19-2 odd barrel length?

[bennettfam]

Can anybody help with this question???

Measuring my 4" K-frames reveals they are EXACTLY 4". But looking at another family gun makes me ask the question above. It is a 19-2 6" with a barrel that measures 5-7/8". Is that normal or do they fluctuate that much when assembled?

 

[murphydog]

A variation of +/- 1/8" from the stated barrel length is common.

 

[Doc44]

The length you posted is not all that unusual for a "6-inch" barrel. In 1975, S&W issued a directive to increase the length of 4-inch barrels to 4 1/4 inches. This was done because of concern that firearms with a barrel length of less than 4 inches would become illegal. Some of the barrels I have measured are 4 1/8 inches. Prior to that time, some barrels were a little shorter than 4 inches.

Bill

 

[bennettfam]

Clears it up. Thanks guys.

Re: 4" upgraded to 4-1/4"... I suppose that would pay off in Canada when they outlaw 4" barrels on handguns.