What is it With the Three Inch 357 Mag's...?

RKmesa

RKmesa

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...Maybe it is because they did not make a whole lot of them... Maybe it is because they are still long enough to have a full length ejector rod... But maybe, just maybe it is because they are a the perfect length to be functional as a snubbie...

I had a bunch of my "more modern" 3" K and L frames out the other day for a photo shoot and found a renewed desire to head out to the desert for some shooting pleasure...

One of the primary causes - this 3" Model 66-2:





I'm normally a "pinned and recessed" kind of 357 guy, but about 8 years ago, I picked up this beauty. It sports as set of finger-groove Ahrends, and has been to Nelson Ford's for his trigger package. While it was at Nelson's I had him put a McGivern front sight on it (just because they are way cool and all business and make that front sight very easy to pick up in a hurry). IT SHOOTS LIKE A DREAM and is kind of photogenic to boot: :cool:









I'd love to see your favorite 3" K/L Frame 357 Mag lead slingers...

Thanks for letting me share,
 
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RKmesa said:
.................I'm normally a "pinned and recessed" kind of 357 guy.....
Click to expand...

In that case, you should find one of these... :)

large.jpg


Nice M66, they are special, and with that front sight yours is even more special - and cool....
 
RKmesa said:
But maybe, just maybe it is because they are a the perfect length to be functional as a snubbie...
Click to expand...
..... in a caliber with relatively economical ammo, widely available ammo, and with practical and proven effective loading's for a wide range of purposes.

My 3" .357 is "just" a stock 686-6+, but it's the most versatile firearm I own.
 
according to what i'm reading Smith is coming out with a 2 3/4" Model 66 and a 2 3/4" Model 69 this year. Not a 3 incher but pretty darn close. They aren't even out yet and the 66 iis already calling me.......Mike
 
Recently posted, but what the heck -- love to show off my only one! 66-5 I found recently at my LGS, that I couldn't get my credit card out fast enough for! :D



Does anyone know if there was a 66 no dash or -1 produced with a 3" barrel? I know about the -2 models, which are at the top of my Grail gun list now! And as long as I'm dreaming, I'll mention the Super K as well, if I win the lottery and ever find one for sale. ;) (I think I saw 5 grand mentioned as a recent sale price on one....)
 
vigil617 said:
Recently posted, but what the heck -- love to show off my only one! 66-5 I found recently at my LGS, that I couldn't get my credit card out fast enough for! :D



Does anyone know if there was a 66 no dash or -1 produced with a 3" barrel? I know about the -2 models, which are at the top of my Grail gun list now! And as long as I'm dreaming, I'll mention the Super K as well, if I win the lottery and ever find one for sale. ;) (I think I saw 5 grand mentioned as a recent sale price on one....)
Click to expand...


Pretty sure (SCS&W 4th Ed.) the first ones were the Ashland 66-2s in 85........ I've got -3 and -4s.
 
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BAM-BAM said:
IMHO the proportions (Frame/butt/barrel length) of a 3" K-frame are the same as the 3 1/2" N-frame.
Click to expand...

SmithNut said:
...they are special, and with that front sight yours is even more special - and cool....
Click to expand...

With the front sight, my 3" 66 reminds me of my 3.5" original .357 Magnum (which also has a patridge front sight).

See the resemblance...?

1935 357 Magnum:



1980's Model 66-2:



The familial linage is clear (even the roll mark is on the same side)...:)
 
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