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

[vigil617]

Found some really nice bookend magnas to bring this 66-2 back to more of a factory look. Thanks Masterbuck54!

Besides, any reason to bring this thread back to the top is a good reason!

 

[RKmesa]

Found some really nice bookend magnas to bring this 66-2 back to more of a factory look.

That's a beauty! I love those stocks...

Thanks for sharing,

 

[Mehutch]

I'll stick with my 2.5 inch barrel, 7 shot 357 Mag S&W. 1/2 of barrel wont make any difference behind or in front of the gun. At 1200 fps at 10 to 15 feet distance, it will drill at point anything I point it at.

 

[vigil617]

I'll stick with my 2.5 inch barrel, 7 shot 357 Mag S&W. 1/2 of barrel wont make any difference behind or in front of the gun. At 1200 fps at 10 to 15 feet distance, it will drill at point anything I point it at.

Nice S&W! Say, here's an idea: you could start a thread about those 2.5 inchers! Great stocks, by the way.

 

[wrangler5]

I think it's interesting that the new Ruger Redhawk 8-shot 357, which they just introduced at the SHOT show, starts off with a (just under) 3" barrel. Ruger usually has a pretty good feel for what the market wants.

 

[Dr. Marneaus]

Some beautiful pieces here. My favorite is my 65. As you mentioned there's is just something about the perfect size of a 3" k frame. Concealable and still big enough to be shootable.

 

[ladder13]

There may be more in my safe but these are the only two I know about.

 

[Birdgun]

Dang it! This thread has reignited my desire for a fine S&W K/L frame revolver with a 3-inch barrel and round grip.
Oh the temptations!!
Oh the temptations!!!

My, my.

God bless,
Birdgun

 

[RoninPhx]

nelson does like putting those gold bead front sights on, doesn't he?

 

[wrangler5]

Dang it! This thread has reignited a my desire for a fine S&W K/L frame revolver with a 3-inch barrel and round grip.
Oh the temptations!!
Oh the temptations!!! < snip >

Just give in. Surrender. It won't hurt for long, and then you'll feel much better.

 

[Cal44]

One of my most versatile handguns is my 3" Model 60-15.

I often pocket carry it in a Mika holster.

 

[Pocketrocket]

Didn't want this thread to die so here's this:

 

[NCBeagle]

Here's another Model 60.....a 60-10 in .357. Picked it up today.






Here it is with 3" Models 36 and 37. The J Magnum frame is noticeably beefier.


Carries just as well as a 2" J Frame in a TT Gunleather KX Lightweight

 

[Pocketrocket]

Sorry left out the details
65-5 custom from 92

 

[Pocketrocket]

Nice model sixty. I just picked up a 60-3 last week. It's only 38sp but it's a target.
Cool little gun. Hope to shoot it soon.

 

[hittman77]

Well, good fortune hasn't yet brought me to a 3-inch Smith but .....



These are kinda like an L-Frame!

 

[Pocketrocket]

Ok guys, lets not get carried away. I can dig out my bulldog pug if I have to keep this thread going.

 

[Skydog67]

So...I have a dumb question. If the majority of revolver fans agree that the 3" .357 is the holy grail, the perfect balance, etc...why is it that S&W currently only offers 6 models in that configuration...2 Model 60s and 4 Model 586/686s? And why tease people with a 2.75 inch 66, and not just go all the way with a 3" version? Why not offer more of a variety in 3"?

 

[Pocketrocket]

Well that's a good question! Right now 3 " might just be a fad, but if you read the top of this post you'll see why we like them. I have several large handguns and they are fun and easy to shoot. But really handguns are more of a defensive weapon and since it's not pc to strap one your hip we like to tuck them away. Snubbies are great for this but can be hard to shoot, especially in a powerful cartridge . A 3" has a little more weight, longer sight radius, etc. While I love a 6" Python or an 8 3/8" model 29, I can't carry those easily. Even among autos it's hard to pack a full size like a 5" 1911 so I carry an old Star PD (look it up). I do own some large handguns I just carry smaller ones. As to why only a few new 3" are offered I can only speculate, but I live in California so we don't get a lot of new stuff anyway.

 

[black1970]

Here's my paultry collection. Had to include my 696 though.

 

[mlevinson]

Beautiful pistols everyone. For me it's all visual, it just looks "right". So much in fact that a 3" 686 will be my very first revolver. Will I buy other length barrels? Absolutely. But the 3" really just looks perfect IMO. Cannot wait to receive mine and take it to the range.

In high-school my buddy had a .44 Colt Python and to this day still remember how it felt. There is something really special about a revolver.

 

[BAM-BAM]

So...I have a dumb question. If the majority of revolver fans agree that the 3" .357 is the holy grail, the perfect balance, etc...why is it that S&W currently only offers 6 models in that configuration...2 Model 60s and 4 Model 586/686s? And why tease people with a 2.75 inch 66, and not just go all the way with a 3" version? Why not offer more of a variety in 3"?

Because only "wise, experienced...... old guys" truly understand.........

When I bought my first 3" 65 and and later my 66s (1886-89)...... you couldn't give them away.
Everyone wanted a gun with 15 round or more up it's butt!!!

Today IMHO it's ......light weight striker fired plastic or how small can you make it mentality prevails.

Today folks are also "discovering" the 3913/14/NL single stack 9mm.


With age come experience and understanding of the "Goldie Locks principle".... some things are too big.... some too small;

and some....."are just right"!!!!!!!!