 occasionally. The 3" K-frame is a very well rounded and balanced gun. I also have 2.5" and 4" model 19s. Of these two, the 2.5" feels the best, but also has the shorter ejector rod. Still waiting to try out a 3" 19 or 66, but that may be the best of the breed yet.
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Old 10-26-2011, 12:00 AM
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I've always shot a LOT . . . a lot of practice rounds, and a lot of handgun matches. Thus, I handloaded of course to save money. That being said . . .

Why practice a lot with full power loads? It just wears out any gun and is hard on the shooter too!!! Thus, I practiced without brutal recoil . . . which helped me better develop good shooting technique, then I load the hot stuff for self defense.

Doing so will make your guns last longer and help YOU last longer too!!!
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Old 10-26-2011, 02:03 AM
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I always wonder with these new posters if they are coming back.
1 post and poof! He's gone. Oh well. Fun to talk about 3 inch 357s anyway.

You know how I feel about them. The scarcity alone makes the hunt all
the more fun.






Good luck
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Old 10-26-2011, 02:16 AM
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Allen Frame

Keep that up and you will have your Own Episode of Hoarders...

Nice Collection.
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Old 10-26-2011, 08:29 PM
Erik James Erik James is offline
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Quote:
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My 3" .357 choices .............



where can i find one of these?
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Old 10-26-2011, 10:34 PM
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Hey man, don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like you wanted a gun, joined the forum and started posting questions having done no research prior. The vagueness of your questions seems to indicate that this is the case. Slow down, take your time, search the forums and learn. Do not rush into this; please just take your time. There is no one magic gun that does all; we are all living proof of that, with many of us having dozens of revolvers as Allen-frame has just demonstrated. Decide what you actually want to do with the gun, instead of just wanting a gun for the sake of having a gun. The gun needs to fit your needs and not the other way around, especially your first and perhaps only gun.

We want to help, but you are being so vague about why you even want one in the first place. All the information is here at your finger tips on this forum and elsewhere on the internet; no need in asking questions that have already been answered many times before. Go to a range and try some out for yourself. Got any friends with firearms? If not, most places will have a decent selection of guns for you to rent. In my experience, most other shooters at the range are friendly and will often let you shoot their guns if you tell them you are new or need help. Just mind where you point your barrel and you should be fine. Please get some time at the range before you buy something.

Sorry if I'm being presumptuous about your firearm experience; I'm just saying wait a little before you buy. In all of your three posts on this forum you are talking about buying or finding a gun, while still not knowing what exactly what you want. A better way of looking at it, is you shouldn't buy until you were absolutely certain all other options have been ruled out. Use the process of elimination to buy your first. You will certainly come across other guns in the process that will go on your "someday list", but there is only one that you should get as your first. Be certain about your choice; until then, put in your time with some research.

If I'm wrong about my "presumptions", it's because you haven't given us enough information. The more you can tell us, the better we can help.
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Old 10-27-2011, 12:03 AM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
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Hey man, don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like you wanted a gun, joined the forum and started posting questions having done no research prior. The vagueness of your questions seems to indicate that this is the case. Slow down, take your time, search the forums and learn. Do not rush into this; please just take your time. There is no one magic gun that does all; we are all living proof of that, with many of us having dozens of revolvers as Allen-frame has just demonstrated. Decide what you actually want to do with the gun, instead of just wanting a gun for the sake of having a gun. The gun needs to fit your needs and not the other way around, especially your first and perhaps only gun.

We want to help, but you are being so vague about why you even want one in the first place. All the information is here at your finger tips on this forum and elsewhere on the internet; no need in asking questions that have already been answered many times before. Go to a range and try some out for yourself. Got any friends with firearms? If not, most places will have a decent selection of guns for you to rent. In my experience, most other shooters at the range are friendly and will often let you shoot their guns if you tell them you are new or need help. Just mind where you point your barrel and you should be fine. Please get some time at the range before you buy something.

Sorry if I'm being presumptuous about your firearm experience; I'm just saying wait a little before you buy. In all of your three posts on this forum you are talking about buying or finding a gun, while still not knowing what exactly what you want. A better way of looking at it, is you shouldn't buy until you were absolutely certain all other options have been ruled out. Use the process of elimination to buy your first. You will certainly come across other guns in the process that will go on your "someday list", but there is only one that you should get as your first. Be certain about your choice; until then, put in your time with some research.

