K Frame 3" barrel questions

[MattNH]

I have some questions on the existence of 3" barrel K frames. I am looking for a K frame, 6 shot with a 3" barrel. I know prices are regional, and to an extent so will availability, so I'm just looking to find out which models from below were even offered with 3" barrels. Thanks!

Model 10 (stainless 64) fixed sights, .38 Special - I believe the 64 was 4" barrel only. How rare (hard to find) are the 3" model 10's?

Model 15 (stainless 67) adjustable sights, .38 Special - were either of these offered with 3" barrels?

Model 13 (stainless 65) fixed sights, .357 Magnum - I believe these were 3" or 4" barrel only. Again, how hard is it to find a 3" version?

Model 19 (stainless 66) adjustable sights, .357 magnum - I know the 19 had some 3" versions and there were a very small amount of 66's with 3" barrels. If I ever came across a 3" version of a Model 19 I would jump all over it.

Matt

 

[Stu1205]

I can vouch for the 10s, 64s, and 65s.
I have them in 3".
Hard to find because nobody wants to part with one of them.

Stu

 

[Hapworth]

I can vouch for the 10s, 64s, and 65s.
I have them in 3".
Hard to find because nobody wants to part with one of them.

Stu

What Stu said, and to add:

- The three inch 10s were available in heavy and tapered profile barrels, the 64s only in heavy.

- No factory three inch 67s were offered to my knowledge (see edit below on 15s).

- Three inch 65s are generally heavy barrel with exposed extractor, and a Lady Smith version with a standard profile barrel and shrouded extractor.

- 19s and 66s do have three inch versions.

With the exception of the three inch Model 19 -- which is ridiculously rare -- all the rest can be found with a little hunting and not too much trouble, provided you're using online options; if you're waiting for one to show up at the LGS or pawn shop, could be quite a wait.


ETA: SmithNut notes in post #25 that an exceptionally few three inch Model 15s did leave the factory.

 

[Model39]

Model 65 3" Is The Best

The best 3" "K" frame revolver option for you to purchase would be the Model 65. The stainless finish, fixed sights, and ability to fire both 38 and 357 rounds, makes it an all around great choice. There are some usually available on various gun selling sites, including this forum. Pictured below is one I picked up NIB a while back.

 

[old bear]

Sadly, I only have one (1) 3" barreled K frame. Should have gotten smart before everyone else did.
The 3" model 19's are collectors country only. Read BIG $$$.
The 3" model 66's are around but are starting to get expensive, $1,000.00 +.
The 3 model 65's are around and can be had in the $650.00 - $750.00 price range. The Ladysmith option usually runs about $100.00 - $150.00 more than the standard M-65.
The 3" model 64's are also around but are getting close in price to the M-65's.

So all I can suggest is, if you really want a 3" K frame, get one as soon as you can, before they are priced out of the normal human market.

 

[Jack Flash]

Three inch M13s are also available. Whenever they show up in the Forum Classifieds, they sell immediately.

 

[BAM-BAM]

To add to Oldbear.........

If I'm remembering information from a number of threads correctly.........too lazy to check my notes..........

Common wisdom is;

There are approximately......5000 3 inch 66s ... -2s,-3s,-4s

There were less than 50/100 3 inch 19s made in the late 60s or early 70s IIRC.

Also some fixed sighted 19s were made for an overseas contract..... some overruns....and/or returns have made it back to the US

 

[Road Rat]

Dang, I shoulda been paying attention...I recently traded a Model 64 in 3" at a gun show.........didn't get nearly what you guys are saying they are worth!!

 

[old bear]

Also some fixed sighted 19s were made for an overseas contract..... some overruns....and/or returns have made it back to the US

Sir, I believe these were produced for the French national police, their FBI so to speak.

It Texas Star reads this, he has some very interesting information about these revolvers, and who requested these.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Model 13 in .38 spcl.

I have a 3" Model 13 in .38 Spcl. A small number were manufactured for the Thailand Police. The serial # is BUF5xxx The barrel is ported with two slots on each side. Does anyone know whether they ported them when manufactured? The finish is excellent with no holster wear or blemishes/scratches etc.

 

[Goblin]

If you see a 3" model 19 for less than $3,000, buy it before the seller corrects his mistake. The BBGV doesn't lie on this one, and may be a little optimistic.

 

[TAROMAN]

Even the Australian police learned early on how sweet a 3" K really is.
Then:

Now:

 

[k22fan]

TAROMAN,

Is it the model 10 that is sweet or the actress?

I was considering adding that only a few years ago Bud's sold Australian police trade in 3" 10s for $279 shipped and they likely are still the most affordable option. I would choose one over fixed sight stainless revolvers which are the other relatively affordable 3" Ks. Depending on the light reflections fixed stainless sights can be hard to see. With fixed sighted revolvers I do better with blued sights. If you want a magnum 13s have the same dark sights.

 

[ipetebro]

I latched onto a 3" mod 13 a few months back for $450

 

[TAROMAN]

TAROMAN,

Is it the model 10 that is sweet or the actress?

Yes, and yes!

 

[jcelect]

3" K frame guns

There were 4195 3" mod 66 made in 1985 for Ashland Shooters Supply. There have been a number of 3" mod 66s made since then. product code #102712, 102719,102715. and 3 1/4" guns #102720,149189,162720. Also, everyone is forgetting about the short lived model 547 3" RB!
jcelect SWCA#LM723

 

[chief38]

The best 3" "K" frame revolver option for you to purchase would be the Model 65. The stainless finish, fixed sights, and ability to fire both 38 and 357 rounds, makes it an all around great choice. There are some usually available on various gun selling sites, including this forum. Pictured below is one I picked up NIB a while back.

I totally agree and would NEVER give mine up!

 

[ColbyBruce]

Heads up OP

Some of the 3" HB, RB, K frames have pinned front sights. My 10-8 and 64-3 both do, making it possible to swap out the front sight if the shooter needs to.

 

[Ross3914]

Don't forget the 547. K-frame, 9mm. Most were 3" barrel, the rest 4".

 

[Grayfox]

Many years ago I stumbled across a 3" Model 13 at a gun show. I forget just what I paid for it, but I think it was around $300. At that time that was a high price for a used S&W. But I darn near broke my arm reaching for my money so fast.
Its my absolute favorite carry revolver and was my primary carry for several years. There's just something about a 3" K-frame that just makes ya love 'em.
They are out there. But be prepared to pay well for it. I also think they're worth every cent.