It was probably a bit of a shock to some when S&W started offering heavy barreled revolvers. About like when they came up with the adjustable rear sight that is today so taken for granted. The flat sided barrels are not what I grew up with. But then, I didn't grow up with the lugged barrel L and later N frame. I have come to appreciate them. The flat sided barrels appeal to me as a useful way to configure a revolver barrel especially for very hard kicking calibers.
