Are odd-numbered barrel lengths more desirable than even?

[aimedfire]

3", 5" S&W revolvers - do you want them over 4", 6"?

For instance, would a 5" model 27-2 fetch more than a 4", condition being equal.

 

[rct269]

I'll suggest it depends on the intended use of the revolver. A longer sight radius is desirable for longer shots. A shorter barrel works fine across the table.

Now we must consider the respective contexts----"desirable", and "fetch more". The answer to that one goes along the line of "Different strokes for different folks."----condition being equal.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[lihpster]

Many factors can come into play. A 3" .357 Mag has a full length ejector rod. For short barrel fans, that could be important. I have heard members say, me included, that the 5" N frame is the best porprotioned N. Outside of buyers preference, condition being equal, rarity comes into play. Did they make more 5" or more 4"? Then there's things like what I call the Dirty Harry effect. A certain gun gets tied to a certain famous character or person and demand, and therefore price goes up.
Short answer? Sometimes, sometimes not.

 

[Hair Trigger]

3-1/2" and 5" barreled revolvers are usually older than most 4" and 6" guns, and if the conditions are equal, they go for more. Used to be you could order any length in 1/2" increments, but up to 1979, the 3-1/2" and 5" were the standard catalogued lengths, and after that, 4" and 6" were the catalogued standards.

In the case of the M29, the 6-1/2" barrel (D/C'd in 1979) brings a premium over the 6" barrel, although the 6" barrel is more rare.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I prefer 5" barrels

While less common they still have been produced in later years.

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Five inch barrels
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[A10]

Short answer is yes. For me, the 5 inch barrel on an Nframe is a perfect revolver. Better (to me anyway) to carry, good sight radius, and the darn things just look better!

 

[MajorD]

The general rules are that some of those odd barrel lengths like 3&5 were produced in far fewer numbers than the 4&6 for example, especially when we go back to the old classics.
Another general rule is the shorter the barrel the higher the value

 

[murphydog]

3" J and K frames aren't much bigger or heavier than a 2" but are easier to shoot, plus the extra extractor rod length is a plus.

5" K and N frames are visually well balanced; the barrel and frame lengths are close and we humans like symmetry.

7" L frames are not so popular.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

It depends on the revolver.

A K-38 Masterpiece (Model 14) looks right with a six inch barrel. While a Combat Magnum (Model 19) should be a four inch preferably with RR/WO and 3 Ts.

A Registered Magnum (Model 27) looks great with a 3 1/2 inch barrel because its .357. N frames in .44 or .45 calibers should be six inch (or 6 1/2") lengths.

L frames the Distinguished Combat Magnum (Model 686) should be stainless steel with adjustable sights and RR/WO. Both four and six inches are acceptable.

J frames in .38 should be two inch and .22s or .32s look good with three or four inch barrels.

 

[chief38]

In general I'd answer yes. This is mainly because most of the odd length barrels are from being requested by customers or professionals. While I'd agree that the long ones like 7-10" barrels are imho less desirable the 3", 5" barrels usually do bring a premium.

 

[Sistema1927]

The number you are looking for is..........
















.......3.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

I like em short or long.

But there is something about the looks of a 3" bbl fighting revolver.

 

[pantannojack]

I would gladly exchange a 2.5" m66 RB for a 3" similar; A 4" or 6" 29 for a 5". But I am happy with 4" tapered m10, a 4" m19, 4" 586.

 

[rwsmith]

3" barrels.....

3" barrels seem to be an optimum compromise between length and velocity. They gain a lot more than a two inch and almost as much as a 4". I wish I had a 3" barreled gun.

 

[Brian Parrish]

I have observed that my cs40 with a 3.2" barrel is as precise and accurate as my other guns with longer barrels at every range. This has been attributed to "barrel harmonics". Can anyone comment on barrel harmonics for handguns in self defense calibers? I understand completely about small caliber rifles, but handguns?

 

[Travis Montana]

For me I favor between 3" to 5" for target shooting. For carrying while hunting a 4" but that is me and not all. As for barrel length value I agree with those above on model #, how many were made with that barrel length, maybe if Lou Horton's name is on it and the wild card - I need that particular one to fill out my collection - My Dad had one and I want to get one back in the family - So and so used that model with that barrel length in that movie - All could affect the hammer price but not necessarily the value.

 

[Autonomous]

My 2¢. Most modern S&W revolvers look best with a 5" barrel.

 

[Retired W4]

My 2¢. Most modern S&W revolvers look best with a 5" barrel.

My key board doesn't have a "cent" key. I'm jealous. All I got is a lousy $.

5' N frames for me. 4" K frames.

 

[Autonomous]

Press and hold the Alt key and then type 0162 on the numeric keypad. This is the Alt code for the cent symbol.

Or google keyboard cents symbol.

Alt + 0167 for °

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I like em short or long.

But there is something about the looks of a 3" bbl fighting revolver.

I think the Earp Brothers picked 7 1/2 inch for a fighting revolver.