Tapered Barrel .357?

[Gearhead Jim]

Did S&W ever make a K-frame .357 Mag with a tapered barrel, like a Magnum version of a Model 10 tapered or 67 tapered?

I don't know of any, but it sure would be a nice gun to own .

 

[Gearhead Jim]

I'm beginning to think the answer is "No".

 

[SAFireman]

Model 686 Mountain gun is the only one that I know of. They are 686-5 and they come in the 7 shot version as well. They are out there, but they are pricey.

 

[scooter123]

The 686 Mountaint gun had a Heavy Semi Lugged STRAIGHT barrel and was an L frame not a K frame. I do not know of any K frame 357 Magnums that featured a true Tapered barrel.

 

[k22fan]

You're part right Scooter. Although they have an ejector rod shroud a 1950s style tapered 4" barrel is the primary defining feature of Mountain Guns. There were 686-5 Pluses and recent 6 shot 686s with locks. There are also Mountain Lite 386SCs with shorter 2 piece barrels that have the 1950s profile.

I do not know of any K frame .357s with tapered barrels.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Thanks for the responses.
A six shot 686 Mountain Gun from Lipsey could fill the bill for me, but finding one might be impossible.

 

[Engine49guy]

Actually One Model 15 chambered in .357 was made for FBI agent Henry L. Sloan on a test basis in 1955 (according to SCSW 3 pg 182)

The Model 19 was introduced with a wide rib non tapered barrel and has a longer cylinder with a shorter forcing cone,
In theory a Model 19 could have a Model 15 barrel swapped onto it if the forcing cone was shortened but IMO the small weight savings and amount of work to do it would not make the project worth while.

 

[DR505]

The 686 Mountaint gun had a Heavy Semi Lugged STRAIGHT barrel and was an L frame not a K frame. I do not know of any K frame 357 Magnums that featured a true Tapered barrel.

Here is a photo for your edification...barrel looks tapered to me.

 

[k22fan]

[...] In theory a Model 19 could have a Model 15 barrel swapped onto it if the forcing cone was shortened but IMO the small weight savings and amount of work to do it would not make the project worth while.

I've seen two or three 19s for sale wearing 1950s profile 4" 15 barrels. They weren't expensive dream gun projects. They had split their forcing cones and S&W no longer sells 19 barrels.

Other wise I agree, If a person wants a lighter 19 it is more cost effective to buy an aluminum/scandium & titanium L frame. IIRC the 686 Mountain Guns weigh the same amount as a 4" 19. However, the OP may not be interested in weight as much as appearance.

 

[Boogsawaste]

Here is a photo for your edification...barrel looks tapered to me.

I really gotta stop coming on here. This site is going to send me to the poor house! I really love the looks and weight of the mountain gun 686's!

 

[Engine49guy]

If weight is the concern the 7 shot 686 + Mountain gun is slightly lighter at 35.5 oz vs the Model 19/66 weighing in at 36 oz.
The Models 15 and 67 weigh in at 32 oz but their cylinders are slightly shorter and do not have an ejector rod shroud.

L to R for comparison are the Models 15,14-2 HB, and 19


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