So I did a little research and asked a serious unnamed expert about fixed vs.Target sights on short barrel revolvers.. For starters the Navy used 4" with target sights in the 60's and the overrun of these frames were the 3" and 1/2" target sight 1960 era 19's. To answer the carry gun for fixed sights SW tries to supply what the customer requires and the choice of target and fixed as the factory sees it is a personal preference.. My read on it is there are enough professionals out there that carry and want target sights it justifies the run of revolvers like this 36-6.. Personally and we don't have a picture 36 yet, but it is a gorgeous gun regardless that I am looking forward to shooting...