Hey all.

I’m pretty sure we all love 3-inch revolvers. I have a m65-5 that is a police trade in that picked up about 15 or so years ago. It’s my only 3-inch.

I’ve been checking out pics and specs of other 3 inch revolvers to see what other models are out there that I wouldn’t mind having. I thought I’d post a thread and get others to post their choices too.

The ground rules are that you can choose a 3-inch revolver from ANY manufacturer.


With that out of the way, I think my pick would be:

1. Colt Python
2. S&W Model 13 Performance Center.
3. S&W Model 586 L-Comp.


I couldn’t narrow it down to just 1.



What would pick if you could have any one you wanted and why?


Thank you for your time.
BD

I like and regularly carry my 3” Python, but with their lighter weight and fixed sights, my 3” 13/65s see more holster time.

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213th FBINA

I have a 60-15 that gets a lot of use. It seems correctly proportioned to the barrel length.
If I could pick any, probably a nice Model 13.

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Because of the metric system?

One of the 3 inch model 19s that were ordered for a LE agency in France with fixed sights and enclosed ejector rod.

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LEX ET ORDO

A 3" K-frame is hard to beat. I always liked the Model 65LS. It had 3" barrel with shrouded ejector rod, matte finish, and smooth service stocks. I used to shoot a standard Model 65 3" and loved how it handled. I figure that the 65LS would be even better - a perfect packing revolver. I might not be a lady, but I would pack that Lady Smith!

On a smaller note, I always liked the look and feel of 3" J-frames. The Model 60 3" with target sights looks quite good. The 3" Centennials look nice as well.

3 inch prelock 686 or 586

For me, it would be a 3” Model 66…..

To my thinking, this would have the best combination of aesthetics, performance and functionality for the intended purpose.

Model 60 with adjustable sights

As the owner of 3" 65s,66-3 and-4 as well as a 60-10.......I kinda like 3" Smiths.

My favorite? That's like asking a Dad which is your favorite child!

Would like to find a 3" 13 and wish they had made a 3" 65NL [like the 3913NL] with the lines of the 65 LadySmith.

I believe the new Colt King Cobra 3 inch is a viable replacement for the hard to find iconic Model 65. Mine is a very nice revolver that I am currently carrying daily. My main complaints about this revolver is lack of accessories, such as, available replacement grips and Safariland Speedloaders. The K frame loaders work with .357 Magnum ammunition, but not .38 Special. Overall, think it is a good choice.

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I was looking to buy a shorter barrel for my wifes DW 15-2 as it was a 6" barrel and was looking into a 3" barrel and shroud to reduce weight for my wife if we ever need to carry them . I could buy the 3" or 4" combo from EWKarms . I've had a DW 15-2 revolver and a couple barrels for it in 4" and 8" . But after testing my DW 4" and a buddys s&w K frame 3" the velocity loose with a 1" shorter barrel depending on the ammo tested on my chrony was between 120fps and 189 fps . Thats a lot of velocity gone for one inch of barrel .

The bigger difference was between a 4" 40sw 155gr gd underwood ammo that averaged 1321fps from a kahr tp40 and its a way smaller and lighter handgun .

Just for grins and goggles chack out the link below from Handgun Hero
Cold 3" python vs a m&p 5" Now this could be a 9mm but could be a 40sw and could be a 4.25" But note the diffeence in size , weight and capcity and in 40sw You have to have a 4" barrel to start to match energy velocity /energy .

I know this is a revolver tread so buy what YOU want .

Colt Python 3" vs Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 5" size comparison | Handgun Hero

Would be hard to choose a favorite out of those I already have. IF money was no object I would like to have one of the first Model 19 three inch guns.

66-2


66-5


13-3


696


65-5


36-6 and 60-4


629-3


547


19-7

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Bill

Top of my wish list would be a 3” model 38 and or 49!

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BCCI Life Member #2068

I have owned many 3" S&W models over the years, but my hands down favorite is my 29-4 3" unfluted 44 magnum with target trigger and target hammer...Roger

To me, the 3” barrel looks best on an I or J frame so it would be one of those. Once you get into larger frames it is easier for me to carry a longer barrel.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Mine would be a model 13 the 19 would be second choice, but a 3” k frame is hard to beat.

Mine would be a pre lock 29 or 629 with unfluted cylinder. The Magna Ported 629s are pretty sweet.

As several have said, a 3” barrel pairs quite well with a J frame. My number one choice would be a Model 60-4 with grips a suitable fit for me. The stainless finish, adjustable sights, 3” barrel with full underlug make it one of my all-time my favorite revolvers.
Froggie

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This, the best cross breeding of a Model 13 and Model 19.

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Ubi Est Mea

One of the rare 357 3” fixed-sight Model 60s… I think ~120 made.

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Uvidíme se později, aligátore.

Another vote for the S&W 586 L-Comp, such a good balance of size and performance (with the right grips).

