Dump the full barrel underlug.

[ISCS Yoda]

I can't be bothered with Model 29s, anyway, but these are all gorgeous!!!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Lots of things bother me!
Most of them not allowed on this forum.
But the Full Lugs I kind of like!
I would like to have a 17-617 Full Lug.
Let the dumping begin!
Got my Benjamin’s Cocked and Locked!

 

[mikeruns]

My opinion is that marketing and sales probably showed S&W that people liked the full underlug more over the model 19 style and similar shorter under lug revolvers to a point where they sold L frames like hot cakes since 1980 or so and sales determine production...that being said, I think the classic 19 can still be had but, I would bet full under lug revolvers still far out-sell them...I like/love them all and maybe would keep a 4" 586 or more practical 686 if I could own only one handgun...have a bunch of half lug and then two are 4" L frame .357s...2 others are 6", one being a 617 and one a 686 and, they are a bit nose hefty but I love them. Maybe the 4" model 15 or 18 is the best balance for me or the old model 17...or the 4" L frame ...probably....it's good to have many variables and personal choices-cheers!

 

[SmithNut]

Long live full underlugs....

Enough?? I have more....

 

[robvious]

something like this works...
686+ 5 inch half-lug...
it is worth it if you can find one.

 

[StrawHat]

I used a pair of Model 686s in competition, a 4” and a 6”. They kept me winning. I even carried the 4” on duty. For less than a month before I swithched back to the Model 19 or the Model 15 both 4”.

Today, my preference is the 4” tapered barrel N frame chambered for the 45 ACP. So yes, bring back the real barrels for those of us that can handle the revolver.

Kevin

 

[pantannojack]

I like the looks of a Citori 20ga; But not the vent rib bbl of a Python. Shotgun looks for shotguns / Revolver looks for revolvers.

 

[Baxter6551]

I’m late to L frames and currently have just one a 2.5 inch 686-4
But I’m hoping to change that soon - most ideally with a 581 or 586 4”. But I saw a 586 no dash no M 6” recently that is really tugging at me …..

 

[Rodfac]

I don't mind the looks of the full lug on a barrel 5" or less, but do object to the weight increase on the gun belt. I much prefer the balance & feel of my M-67, 66, and a pair of 19's (all 4 inchers), to my 4" 686 and 5" 629...I gotta admit, when on the range those heavy full lugs sure do soak up the recoil of hot loads...

Given the above armory, my favorite for day-long carry is the M-67 .38 Spl. with its pencil barrel. It's only two ounces less than my M-66 but the difference is noticeable & for most handgun chores, it has enough punch. I carry it with my rendition of the old "FBI" or "Treasury" load...a good LSWC, preferably hollow pointed, at 900 fps. A border line +P load as I assemble it. YMMv Rod

 

[studenygreg]

I like full under lug.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[CALREB]

I never cared for the full lugged guns, but its all I can ever find to buy.. and a little one... not sure if the last 2 count as lugged or barrel profile.

 

[Engine49guy]

Truth be told variety is the spice of life,
On the one hand my 686-5 Mountain gun is my favorite L frame but my 14-6 full underlug is my favorite K38.
Wish SW would rotate styles and barrel lengths as well as produce "classics" with an option to delete the IL.
The 617 MG was kinda neat but with the IL hole nope no thanks, if I ever see a barrel for sale that suckers going on one of my 617 no dash's.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Maybe a reintroduction of the Models 619 and 620. Best of both worlds. No full underlug and 7-shot on the L-frame. The 619 had fixed sights and no underlug, like a Model 65. The 620 was the L-frame version of the Model 66.

 

[steelslaver]

The main purpose of a hand gun is to have a smaller lighter easier to handle package to fire bullets. While I understand about needing a certain amount of mass and balance to help accuracy and manage recoil. The advent of the full lug and non fluted cylinders goes against this. The main reason they appeared is some smart guy said if we can convince them this looks good, we can save money on machining cost and increase the price for doing it.

 

[brucev]

For some reason, over the last two years a number of nice guns have come into my hands. One was a gorgeous 1898 Krag infantry rifle curtesy of our fellow forum members. There was a like new Old Model Ruger .357 Single-Action. There was a pretty little Walther PPK/S. And ... there was a Ruger Standard Auto and a Mk. II. But, without doubt, the very best of the whole lot is the four inch 586-2 that I blundered across in a local pawn shop. As sure as I'm about to head out the door to the church, that revolver is simply elegance and beauty combined with the strength and balance to allow me to get all the happy one can get out of the S&W .357 Magnum cartridge. I have some very nice N-frames, both four and six inch. They are the first centerfire revolvers I ever bought and are a joy to my heart. I look at them and my eyes dance. i have shot them a lot. However, I have always been thankful for having bought a NIB six inch 686-1 from yet another one of our forum members, and I am positively thrilled to now own that new to me little four inch 586-1. Both are carried in nice Bianchi holsters. They just suit me down to the ground. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Just think how many EXTRA Smiths could have been made with all that extra steel wasted under those barrels.

 

[SweetMK]

Truth be told variety is the spice of life,

The 617 MG was kinda neat but with the IL hole nope no thanks, if I ever see a barrel for sale that suckers going on one of my 617 no dash's.

With a total of 37 of the Mountain Gun 617's ever being sold,,
what is the chance of finding a barrel takeoff??

(Probably about the same as finding a shot-out 617MG,,)

I just gotta tease you,, a little,, LOL!!

 

[Engine49guy]

It definitely wets my appetite when displayed with the hole side down (SOP for even the factory to hide that feature).

SW sometimes produces excess barrels that end up as parts on Brownells etc.
I remember when they dumped those 617 MG's for about $650 IIRC, My finger hovered over the buy now button as I visioned swapping the barrel onto my 617 nd but typically now on a factory barrel swap they cut the barrel to save the frame and I would rather sacrifice the frame to save the barrel.
In the end probably cheaper smarter to just have a gunsmith reshape my 617 barrel.

Btw have a buddy that has a 617 that a gunsmith installed a Model 66 barrel with a 22 insert, pretty neat.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

And like that.......They were gone before I knew about them!

 

[80sgyrene]

I hate full underlugs. The only one I own is a Colt Cobra 3”.
My 681 and 581 both got surgery.