[winwun]

Does S&W make the 36 with a longer tube ?

Does anyone make a 5 shot with with a longer than "snubbie" barrel ?

[docbones]

Winwun,

Unfortunately, none of the big two (Ruger & S&W) make such an animal. I have long thought that Ruger should run the .38 special SP-101 in a four inch configuration, preferably with an adjustable sight (like their .22 and their .32 mag.), offering full and half shroud barrel configurations. This should not cost much more to produce than others given the new model would amount to literal parts swapping. (As for their sights, I really wish they would add fully adjustable sights like those on the GP.) I have actually thought about making a 4-inch hybrid (have LaBounty rebore a .22 or .32 barrel) buy when you get to looking at the overall cost involved, it is a bit silly. So, I just plug along with the 3-inchers, which are still quite impressing little performers. With the 3-inch snout, both the Smith and Rugers are quite handy when loafing in the woods.

Docbones

[Gewehr98]

S&W made, and still makes, J-frames with longer barrels and (often) adjustable sights. Here's their current offering, the Model 337:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/images/standard/163054.jpg


The S&W Model 36, known as the Chief's Special, also came in a 3" barrel version:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/upload/976296202-1.jpg


The S&W Model 360 AirLite, in .357 Magnum, comes with a 3 1/8" barrel:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/upload/976347997-1.jpg

Now, you can find a model 63 with a 4" barrel, but it's a 6-shot revolver chambered for .22 Long Rifle or .22 WMR.

[Old Fuff]

Check out some of the on-line auctions, gunshows, and local dealers and look for a good used Colt Police Positive Special (same as Detective Special with long barrel) or Viper (Cobra with a long barrel) The former will be found with lengths running from 4 to 6 inches. The Viper had a 4 inch.

If you find a Detective Special (or Cobra) it can be re-barreled into a longer length.

[winwun]

O. F., were these you described 5 shot models ?

[docbones]

compromise on your number of shots, Old Fluff makes an excellent suggestion. The D-series Colts (Detective Special, Commando, Agent, Cobra, Police Positive Special, Viper, etc.) are six shot revolvers, whose cylinder diameter is very close to the SP-101, however they weight somewhat less. You can find these guns in used condition on various sites (Auction Arms, Gunbroker, and Gunsamerica) and they are great guns. Those models mention by O.F. are routinely available in a 4-inch and, sometimes 5-inch version (PPS) and they make perfect trail companions.
Good Luck!

Docbones

[Old Fuff]

I'm a little late getting back .....

No, the Colts I mentioned are six-shot, but the revolvers are built on a frame that is only slightly larger then the popular lines of 5-shot guns, and I believe slightly smaller then Ruger's SP-101. Those made after 1972 aslo have a smaller handle, although you may not notice this because most of them in the later years came with oversized grips.

I frankly don't know of any current manufacturer who is making a small, 5-shot snubby with a barrel longer then 3 inches, and these are sometimes hard to find. I like the 3 inch size, and have a S&W model 36 Chief Special barreled in that length. I also have an older (1925) Colt Police Positive Special with a 5 inch barrel. When using a IWB holster it conceals as well as a small snubby, but is a whole different story when it comes to shooting.

Your idea of a lightweight gun with a longer barrel is a good one, but in this age of automatics no one makes this kind of gun anymore. I hope all the information that's been posted here will be useful.

[Nick96]

The original Charter Arms company used to make a 5 shot with barrels from 2 to 6 inches. Was based on their "Bull Dog" .44Spl and .38/.357 frames (larger than a S&W J frame - but smaller than their K frame).

Don't know if the current Charter company is still making them, but may be worth checking out.

[Erich]

I've said it before, but I think a 5" SP-101 in .357 mag would be one heck of a backpacking gun.

[JohnK]

Taurus used to make 3", 4" and 6" adjustable site versions of their 5 shot 44 Special back when they first introduced it. You might be able to find one of those if you're patient and spend a lot of time looking.