3" barrel fans speak up

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

ravencon

Member
Joined
May 5, 2005
Messages
670
I've never owned or even shot a 3" bbl revolver. I came across a DAO S&W stainless steel revolver for sale with a very nicely tuned action. Probably a Model 64 (it was conspicuously marked .38 +P).

Since this otherwise very nice revolver has basic fixed sights I'm wondering what 3" bbl fans think about fixed vs. adjustable sights. What is the virtue of the 3" bbl--longer sight sight radius or a better natural pointer than a snubby? Of course these aren't mutually exclusive virtues.

In short, tell me what you like about your 3" revolvers and what kind of sights you have/prefer.

Thanks.
 
If you carry a K frame, the 3" is the best. Plenty of length on the ejector rod for proper ejection of empty cases. If you pick your holster carefully you will notice that some holster makers will place the cylinder above the belt line on their pancake holsters. This little feature places the gun closer to the body and it will carry better than most 2"ers of the same frame. Nothing wrong with an extra inch for ballistic purposes either. I also have a DAO model 64, NYPD-1 3". It is a great shooter with most 158 grain bullets, that is what the factory sets them up for. 158 SWC Hollow Points from Winchester or Federal always shot to point of aim for me and makes it a fairly potent and controllable revolver. You have a good gun there. Bill
 
The round butt 3" k-frames point nicely, shoot well, and offer a full length ejector rod that is not found on the 2" versions. For a carry gun, I like the fixed sights. Less to snag on or get dinged out of whack. Overall, I prefer adjustable sights, because once you find a load that works for you, just adjust the sights and you are done.

I have had a few 3" model 65s (357 version of your gun) and they are nice shooters. That being said, I do not own one at the moment, but have replaced it with a 5 shot 3" .44 special.
 
The only thing I would add to the above poster's comments is the balance improves with a 3 inch barrel, at least for me, its more controlable for quick repeat shots and very bit concealable as a 2 incher. I paint my front sight red, other than that the sight stays stock.
 
Last edited:
the 3-inch revolver is just about perfect in every way: well-balanced, carry/conceal easily, respectable ballistics [better than snub], point and shoot well...

personally, i really liked fixed sights for any gun that i even might carry. they draw easier and it's less to mess around with. i only like adjustable sights on longer barreled revolvers, at least 4 if not 6. that said, it's really just personal preference...
 
To me the 3" barrel is the perfect length for just about any revolver, used for personal defense. A little longer than most snubs gives a bit more on the velocity end and the sight radius as well. An inch shorter than most service revolvers makes carrying the gun a bit more comfortable. I also feel the balance is as close to perfect as one can get. I have had several 3" revolvers. My favorite of the bunch is my DAO GP-100 I recently got back from Gemini Customs. It is one of the older styles that has the short ejector shroud. I also like fixed sights on these guns, especially for carry purposes. Here is my favorite.

bigmike45


HPIM0776.jpg
HPIM0779.jpg
 
I like a 3" barrel as well. Easy to shoot. I have grown to like 3" & 4" barrels in revolvers, mostly, anyway.

attachment.php
 
I'm a fan but I don't own one yet. I keep an eye out for a good deal on a 3 inch S&W 610 or 66 as I already have a 2.5 inch 686.
 
I just purchased (but still waiting for delivery) a S&W model 36 with a 3 inch barrel. I expect it to be a great gun for my wife (small hands & recoil sensitive). Looking forward to some good range trips.
 
I love the N-frame versions.

roundbutts.gif

The 629 is the perfect packing piece for woods walking here in Grizzly country.
 
The 3" fixed sight guns (10, 13, 64, and 65) are the grail of many K Frame fans. Sight radius, balance, and a bbl just long enough for a full length ejector rod make these highly sought after revolvers.
 
Haha, I just bought my first revolver today - a brand new Taurus 85 in Stainless Steel... 3 inch barrel. It's a beaut. 5 shot, 38 special (although sans the +P rating). I was looking for a revolver for my wife, and the snubbies were all too small and too light, and the 4 inchers seemed slightly big for her hands. this was an awesome find. i saw it and bought it right away. came with an extra set of hogue grips on it too, that are a little narrower, and will fit her hands better than mine.

for some reason, the picture on the taurus webpage of this shows a different set of grips, and a 2" barrel ?!?, and as DAO, when this is DA/SA. It must be a year old or two.
 
I have a 3" barrel Kimber & a 3" barrel Glock 26 do they count? only have a J-Frame S&W's and a 4" 686 & 5" 629.
 
As others have mentioned, a 3" just seems to have a nice balance. I have a Model 60 3" w/ adjustable sights. Probably my favorite handgun.

I do have to say that I prefer 4" barrels for .357 rounds - a little more forgiving & seems like less fireball.
 
I carry revolvers for defense.

For me a 3" provides the perfect balance between being concealable, reasonable comfort, and ability to hit what I'm shooting.
 
I have 3" 'ers in both .44 mag and .357 mag. Like Risasi says, they represent a good balance between concealablility, comfort and accuracy. But they also balance well in my hand.

It took some practice to learn to shoot them well, but I noticed my overall shooting skills went up a quite few notches as well.

When I pull out my 7 1/2" Blackhawk, it seems like I'm shooting a carbine. :D
 
3" is just the right size for a K frame for concealment. My 3" Taurus 66 is notably lighter than my 4" and conceals about anywhere my SP101 will and has an extra round. It don't feel much heavier than the SP101, either, and is easy to shoot. The 3" barrel gives more sight radius and better ballistics than a shorter tube. I think I just said what everyone else did. I couldn't find a good used K frame that was affordable, but I'm very happy with the older Taurus 66 I found for $180. It's tight, times perfect, and is quite accurate.

1545pict0081.jpg
 
My future 3" carry piece. I don't own it yet though. Chambered in .45acp for ammo interchangeability with my other pistols.

150124_large.jpg



:)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

T
  • Locked
SP 101 2-1/4" or 3-1/16" barrel?
Replies
21
Views
1K
JERRY
JERRY
B
  • Locked
3" vs. 4" barrel .357mag .... ?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Gary A
G
N
  • Locked
S&W 686 Plus or Taurus Model 66?
2
Replies
25
Views
8K
Stainz
S
Boattale
  • Locked
686 barrel project
Replies
23
Views
640
Jim Watson
J
J
  • Locked
Which of these .357 Mags would you buy?
2 3 4
Replies
99
Views
5K
NMGonzo
N
Back
Top