Why both 6" and 6.5" barrels on Pre-27s?

[DCWilson]

Can anyone explain to me the factory rationale for offering both 6" and 6.5" barrels on the .357 Magnum Model of 1950 (Pre-27)? It pretty much seems like a distinction without a functional difference.

The question comes up because I stumbled across a nice Pre-27 this evening. This one has a six-inch barrel. Looks like I will be acquiring it tomorrow, and I just wondered if there were particular uses associated with different barrel lengths, like target work for 6.5" and LE service for 6".

[Blov]

So those who collect will have to get them both...

[onetonson56]

David,
I don't know the answer to your question. I do shoot tighter groups at longer range with my 6.5" 27 than my 6". Could have something to do with loads and balance though. Can't wait for the pics by the way. Your photos are always top notch.

Mike

[Art Doc]

The 6.5" barrels turn up as late as the early 1970s on the 27-2s, not just the pre-model versions. I don't know why two barrels of such close dimensions were offered. But I have noticed that it seems nearly (nearly) all the 6" guns have Patridge front sights while most (most) of the 6.5" guns have ramp sights. Maybe 6.5 was supposed to be the norm but competition rules dictated a 6" as max, or something, so the guns with Bullseye sights were 6?

I think the extra 1/2" is noticeable and I like them. Wanted a 6.5" 27 with a ramp sight but found few for sale and none priced where I wanted to buy.

Some very early S&Ws came with 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 etc and I never understood it.

[Pilgrim]

probably the same reason as having both 6 and 6 1/2 inchers on the M29

[Art Doc]

The 44s had 6.5" barrels until S&W decided to make all models standard with 6" tubes in 1978 (I think). They weren't cataloged simultaneously although there was likely some overlap in production as the old barrels were used up.

[Nimrod44]

+ 1 to what Blov said, I've been looking for a 6.5" to round out my set.

[Gun 4 Fun]

Personally, I like the 6" length for balance and looks better than the 6.5" on any model.

The switch in length to 6" as standard came in 1979 BTW.

[DCWilson]

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

The 6.5" barrels turn up as late as the early 1970s on the 27-2s, not just the pre-model versions. I don't know why two barrels of such close dimensions were offered. But I have noticed that it seems nearly (nearly) all the 6" guns have Patridge front sights while most (most) of the 6.5" guns have ramp sights. Maybe 6.5 was supposed to be the norm but competition rules dictated a 6" as max, or something, so the guns with Bullseye sights were 6?

Interesting. Now I'm going to have to dig out my Pre-23, which has a Patridge sight, and see how long the barrel is. I always assumed it was 6.5", but now I need to check.

I'll report back on that after I get the Pre-27 posted in its own thread.

Thanks all for your comments on this question. I kind of like the extra half inch when it comes to looks and balance, but not enough to let a nice gun go by for those reasons alone.

[bettis1]

David,

After you determine why they offered the M27 with two barrel lengths within 1/2" of each other you can tackle the question of why they offered the Reg. Mag. in 23 different barrel lengths, differing only in 1/4" increments.

Bob

[Gun 4 Fun]

........and also why they made the 27 in 3.5" and 4"

[SmithNut]

What I want to know is why did Chevrolet offer the small block V8 in 265, 283, 302, 305, 307, 325 and 350 cu in versions?

[50 target]

So we'll have a reason to buy another gun and then take pictures and play show and tell and have fun guy style. It's a testosteron thing you know.

LOL
Bob

BTW: After much searching of years past I finally have a set of all barrel lengths. I guess just so I can I say I have'em .