Light weight 3 inch K-Frame 38SPL+P

[RMcL]

I wish S&W would make a basic 3 inch barrel aluminum frame, fixed sight K-Frame 38SPL+P revolver. I believe such a "Pro-Model" revolver with a flush to the frame spurless DAO hammer would appeal to a lot of revolver lovers - without breaking the bank.

I suspect the empty weight would come in just under 20 ounces and in the neighborhood of 22 ounces loaded. The 3 inch tube should get the +P velocity levels up to consistent "expansion" levels with modest recoil.

Light weight, low drag, rounded concealment shape, what's not to like?

A little revolver gem like this would just beg for a Simply Rugged leather pancake style holster.

 

[SuperMan]

I've a Model 12-2 round butt 4" pencil barrel that about fits the bill. Has very nice balance and the light slim barrel doesn't feel clunky...

Recoil however is snappy for a .38 even with standard loads. A couple cylinder full of +P a year isn't going to kill anything.

Only thing I don't like about the gun is the slim frame that causes a limited selection of grips options... From what I have read a -3 takes standard size K-frame grips...

Holster wise I use a DeSantis Speed Scabbard...much faster and lighter than a SR...

Bob

 

[bronco45]

Either a 4" pencil barrel or a 3" Heavy Barrel. Like my revolvers to be a bit nose heavy. Great concept, I have a 3" DA/SA Kimber 357 fills my need for a 3" heavy 38 shooter. 25ozs and better sights than a M&P style trough sight.

 

[RMcL]

I am aware of the old Mdl 12, and the high end revolvers made of ultra-light unobtainiam. The former quite fragile by todays standards and the latter limited and high dollar.

That said, I believe S&W is missing a link in the CCW revolver market for a modern...

... basic 3 inch barrel aluminum frame, fixed sight K-Frame 38SPL+P revolver. I believe such a "Pro-Model" revolver with a flush to the frame spurless DAO hammer would appeal to a lot of revolver lovers - without breaking the bank.

 

[Sixgun100]

I’ll agree with that concept. Have thought for a long time that a 3 inch, standard barrel, RB, version of the Model 12 rated for +P would be a sweet revolver. Blued and Stainless version, please. Just don’t know if in today’s market it would sell?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Until your dreams come true,
You can always limp along with one of these.

 

[VictorLouis]

I'm all for the OP's wish, for sure. I was hoping Kimber might heed the need with a LW K6 in .38, but not yet....

 

[RMcL]

I’ll agree with that concept. Have thought for a long time that a 3 inch, standard barrel, RB, version of the Model 12 rated for +P would be a sweet revolver. Blued and Stainless version, please. Just don’t know if in today’s market it would sell?

I suspect that many who view the S&W 642 as their "always gun", would also find a double action only "airweight" 3" K-frame with a flush fit hammer to be an excellent, dare I say comfortable, companion piece.

I believe there are many who would appreciate just how easy such a light, snag free, belt revolver is to live with.

And indeed, there are many shooters who find the smooth roll of a double action revolver trigger easier to hit with under stress.

 

[LCC]

I'd buy one

 

[ddixie884]

Too bad Kimber put a short ejector rod on their 3" K6. I too think S&W is missing the boat on this. I'd buy 2.............

 

[Sixgun100]

The Charter Arms Professional with 3 inch barrel and seven rounds of .32 H&R Magnum looks interesting and has a lot of nice features. It closely fits what we are all hoping for. If it was in .327 Federal Magnum, I’d already have one.

 

[wadcutter1]

I'd buy a couple. I have quite a few revolvers that are close including a 2" model 12 (barrel a little too short), 3" model 65 (a little heavier than I like), 3" model 60 (only 5 rounds), and I think an alloy 2.75-3" I frame would be perfect.

While doa and fixed sights would be ideal, I'd buy an alloy version of the current model 66 snub.

 

[wadcutter1]

I'd buy at least one.

 

[Wood & Steel]

I wish S&W would make a basic 3 inch barrel aluminum frame, fixed sight K-Frame 38SPL+P revolver. I believe such a "Pro-Model" revolver with a flush to the frame spurless DAO hammer would appeal to a lot of revolver lovers - without breaking the bank.

I suspect the empty weight would come in just under 20 ounces and in the neighborhood of 22 ounces loaded. The 3 inch tube should get the +P velocity levels up to consistent "expansion" levels with modest recoil.

Light weight, low drag, rounded concealment shape, what's not to like?

A little revolver gem like this would just beg for a Simply Rugged leather pancake style holster.

Sounds good. I'm a revolver guy and I like to have options but if the revolver is otherwise too big to pocket carry it doesn't make much sense to make it extremely light weight. The main benefit of a heavy, steel revolver is that it can handle .357MAG well and shooting +P's though it would be a breeze.

Also, NOTHING that S&W makes concerning revolvers that is larger than a J-Frame these days would be cheap. I'd imagine that such a revolver, even if the frame were aluminum, would still probably cost at least $700.

 

[RMcL]

The main benefit of a heavy, steel revolver is that it can handle .357MAG well and shooting +P's though it would be a breeze.

As you say, the operative word is "heavy."

 

[Wood & Steel]

As you say, the operative word is "heavy."

If it's on a hip the weight difference is minor. If it's in a pocket then the weight difference is a problem. The 686+ is not a pocket gun therefore will probably won't ever be produced in aluminum anymore than a GP100 would.

 

[pantannojack]

I like my 36 nd 3" in Sile grips but not comfortable shooting +P accept for that one and only needed time. Also I should have a pro bob the hammer or find a hammer already bobbed and put it in. Comparing it to a 2" 36-7 firing 158g lswc over 4.4g 231, the 3" gave 75 fps more.

 

[m4user]

I like the idea and will add to it... Make it in 9mm and rated for 9mm+P. The shorter cylinder will knock off an ounce or two from the overall weight and todays 9mm ammo is as good or better than .38 SPL. Some folks don't like moon clips but I think they are just as good as speed loaders and have not had any issues with them in my 940. Another advantage is a 9mm revolver might attract some European sales which S&W spells like $ale$. The M547 was a good attempt but the fragile extractor system didn't sell well and it was as heavy as a M13. Address those two issues and you'd have a winner.

 

[smoothshooter]

I like the idea and will add to it... Make it in 9mm and rated for 9mm+P. The shorter cylinder will knock off an ounce or two from the overall weight and todays 9mm ammo is as good or better than .38 SPL. Some folks don't like moon clips but I think they are just as good as speed loaders and have not had any issues with them in my 940. Another advantage is a 9mm revolver might attract some European sales which S&W spells like $ale$. The M547 was a good attempt but the fragile extractor system didn't sell well and it was as heavy as a M13. Address those two issues and you'd have a winner.

Moon clips are a serious liability when a partial reload is needed.

 

[Minorcan]

Debatable but I’m not sure what a longer 3” barrel gets you as far as accuracy or powder burning efficiency., I bet not much. It does add weight. At a projected >$700 price tag, I’ll stick with my stubby J-Frame Model 60.