I've been doing some hiking lately and think that a 3 or 4 inch alloy j-frame would be the perfect companion revolver. I have a 2" 638, 3" 686 and a variety of 4" k frames but "need" something in between. The 3" model 60 seems like the best choice of the current production models, but an alloy frame version would be even better.

Other than the 22LR 317, do any exist? 38 special or 357 mag would be greatly preferred.

Thanks.

Can't tell you anything about current mfg models; a look through the online S&W catalog might turn up something.

Older models: I know S&W did make a 3" Model 37 aluminum frame job. Page 211 of SCSW shows a 3" bbl Model 38 Bodyguard, but adds that it was rare.

Perhaps a search of the online auction sites could turn up this Model 37 "Pinocchio."

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. There are (2) 3" 37s listed on GB right now.

Hello . and you are right.
3 inch J frames have a little more of a good thing.
And even dyed in the wool N frame collectors cannot say no
when they come along.

Here are some examples.

Stainless model 640 and a 60-10 ......































Then the elegant tapered barrel model 36 and 37 ......





















Then comes the more modern Air Lite revolvers you asked about.


The 317 in 22 L.R. and the 337-1 3.2" in 38 Special.









































They can be found. But you really gotta be lookin' ..

Good Luck

Allen Frame

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

In 38 and 357 the 3" J Frames are mostly all steel, not aluminum alloy. There is however a 3" 37 on Gunbroker right now which is alloy.

There is also a 3" 640 which is a rare all steel centennial model.

Model 60 3" in 357 is quite common, but again all steel.

I have a 3" 37 no dash.

It's the middle one in the picture of my square butt J frames.

The bottom one is a 31-1 and the top is a 36-1.

Attached Images

square.jpg (60.2 KB, 180 views)

Get the 3" Ruger LCR. It's in 38 Special and weighs less than a pound.

One model that comes to mind is the 3.2" 337Ti, .38 Special with adjustable rear sight, produced from 1999-2004. A difficult one to find, however.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

They look good on paper, but I just can't bring myself to buy something with the aesthetics of a warthog.

Thanks to all for your input. I'll start looking for a 3" model 37 or 337ti.

Must've scrolled right by Allen-frame's 337Ti photo...oops and sorry!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I just saw a 3" 37 at a good price within the last week or two but can't remember where. I've already done a quick search on GB and my local forums but didn't see it. I've got a 4" Model 12 K frame which is only slightly larger and probably shoots better,............which is why I didn't pick up the 37 when I saw it.