BehindTheIronCurtain
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I really want a smith and Wesson 638 but the only problem is the fact that it's a 5 shot, what happened to the6 shot airweight?
Why are all airweights 5 shots, why no 6 shots?
- Thread starter BehindTheIronCurtain
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Mauser lover
Member
With five shots you can make the cylinder smaller, meaning lighter. Probably cheaper to make too....
I think that the six shot versions were the "K" frame, with the five shooters being "J" frame. Smaller frame, can't fit the bigger cylinder into it, and the smaller frame is lighter.
I think that the six shot versions were the "K" frame, with the five shooters being "J" frame. Smaller frame, can't fit the bigger cylinder into it, and the smaller frame is lighter.
Jim Watson
Member
"what happened to the6 shot airweight?"
They quit making them because you were not buying enough for them to bother with.
They quit making them because you were not buying enough for them to bother with.
philbo
Member
They're not.... S&W model 12 comes to mind
ArchAngelCD
Member.
The cylinder required to hold 6 rounds in an Airweight would be too large compared to the rest of the revolver. It's all about weight, size and concealability.
Just take a look at the Colt DS, the whole revolver is slightly larger to accommodate the 6 round cylinder.
Just take a look at the Colt DS, the whole revolver is slightly larger to accommodate the 6 round cylinder.
sidheshooter
Member
^^^This. My 6-shot K-frame 12 airweight actually weighs slightly less than my steel J-frame 36-1.
engineer88
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Nice pic BlacSky. Very creative background too. 
rbernie
Contributing Member
As mentioned, S&W made a BUNCH of Model 12's, mostly snubbies, in both RB and SB configuration. I have always coveted a 4" RB version, but they are hard to find... I have owned a few RB and SB 1 7/8" variants and enjoyed them.
More recently, S&W tried again with the Model 315, which was configured along the lines of the other Night Guard line.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757773_-1_757767_757751_image
They were discontinued within a year of introduction, so I can only assume that they simply didn't sell well. The extra width of the 6-shot cylinder doesn't fit in well with folks' expectations for a lightweight snubbie to also be pocketable or nearly pocketable.
More recently, S&W tried again with the Model 315, which was configured along the lines of the other Night Guard line.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757773_-1_757767_757751_image
They were discontinued within a year of introduction, so I can only assume that they simply didn't sell well. The extra width of the 6-shot cylinder doesn't fit in well with folks' expectations for a lightweight snubbie to also be pocketable or nearly pocketable.
SwampWolf
Member
When comparing a D-frame Colt Cobra to a Smith J-frame Airweight, there is very little difference. They weigh the same and the Colt's cylinder is about 1/10th of an inch fatter (1.400 vs 1.309 diameters). Frankly, given the huge interest in concealed carry handguns over the last few years, I'm surprised Colt hasn't re-entered the arena with their Cobra and Agent revolvers. It's hard to dismiss carrying 20% more ammunition in a similar sized package when looking for the "ultimate" snubby for concealed carry self-defense use.
Guillermo
member
I think the Cobra is lighter than an alloy J frame.
I am not. It is amazing that their management is even more inept than the brain-damaged monkeys at S&W. And THAT is saying something.
I am not. It is amazing that their management is even more inept than the brain-damaged monkeys at S&W. And THAT is saying something.
SFCRandall
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Taurus 856 Magnesium holds six and is roughly the same size as the model 85.
LongTimeGone
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I have a Smith 431PD, that, as noted with the 432PD, is chambered for 6. It is the wife's house/sometimes carry gun.
Shot it yesterday with Black Hills H&R.32 mags
Shot it yesterday with Black Hills H&R.32 mags
Dr_B
member
Yes, but except for the extra weight added due to the steel frame, the Colt DS is not significantly larger. I've carried both the DS and an Airweight in the past and you don't have to compromise much to have that extra shot.
Guillermo
member
A Cobra (the alloy version of the DS) is as light as an alloy j-frame and a 6 shooter.
SmithManatee
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Lighter weight might mean weaker steel.
So if you you have six plus shot cylinder the walls might be to thin to support the round going off.
This is the case with X frames the ammo they use is so powerful that they need thicker walls thus they only have 5 shot cylinders.
Like other members said smaller cylinder equals lighter gun.
It is also important to know Smith makes a revolver called the 327 nightguard which is an 8 shot .357/.38.
It's a snubnose but I don't know if it's considered an airweight.
So if you you have six plus shot cylinder the walls might be to thin to support the round going off.
This is the case with X frames the ammo they use is so powerful that they need thicker walls thus they only have 5 shot cylinders.
Like other members said smaller cylinder equals lighter gun.
It is also important to know Smith makes a revolver called the 327 nightguard which is an 8 shot .357/.38.
It's a snubnose but I don't know if it's considered an airweight.
Guillermo
member
Manatee
Airweight is a term that S&W used for their alloy framed revolvers.
Has nothing to do w the cylinder
Airweight is a term that S&W used for their alloy framed revolvers.
Has nothing to do w the cylinder
The Colt Cobra is not exactly a weak gun; it will handle some pretty hot ammo in reasonable numbers.
Colt may someday bring back the newest versions of their DA revolvers, but the old designs are gone for good; they would just cost too much to make. (I don't know if they could be made in China or not, but I doubt the current adminstration would allow Chinese handguns to be imported even though they want to ship all other US manufacturing to their Chinese friends.)
Jim
Colt may someday bring back the newest versions of their DA revolvers, but the old designs are gone for good; they would just cost too much to make. (I don't know if they could be made in China or not, but I doubt the current adminstration would allow Chinese handguns to be imported even though they want to ship all other US manufacturing to their Chinese friends.)
Jim
Guillermo
member
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Well said Jim
Well said Jim
Frank V
Member
FM12, Makes a good point. The lightweight Colt D frames are fantastic guns that offer 6 shots in a frame that is very little bigger than the S&W J frames. I like the Colt D frames.
Frank
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