3-Inch Revolver

G

glockopop

New member
I want a .357 with a 3-inch barrel. I had a 686-4 before, and I liked it. I want something different, but not a pocket gun or a 6-inch target-only piece. So far, I've looked at a S&W model 60, a a Ruger SP101, and a Ruger GP100. I like the 6 shots of the GP100, the adjustable sights of the M60, and the hand-filling grip of the SP101. HELP ME!:confused: Also, are there any older S&Ws with a 3-inch that I might find a deal on used?
 
M65, Ladysmith. Besides the fact that it reads "Ladysmith" on the side of the gun, it's one of the best 3 inch guns out there.

There is also a M66 3 inch gun out there somewhere. Great gun.
 
Pictures of 65LS and Model 65(3-incher's)!

Model 65LS(Ladysmith):
24678d25.jpg

Model 65:
MVC-003S.jpg
 
The Rugers will be less expensive. You can't go wrong between the GP or the SP. I hope to get the 3" SP this year - unless you're lucky to find a pre lock Smith, all of the Rugers are lock free.
 
Taurus made their Model 66 with a 3" barrel. My dad has one and likes it very much. S&W also made the model 19 with a 2.5" barrel which is close enough for me. If you prefer a Ruger, you may look for a Security Six with the 2 3/4" barrel.
 
You want a snubby 3" .357, huh?

I like the 6 shots of the GP100, the adjustable sights of the M60, and the hand-filling grip of the SP101.
Click to expand...

Hand-filling grip??? It is much smaller grip than a GP100 or a smith. Shooting full-powered, 600+ft/lb loads out of an sp101 is not pleasant.

Depends on if you want a .357 for shooting people, or for shooting animals. I think the cartridge is loaded differently depending on the intended target. My experience shows that a proper load for defensive .357 ammunition should be on the lower-pressure end of the scale. Cartridges intended for stopping vehicle engine blocks and large growly critters should be loaded on the higher-pressure end of the scale.

.357 is not a cartridge to put into a snubby without knowing exactly how it recoils.

If you intend on shooting really hot .357, get the GP100. You will be glad of the extra grip. If you want to carry a CCW snubby, get the SP101 but be warned that some loads will just plain hurt your hand to shoot. And I shoot .44magnum recreationally.

BTW, good loads out of the sp101 include magtech 158gr JSP, Fiocchi 148gr JHP, 158gr LSWC handloads with 5.0gr of Titegroup to start with. PMC 158gr JSP isn't bad either. A little sharper recoil, but not bad.
 
If you want adjustable sights then you can go with a S&W adjustable sighted 66 or 686. The latter I think came in both 6 and 7 shot versions. And then there is the rare Colt Python 3" model. The 3" Smiths have a full length ejector rod vs. shortened as on the 2.5" models. Also, there are some 3" Model 60's with adjustable sights.
 
I have seen a few 3” 66’s and if you look long enough I’m sure you will find one but you’re going to have more luck finding a 3” 65.

A few months I bought a limited run (of 400 I have been told) S&W 66 with a 3" factory mag-na-ported barrel, satin finish and rose wood grips, it’s an awesome shooter and feels very well balanced.
BU1SW66.jpg
 
I sure like the S&W 13 PC shop I found. Has a very good trigger, bobed hammer, etc. It is great for carry and really handles nice.

Only change I made was to take off the 3 finger short grips and put on a set of Rosewood finger grove grips that are long enough for the pinky also. That change did not make the CC any harder to hide, but sure increased the control with the hotter loads.
 
I've had the S&W 60, SP101 and Ruger Security Six with 2.5 inch barrel. I still have the Security Six! Has adjustable sights, stainless and very durable. I looked around, but have seen some for sale.

Nothing against the S&W 60 but just liked the heavier barrel for shooting.

Just my opinion, others will differ.

John
 
Thanks everybody! I'm still on the fence. The purchase is still a ways off, so I appreciate all the advice I can get. I've seen a used GP100 at a local gun store with fixed sights and rounded grips that don't have a full-length barrel lug. Are they all like this? Doesn't really matter, I just don't think it looks as good.
 
glockopop:

1)Ruger had made the fixed sight GP100's in both the short barrel shroud and in the full barrel shroud.

2)Ruger had recently discontinued the fixed sight short shroud barrel GP100's but the full shroud versions of these fixed sight GP100's are still available from Ruger.

3)I have found that the short shrouded fixed sight GP100's to be the hardest to find-as the fully shrouded barrels are the more common variety!
 
I just bought a GP100 3" on gunbroker.com from Wilson and Associates for $411 shipped. Should have it either end of this week or early next week. I have only seen the 4" in person, as I can't find any 3" locally to look at. But in all the pics I've seen I like the 3" as far as looks go. Most people who have 3" revos also comment frequently that the gun has good balance as well. I'm going to sell my S&W model 66 4" to a friend who doesn't have any guns and is starting to get into shooting.

I plan on shipping it to Clark Custom Guns for sure for an action job, chamfer the cylinder holes, and change out the front sight for something else. I also may have them put in the white outline rear blade sight (I know this would make it tougher to conceal, but this is going to be a nightstand/fun at the range gun). I may also have them polish off the Ruger stamping on the barrel left side, and the big "GP100" on the right, they said it would cost about $75 to do this. I know others have done it, but if I'm already spending over $600 on the gun and work, I might as well have Clark do it right.


If you plan on concealed carry I would go with the SP101, but if its for range/home protection I would get the GP100.
 
What exactly is the difference between a S&W M65 and an M66?:confused: Also, are there any current S&Ws offered with a 3" barrel other than the LS and the M60?
 
The 65 is the stainless version of the model 13 and has fixed sights.
The 66 is the stainless version of the model 19 and has adjustable sights.
Hope that helps! :) Oh, and both are sweeet!

Gixerman, that is just a beauty. Coolness.
 
More love for the 65-5, which is the best carry .357 I've ever had (and I've had a few :) ):

SW65-520nov05002.jpg


I also had a 60-15 for a time (a 3" J-frame .357). It worked well but for the idiot-lock (which self-activated when I oafishly knocked the unloaded revolver off a counter onto a hardwood floor), and I eventually traded it away.
 
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