Why no 3.5" Mod 19?

[S&W Fan]

I believe we can agree that the 3.5" Mod 27 is one of the most popular revolvers offered by S&W. Why didn't they make a 3.5" 19? I know quite well how popular the 2.5" (& 3" 66) is, the 4" too. Why not a 3.5"?

There were lots of 4" 27s but everyones seems to go nuts (rightly so in my view) over the 3.5". Is it a matter of balance when it's a N vs K or perhaps aesthetics?

Just something I was thinking about, wondering what the rest of you think. Thanks.

Apologies if this is in the wrong area, seemed like a "general" question not necessarily specific to an era.

 

[Dave T]

I sometimes think there is a hidden rule in manufacturing. If something is particularly popular and in high demand, either dis-continue it or come out with a "new and improved" version that may be new but is seldom if ever improved. Most every S&W model, variation, etc. that I have been interested in owning has been discontinued. The same is true for Colt and Ruger. Also applies to most of the other consumer goods I have wanted to own.

The other explanation is that the 3.5" M27 didn't become popular until it was no longer available. Just as models like the 696 that everyone wants now after it was discontinued, the popularity of 3.5" barrels was no big deal until Smith settled on 4" and 6" barrel lengths as standard.

Dave

 

[Maximumbob54]

So how long until someone posts:

Actually they did a special run of them for blah blah blah and here is a pic of mine.

PIC

 

[jjbrewst1]

Easy answer.

You can't Duplicate Perfection. Period.

 

[Model39]

Performance Center Model 19-5

Almost what you are asking for with the power port.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

So how long until someone posts:

Actually they did a special run of them for blah blah blah and here is a pic of mine.

PIC

As soon as Doc44 logs on.....

 

[Doc44]

Sorry...not aware of a Combat Magnum with a 3 1/2-inch barrel. S&W most likely thought a 4-inch was the ideal law enforcement carry revolver (per Bill Jordan's specs.) and the only "special" barrel lengths I am aware of are 3-inches and 5-inches. I think 5-inches is the perfect barrel length for many of S&W's revolvers (K and N-frame).

Bill

 

[Tom_R]

Easy answer.

You can't Duplicate Perfection. Period.

Hmmm, a 3.5" model 19 eh?

I think you may have your next project to go with your (5)28-2.

You know, there is a very rough 19-3 4" at my Cabelas which would be a good candidate

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Sorry...not aware of a Combat Magnum with a 3 1/2-inch barrel. S&W most likely thought a 4-inch was the ideal law enforcement carry revolver (per Bill Jordan's specs.) and the only "special" barrel lengths I am aware of are 3-inches and 5-inches. I think 5-inches is the perfect barrel length for many of S&W's revolvers (K and N-frame).

Bill

Dang it Bill.....You where my Ringer...

 

[THE PILGRIM]

So how long until someone posts:

Actually they did a special run of them for blah blah blah and here is a pic of mine.

The only 3 inch 19s were Jovinos, I think.
And I wish I had one!

 

[Doc44]

This Model 19-2 with a 3-inch barrel, TT and TH was shipped in 1966. I think it is one of around fifty made by S&W.

Bill

 

[ayetee]

This Model 19-2 with a 3-inch barrel, TT and TH was shipped in 1966. I think it is one of around fifty made by S&W.

Bill

Help, heart failure.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

Visually, the 3" K frames and the 3-1/2" N frames are perfectly balanced, that's why they look so "right." I wish I had one of each, but I'll just make do with my 4" M19 and 4" M27. A 3" K frame Smython looks pretty nice, too.

 

[murphydog]

A 3" K frame and a 3.5" N frame .357 both have full-length ejector rods, and the 3" model 19s seemed to have been dropped in favor of the 2.5", so my guess would be no one thought to ask about a 3.5" K frame.

 

[Walter Rego]

I have been thinking of a custom Model 19 for a long time, making it like a baby 3.5" Model 27. I would cut a 4" barrel back to 3", fit a McGivern gold bead front sight, a rear sight leaf assembly from a Model 27 and checker the top strap and rib like a Model 27. Add some nice custom Magnas, either Keith Brown or Grashorn stag and a Tyler T-Grip and have a great handling, unique piece.

 

[Muley Gil]

Sorry...not aware of a Combat Magnum with a 3 1/2-inch barrel. S&W most likely thought a 4-inch was the ideal law enforcement carry revolver (per Bill Jordan's specs.) and the only "special" barrel lengths I am aware of are 3-inches and 5-inches. I think 5-inches is the perfect barrel length for many of S&W's revolvers (K and N-frame).

Bill

So he speaketh. AMEN!

 

[federali]

The Devil's Advocate

Perhaps, we don't realize that adding another barrel length or option means that a gun manufacturer must add another skew and that impacts all aspects of manufacturing, inventory control, cataloging and marketing. So, a manufacturer must have a reasonable assurance of selling a lot of the product variation before offering it.

Also, regarding a handgun's various measurements, barrel length does not affect concealment nearly as much as width and height. One half inch, give or take, has no practical affect on CCW except for holster selection. While a 3.5" barrel may strike a pleasurable chord regarding balance and aesthetics, it is too close to 4" and I think we would be expecting too much from S&W if we expect them to offer their various models in half-inch increments.

 

[Tom K]

I have been thinking of a custom Model 19 for a long time, making it like a baby 3.5" Model 27. I would cut a 4" barrel back to 3", fit a McGivern gold bead front sight, a rear sight leaf assembly from a Model 27 and checker the top strap and rib like a Model 27. Add some nice custom Magnas, either Keith Brown or Grashorn stag and a Tyler T-Grip and have a great handling, unique piece.

Now this doesn't make any sense to me. If you're going to have custom grips made, why not make them the right shape to begin with and avoid adding an ugly grip adapter? Something like these:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/310836-who-made-these-grips.html

 

[Doc44]

The only custom handgun S&W ever offered was the ".357" Magnum from 1935 to late 1939. They finally realized it was not a practical way to go and standardized the barrel lengths of this model at 3 1/2, 5, 6, 6 1/2, and 8 3/8-inches.

Bill

 

[S&W Fan]

Thank you all, and especially Bill for the amazing photo of the 3" 19. Without drifting too much in my own thread when was the 4" 27 first produced?