A question for all 3" barrel fans...

[MERV5-5505]

Hello All-

It seems safe to say that three inch barrel S&W revolvers, in all their forms, J, K, L & N frames, have a solid & loyal fan base. You might even call it a bit of a "cult" following.
I do not need to be convinced of the benefits & esthetic qualities of 3" S&W wheel guns, as I love them myself. But, I have always had one question regarding them: Why are three inch barrel variants usually special order, special factory run, Performance Center productions or just plain, more uncommon than their 2", 2 ½" & 4" barreled brothers?
It seems to me, that if you are in possession of the raw materials, skilled personnel & machines that make them, that an ever popular variant need not be made rare. It costs probably just as much to make a 3" barrel as say, a good old 4 incher.
Any enlightenment you can provide would be very much appreciated. Also, please feel free to post pictures of your beautiful 3" Smiths, (I never tire of looking at, what I consider the perfect balance in an S&W revolver…just my humble opinion.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

The individuals on this forum do not represent the buying public. I suspect that the buying public wants the common lengths of barrel. The enthusiasts like on this forum have their own special likes.

 

[cobra44]

What Steve said above about the standard gun buyer wanting the standard barrel lengths is right on the money.
I believe that many buyers are not even aware that S&W makes a 3 inch model.
I also agree with you that the 3 inch version is probably the best length of all the barrel choices.

 

[SDH]

I also agree with you that the 3 inch version is probably the best length of all the barrel choices.

Except for the 5"!

 

[DRYHEAT]

Since they are relatively rare and in some cases more expensive than 4" or other standard lengths, a whole lot of potential buyers have no hands-on with 3" S&Ws.

 

[MAG-NUM]

Does the 3 and a half inch model 27-2 qualify? Here is a pic of mine.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Good point… I think 3.5" is special enough.

 

[deanodog]

I never could take a shine to the three inch barrels. I have traded to some but I didn't think they concealed as well as a
2" and I liked to shoot the 4 and 6" ones better. I liked the 2 1/2 barrels. I guess I fall into the group that made the standard lengths more popular.

 

[NZshooter]

Isn't the issue a case of the 3" being the shortest, most concealable length barrel that still has a full-legth ejector rod for complete, positive ejection on tactical / quick reloads? If that's the case I'd think the 3" would be VERY popular, so much so it would be a regular production length and they'd be everywhere.

 

[357larry]

I have both a 4 inch and a 3 inch model 66. The 3 inch is a -4 and came from the factory DAO with a bobbed hammer. It is my favorite of the two although it was difficult to find holsters for. I have been extremely lucky in that I located a Gould & Goodrich pancake style holster made for it. I prefer horizontal shoulder holsters for concealed carry and was able to locate a DeSantis made for it. Bought both of them cheap.

I have always had a preference for oddball barrel lengths. Always liked the 3 1/2 inch and 5 inch model 27's. Took in a mint 27 with a 6 inch barrel a while back. Just was not attracted to it like the others so I traded it off pretty quick.

 

[H Richard]

I kind of like 3" S&W's.

 

[gr7070]

Isn't the issue a case of the 3" being the shortest, most concealable length barrel that still has a full-legth ejector rod for complete, positive ejection on tactical / quick reloads? If that's the case I'd think the 3" would be VERY popular, so much so it would be a regular production length and they'd be everywhere.

I've always had the perception that the *extreme* percentage of gun owners do not carry. And I get the feeling that a lot of them don't even shoot all that much. So I don't think that the 3" would be very popular for the reason stated above. There just aren't enough people who would appreciate a 3" for the tactical application.

Those of us who do shoot frequently enough (even tactical shooting), but do not carry, prefer a little more length for the better handling, ime.

There's just not a great market for 3" guns. As far as I can think of.

 

[smith revolver cop]

Good point… I think 3.5" is special enough.

I love my 3" Model 65!

Driheat: Please tell us some more about that BEAUTIFUL Uzi!

 

[DemiAsianMan]

I really wish I had me a 3" smith. My dream carry gun is a model 65ls 3". I have a Dan Wesson Valor Bobtail and I would liken a 65ls to the revolver equivalent. If the 65ls wasn't so rare and expensive I would have snatched one up a while ago.

It and a bobtail commander are the perfect comprimize for carry guns.

 

[rollin_hot]

3" ers

My "Cult" leader will not allow me to answer your question, but he did say I could post a pic...

 

[2K7]

One of my 3 inchers....

 

[colt_saa]

Isn't the issue a case of the 3" being the shortest, most concealable length barrel that still has a full-legth ejector rod for complete, positive ejection on tactical / quick reloads?

No that is not correct.

2 5/8" is the shortest barrel length that can be fitted with a full length ejector. Here are a few examples of 2 5/8" N-frame snubbies.

 

[Maromero]

Since they are relatively rare and in some cases more expensive than 4" or other standard lengths, a whole lot of potential buyers have no hands-on with 3" S&Ws.

Just gorgeous piece. This thread is bad news to my mental state. Too many nice revolvers. Beautifull pics everyone. Now I want a 3" k frame .38 with the round butt.

 

[manny25]

625-3 3 inch

 

[DRYHEAT]

Driheat: Please tell us some more about that BEAUTIFUL Uzi!

Vector HR4332 Mini UZI SMG registered in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .22 lr. Finish is Robar NP-3 (teflon/nickel), Israeli FAB Defense tri-rail, VFG, Israeli bungee single point sling, and a Barrelxchange heavy bolt (tungsten inserts) to slow 9mm ROF from 1000+ to 780 rpm.