2 ½” K frame Vs. 3” K frames

[10mmauto]

I prefer the three to shoot and carry:





I like the balance better.

 

[31FordA]

I have a 2.5" 19-3 and a 3" 13-3 and 65-5LS. While I enjoy all of them, I find I prefer the 3" guns. The 3" balances better for me, and I never had a problem carrying the 3".

 

[cadmike]

I own a 66-4 2 1/2" gun and can like and appreciate the 3 inch guns but I have to say all this hoopla over "full length ejector rods" is way overblown. I mean it's just never been a problem for me with the 2-1/2" barrel. IMO.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I've had a 3" 65 and a 2" 64. I don't think I noticed much of a weight difference, but there was a difference in balance. I'd say there was a slight advantage to the 3" gun when shooting, plus I liked the full-length extractor rod. But the 2" carried more comfortably in an IWB holster and there was a noticeable advantage to the 2" when drawing quickly, at least for me. I'm not sure how much of a difference there'd be between the 3" and the 2.5" K-frames in terms of handling, other than the different extractor rod lengths.

As far as weight, neither one was an issue for me with a good holster/belt combo. I've carried them as long as 16 hours/day with good comfort the whole time. Of course, everybody's different in that regard.

 

[Signal_20]

We carried the 66 2 1/2" and the 66 2 4" at my agency and I liked shooting both. I own a 19-5 2 1/2" but mostly carry my 360 PD because of the weight but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the 19 and 66. In my opinion one of the best revolvers ever made.
Jim

 

[NYlakesider]

Most of my revs are either 2'' or 4'' but I do have 1 -2 1/2 and 1- 3'' K frames. Limiting that to those last 2, I find the 3'' balances better and just feels much better in my hand. Of course you will get more velocity and less kick with the 3''

 

[Ranger514]

I think you just need to carry the 3" K frames a bit more to get used to the different feel. I'd love to own a 3" 65LS. It would make a great companion piece for my 2-1/2 inch 66-3.

 

[GCF]

... I own a 19-5 2 1/2" but mostly carry my 360 PD because of the weight but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the 19 and 66. In my opinion one of the best revolvers ever made.
Jim

Well said!

 

[AJ]

Where are you all carrying these hoglegs? On belt in holsters? What time if the year? Here in Florida we wear shorts and tee-shirts pretty much year round. Very hard to carry a K frame in your pocket. Carrying it on a belt holster sort of sticks out. Ankle holsters are sort of out of place with shorts and shoulder holsters are not compatible with tee-shirts. Pretty much we carry J frames or very small autos. We all don't dress like Don Johnson..........

 

[silversnake]

Where are you all carrying these hoglegs? On belt in holsters? What time if the year? Here in Florida we wear shorts and tee-shirts pretty much year round. Very hard to carry a K frame in your pocket. Carrying it on a belt holster sort of sticks out. Ankle holsters are sort of out of place with shorts and shoulder holsters are not compatible with tee-shirts. Pretty much we carry J frames or very small autos. We all don't dress like Don Johnson..........

With a good belt + IWB holster it is not that difficult to conceal a K Frame. If your tee shirt is loose fitting you will probably be fine.

I've shot and carried both 2.5" and 3" models for years, haven't noticed much practical difference between them. I notice differences in sights and actions much more so than half an inch of barrel length.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Where are you all carrying these hoglegs? On belt in holsters? What time if the year? Here in Florida we wear shorts and tee-shirts pretty much year round. Very hard to carry a K frame in your pocket. Carrying it on a belt holster sort of sticks out. Ankle holsters are sort of out of place with shorts and shoulder holsters are not compatible with tee-shirts. Pretty much we carry J frames or very small autos. We all don't dress like Don Johnson..........

I've worn my K-frames on the belt, in an IWB holster, under an untucked shirt, including during hot and humid weather.

Most of the time, most people can get away with carrying a larger gun than they think they can.

 

[1lowlife]

I like my 3" 686+ so much I bought another one.
Sent the new one (top) to S&W for a polish and their Master Revolver Action Package, it has been gone for 4 weeks.



But there is still something that intrigues me with a 2.5" revolver.
It could happen...

 

[silversnake]

One of these days I am going to have to split the difference and pick up a 2.75" revolver, either a new Model 66 or a Ruger Speed Six, I think I'd be happy either way

 

[AJ]

Never liked leather or krydex against my skin. No matter how much I like my 15-3 will I wear an IWB holster. Just call me silly..... Will continue to carry my J frame in an in the pocket holster. Just to darn hot here, it was 91 the other day.

 

[Fide686]

I bought a 19-3 specifically for conversion to a 3". It is at my GS To be cut down & crowned, hammer bob, round butt, and Duracote. I'll probably get it back in maybe 3months. Pictures to follow.
On all my revolvers, including my 2 1/2" gun, I smack the extractor rod with my right palm- no problems with cases getting stuck under the extractor star.

 

[Big Cholla]

I have a 3" M 66 and just can't warm up to carrying it much. I have carried and shot 2.5" M 66s and M 19s that I am sort of fixed on them. I really like the feel of a 2.5" in my hand. I shot about 900 rounds thru a 2.5" M 66 at a Clint Smith short revolver course and did just as well as anyone else with 3" and 4" barrels. ....

 

[AJ]

I bought a 19-3 specifically for conversion to a 3". It is at my GS To be cut down & crowned, hammer bob, round butt, and Duracote. I'll probably get it back in maybe 3months. Pictures to follow.
On all my revolvers, including my 2 1/2" gun, I smack the extractor rod with my right palm- no problems with cases getting stuck under the extractor star.

Was always taught to turn a revolver cylinder down when ejecting the empties, even a single action.

 

[old bear]

Thanks all. Perhaps I'm noticing the difference in balance point. I've swapped the 2 1/2" for the 65-5 Ls.. I'll try it full time for a month or so, as I really want to like it.

 

[WardenRoss]

Nothing handles and shoots like a 3" model 66. NOTHING.

 

[Laketime]

To me the overall look of a three inch looks odd and un appealing.like a six inch N frame with round butt and small grips.