Musings on barrel lengths

[Garrett-J]

I have to wonder sometimes about S&W's choices in "standard" barrel lengths.

I can see a meaningful difference going from a 3" to 4" for example. But why do they have both 6" and 6.5" barrels? You are not going to get any significant increase in bullet velocity there. You would likely see more effect from a tight vs. a wide cylinder gap.

I only ask as I have a couple of 6.5" barreled revolvers and I see many more holster options for a 6" gun. Some of these "may" work with the 6.5" barrel, but maybe not.

Just thinking out loud.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Because collectors have to have both 6 and 6.5…
And 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 8 3:8…
Whoever left out the 7-7.5” design missed out of a lot of business opportunity.

 

[Garrett-J]

Whoever left out the 7-7.5” design missed out of a lot of business opportunity.

I have a 7.5" M29-2.

But yeah, I haven't seen a 7" barrel.

 

[murphydog]

Historically, 6.5" was a standard K and N frame barrel length. The factory went away from it to 6" during the 1970s and '80s. Probably just a change in standardization for production processes.

And S & W currently offers a 7" model 686. Holster selection is limited.

A 7.5" barrel model 29 (muzzle to cylinder face) would have had a cut barrel from 8.375".

 

[reddog81]

It does seem kind of odd but it is nice to have options. FWIW it looks like the model 29 is the only model with both 6" and 6.5" barrel lengths.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Actually a K-frame 3" heavy points really, really well compared to the 4" pencil or 4" heavy. They have a completely different feel.

 

[murphydog]

It does seem kind of odd but it is nice to have options. FWIW it looks like the model 29 is the only model with both 6" and 6.5" barrel lengths.

Model 25s and 27s had both 6.5" and 6" barrels, the latter at the same time in production. Probably built as "use up the old parts" guns.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Model 25s and 27s had both 6.5" and 6" barrels, the latter at the same time in production. Probably built as "use up the old parts" guns.

I have a 25-2 in 6.5. Is there a 25-5 in 6.5?
I have never seen one. I mean a P and R

 

[murphydog]

I have a 25-2 in 6.5. Is there a 25-5 in 6.5?
I have never seen one. I mean a P and R

The 25-2 started in 1961 and had a 6.5" barrel until 1979, as did the pre-model 25 and model 25. So that length carried over from the older versions.

The 25-5, since it was not introduced in the 6.5" barrel era (1978), came in 4, 6 and 8 3/8", like the .41 Magnum in 1964.

 

[hdfinder47]

I like variety.

 

[colt_saa]

Because collectors have to have both 6 and 6.5…
And 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 8 3:8…
Whoever left out the 7-7.5” design missed out of a lot of business opportunity.

I have owned a 7 1/2" model 657 That was manufactured just two decades ago

Mine is a superbly accurate revolver

 

[pasound]

My 1947 K-22 and 1948 K-38, plus my 1913 38 Hand Ejector all have 6" barrels. My 1923 44 Hand Ejector has a 6 3/8" barrel. I just pulled it from storage to double-check my inventory notes. It lettered as a 6 1/2".

I realize this is the post 1980 thread, just thought I'd note that Smith made some odd lengths, just not on a regular basis.

 

[PHS327]

I had a model 69 with a 4.25 inch barrel and really wanted one with a 3 inch barrel. They came out with one with a 2.75 inch barrel. "Too bad it wasn't a 3 inch." I said.

Then I realized how stupid I sounded, quibbling over a 1/4 inch, and bought one. Now it's my favorite revolver.

 

[bobsguns]

It does seem kind of odd but it is nice to have options. FWIW it looks like the model 29 is the only model with both 6" and 6.5" barrel lengths.

My 29 Classic is a 6-1/2". Don't know why..........

 

[stansdds]

The 8 3/8" barrel length started with the K-frame target revolvers. NRA Bullseye competition rules have a limit on sight radius, S&W found that the K-frame with an 8 3/8" barrel put the sight radius right at the NRA's limit. Thus was born the 8 3/8" barrel for the K-frame Target Masterpiece line of revolvers. Although the N-frame was longer than the K-frame, the 8 3/8" barrel length option was retained, I guess out of the tradition of the K-frame.

 

[jimmyj]

It does seem kind of odd but it is nice to have options. FWIW it looks like the model 29 is the only model with both 6" and 6.5" barrel lengths.

I have two Model 25-2. one is 6" and one is 6.5"

 

[22hipower]

A 7.5 inch pre-14 sold at the RIA auction Friday. No letter but someone thought it was legit, the price was $2233.

Smith & Wesson K-38 Target Masterpiece Pre-Model 14 Revolver | Rock Island Auction

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[gfors]

Maybe the move from 6.5" to 6" was to lower production costs. Less metal, same price. Think of how much money they saved by eliminating a side plate screw and a cylinder stop screw, on the front of the trigger guard.

 

[Retired W4]

In ancient days one could order a Registered Magnum with any barrel length from 3 1/2" to 8 3/4" in 1/4" increments. 23 different barrel lengths all together. Oh, how I long for the good old days, except for the fact that the Great Depression was going on. Who could afford the...what, $48 for one?

 

[PatriotX]

I see no mention of the 5 1/2 inch barrel length.

The only stainless N-frame with finely checkered topstrap and rib.

The 627-0