3-Inch S&W Revolvers

[MrJayB]

I am considering purchase of new or used S&W 3-Inch in either .357/.38 or .44 Spl. The model 696 looks good in .44 Spl but I do not know of a medium frame S&W in .357/.38. I would appreciate any info or advise about 3-inch S&W revolvers.

 

[mattz357]

I don't know if the 64 is still available, but it is the most recently produced 3" .38 available. The 65 and 66 were both produced in 3," but most of the people that have them aren't selling (I know I'm not!). Hope this helps!!!

 

[Shear_stress]

Stephen Camp posted a great range report of his 3" model 64 on The High Road. You might do a search for that.

I haven't seen their '05 catalogue, but S&W was still producing a 3" Model 65 Lady Smith (357) as of last year, as well as a Model 64 (38 special) in the same barrel length. This year, I think they replaced their K-frame 357 line in favor of a two-piece barrel, short-lug, L-frame variant, so I am not sure of the status of the Lady Smith.

If used is okay, J&G Sales has got a boatload of 3" Model 10s. I'd love to get me hands on one of those.

 

[Glocker]

go for the .357, can't go wrong.

 

[FPrice]

There are quite a few 3" K-frame S&W revolvers out there, mainly used. The Model 10, 13, 64, 65, and 66 (occassionally). Generally they are outstanding unless they have been abused. You most likely will not be disappointed. But you have to look, people tend to hang on to them.

You may want to try the Smith & Wesson forum, they seem to have the best S&W listings.

www.smith-wessonforum.com

 

[pezo]

I want a petition to keep the 3" barreled .357's alive. I beleive this is the best barrel length for defense and plinking in this caliber. They seem to be desirable on these forums but not so much so in the gun stores or catalouges it seems.

 

[yotehunter]

The 696 is a great revolver, the hard part will be finding one. Most who were lucky enough to buy one before they were discontinued dont want to part with them.

 

[Beachcomber]

3" S&W 696

The 696 is a great revolver, the hard part will be finding one. Most who were lucky enough to buy one before they were discontinued dont want to part with them.

I've managed to locate a used S&W 696-2 revolver in great condition, unfortunately at a premium price. Now, I'm finding it just as hard to locate a quality holster designed specifically for the 3" S&W 696. :banghead:

 

[Stainz]

MrJayB and Beachcomber, welcome to the forum!

Yes, my beloved little 696 went from being the dusty scurge of the dealer's S&W shelf bearing a faded (... and, thankfully, old!) price tag to becoming my prize several years ago. And, it was none too soon, as the then recently discontinued revolver had evaporated quickly from the pipeline. It's 2.5" Al/Ti hammerless sibling, my 296, was canned a year earlier, yet persisted much longer as a 'closeout' goodie. For a CC/PD that 296 is fine, but the 696 is a far superior plinker. The 3.125" Al/Ti sibling, the 396, with a hammer and a HiViz front sight, is still lingering around new, if you hurry - expect to pay $600 or so.

Probably the best buy on a new 3" .38 is the S&W in 64, at MSRP $583 in the '05 catalog. The new 2.5" 66 on my dealer's shelf was still $439 last week, despite it's absence from the '05 catalog. If you want a 4", the best deal currently seems to be the new model 66 replacement, the 620. It was $489 locally, with it's 66-like partial lug, something I like, and the 686+'s seven shot cylinder, another plus.

I love that 696 - but, as I reload, my ammo cost is low. Finding .44 Special ammo outside of a well-stocked gunstore is difficult. Everyone carries .38 Specials - a great lower-cost plinker round. Often times, new loads are little more expensive than my reloads, too. And, with the old 'FBI load', the +P 158gr LHPSWC, still around, or the new Speer 135gr +P Gold Dots, it is still a great PD caliber.

Stainz

 

[Clemson]

I saw two 3" guns at a gun show yesterday. One was a new Model 60 (5-shot 357 magnum on a J-frame), and the second was a used Model 65 357 magnum. The model 65 had an asking price of $350, but I suspect the geezer who was selling it had some wiggle room in the price. I actually liked the Model 60. As a hiking gun it would be hard to beat.

Clemson

 

[MarquisDS]

3 " S&w

I personally like the 686 357 come in a 4"and 6". I like the 6 inch. It has nice weight and you can shoot it all day long and not get beat up. I like the added weight of the full lenght lug. I would probably look at a 629 Trail Boss 44 Mag and load it with Sp's. This model comes Mag-na-Ported from the factory. The question is for what purpose are you purchasing the gun.... punching paper, concealed carry, home defense, duty weapon....
The 696 goes for about $700.... personally I carry a Gold Cup 45 ACP.
Just my opinion... what do I know......

 

[Richard]

This is my M60-10 and yes, it would be among the last handguns I would sell. It is shown with an Alessi Hardshell Talon IWB holster. Regards, Richard

 

[MrJayB]

Thanks to all for your replies.

Your many responses to my query about 3-inch S&W revolvers is most appreciated......Thanks again.

 

[omega5]

My 696 is one of my favorite shooters.

 

[Bulldozer]

Avon Gun Supply in Avon, NY has a 3" SW 696 in their case for just a shade over 4 bills.

I'm in no way affiliated with them. I'd buy it myself, but am still paying off a 65LS.

 

[Bob F.]

Saw a blue, 3" 9mm S&W revolver, didn't need moon clips. Don't recall the price.

 

[sm]

Dagnabbit!!

Them OLD 3" Smittys and such ain't worth a flip. I mean the bbl ain't a even number. Everybody knows [tm]barrels are supposed to be a even number...sheesh. Even I know that - and I attended Publik Skool in the Suoth.

Listen - leave them thangs alone , Sigh...guess I'm gonna have to scour and get more out off the shelves and out of places they be...

The things I do to keep folks straight - I swear!!

 

[Brian Williams]

Than by yo resonin them thar Gubmint models ain't worth nuthin eithr cause thems got a odd 5" brrl

 

[Brian Williams]

I like a nice 3" I have a 60-4 and a 13 that are both 3" tubes, but I did have a 65 3" changed to a 4" pencil barrel.

 

[sm]

Brian -

It is written[tm] That odd bbl length don't apply to the 45ACP , be it a wheel gun or slide gun.

Hang on...no not in I, II, or III John ...here it is in IV Book of John, really small chapter, kind of hard to find.

 

[Brian Williams]

I just got back from the Dollar store and bought my self some new fangled reading glassesand now I see it...