I just saw a 686-5 (7shot) with a 3 inch barrel go for $955 on Gunbroker. Recently, I bought the same gun with a 2.5 inch barrel for $600 and it had a really nice set of factory combat grips on it worth about $150 in the current market. So I was wondering, just how much more will any of you pay for one half of an inch? I realize it gives you the full length ejector rod but will you pay 2x the price for a 3 incher???

Besides the full length positive ejection you get a slight increase in velocity, better sight radius and slightly less muzzle rise all for that little 1/2 inch. If you ever shoot with a 3" .357 you'll know what we mean.

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Dick

There is a mystic about 3" revolvers. I have a 3" Mdl 64, which I love and will not part with. I had a 3" 686+, but a friend made me an offer I could not refuse.

It's also a matter of supply and demand.

The 3" barrels are rarer than 2.5" or 4" and are highly sought after, hence they command a little higher price.

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Illegitimus Non Carborundum

The only 3" I have is a 629-1. They seem go hi due to demand, plus they look COOL!

I guess how much you're willing to pay depends on how much you really think you need one in relation to how much you can afford. When S&W quit building the revolvers that many of us grew up with and took for granted, we still never considered the prices would go up faster than we anticipated. That, in addition to some of special editions that were crafted over the years that were never built in any large number.

I have a 3" model 60-10, and a 3" gp100. Recently a friend came over to check out my revolvers. He held them all (no shooting) and paused when he held the 3" gp100. He said "now this one just feels right." I think so too. wyatte