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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For carrying a wheel gun in .357 concealed or not on a duty belt, 3" really seems to be a sweet spot, at least for me. A 4"is by no means a problem to tote in the right holster, but a 3" really does seem to carry easier in just about any holster style. I shoot a 3" and 4" exactly the same (accuracy wise in any conditions other than slow fire at 25 yards at a range). A 2" hides better, and Airweights are much lighter and less bulky, and I carry them quite a bit, but danged if I ever shoot my 442 as well as my Colt Commander (and I do fire my 65-3 3" that well).

All that "sensible" stuff said, something about the proportions, the balance, the final product presentation of a 3" Smith... something hard to define about how it just "looks right". I've made more "questionable" budgetary choices related to acquiring 3" Smiths over the years than just about any other gun.
 
RKmesa said:
............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:



..........:)
Click to expand...

Absolutely see the resemblance, one of the finest revolver configurations of all time, but just a little more betta with the hump back hammer.. . !!!! :) :) :)

standard.jpg
 
I call these two Salt & Pepper. Regarding RKMesa's gun, I have long wanted to have a custom "Baby Model 27 Snubby" made. I would start with a 4" Model 19, have it cut to 3", install a Patridge front sight with McGivern bead and have the topstrap & rib checkered like on a Model 27.
 

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SmithNut said:
PC or standard factory, makes no matter, they are all great.
Click to expand...

WOW... What a GREAT Collection - and I LOVE the custom wood on a bunch of those beauties!!!:eek::eek::D:):cool:

Smithnut - I need to share your post with my wife, as support that I don't have "that many". Also, did those blued bobbed hammer beauties come that way from the factory (tell me their story, if you would not mind)?

Here are a few more of my P&R 3"ers:

Non-model numbered Combat Magnum - the bluing is a little "splotchy" and it got a little "scratched up" over at Alvin White's Shop, but it may be the earliest 3" K-Frame .357 Magnum off the Factory line... (full spread on the gun here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-4-screw-alvin-white-engraved-model-19-a.html):





Model 65-2 with some Ahrends Round to Square Grips:





After following this thread, I will be on the look out for a few more to fill in the many holes in my 3" collection (or at least a couple more, until my wallet breaks, or is ripped out of my hands by my usually accomodating wife):rolleyes::eek:

Thanks to everyone for sharing their beautiful 3"ers!!!
 
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RKmesa said:
...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 Aharends, 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,
Click to expand...

Except the front sight and the grip panels, it is a twin for mine. I have Pachmyers on mine at the moment. At some point, I'm going to get something a little nicer, as I'll not be likely to carry this gun much.....too pretty.
 
Scratched

RKmesa said:
WOW... What a GREAT Collection - and I LOVE the custom wood on a bunch of those beauties!!!:eek::eek::D:):cool:

Smithnut - I need to share your post with my wife, as support that I don't have "that many". Also, did those blued bobbed hammer beauties come that way from the factory (tell me their story, if you would not mind)?

Here are a few more of my P&R 3"ers:

Non-model numbered Combat Magnum - the bluing is a little "splotchy" and it got a little "scratched up" over at Alvin White's Shop, but it may be the earliest 3" K-Frame off the Factory line... (full spread on the gun here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-screw-alvin-white-engraved-model-19-a.html):





Model 65-2 with some Ahrends Round to Square Grips:





After following this thread, I will be on the look out for a few more to fill in the many holes in my 3" collection (or at least a couple more, until my wallet breaks, or is ripped out of my hands by my usually accomodating wife):rolleyes::eek:

Thanks to everyone for sharing their beautiful 3"ers!!!
Click to expand...
Wow on that White scratched up!!!!!!!
 
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