We all have at least a couple S&W wheel guns, probably with varying barrel lengths. But if you had to choose just one, what would be your #1 choice?

Not listing every length known to mankind here, just the major stuff. Pick the one closest to your darling.

I just love the look of my 8 3/8 Model 29-2. If a bad guy was coming after me I think if you just pulled it out most would turn and run.

What about 2-5/8", 3-1/2" and 8-3/8"????

Dont forget the others as well!

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"I also cook."

Just choose the one closest to your favorite. Didn't want to have 15 choices, too fragmented. My favorite is the 3" or 3.5"

I like the 7.5" a lot, after that the 6.5"/6" or 5".

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Actually mine is 2 1/2" and 3 1/2"

I voted for the 4 inch barrel, IMO it provides the optimum balance between balance, sight radius, and efficiency.

I also voted 4", but I really love the 3.5" 27's, 3" K's, and have a love of many of the 5" options like the older .38 hand ejectors and many of the N frames like the 27's and the 629 Classic.

Ahhhh.... Heck with it, I love them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Torn between 5" and 6 1/2", but you didn't give the last as an option.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

While four inches is considered by many to be the best "utility" length and is perhaps the most common, I think the 3" has the best balance of them all.

4inch is my number one choice.but if things go south I will take any of them.

There's always a 3" K Frame in the bag when I go to the range...

I would like to take the occasion of my 1000th post to thank the members of the S&W forum for being so polite and entertaining, this is the absolute best fourm on the web (even if it has cost me thousands of dollars since I joined...)

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"Shall not be infringed"

Well said, I agree in full with that statement, and congrats on your 1000th post!

I also voted for the 3", especially for a K frame. I tend to like 4" and longer on the N, and the 2" on my J frame. Does that make sense? Dang it's so hard to pick just one.

Thx, interesting poll.

Josh P

It's a difficult choice, but I have a real soft spot for a 5" N-frame, with anything 8-3/8" a close second!

This one! Pete

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NRA LIFE 1974

6" b/c the gun looks balanced

For all around utility in the woods and sage (that's where I am at the most) ........... six inch.

For packin' security in the boonies ........... it's my 4" MG!


Three 44s

Well like some have said above I think my favorite barrel length changes with the frame. For me the perfect N frame is a 5 inch barrel, in a K frame it’s a 4 inch barrel, and with the J frame it’s a 2 inch. Those barrel lengths are the ones I like for balance with those frames.

Then there are application dependent barrel lengths like in N frame an 8 3/8 barrel for a hunting pistol. For just shooting at the range I actually like a 6 inch barrel for the right eye relief for my 67 year old eyes.

I'm glad I really to have to live with just one length. For tossing in my pocket it is hard to beat something in the 2" range. For packing when hiking I love 4-5". For punching holes in paper 6 1/2" works very well.

The 8 3/8" barrel don't add much for me when it comes to punching holes in paper. They are a pain to pack. I have a shoulder holster but it hangs lower on my hip than some of my belt holsters.

The 3 inch is another that kind of just doesn't fit. It doesn't do anything the 1 7/8-2" won't but it doesn't go in the pocket as well. The 4" barrels seem to point and balance a little better.

I have told the wife if I had to get rid of all my handguns but one I would be torn between my 4" transition 44 HE and my 5" 44 pre-29. Both are a pleasure to shoot and they both pack well on my hip with a slight nod to the .44 spl. Oh, I would hide my 642 in my pocket if she forced me to get rid of all but one.

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Bill Bates

I voted 4". I had to. I do not own a Smith or anyother handgun with a barrel longer than 4". But, I must admit that the M19 2.5" is a close second.

I had to vote 6 inch because I have quite a few and they are superb range guns, however I also like the long 8 3/8ths and the short 2.5 to 3.5 inch barrels. Given enough money, I'd have one of each in my favorite models..

A 4" barrel looks just right to me.

I love my 3" Model 65 with Pachmayer Pro Compac Grip. It would be my go to gun ....

You mean l have to choose? I like the barrel length that comes on the gun.

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

I chose the 8-3/8". I guess I'm in a small minority here, but I just enjoy shooting the long barrel revolvers better than anything else. Not exactly easy to pack, but fun when you're shooting them!

My favorites are 3 1/2 and 5 so I averaged. I really would like a 4" 27 though.......

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Even older, even crankier....

4 inch here

HI i like all barrel lenghts but like the 8 3/8" more...

My shooting buddy got this shipped in last week from GunsAmerica, and we got a chance to break it in this afternoon. I love the 8-3/8" barrels! He shot 6 of the shots and I shot the other 6 from 25 yards.

Model-14-3-cropped-webpic.jpg

My 3" 65 is my favorite but my 4" 65 tuns a close second.

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Support your Police, & NRA

For all around gun 6", for hunting 8 3/8", iwb 4".I have carried my 629 8 3/8" in a shoulder holster for conceled befor.