2 ½” K frame Vs. 3” K frames

[old bear]

For years one of the must have guns were the 2 ½" model 19/66's. Well I've finally been lucky enough to end up three of them. Models, 19-3, 19-4, and 66-1. I've also discovered the 3" R/B K frames, of which I have two, model 65-5 lady smith and a model 66.

I've found that the 3" models are more fun to shoot with hot 38 +P ammo or low to medium .357 Magnum ammo. I assume this is due to the slight increase in weight. Yet, for me there is a real downside. The 3" models feel much heavier in my hand and when carried. So, neither of these get carried much. When carried all five revolvers are carried in quality Lobo leather holsters using Lobo Leather gun belts. So, I don't think my manner of carry is an issue.

Have any of you had the same experience? Other than just dealing with the problem, what did you do to get over this?

Thanks all,
Fred

 

[Iggy]

I spend more hours carrying than shooting. I go for the 2 1/2" models.

 

[MetalMan]

I spend more hours carrying than shooting. I go for the 2 1/2" models.

+1

Iggy - couldn't have stated this any better!

I have both the 66-4 and 19-5 in 2-1/2".

 

[Texas Star]

I think both balance and velocity favor three-inch barrels.

 

[WCCPHD]

In the early 1980's my agency issued 2.5 inch Model 66-1. About 1983 we went to the Model 66-2 with a four inch barrel, square butt and magna grips with a Tyler T grip issued. Everyone complained about the four inch until we got them and carried them. After it all the drama settled down I could not tell much difference in how the four inch carried as as opposed to the 2.5. I can say the four inch was more pleasant to shoot with full power 357 Mag ammo and was a complete pleasure when we transitioned to .38 +P ammo.

That said the best carrying revolver we ever had was the Model 13, three inch with the round butt. I believe it was the round butt that made it carry better than the four inch gun.

We carried all three in pancake holsters. The 2.5 inch in a Roy Baker, the four in a Safariland and the Model 13 in a S&W (G&G) holster. The 2.5 seemed just a little bit "top heavy" in the holster. The longer barrels seemed to balance the higher riding pancake holsters and make the gun more stable on the belt. The round butt tended to poke the ribs a bit less.

I think the type of grips and the style of holster will have as much to do with how the different barrel length carried as the length of the barrel. Just my opinion.

 

[gen3guy]

All I can say is whichever one you don't have is the one you want. I love my 3" Model 13-3. I really want a 2 1/2" Model 19 or 66.

 

[riverrat38]

Interesting. S&W has chosen the compromise length of 2.75 inch for the new snub version of the M66-8. I was going to get the 4.25 inch version, but now I am waiting for the short barrel length. I can't decide if I prefer 3 inch or 2.75 inch, so it probably doesn't matter. I like the full length ejector on the longer versions. I also carry in a Lobo Gunleather Original Pancake holster.

Best,
Rick

 

[robertrwalsh]

I prefer to shoot the 3" and to carry the 2 1/2. Also, for what it's worth, I think the 2 1/2" model 19 is a very pretty gun while the 3" 64 is not ugly, it is rather plain and utilitarian. No reason while a tool can't be pretty, but it certainly doesn't have to be.

 

[F224]

Interesting. S&W has chosen the compromise length of 2.75 inch for the new snub version of the M66-8. I was going to get the 4.25 inch version, but now I am waiting for the short barrel length. I can't decide if I prefer 3 inch or 2.75 inch, so it probably doesn't matter. I like the full length ejector on the longer versions. I also carry in a Lobo Gunleather Original Pancake holster.

Best,
Rick

The 2.75" has the benefit of a full length ejector rod...

 

[DD357]

Tough call I like them both

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've got both 2 1/2 and 3" 66s, 65s (3") and 19s (2.5")...........carried in a Sparks summer special. The 3" 66 replaced a 3" 65 and 2.5" 66 as primary carry revolver in about 1989.................

Old bear ..... have you weighted them..... can't believe the difference is more than an oz or two...... the 3" guns may be a 'tad" more nose heavy.

