Some people are crazy over 3" barrels....

[HAWKEYE10]

There is an auction on GB for a model 66-2 with a 3" barrel. The bid is up to $719 with 14 bidders. The gun is a nice gun but has no box or papers. I just can't see that much hype over 1/2 inch. The 2 1/2 gun looks as good to me as the 3" gun. I know that the 3" barrel is more rare but still can't see paying such a high price. What do you all have to say about this? Don

 

[nhdude]

My guess is that it's a collectors' thing... rarity increases value. Functionally I suspect there's little difference.

 

[GKC]

Personally, I think it's just the right length...2" or 2.5" seems too short, and 4" seems to long, for a home defense or car gun. Just my own preference, though...I'm no expert and this is not a scientific opinion, based on ballistics or anything like that...just a "plain old like it" kind of thing. Plus it is an unusual configuration.

I bought a NIB Model 24 Lew Horton .44 special yesterday, #167 of 250 made, nickle finish, that I just happened on in a little gun shop. It was made in 2006, according to the test fired shell envelope, and I called the Lew Horton company to verify it. I paid $725 for it, and was happy to get it.

The only down side is finding a good holster to fit...I've found a couple of places online that make them "custom" but there isn't much in the "ready to wear" category for the 3 inchers.

 

[Bert Man]

I think the reason you see so few 66 3" is that they were not produced in large numbers to begin with. The 3" k-frame round butt version of the 10,13,64,65,66 in general are valued by many for the nicely balanced feel in the hand. Besides the nice balance they generally produce only slightly less velocity than the 4" models but considerably more than the 2". They are also more concealable and lighter in weight than the 4" revolvers. Scarcity, desirability, and demand = highrer prices.

 

[murphydog]

The 3" K frame is the shortest barrel that has a full-length ejector rod, but aside from this I agree that it is a collector/rarity thing. It may be the same with 3.5" N frame prices, some people just like the way they look too...

 

[Lomax Anderson]

yep...that is why I don't have one ...but I do love my 65-3 3"...especialy for 275...

 

[Scheebs]

I have a M-19 and a M-60 with 3" barrels. I absolutely love the looks of the 3" and am always on the hunt for more examples.
But $700+? Not today, and probably not tomorrow

 

[TNDave]

The 3 inchers have always had a big following. There is something about them that makes them seem so much smaller than a 4" and shoot better than a 2". It is just one of those things.
The gun you are talking about on GB has had a ball detent installed and is missing the factory detent at the end of the ejector rod so I wouldn't want to give as much for that one.

 

[Broker50]

To each his own, I suppose. I find the 3" K frames to be neither "fish nor fowl". don't care for them at all. If I can carry a 3", I can carry a 4" just as easily, yet the 3" just seems more unweildy than the 2 1/2" barreled gun.
My opinion only of course. Another thing I don't understand is so many peoples affection for auto pistol cartridges chambered in revolvers. Again my two cents worth.

Darrel

 

[SmithNut]

There is an auction on GB for a model 66-2 with a 3" barrel. The bid is up to $719 with 14 bidders.

I don't get it either. Something must be wrong with that gun. You, know - selling for such a low number and all.......

 

[Jack Flash]

The 3 inchers have always had a big following. There is something about them that makes them seem so much smaller than a 4" and shoot better than a 2". It is just one of those things.
...

I agree. A three inch M10 just seems so much smaller and handier than the four inch version. It goes way beyond reducing barrel length by an inch. You would think it is a different model. But this only works for the fixed-sighted M10, M13, and their stainless counterparts. When you add adjustable sights and a shroud for the ejector rod, you ruin the whole effect.

To me, a three inch barrel is perfect on a K-Frame w/ fixed sights.

 

[M16]

Personally, I think it's just the right length...2" or 2.5" seems too short, and 4" seems to long, for a home defense or car gun. Just my own preference, though...I'm no expert and this is not a scientific opinion, based on ballistics or anything like that...just a "plain old like it" kind of thing. Plus it is an unusual configuration.

I bought a NIB Model 24 Lew Horton .44 special yesterday, #167 of 250 made, nickle finish, that I just happened on in a little gun shop. It was made in 2006, according to the test fired shell envelope, and I called the Lew Horton company to verify it. I paid $725 for it, and was happy to get it.

The only down side is finding a good holster to fit...I've found a couple of places online that make them "custom" but there isn't much in the "ready to wear" category for the 3 inchers.

I never knew they made a 3 inch nickel model 24. I though it was only made in blue and stainless. DeSantis makes a factory three inch holster for your gun.

 

[Glock 'em down]

I like to LOOK at three inch M&P revolvers, but as for totin' one, I'd just as soon carry a good ol' J frame.

And for the record, I've owned both a model 13 as well as a model 65 with a three inch snout.

Sold 'em both.

 

[GKC]

I never knew they made a 3 inch nickel model 24. I though it was only made in blue and stainless. DeSantis makes a factory three inch holster for your gun.

Thanks!

The M 24 nickle 3" is on the S&W website, as a Lew Horton exclusive. I looked it up after I bought it...I wasn't looking for one, just happened on it. It was a good day...

Model 24

 

[stiab]

This 3" thread needs pictures...!!!...

 

[akviper]

I guess I like the three inch K frames as I have six of them. When I carry a revolver it's either a three inch Model 65 or 66. I like the full length ejector rod and the balance of the gun seems perfect for me. Sorry for the old photo but it's the only one I have of my mid-sized revolvers. Clockwise from the top: Colt Diamondback 38, Model 547, Model 64-3, Model 66-3, Model 66, Model 66-3, Model 65-3, and a Model 13-2.

 

[Mack]

The 3" K frame is the shortest barrel that has a full-length ejector rod, QUOTE]

I believe a lot of people tend to undervalue this feature for a serious fighting revolver. I don't.

m.

 

[TNDave]

Did someone say pics?

Model 64

Model 60 and 65

Model 36

Model 10

Model 66

Model 60