5" N-frames (lots of pictures)

[Dave T]

I have said any number of times on this forum that the 5" barrel on a S&W N-frame is the best looking and best balanced of any length. Quite a few people seem to agree. Got to looking in the safe and was surprised at how many I have gotten ahold of. Not all are factory 5 inchers and none are the pristine collectables often pictured here, but I like every one and find myself looking for more.

Starting with the oldest, my re-blued 1st Model 44 HE shipped in April of 1914:

Next is a very much abused but still shootable 2nd Model 44 HE from August 1922. It was cut down to 5" by some previous owner:

Still before WWII is this 38/44 HD that left Springfield in July of 1937. Since the picture was taken it finally got a pair of the correct pre-War Magnas:

First 5" (OK, actually 5-1/2") after the war for me is this civilian 1917 shipped in February of 1953. I believe it more properly would be a Model of 1950 45 Military:

This 357 Magnum is the gun that started my affinity for the 5" barrels. It shipped in November of 1953:

This shooter grade 45 Cal Model of 1955 was a 6.5" but I couldn't resist and turned it into a 5". It left Springfield in February of 1956:

The last two 5" N-frames are more modern guns. A cut down Model 24-3 from 1983 and a 625-2 Model of 1988.

Like I said, I keep looking for more 5" N-frames and a recent post about a 5" pre-Model 15 has got me thinking about K-frames. (LOL)

Dave

 

[GF]

I really like the '53 357, all are fine working guns.

I have one that's a little newer than yours and it's a shooter too.

27-2

The 5 inch is about the best balance in a revolver and the best lookin' too.

GF

 

[Muley Gil]

I'm mighty fond of those 5" N frames also. I have a Triple Lock, a 2nd model, two 3rd models, and a converted M27-all in .44 Special. I have a 5" .32-20 M&P and a 5" Colt Official Police .32-20 too.

 

[BlackAgnes]

Here's one 5" which is seldom seen--a Model 26-1 in .45 Colt, shod with a gorgeous pair of Keith's Ropers...

Tim

 

[Dave T]

Tim, that one is rare and beautiful! Every time I see a real factory 5" I just drool. (smile)

Dave

 

[feralmerril]

Well, you can use the same holster! I have a 29-2, 544, 27-2 and a HD converted to 44special with a 5" barrel from a 21.

 

[bmg60]

N frame 5 inch models

Hi
well how about a very rare 1955 5 screw with a factory 5 inch barrel.
the letter says 9 in the shipment with a note from the factory manager
no charge to cut the barrel to 5 inch. Shipped to Rex firearms.

Number 2 a pre war heavy duty in 45 colt one of 12 made for the imperial county sherriff dept in cal.

Jim

 

[Qball]

Man if i had known that they were that popular,
i wouldn't have sold mine.
Less than 50 round's through it.

It hurts when i think about it.

 

[Doc44]

Model 57 with a factory 5-inch barrel, made in S&W's tool room and shipped in 1968. One of possibly two made.

Bill

 

[fat tom]

One of my rarest.

A run-of-the-mill 4-screw.

f.t.

 

[Dave T]

Keep 'em coming guys, I enjoying the heck out of this! (smile)

Dave

 

[Art Doc]

Everyone knows the 5" is my favorite barrel length. I always wonder why S&W didn't generally offer this length on the 19, the 29 and 57. I have a couple. The 1950s are cut from 6.5". The one that has eluded me is a 5" HD.

My 5" N frames.

 

[cmj8591]

Here's my favorite 5" N. 38/44 HD shipped to the Concord NH Police Dept. December 1936.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

The 5" N frames have long been my favorites.

I only have pictures of these three at the moment-

A factory re-nickeled Triple Lock that letters as shipped in nickel and with the 5" barrel on October 1 1913. It now wears the correct grips like the ones it shipped with, but I don't have pictures of them yet either-

27-2 that shipped in March '68-

and a 25-7 from '89-

 

[Dave T]

SaxonPig,

I've seen your 1950 Target Models before but I don't remember seeing that pair of 1926 Models. Wow! One is nice but a pair of them is very kool! (smile)

Dave

 

[SDH]

Dave T, Please tell us about having barrels cut? Who does it for you, is it clean factory looking work, need re-blue, use original front sight???

Ever seen a Georga Comm.? 5", .45 Colt, lanyard, magnas from the factory, why didn't they make an extra couple for you and me???

Here's my oft posted .357 I feel genuinely privileged to own...

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Steven,
I know Jim Stroh, and especially Hamilton Bowen cut barrels down to 5", and the ones of Bowen's I've seen are extremely hard to tell from factory when done.

Bowen gives you a choice of a Weigand front sight, or one that looks factory original. If possible, he will re-install a factory front sight that came pinned to the rib.

Scroll part way down and you can see prices, and a picture of them-
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/SWoptions.htm

 

[1blindref]

There are some really nice 5 inchers here. I'm almost ashamed to post my two.

29-2
I had it lettered and unfortunately it started life with an 8 3/8" barrel. All in all it's still a nice shooter that I didn't pay real 5" M29 money for.

Model of 1988

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

1blindref-

I remember when you first posted that 29. To me it wouldn't matter if it was a cut down gun, and is in fact what I am going to do with one or two of my 29's. This way you can shoot it and not feel too concerned about it. It is a sweet gun IMO, but I would get the red insert installed. I simply prefer them for hunting.

Mine will definately be for hunting and shooting.

The stocks on it are very nice too! You just don't see many sets of GA diamond targets.

 

[jubela#4]

Here is a 5 inch 27-2. A real good shooter.