If I'm wrong about my "presumptions", it's because you haven't given us enough information. The more you can tell us, the better we can help.
I don't think all that is really necessary. The OP did ask about a specific gun, a 3" 6 shot .357 revolver. As noted by the replies, this isn't the type of gun you just find lying around every gun shop. He's gotten some good advice here and at least one lead through PM. That's what this forum is all about, helping other members, whether they have 3 posts or 3,000.
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Old 10-27-2011, 01:26 AM
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I don't think all that is really necessary. The OP did ask about a specific gun, a 3" 6 shot .357 revolver. As noted by the replies, this isn't the type of gun you just find lying around every gun shop. He's gotten some good advice here and at least one lead through PM. That's what this forum is all about, helping other members, whether they have 3 posts or 3,000.
3" 6 shot .357 mag isn't very specific at all. If one wanted to be specific and they had done their research, then they would just refer to the S&W model number, like everyone else here does. The third poster even suggested a Ruger, because of the lack of being specific. I think it's by coincidence and not specific need, that the request for such features that makes it a little more involved to obtain in a S&W. Like I said I could be wrong, but from his other posts it seemed he was not certain.

Look, I'm trying to be helpful too, just as you are. I thought he was rushing into it; he's asking buying questions too soon. First time gun buyer and 20 years old kinda hinted to me that this might be the case.

Why 6 shot? If he HAS to get a 3" barrel, you can get a 3" 7-shot .357 mag 686 Plus brand new, right now at Bud's online, no searching around, $687, free shipping. Done.

No mention of budget, brand, gun finish, intended use, internal lock preference or anything. In another thread he asked if there were really any advantage of 357 over 38 special; come on, dead give away. He needs to do some more reading and that kind of advice can only help...
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Old 10-27-2011, 09:19 AM
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Why 6 shot? If he HAS to get a 3" barrel, you can get a 3" 7-shot .357 mag 686 Plus brand new, right now at Bud's online, no searching around, $687, free shipping. Done.
That is not what he asked for. You should go back and re-read his original post. He asked for a specific gun, and got specific replies. Just like someone may recommend a SA or Colt in a thread on SW1911s, the GP100 was suggested. Nothing wrong with this.

Not really sure what your issue is, other than that your rant is completely out of place and unhelpful. Stop projecting your negative opinions and apparent dislike of new shooters here, I doubt anyone is interested in hearing it. If you have something to recommend in regards to the specific gun request by the OP, then please do that. If not, then go rant to someone who cares.
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Old 10-27-2011, 11:11 AM
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That is not what he asked for. You should go back and re-read his original post. He asked for a specific gun, and got specific replies. Just like someone may recommend a SA or Colt in a thread on SW1911s, the GP100 was suggested. Nothing wrong with this.

Not really sure what your issue is, other than that your rant is completely out of place and unhelpful. Stop projecting your negative opinions and apparent dislike of new shooters here, I doubt anyone is interested in hearing it. If you have something to recommend in regards to the specific gun request by the OP, then please do that. If not, then go rant to someone who cares.
Dude, you are the one turning this into something it's not. I can alleviate your doubts that "anyone is interested in hearing it" by the fact one guy even "liked" my post. You are ranting, not me.

All I'm saying is he should hold off on a purchase and spend some more time deciding what he actually needs. An experienced gun collector looking for a specific gun is one thing; a first time buyer might want to consider more options.

I'm trying to help, man. Calm down.
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Old 10-29-2011, 02:31 AM
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where can i find one of these?
As long as you don't mind stainless the Ruger GP100 3" is a catalog item.

And to Sevn3's defense--I too am curious as to why you were only interested in a 6 shot only? The 686+ 7shot is the same size as the 6shot models, and IMO have a better trigger (quicker lock time) than the 6 shots. The 686+ also happens to be available in 3". I don't know if you necessarily knew that.
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Old 10-30-2011, 12:44 AM
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ok, thanks to all who had suggestions! well sevn3, i'm sorry that you feel the need to put down someone when you know nothing about them. i have been shopping revolvers for a full year now! and have been shooting since i was 8. I thought i'd come to the forum to get some ideas on where to find what i wanted to buy. i want the 6 shot bc i like 6 shot revolvers! i want the 3 inch barrel bc i dont like how short the 2 1/2" is and 4" is to long for what i want! i didnt specify brand bc i dont care...
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Old 10-30-2011, 02:51 AM
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Easy answer, older S&W Model 65. Check classifieds and Gunbroker.
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Old 11-01-2011, 12:41 AM
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i want the 6 shot bc i like 6 shot revolvers!
Fair enough
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Old 11-01-2011, 09:30 PM
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ok, thanks to all who had suggestions! well sevn3, i'm sorry that you feel the need to put down someone when you know nothing about them. i have been shopping revolvers for a full year now! and have been shooting since i was 8. I thought i'd come to the forum to get some ideas on where to find what i wanted to buy. i want the 6 shot bc i like 6 shot revolvers! i want the 3 inch barrel bc i dont like how short the 2 1/2" is and 4" is to long for what i want! i didnt specify brand bc i dont care...
I understand what you're saying. I have about a dozen Smith revolvers. Other than a couple of LW J-frames, my favorite working versions are a pair of older, tuned 3" K-frames, a 65 and heavy barrel 13.

