Small frame revolver choices

[tomrkba]

What are my options for small frame revolvers with a barrel length of three to five inches? This means the smaller J-Frames, Ruger SP series and similar guns. I am not interested in a K-Frame since the frame is too big. Caliber should be no larger than 357 Magnum and greater than 22 Long Rifle. 38 Special is about right, though 327 Federal Magnum is interesting.

If it's an S&W, I want a prelock gun, though current production no lock guns are acceptable.

What are my options?

 

[Sunray]

Hi. My hands are short but wide. K frames don't fit me either. A GP 100 fits like it was made for me. So does a 2/3" Smith 19/66. The short Smith has J frame grips on a K frame.
"...327 Federal Magnum is..." Not easy to get and kind of pricey.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

S&W Model 60 no dash. 19-oz of old school .38 Special.

 

[bigtubby]

There is also the S&W 940 J frame in 9mm but they are hard to find and fairly expensive. This one is available if you are interested.

 

[MikeJackmin]

I have a pre-lock, three-inch model 60 with adjustable sights. Mine is a .38, they made a later version in .357 but I'm not sure if it had the lock or not. I don't miss the .357 option in that little frame.

I like it very much. Fitted with some nice aftermarket wooden round-butt grips it fits my hand perfectly and balances just as it should.

Holsters for these can be hard to find, the sights are pretty big. I've seen fix-sight versions also.

The Ruger SP101 appeals to me as well but I have not had one to play with. I know they have also been made in 3" versions, either as distributor specials or as a catalog item.

I also have a teeny little I-frame .32 three inch from 1920 or so. Not really that much smaller but it seems that way. Another great revolver, only drawback is the narrow old-fashioned sights.

 

[PabloJ]

Genuine fighting man's tool the Enfield No 2 Mk I revolver.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Here are some photos of the revolvers I mentioned above. Note the modification to the Serpa holster to allow passage of that giant front sight:

 

[HexHead]

Colt Detective Special....



D-frame is sized in between the S&W J-frame and K-frame, and holds six rounds. I believe the DS was available with a 3" barrel also. The 4" and 5" models are the Police Positive Special, same frame.

 

[Alnamvet68]

My idea of a "small frame" revolver is a barrel length of 2" or less; of course, your ideas and beliefs may vary....

 

[bannockburn]

tomrkba

Based on your description I would say an older S&W Model 36 with a 3" barrel and round butt configuration would serve you very well.

 

[jstein650]

In the early 90's I had several 5 shot Rossi 38's pass through my hands. My first was a very nice square butt, 3" blued model. It was one of the most accurate little guns I've ever owned, and very nicely made - I just didn't realize it at the time, being a somewhat of a newbie with little to compare it to. I went through a 2" and 3" stainless, and a 2" and 3" blued models. None matched that first 3" though. I guess I'm saying that if you can find an older model, don't ignore it just because it doesn't say S&W on gun.

 

[bannockburn]

jstein650

I know what you mean as I has a Rossi Model 88 which was their stainless 3" barrel version in .38 Special. It was the gun S&W should have been making but didn't at the time. Very well made with excellent fit and finish, it was a quite accurate and featured a smooth and light DA trigger pull.

 

[788Ham]

How about a 4" .38 Spl. Colt Cobra? I've got one, really a sweet shooting piece, so light weight, one doesn't know they're carrying it. It has the light weight alloy frame, but steel cylinder and barrel.

 

[tomrkba]

How about a 4" .38 Spl. Colt Cobra? I've got one, really a sweet shooting piece, so light weight, one doesn't know they're carrying it. It has the light weight alloy frame, but steel cylinder and barrel.

Finding a good one is the tricky part.

My idea of a "small frame" revolver is a barrel length of 2" or less; of course, your ideas and beliefs may vary....

The terms "barrel" and "frame" are well defined; belief has nothing to do with it. The 1 7/8" or 2" barrel is what I don't want. I already have that and it's annoying to shoot.

I am definitely leaning toward a Model 36 or 60 with 3" barrel. I'm watching the boards for one. I'll look into Colts.

Any other ideas?

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

They're not for every taste, but the 5-shot, 3" Rossis are pretty decent, as bannockburn mentioned. I think they're pretty cute, too. I have one with a nickel finish that is quite nice.

 

[smokey04]

I have two 3" mod. 60 S&W.s,one in .38 Spl. ,and one in .357 Mag..Both guns have adjustable sights,unfortunately, the .357 Mag has the "dreaded" lock although it has given no trouble.I don't regularly shoot the .357 with mag loads but I wanted the option if ammo becomes more difficult to get.Both are handy,versatile,and very accurate with all .38 Spl. loads. I have been a .45 auto man for nearly 50 years and don't feel well armed with a .38 in bad situations but, I retired from the battlefields 25 years ago and the "mean streets" 3 years ago so I don't feel the need to be loaded for bear unless I'm going to the "big city".For a middle ground,all around "packin' pistol" the 3" mod 60 gets my vote. Nick