Hello All-

It seems safe to say that three inch barrel S&W revolvers, in all their forms, J, K, L & N frames, have a solid & loyal fan base. You might even call it a bit of a "cult" following.
I do not need to be convinced of the benefits & esthetic qualities of 3” S&W wheel guns, as I love them myself. But, I have always had one question regarding them: Why are three inch barrel variants usually special order, special factory run, Performance Center productions or just plain, more uncommon than their 2”, 2 ½” & 4” barreled brothers?
It seems to me, that if you are in possession of the raw materials, skilled personnel & machines that make them, that an ever popular variant need not be made rare. It costs probably just as much to make a 3” barrel as say, a good old 4 incher.
Any enlightenment you can provide would be very much appreciated. Also, please feel free to post pictures of your beautiful 3” Smiths, (I never tire of looking at, what I consider the perfect balance in an S&W revolver…just my humble opinion.

The individuals on this forum do not represent the buying public. I suspect that the buying public wants the common lengths of barrel. The enthusiasts like on this forum have their own special likes.

What Steve said above about the standard gun buyer wanting the standard barrel lengths is right on the money.
I believe that many buyers are not even aware that S&W makes a 3 inch model.
I also agree with you that the 3 inch version is probably the best length of all the barrel choices.

Except for the 5"!

Since they are relatively rare and in some cases more expensive than 4" or other standard lengths, a whole lot of potential buyers have no hands-on with 3" S&Ws.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

Does the 3 and a half inch model 27-2 qualify? Here is a pic of mine.

Good point… I think 3.5” is special enough.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

I never could take a shine to the three inch barrels. I have traded to some but I didn't think they concealed as well as a
2" and I liked to shoot the 4 and 6" ones better. I liked the 2 1/2 barrels. I guess I fall into the group that made the standard lengths more popular.

Isn't the issue a case of the 3" being the shortest, most concealable length barrel that still has a full-legth ejector rod for complete, positive ejection on tactical / quick reloads? If that's the case I'd think the 3" would be VERY popular, so much so it would be a regular production length and they'd be everywhere.

I have both a 4 inch and a 3 inch model 66. The 3 inch is a -4 and came from the factory DAO with a bobbed hammer. It is my favorite of the two although it was difficult to find holsters for. I have been extremely lucky in that I located a Gould & Goodrich pancake style holster made for it. I prefer horizontal shoulder holsters for concealed carry and was able to locate a DeSantis made for it. Bought both of them cheap.

I have always had a preference for oddball barrel lengths. Always liked the 3 1/2 inch and 5 inch model 27's. Took in a mint 27 with a 6 inch barrel a while back. Just was not attracted to it like the others so I traded it off pretty quick.

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Expect no quarter.

I kind of like 3" S&W's.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I've always had the perception that the *extreme* percentage of gun owners do not carry. And I get the feeling that a lot of them don't even shoot all that much. So I don't think that the 3" would be very popular for the reason stated above. There just aren't enough people who would appreciate a 3" for the tactical application.

Those of us who do shoot frequently enough (even tactical shooting), but do not carry, prefer a little more length for the better handling, ime.

There's just not a great market for 3" guns. As far as I can think of.

I love my 3" Model 65!

Driheat: Please tell us some more about that BEAUTIFUL Uzi!

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LEO since 1981.

I really wish I had me a 3" smith. My dream carry gun is a model 65ls 3". I have a Dan Wesson Valor Bobtail and I would liken a 65ls to the revolver equivalent. If the 65ls wasn't so rare and expensive I would have snatched one up a while ago.

It and a bobtail commander are the perfect comprimize for carry guns.

My "Cult" leader will not allow me to answer your question, but he did say I could post a pic...

No that is not correct.

2 5/8" is the shortest barrel length that can be fitted with a full length ejector. Here are a few examples of 2 5/8" N-frame snubbies.

Just gorgeous piece. This thread is bad news to my mental state. Too many nice revolvers. Beautifull pics everyone. Now I want a 3" k frame .38 with the round butt.

625-3 3 inch

Vector HR4332 Mini UZI SMG registered in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .22 lr. Finish is Robar NP-3 (teflon/nickel), Israeli FAB Defense tri-rail, VFG, Israeli bungee single point sling, and a Barrelxchange heavy bolt (tungsten inserts) to slow 9mm ROF from 1000+ to 780 rpm.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

I like them because of the longer ejector rods.

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May God Bless The USA

I just went from one extreme to the other. I traded out a 625 3" for a 25 in 8 3/8 ". I have my carry pistol and I had no use for the 625. It was too big to carry and my old eyes didn't like the short sight radius. A 3" revolver is little more than a belly gun and to put target sights, target triggers and hammers on them is dumb.

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Kevin
NRA Benefactor Member

I think the 3" barrel is perceived as "neither fish nor fowl". It doesn't conceal as well as a 1-7/8, 2, 2.5 inch, and for holster carry doesn't offer much if any advantage over a 4".

That's a pity since a 3" barrel is the ideal length for a K-Frame, IMHO.

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You're shy a few manners.

629-5

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Roger

I have a 3" 36 and a lew horton 66-3. I like them both, BUT when you reason things out, you pretty much carry a revolver one of three ways. Concealed in your pocket, or on your belt. Also somewhere in your vehicle. If its your pocket a 2" J frame is best. If its on your belt, you can carry a 4" as well. If a car or truck gun you can go 8 3/8" if you wish.
I belive I read where skeeter had a 4 1/2" .44 special and a model 19 made up. To me that would be ideal for a belt gun too. While I especaly like my model 66-3 3" I will admit to look at I think it in 4" might be better looking and balanced. I bought it moreso for all the other extra work the factory done to it. Other than guns, my biggest hobby-activity that I enjoy is a lot of exploring and trail rideing on our ATV here in utah. Again, I can pack any size handgun or rifle on the quad easily. When I pack on me its usualy a snub in my pocket. This is all after haveing to pack on my job for 35 years. I am big and fat. I also need suspenders, big gut and flat ***. For me if I wear a belt gun I really need a large, wide gunbelt. When I wore them on the job it was a 4" and occasionaly a 5".

Thank you to all who have replied so far to this post. For the record: Yes, IMHO those beautiful 3.5" variants absolutely "count."

Oh...and Mr. Driheat...I chalk-up one more vote for: THAT is one bad-***** UZI!

It makes me wish I lived in a Class 3 State...oh to dream...

I like them too.

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Dennis

I like my new one pretty well. Wasn't looking for a new gun, but got an offer I couldn't refuse on this one. Just finished shooting it with special loads and I have to say, it feels good:

Attached Images

Mag1.jpg (110.5 KB, 23 views)

For night shooting (esp full house 44 Mag) it relieves you of having to carry a flashlight. In an emergency you can kill you food and start a fire to cook it with

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You do what you are.