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Is 3" enough?
- Thread starter joe44va
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C Islander
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ContinentalOp
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No real downside I can see. At least with K-frames, a 3" barrel seems to give a good balance between ballistic performance, handling, and carry-ability. I personally think it's the most aesthetically pleasing combination. I used to have a 3" 65 and it was a great carry gun.
Not a fan of 3" J-frames, though. For me, the J-frame's biggest advantage is carry versatility (IWB/OWB/AIWB, pocket, ankle, shoulder, etc.), and that means a 2" barrel. I'm sure others will have differing opinions.
Don't really have an interest in revolvers larger than K-frames, so I can't really comment on those. I do have an interest in the 3" Ruger GP100 with fixed sights, but that's mostly because of its role as the standard issue sidearm for the US Marshals Service before the Glock 22.
Not a fan of 3" J-frames, though. For me, the J-frame's biggest advantage is carry versatility (IWB/OWB/AIWB, pocket, ankle, shoulder, etc.), and that means a 2" barrel. I'm sure others will have differing opinions.
Don't really have an interest in revolvers larger than K-frames, so I can't really comment on those. I do have an interest in the 3" Ruger GP100 with fixed sights, but that's mostly because of its role as the standard issue sidearm for the US Marshals Service before the Glock 22.
Is 3' enough
I consider 3 inches, on a revolver barrel to be the minimum for accuracy. I think it looks perfect on my model 65-5.
I consider 3 inches, on a revolver barrel to be the minimum for accuracy. I think it looks perfect on my model 65-5.
The_Truth
SWCA Member
I've got a 3" Model 29 and a 3" Model 13. Absolutely love them both and would hate to have to get rid of either!
The 3" fixed sighted K frame is especially sweet for carry.
The 3" fixed sighted K frame is especially sweet for carry.
Sistema1927
US Veteran
I think that a 3" K-frame is perfect.
The only down side that I can see is the hit on your wallet by wanting to buy all of them.
The only down side that I can see is the hit on your wallet by wanting to buy all of them.
fishwishin
Member
Only if it is a service weapon is it a down side, to me a 4" just fits that role better. I'd also want a 6+" for a hunting application.
Outside of that I think K, L, and N frames with a 3" are the perfect carry specimens.
Outside of that I think K, L, and N frames with a 3" are the perfect carry specimens.
Pisgah
Member
Compared to a 4-incher, you're one inch farther from your target...
DonD
Member
The only downsides are reduced velocity when compared to more "traditional" lengths like 6" and a shorter sight radius.
One person posted that 3" is the minimum for accuracy. Shorter doesn't mean less intrinsic accuracy, shorter barreled guns are simply harder for the shooter to exploit the accuracy of the gun. Don
One person posted that 3" is the minimum for accuracy. Shorter doesn't mean less intrinsic accuracy, shorter barreled guns are simply harder for the shooter to exploit the accuracy of the gun. Don
Benchrest1
Member
I've got a couple, whats not to like.
The 3" K's are my favorites.
Need to add some blued ones now.
Need to add some blued ones now.
For carry I like 3”on N frames, 2.5” on K/L frames.
For my money a 3" barrel is about the perfect compromise.
Better sight radius for accuracy than a 2-1/2" and a little better velocity too.
Better concealability and easier draw/presentation than a 4".
I like revolvers with barrels around 3" long and have 4 of them
They are
S&W M65-5 357mag
Rossi M971 357mag (actually just over 2-3/4")
Charter Arms Bulldog 44spl
Jovino Terminator 44mag (also closer to 2-3/4")
Better sight radius for accuracy than a 2-1/2" and a little better velocity too.
Better concealability and easier draw/presentation than a 4".
I like revolvers with barrels around 3" long and have 4 of them
They are
S&W M65-5 357mag
Rossi M971 357mag (actually just over 2-3/4")
Charter Arms Bulldog 44spl
Jovino Terminator 44mag (also closer to 2-3/4")
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The fixed sight 3" guns are my favorites. I wish I had more of them.
Groo01
Member
Groo here
If you check bullistics by the inch,,,
you will find a larger jump in speed at about 3 inch and not much more at 4
Then again at 5in and 6 makin g the 3in and 5in about the best speed vs barrel length setup.
Originally 5 ,6 and 7 in was normal.
4in came about the time Cop's started to drive cars...
The longer barrels punched holes in seats and the but hit you in the ribs.
If you check bullistics by the inch,,,
you will find a larger jump in speed at about 3 inch and not much more at 4
Then again at 5in and 6 makin g the 3in and 5in about the best speed vs barrel length setup.
Originally 5 ,6 and 7 in was normal.
4in came about the time Cop's started to drive cars...
The longer barrels punched holes in seats and the but hit you in the ribs.
CCantu357
Member
I believe that the 3" revolver is great. It seems that a 3" is easier to conceal than a 4", and offers better ballistics and less recoil than a snub nosed.
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