If You Could Have any 3 Inch Revolver…What Would You Choose?

[CarNDrvr]

I have owned many 3" S&W models over the years, but my hands down favorite is my 29-4 3" unfluted 44 magnum with target trigger and target hammer...Roger

I just happen to have one.

 

[shawn mccarver]

S&W Model 10 or 64, 3-inch round butt

 

[SW357Addict]

1. 625 3" (Model of 1989, .45 ACP)
2. 24-3 3" (Lew Horton, .44 Special)
3. Colt Python 3" (2020, .38/.357)

 

[much ado]

If allowed to suggest I would go for a Colt Diamondback, I guess in the now standard stainless, in 22LR ( would spend my bucks) and 38 Special.

 

[H Richard]

One of the "original" 38 Special 60-4's.

 

[stu1ritter]

I ended up building what I wanted in a 3" L frame starting with a 6" 686-3 that needed a cylinder replaced. I had it cut to 3" (Weigand base sight installed which takes interchangeable sight blades) and then sent it to S&W to have the cylinder replaced with a 7 shot non fluted version. S&W reset the barrel/cylinder gap, the headspace and tuned it a wee bit. Lots of internal polishing and spring weight setting along with a target hammer and round butting the square butt gun yielded exactly what I was looking for. I just love shooting it.

Stu

 

[Photog]

Well, if I can fudge a bit, it would be a 3.5" M27. And second choice, but not by very much, and please, please don't hurt me, would be a 3" fixed sight Ruger GP100. I have one and it is easy as a K frame to carry, built like a tank, and I think Ruger has one of the best customer service departments in the firearms field. Also, since I will only own pinned and recessed Smiths, and those are getting tougher to find and a lot more costly if you find one, and parts are sometimes hard to come by. The only thing I don't like about the Ruger is rubber grips and it is stainless. I will only own a stainless gun if that gun is not made in blued steel.

 

[pawngal]

Want would be the Kimber K6s or S&W M66
Have S&W 65LS, Ruger SP100 in 327 Fed MAG, and Colt Python

 

[NOTREDAME]

If I could pick one it would be a 3” 547 due to 9mm availability,
Otherwise it would be my 686-4.
3rd choice would be my custom built 10mm

 

[reccpd101]

I have a Model 10 3 inch with 2 cylinders, a 38 and a custom 9mm using moon clips. They both shoot well. I also carry a Model 36 3' no dash nickel and a 642 3 inch alternately.

 

[scruffy]

I have it. A 686-6 3-5-7 series with 3" barrel. Everything about it is simply perfect for me.

 

[Telecaster]

Though I love all the 3” revolvers I’ve owned, even the ones I’ve sold, if my remaining ones got lost in a boating accident I might try a 3” King Cobra.

 

[K Harris]

Hey reccpd101! Tell us a little more about the 9mm conversion cylinder on that 3" Model 10.

 

[329]

Mine would be the 3" 19 carry comp...which I own. I am very pleasantly surprised with how well the big porting tames full power magnum loads. The trigger, (while not a custom tuned trigger) is very smooth and just right for a carry type gun.

 

[Kingspoke]

S&W 629-3 Carry Comp - 3" fixed sight 44 Mag Power Ported

Well, I traded my pristine 29 "no dash" for an ideally engraved (my style, minimum scratch) 629-3 CC grail gun. Then I just happen to see the consecutive numbered (#249 & #250) unscratched variety on an auction site & naturally had to buy it! Them me thinks, neither one has the box n papers, so I buy #3 as my "collector"!

Hands down the engraved CC is my favorite 3"! Looks great, feels great, & shoots great!

 

[desmobob]

So far, the 3" revolver I DID choose is a 317-3 Kit Gun. Love it. I have to admit, the other 3" revolver I've always wanted is a classic Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I am good with the two model 29s.....

That I already have.

 

[CALREB]

Mine would be the 19-7 LH special. Cant remember right when they were made around 94-96. Only 55 or so made. The first carry comp I believe. It is magnaported not a comp. I would prefer neither. Smith had some barrels left after the run and I have seen them on other 19s. I called the P/C but alas the last barrel was gone.

Last one I saw for sale went for 2500 or 2600. More than I was willing to spend.
Still I have some 6" model 14-6 barrels and a couple of 2.5 inch 19s, one is even a 19-7, so I might have one worked up. If you take the 6" 14-6 barrel and cut it back 3 inches from the front, after threading it leaves you a nice clean 3" barrel with no printing and the original front sight. I just found a local gunsmith that is up to the task, so might still see about getting it done. Until then here is a photo or two taken from the net. I believe one belongs to a moderator here.

 

[jcs266]

I have it. A 686-6 3-5-7 series with 3" barrel. Everything about it is simply perfect for me.

I like those Pachmyers! Which "model" grip is that?

I have the same 3" 686 and it's by FAR my favorite handgun and gets 90% of the carry time anymore. It's perfection IMHO.

 

[Joe in Fl]

I would love to have a 696, I already have 686+ and a 60-4. First 3" was a 1970's Colt Cobra, it was traded years ago for 2 Colt SAA, one 45 Colt, the other 32-20. yep, you guesssed it, they're gone now too! LOL