3" barreled alloy frame .38 or .357?

[Mulliga]

I was looking into belt-carrying a revolver awhile back, and while the 3" barreled Model 60 and SP101 called to me, what I really wanted was an alloy-framed 3" barreled .38 or .357 revolver coming in at about 18 or so ounces. I'd stoke it with hot .38+Ps, and it'd be nice if it were a 5-shot for speedloader compatibility with J-frames. Has anyone ever made such a thing? Is there any way of custom-ordering a gun like that?

 

[Tom C.]

Smith and Wesson made the Model 360 kit gun. 3" barrel, aluminum/scandium frame, titanium cylinder, weighs 12 oz. or so. Came with illuminated front sight, V adjustable rear sight, rated for .357 mag. I have one. They don’t seem to be made now. It is a carry much, shoot little gun. The recoil with full power .357 loads is breathtaking, worse than full power loads in my .500 PC Hunter. I also have a 3” SP101 and a 4” GP100 that are much better practice guns. I consider it a great gun for .38+p with an enhanced safety margin. Don’t know where you would find one now.

 

[baker]

I swear I saw a lightweight 3-in j-frame today on gunbroker. Might have been GA..

I DID see it, though

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I would go with the .38 in such a light revolver myself. Often the .357's are bigger and I don't see the real gain in that type of weapon and with such a short barrel.

 

[baker]

here's one:

http://www.impactguns.com/store/022188636871.html

 

[lesjones]

Yep, the 360 is the J-frame version. The 386 is the L-frame version - basically an alloy-framed version of the seven-shot 686+.

There's also the old S&W Model 12, which is a K-frame Model 10 with an alloy frame, but it wasn't rated for +P as I recall. I wish S&W would offer an updated, +P-compatible version, preferably with a stainless barrel and cylinder - a 612.

I also wish S&W would make the 642 and related models with 3" barrels. Heck, I wish S&W would make a lot of their guns in 3" barrels.

 

[JMACDONALD]

airweight

Smith & Wesson model 37 j frame was made in 3" round and square butt, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Johnny Guest]

My ideal revolver of that type - -

- - Is the Colt Cobra with three-inch barrel. It is large enough for a firm hold, has a bit of extra sight radius and velocity, compared to the two-inch snubbies, and a full six rounds. Weight is right at 16 ounces. I prefer the factory wooden stocks with a Pachmayr grip adaptor. It rides very nicely in a belt slide or thumb break OWB OR an IWB holster, and you can forget it's even there.

I had such a revolver several years back and let it get away from me. One day, I'll find another one. Until then, I'm making do with a Four-inch Cobra. This is an intermediate carry piece, between a two-inch M37 or Agent in a pocket and a Commander worn OWB.

Best
Johnny