3-inch Barrel $$ Madness!

[ENGINE18]

Like some of you, I really like 3-inch barrel K & L-frames (Ns too!) But the prices lately are through the roof. I saw a CS-1, which was on my short list, @ over $1K on a well-known auction site. Guess I'll never get one of those!

And M13/65s in 3-inch are climbing as well. Guess it's supply and demand and a strong gun-buying economy! At least I have my 65-5, 3-inch and my 696 ND!

 

[sgt.207]

I've been wanting a three inch model 13 for years but can't justify their high prices.

 

[armybass]

I also have wanted a M13-2 3" but have never been able to find one. I foolishly sold my 3" M65 but did just score a M696 3". They are just the perfect carry gun.

 

[ENGINE18]

I feel your pain. My 65-5 3" isn't going anywhere!

 

[Shooting4life]

I love the three inch N frames. Wish I could own more than the two I have.

 

[45Wheelgun]

I think it is due to the large number of states to pass CCW in the last number of years. 3" K,L,N frames make nice CCW guns with the right holster.

Supply and demand.

 

[Harrison]

I had a Mdl 64 3", I loved that revolver. My wife took it, said it was now hers. I have been looking for a replacement ever since. The only time she will let me have it is to clean it after she shoots it. I also have to reload the ammo for her. Women have no pity.

 

[manny25]

i love 3 inch barrel N frames

 

[ENGINE18]

Hopefully new CCW folks will see the folly of those "bulky" 3-inch K-frames, and trade/sell them for a 2" K or a J-frame. I gotta believe the 3-inch barrels are enjoying cult status with collectors and shooters!

 

[rollin_hot]

Prices

I've been wanting a three inch model 13 for years but can't justify their high prices.

If you can't justify them now you won't be able to justify them later either.

I waited and waited for a 625 in 3" and it got to the point where I decided that I better get one now because later may not be an option either due to price and/or availability.

Pics of mine below. None of them were deals, but I do feel fortunate to have even found them.

629 in 3"


625 in 3"...one of two


629 3" Mountain Backpacker

 

[ARMinSC]

I've always wanted a 3" 13 and have only come across 1 at gunshow and didn't have the cash to get it. It was the only one I've ever seen in person. I traded into a 3" 65 last year and love it! It's my favorite gun. I'd really love to have a 696, just something about a .44spl I like.

 

[sprscientist]

Keep your eyes open. I just got an excellent condition 686 CS-1 3" for $800. I once passed on a LNIB 3" 13-2 for $475. Man was I dumb!

 

[carbofan21]

there's a guy wanting $650 for his minty 3 inch model 13 on a local site. comes with factory round butt combats too. i love 3 inch smiths (and my 3" ruger gp100) but that price is beyond my pain threshold. maybe if i really needed it, but i don't.

 

[TRanger]

Years ago, you could get these guns for very little. In the late 80s, I bought my first 3-inch 13 for $221 new. Later sold it, immediately regretted it, and bought another. My sister needed a gun so I gave it to her and quickly bought a third. That last one cost $270 new. It was stolen, then recovered and returned to me more than a decade later. A refinish made it look like new again. I am hanging onto this one like grim death. Would hate to have to cough up todays prices for one.

 

[xsexcess]

Got tired of waiting for the right one to come along and made my own. Bought a 3" 65 bbl and cylinder and installed on a 64-6 RB frame (J&G gun) that has factory bobbed hammer. I bought a std 3" 65 and gave to a girlfriend years ago for Xmas, bought a 3" 65 ladysmith and gave to my son in CA. Now have built the Frankenstein piece for myself - a no-frills completely functional piece.

 

[T.Webb]

Wow !! I guess I got a real good deal. I just picked up a "Performance Center" 586-4 3 inch .357, 7 shot cylinder, adjustable rear sight, tritium front, ported, beautiful rosewood grips, a plethora of speedloaders, and a like new DeSantis holster for $500.00 and 2 boxes of 9mm shells. The trigger on this thing is like heaven itself. in both single and double.

Oh, and did I mention it looks like it did when it left the factory 10 years ago??

 

[prescobd]

My 3 inch revolvers

The following are my 3 inch revolvers:
Colt DSII
Ruger SP101 .357 (I know actually 3 1/16" barrel)
Ruger SP101 9mm 3 1/16"
Ruger Speed Six 9mm (Again, I know but I think it's close enough)
S&W 36-10 Classic Nickle
S&W 60-15 Pro Series
S&W 65-7 Ladysmith
S&W 67-5 Performance Center
Taurus 85
Taurus 431

 

[MERV5-5505]

Hello All-

I too have noticed the increase in all pre-lock S&W's. It seems the available stock is drying up a bit. The specialty barrel lengths, (3" & 5") and discontinued K frames only compound the inflation. Heck, I have been guilty of paying too much for a gun I know is worth $200 less. But the old saying burns true: "...only worth what someone is willing to pay for it."

I attached some quick pictures of, IMHO, some of the nicest 3" L & K frame variants: a 681 Birdsong 3", a 686+ 3", a 66 3" and a 65 Ladysmith 3". All kinda cool for their own reasons.

 

[Combat_Diver]

I've owned several 3" K frames in the past and looking for another.
13-dehorned
64 NY1 DAO
65 DAO
65 standard

Also have owned a Taurus 441 3" .44 SPL and still have my old 3" CA Bulldog .44 SPL

CD

 

[jughed440]

don't be discouraged...keep looking. luck may be with ya.

i was always happy just to have a 2 1/2" 66, really didn't see the need to pay more for a 3"...didn't understand the hype about the 3" models...didn't hunt for one.
last December, a lucky encounter with a private seller at a gun show landed me a gorgeous 3" 66-4 with Spegels...cost me precisely half of what was paid recently on GB for an exact duplicate.
after fondling the 66, and taking her on a date to the range, the "hype" was completely understood.