 

[AJ]

I like short barreled revolvers. I have had a 66 2.5 inch like it but it was to heavy for CCW for me, so it was sold. I had a 3 inch Model 10 it to was to heavy for my tastes, so it was sold. Have a 3.5 M27 to big for CCW but I have kept because it is just a great gun, Have a 15-3 2.5 inch, to heavy to carry comfortably all day all year. Have a all steel M36 2 inch that I use as a car gun and can carry in the winter in a coat pocket for a CCW gun. However, I have a 342 Airlite Ti that weighs 12 ounces that is my year round in the pocket CCW. Liked them all some not enough to keep and some will be around as long as I can shoot.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

old bear!!!!!! Bring that Ladysmith 3 incher when you come. I will gladly relieve you of it's weight. $100 bills are much lighter.

 

[GCF]

...The 3" models feel much heavier in my hand and when carried.

I've noticed it as well. That extra bit of HB, weighs more then you'd think. It could also be more of a balance, then weight thing, also.

I have a 3" 65-3, & a 2.125" 640-1. Got really nice Andrews Custom Leather pancakes for both, & heavy duty 1.75" horse hide belts - from my buddy Rick Garcia, in Ohio. Both guns carry well, but as the M640-1 carries SO MUCH better, it usually has ALL the fun.

Truth be known, around town, even the 640-1 usually takes a back seat - to the M&P340. The older I get, the more I appreciate light weight, & convenience.

Lately, been considering the 2" / RB / M64, as a possible "in between" carry option. Someone posted a Brinks model on the FS/T forum, a while back. Looked interesting (& priced right), but gone - when I came back for a second look.

Frankly, for routine EDC, my j frames have pretty much replaced everything else in the rotation. Even though I have quality Milt Sparks leather for both, the prized 1911's rarely get out either: the steel Gov't Model see's range time only, & my long time dedicated EDC, Colt Lightweight Commander, pretty much sits in the safe. Sad, really.

Kinda' goes w/ out saying, but if I knew I was walking into a potentially dicey situation, my choices would be different.

 

[AJ]

Kinda' goes w/ out saying, but if I knew I was walking into a potentially dicey situation, my choices would be different.

Would prefer a Fire Team of Marines or not go there at all!Been shot at enough for this life time without pushing my luck anymore.

 

[flagman1776]

I foolishly gifted my 3" Blue 13 to my then financee... she declined to sell it back to me when we split up. I consoled my self with a 3" 66-2 which I still have. I carried it in my hand made holster... mainly copied from a Bianchi BHL. I prefer the balance of the 3" for both shooting & carrying.
It is a matter of personal preferance but I decidedly prefer the heavier tube on short guns like the 3" 657 vs tapered 3" 624.

 

[old bear]

old bear!!!!!! Bring that Ladysmith 3 incher when you come. I will gladly relieve you of it's weight. $100 bills are much lighter.

Billy, I set it out to bring with me, along with that piece of horse we spoke about. Friend or not, the model 65-5 is returning with me. It's like me as much as we enjoy visiting our rural friends, we both work best in a urban setting.

Looking forward to some range time.

 

[grcoffman104]

First issued gun was s 4 in N frame mdl 58.....on a foot beat.
You guys talk bout the weight of a k frame ? Must all be a relatively thing?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

[Snapping Twig]

I had a 2.5" LH 686 when they first came out.

The ejector rod was too short to reliably eject!

In my mind, the purpose of such a concealable and potent side arm is to be used when needed. If it won't reload reliably, I can't see its viability.

Since then I have found several 3" models, K, L & N and in all cases the ejector rod works as advertised - they eject.

I am not a chairborn ranger, I do not work as a LEO and am not a mall ninja. I fix appliances and see machines as things that should function properly, so the 2.5" ejector just didn't make any sense to me.

Bottom line is, get what YOU prefer for the reasons that make sense to you.

 

[StakeOut]

Carried a 1966 Colt DS off duty IWB for 20 years and hardly ever new it was there.

After retiring I carried a 2.5" 66-1 IWB and rarely ever noticed it.

When I took a job in S Korea I felt naked without an IWB revolver.I stayed there 20 years.

I'm back 3 years and feel fully clothed again.