Last edited by ltxi; 11-02-2011 at 04:46 PM.
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  #29  
Old 11-01-2011, 09:42 PM
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My next gun purchase will be a 3" Model 65.
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  #30  
Old 11-02-2011, 10:57 AM
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I carried a 3" 66-4 on duty for years. Great revolver. Scarce though. Those that own them keep them. For good reason.

When I put it up for sentimental reasons I chose a 3" 13 to replace it. I went looking for a PC13 from the Performance Center. I'd read where it was billed as; "A very serious carry revolver."

I couldn't find one locally and folks who had them on the auction boards were right proud of them. So, being a lowly state employee, I found a clean 3" 13-3 and gave it to a talented gunsmith to work some magic on for me.

He installed a bobbed hammer and rendered the 13-3 DAO. Then he chamfered the charge holes and did a slick trigger job on it. Not too light, just smmoooooth! Then he installed the "new" MIM angled thumb latch on it for me. Makes speed loading a little faster, for me.

The result is one slick carry gun that can handle any 38/357 round wild to mild. Carries and conceals as easy as my 640-1 J-frame. Reloads right quick too. I shot a perfect qualification score with it. Shoots 130 grain rounds right to point of aim.

"They" were right. The 3" 13 is a very serious carry gun. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI
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  #31  
Old 11-03-2011, 01:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erik James View Post
ok, thanks to all who had suggestions! well sevn3, i'm sorry that you feel the need to put down someone when you know nothing about them. i have been shopping revolvers for a full year now! and have been shooting since i was 8. I thought i'd come to the forum to get some ideas on where to find what i wanted to buy. i want the 6 shot bc i like 6 shot revolvers! i want the 3 inch barrel bc i dont like how short the 2 1/2" is and 4" is to long for what i want! i didnt specify brand bc i dont care...
I wasn't putting you down, bro. You were just lacking information in your posts and you just sounded inexperienced, which is why I said to hold off on buying. Your last post quoted above gave us more information than your other three posts combined. If you don't care about brand, then say that. Help us help you.

You also asked about .357 vs .38 special in another thread that you started. Come on, man, no need to start a thread about that; that information is at so many places on the web, it's almost rude to ask about it on a forum because you could have just simply googled that. That fact that you even asked alluded to how inexperienced you might be, at least at forum etiquette, let alone gun ownership.

Look, I'm not putting you down; I'm just stating my case. You say you have experience, and you might, but I still think you have more to learn. But hey, you're 20, you already know everything. I did too when I was 20. Have fun realizing you don't know squat at 30.

Peace out.
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  #32  
Old 11-03-2011, 06:15 AM
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I also was looking for a 3" revolver, and then a friend of mind told me he had several guns for sale and I purchased two 3" revolvers in the same day. A S&W Model 13 and a GP-100. Both are great guns. I carry the GP-100 most of the time. The 13 shoots low with 130 grain rounds, but hits dead on target with 158 grain (std pressure or +P). I have not tried any .357's through the 13 and may not...I mostly shoot .38's when I'm just out having fun. The .357's are for the GP-100.

Good luck with your pursuit of a 3" revolver...they are hard to find sometimes. B
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  #33  
Old 11-03-2011, 06:28 AM
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I see 3" 686's and 686+'s fairly often. Either one would be a fine choice. I also love the GP100's but have yet to ever see a 3" for sale in a store. The short Lett rubber with wood inserts grip for the 3" GP100's is a fantastic grip. But there are only a thousand plus options for the K/L frame Smiths. I really wish Ruger would both ramp up production on their 3" GP's and also add an adjustable rear sight as an option. Heck, I would drop the fixed rear and make a sight similar to what D&L Sports / C&S are making for the S&W Night Guard series. I have often thought of making my first L frame a three inch 686+ with the D&L rear sight added. That would make me a great bedside gun and carry gun in one package. But as always, that's my personal perspective.
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Old 11-04-2011, 09:46 PM
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Great all around gun is the Model 65 in 3 inch.

Started out as mine. Commandeered by the wife as her carry weapon. Oh well..
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547, 640, 686, bianchi, ccw, colt, crossdraw, ejector, gunsmith, k frame, k-frame, l frame, lock, model 1, model 10, model 27, model 625, model 65, model 66, model 686, performance center, round butt, ruger

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