A 3" Smython.

I've had 3"

66-6 Hi-Viz
66-2
66-6 F-Comp
686 CS-1
65-5 LS
60-10

I'd love to get my hands on a 3" prelock 686 7-shot

Hate to break this love fest up, but I'd like a 65 3" to go with my 65-2 4"....also a 3" Python to go with my 4.25"

would be nice if S&W made new batch of 3 inch Js.........................

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I have several. From Big Blue, a Model 13, Model 65 (Factory DAO), Model 33, and a few Model 36s (Blued & Nickeled). From Colt I have the new King Cobra. From Ruger I have a GP100 and a USPI Speed Six. From Charter Arms, I have a .44 Special Bulldog.

Out of them all, I'd keep the Colt.

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GOA FL Dir. & Nat. Spokesman

I wholeheartedly agree. The 60-4 is a personal favorite of mine as well.



That said, I’ve had my eyes open for a 3” Model 10 for quite some time. Someday…

This would be my answer as well.

I'd really love to have almost any 3-inch K-Frame, but it's really hard for me to get too into it, since I already have three 3-inch revolvers: a S&W Model 60 SB, a Charter Arms Undercover, and a Colt Cobra. Not far off are my 2-3/4-inch .357 Ruger Speed Six and my 2-1/2-inch Charter Arms .44 Bulldog Pug. Then there's my 3-1/4-inch 32 HE. Except for the 32 Hand Ejector, all have ably served as EDC or truck gun at one time or another.

I answered this question back in 1995 when I bought a pair of the M13 Performance Center revolvers (both in my s/n - 13) ....



Enjoy

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.............SmithNut

That's quite a herd of 3" guns,...... really cool!!!!!

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.............SmithNut

Hands down -- square butt Chiefs Special with a 3" barrel.

'56 bright blue 3"

'64 bright blue 3"

'64 bright blue 3" Airweight

'68 bright blue 3"

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	Clara & Frederick Toppan's '64 CS, Steve Herrett's stocks.jpg (185.5 KB, 58 views)
	17. CSA 37 366687.jpg (113.1 KB, 64 views)
	'68 MOD. 36.jpg (114.7 KB, 71 views)

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I have owned several 3" revolvers over the years. Including 13, 64, 65, 65 LS, 66, and one of my favorites, a 696. Still own a 65 and 66. Another favorite, the CS-1 continues to elude me at a decent price.

I have several 3" S&Ws 13,29,36,60,65,66 and I enjoy them greatly. But I also really like the 3" Kimber K6S in both DAO and DASA, I've got a bunch of them too.

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Thanks,

Patrick

A 3 inch blue 19-2 if price didn’t matter. I’ve been fortunate to have had a few others. I’ve recently parted ways with a 65-3 and a 13-2. But I love my 66-3 with Spegel grips. And I carry a 60-15 quite frequently

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

I wondered where all the nice three inch SW revolvers were. Now I know.

A model 10 or 13 on the used market. Pinned barrels, and in the case of the 13 a recessed cylinder. I would choose a 547 if they used moon clips in place of the ejection system they have. If S&W would build a K Frame, 6-shot, 9mm with fixed sights and a 3 inch barrel, designed to use moon clips, I would buy one even with the lock. S&W seems....uninterested.

I've already picked this 3" 624 Lew Horton special from May 1985.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I love three inch K frames.

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A 696 or what I already own, a Rossi M720 44 Special.

Since I don't yet have a M65 or M13, it would be one of those, dash-1 would be preferable.

Beautiful thread, and much to admire.

Though I am lucky to have several 3 inch Smiths, would love to have one more - a unicorn - 686+ no lock.

Why Oh why did they port those!!!!!!!!

Nice grips though!

I maga-n-ported a 3"65 back in the mid-80s..... bobbed the hammer and got a nice action jobs... it's what all the "cool kids" were doing.... carried that gun for a few years [until I got my 1st 3" 66-3].
Great gun but the porting really only had an affect if you were shooting full bore magnums..... and the 1980s 125 gr magnums were too hard on K-frame guns.... and in an urban setting I settled on 125gr +P .38 hollow points for concealed carry

I've got the one I want; a S&W Model 65-5 three-inch, round butt with Crimson Trace laser grips.

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S&W 686 Plus three inch. I have the four inch which is exceptional but I should have got the three. But I was being nostalgic since I had the four inch, forty years ago.

I chose the 3-5-7 series 686+. The lock doesn't bother me. Since the pic was taken I've swapped the grip adaptor for a silver colored one and installed a .500 target hammer.

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The best I can with what I got

I have a 3” Python and a 3” 696. Would like a 3” 686/586 too

I want a Model 13 3" in Nickel.

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FBINA, 204th Session

I scratched that itch awhile back and it took patience and a few years.

Never really saw the point in a 3” in a K or L frame, other than they were hard to find at one time. I’d take 3” in 357 Model 60 though.