Barrel lengths

[Canuck44]

IDPA allows revolver barrels out to 4.2". Our stupid gun laws prohibit handguns with barrel lengths of less than 105mm over 4". I believe California has a similar law, not sure. Ruger has recently introduced a revolver with a 4.2" barrel that meets IDPA specs and our laws. Given S&W long history in Canada and their desire to meet competitors requirements I wish they would make their .38spl and .45acp models with the 4.2" barrel.

From what I can see they are losing market share up here to Ruger and missing out on the IDPA revolver market in areas with barrel restrictions. It just can't be that big a deal to add .2" to the barrel of the gun.

Take Care

Bob

 

[tekarra]

Good point Bob. I hope S&W reads this forum. It used to be that you could affix (weld or silver solder) a flash suppressor to a rifle to meet the barrel length requirement; can this be done to a revolver? It would be easy to machine a piece of stock and attach it to a barrel with a very small weld bead. Keeping the heat input low should have little or no effect on the barrel and it would be easy to touch up for aesthetics.