K Frame Centennial?

[roninsan]

Having finally gotten a model 40 last week, one of my grail guns, I couldn't help but wonder why S&W never offered this style in a K frame?? I can seriously imagine say, a 3" 65 style...

 

[ken158]

The reason why companies DO NOT offer something is likely because research predicted slow sales / no interest from consumers. It is costly to tool up for a new product.

 

[demkofour]

Close, but no cigar, we’re the two L Frame Centennials, the 242Ti and the 296Ti, but neither caught fire, as production was very short lived…

Maybe, just maybe, a K Frame Centennial would hit the mark!

 

[roninsan]

I've always thought the 296 was a very interesting piece, and I know gun makers are usually market driven, (Keltec being a distinct difference) I thought the reason the 296 didn't do well is because of the .44 spc chambering. I am a fan of the old special, but I'm sure many thought it was too much for a carry piece. I would love a Centennial version in 357, even with a shorter 2.5" barrel for concealed carry. They came close, but as said, no cigar. Sad.

 

[roninsan]

I've always thought the 296 was a very interesting piece, and I know gun makers are usually market driven, (Keltec being a distinct difference) I thought the reason the 296 didn't do well is because of the .44 spc chambering. I am a fan of the old special, but I'm sure many thought it was too much for a carry piece. I would love a Centennial version in 357, even with a shorter 2.5" barrel for concealed carry. The Centenial Pro not withstanding, as a J frame 357 is a handful. They came close, but as said, no cigar. Sad.

 

[prescobd]

Probably why Pachmayr came out with their Lightning Grips for J and K frame round butts. Correction, Bianchi, not Pachmayr, made the Lightning Grips.

 

[JWintergreen]

If it is going to be a .357, it might as well be an L frame. Only around one ounce of weight difference (or less) between a .357 K frame and .357 L frame with the same barrel profile (66-8 vs 620). Also you can have the option of a seven round cylinder, and you do not have to delete the gas ring (i.e. 66-8).

S&W even briefly offered a alloy frame centennial L frame in .38 Special with a seven round cylinder. It was poorly marketed and sadly did not last. I believe it was the Model 242. Honestly, K frame Magnums make zero sense now when you could just offer a lighter barrel L frame.

 

[ddixie884]

Make mine a Centennial version of the M-65 Lady Smith............

I'd even take it with a 2 pc barrel and a lock............

 

[roninsan]

It just makes total sense, if you're going to carry a K frame, why not have it as concealed carry friendly as possible? My little 40 comes out of a pocket holster real slick. Maybe you wouldn't carry a K in your pocket, but I've had the hammer snag on clothing during the draw. It was at the range so no harm no foul, but on the street? I agree, a 65 3" in a true concealed hammer frame? I'm in...