Short-Barrel K-Frames

[NE450No2]

I am just not a 38 Special/357 Mag as a primary carry gun kind of guy...

Still i have a 2 1/2" Blue Mod 19 I bought to use in Snub Nosed matches, and I just cannot part with it.
It is as accurate to 25 yards as a full sized PPC Revolver.

I agree it is one of the coolest looking, and handling S&W's.

I also actually carried it on duty, as a No2, to a 1911 in 45 ACP, on those assignments where I was "trying" to get robbed, face to face.

As I much prefer a revolver in grappling situations...

 

[Frank46]

Here in Louisiana its supposed to hit 90 degrees tomorrow. My little j-frame 36 will be in my right front jeans pocket. Not noticeable at all.
Frank

 

[VictorLouis]

For the past two years or so I have been carrying AIWB almost exclusively with the occasional exception. Started with autos but I have found that this is also a comfortable and very fast position for me with a revolver also.
I'll usually have an airweight pocketed too,but the K's have never been a problem for me with any carry method.

What he said...

 

[norsemanhp]

18DAI
I hope the 3 inch is considered part of the discussion. I know you own one.

 

[Laurent]

Agreed, snubbies are sweet, like this 2" M15:

The target hammer and trigger are especially desirable, IMO. Even if they don't make any sense on a snub.

But I admit that I shoot more often my 4" M19 or this MR 73 Defense:

The 3" barrel is more appropriate for .357, even if the light profile doesn't tame the recoil as a 3" M13/M65 would.

L.

 

[18DAI]

Hi norsemanhp! Yea, I've got a few 3 inch K's. Some folks don't consider the 3 inch to be a snub. Others, like myself, do.

I think the 3 inch tube is the perfect do everything well length. For the purposes of the discussion in this thread, I think it solves the problem(s) that those who would otherwise carry a 4 inch gun, encounter with the 2.5 and 2 inch guns.

The only problem I ever had with a 2.5 inch Combat Magnum was a tendency for the grip to angle out away from the body and the revolver to flop around on the belt when using certain holsters. Sadly when using a belt slide holster - which I prefer - it happened often. The 3 inch tubes don't do this.

With the 3 inch you also have the advantages of full length ejection of spent casings and the very slight - often overstated - velocity increase of the slightly longer tube.

Laurent - I am green with envy at your 3 inch MR 73 !!! Possibly the finest revolver ever made. By anyone. Is yours ex French police? I'd love to shoot one and dream of owning one. Very nice indeed sir! Regards 18DAI

 

[Wiredog]

@ snakeshift

Nice set-up, I've got a similar holster (Miami Style?) that works well with a vest or jacket.

 

[sheepdawg]

I mean how can you not love a 2" barrel Model 15. My wife carries the 36.

 

[Stu Honea]

sheepdawg,that 15 is the blitz,bro.

 

[TNDave]

I used to carry 4" K frames all the time and still do sometimes. But I have become a big fan of short barreled K frames. If you carry them outside the belt they don't stick out below your shirt tail making them a lot more concealable than a 4" gun. The round butt with some carry type grips are also more concealable than a square butt gun.

The short barreled K frame is a lot easier to shoot than a J frame and of course holds one more round. You can shoot them well at defense ranges. They are a lot lighter than a 4" gun. Whats' not to love?

Here are a few guns I have carried in the past or present.

Model 10

Model 12

Model 64

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have CC thies 3, mostly the Chief & Cobra.

But after shooting the M64, I prefer it, just is easer to aim with less recoil & can handle +P ammo.

 

[CajunBass]

For a long time I told myself I didn't like the 2", K-frame guns. Then I found a 1955, M&P, with the box, that looked unfired. I decided I'd get it "just because." I thought about carrying it a time or two, but it was just too nice.

A few weeks ago, I found this one, a Model 12-2 "Airweight." It had the box, papers, and tools, but had some worn spots on the cylinder, so it will make a good carry gun.

My wife got this one. With a 3" barrel, I guess it qualifies as a "short barrel."

 

[Rogue12153]

I just purchased a Model 66-1 with the 2.5" barrel and round butt. I've ordered a concealed carry holster and while I'm waiting for it to arrive, I've been carrying the weapon in the back pocket of my jeans. Although not ideal, I've been pleasantly surprised how easy it is.

 

[deanodog]

I never could find any use for three inch barrels but I don't carry and I just shoot in my backyard range. I don't shoot them as good as 4 inch. I have a couple that will probably be sold shortly to thin out the herd.

 

[GF]

I like a Mod 19 for the same reason as Saxon Pig states. A 357 is just about right...

So when I'm out on the 4 wheeler or walking the trails, sometimes I take two...
Mod 28 & 19-3

And since you guys let 3 inch guns into the thread I take a Mod 65 with me once in awhile too.

GF

 

[Nedroe]

They are nice .......

I'm not a big fan of the 2" K snubby, but the M19, 2-1/2, or a 3" K round butt are pretty cool
19-5 2-1/2

CS1 3"

65-5 LS 3"

and last but not least, my 17/19 2-1/2, 22lr

cause I don't like J frame 22 snubbies much.

Ned

 

[M3Stuart]

I kind of agree with the OP; I have a 66-4 2.5" that I like to shoot, but I carry my 36 or 60-9. I can hit as well with that 66 as i can with my 4 inchers out to about 10 yards. Beyond that, the 4" 64, 10 and 686 are more accurate for me.

I also have a 3" 10 that is less accurate than either the 2.5" 66 or the other 4 inchers. But it's still a great gun. I like them all.

 

[tippit]

I don't carry but size is a factor for me when I'm hog hunting with my longbow. I've settled on a M66-2 2 1/2 " as my back revolver when tracking a wounded hog...easy to carry & loaded with .357 for an occasional shot if needed.

 

[cwl1862]

I never could find any use for three inch barrels but I don't carry and I just shoot in my backyard range. I don't shoot them as good as 4 inch. I have a couple that will probably be sold shortly to thin out the herd.

Well you go to sell that little 65 in the photo you send me a PM I'll be happy to take her off of your hands.

 

[Match10]

Anybody else feel this way?

Nope... Cannot say that I do! I carry snubby revolvers almost exclusively, and I do not have a problem with them at my side. The barrels do not hang below my shirt line. Here are my three favorite carries...

The snubby K frame is at 10 O'Clock.