Question on N frame carry,barrel length

F

frank4570

New member
I have a 6in 657 I plan to carry as a replacement for my 10mm. I will cut the barrel down to make it more carryable. I was thinking of 5 inches. Can I get some opinions on this from people who have carried this size revolver. Thanks.
 
Skeeter Skelton loved the 5" Model 27. Personally, I have never carried (concealed) anything larger than a 3.5" Model 27. Wouldn't it make more sense to try and find either a 4" barrel or a complete other gun rather than chop the one you have?

Rick
 
Five inches is kind 'a an odd barrel length for a carry gun; might slow you down on the draw, too. You might want to consider a more typical four inch length as used by many police and military agencies in years past.

Carrying a big wheelgun is OK; I've done it for many years. You might want to look into Matt Del Fatti's, 'split-the-belt' carriers as well as a couple of HKS, 'M' Series speedloaders. To be quite honest, if it were my 41 magnum revolver, I'd also be talking to Mag-n-Port and the Hi-Viz sight people, too! :D

Some of these links might help:

http://www.delfatti.com/

http://www.pistoleer.com/hks/

http://www.magnaport.com/hgun.html

http://www.hivizsights.com/content/category/category_3.asp
 
What type of carrying are you talking about?
One inch won't make much of a difference in carrying. If you must shorten the barrel then it would probably be cheaper to swap the barrel out for a stock 4 incher.
 
I got the gun for a good price, and I my gunsmith is a friend. So shortening it will only cost me parts.
The reason for the 5in over 4in was I was looking at velocity and sight radius. Both of which are improved a bit by the longer barrel.But if that slows down my draw, I may just have to go with 4in.

majic, you asked what type of carry. I'm not sure I am answering the question you are asking, but I carry all the time, mostly.And I hunt with same pistol.

You guys have mentioned replacement barrels, I can't find one for the 657.
Thanks for the help guys!
 
Smith and Wesson still catalogs the 657.
Have you talked to the Performance Center about having them make you a custom barrel??

I'd at least give it a whirl before you go cutting on your gun!!

Maybe somebody like Cylinder and Slide could help you out.
There has to be somebody that should be able to turn you a shorter barrel!! That way, you would have both and not destroy the value of your fine Smith!!!

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/index.htm

http://www.clementscustomguns.com/default.htm

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/
 
RWK,
As you have carried 5in and 4in, Have you ever TRIED to carry 6in. I ask because I already know 6in is too big for me. Also can you tell me how you carry a 5in? Thanks.
 
My milt spart summer special was cut a bit long for the 5" 627-8 and it worked just fine. Front sight and barrel stuck down a bit but the back of the sight was inside the holster-no hang-ups.

The Kramer Thomas Perfectionist is extra comfortable for an iwb (below)
I have no idea whether he'll make it for a five inch or not but would'nt be surprised if he would.
 
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Do not cut the barrel

Better to buy another that fits or traid.
I have 8 N fram smiths none longer than 4 (I kick my self every time I think about trading my 27 5inch) with the shortest bing a 44 mag in 2 3/4 stanless.
It is what I carry when carring an N frame but with 44 Special.
You cut an N frame down no matter who does it it takes away the value.
I have one gun that is my favorite to shoot.
It was a 28 (357) that I had a very good gun smith modify for me. This was back in the days that no one made 44 sp guns.
Drilled out the chamber to 44 SP and put a 3 inch Douglas barrel on it 3 inch.
This gun will still (after 20 years) drill holes that surprise people. Ransom rest at 50 yards under 2 inches.
Leave the gun alone and buy somthing that fits your needs.
 
I have a 6 inch Highway Patrolman M28 with large walnut grips that I once carried when going to the mall under my sport coat at 9 O Clock crossdraw position. I WILL LIKELY NEVER DO THAT AGAIN. I was so scared that the bulk of that gun would bump the flap of my coat open and show itself that I kept my arm glued to the side of my coat to keep it down. If I carried any other position it would show a bulge.

The only way you could manage it I guess is to get a shoulder holster like Clint Eastwood for his M29. But down South in the summer, a shoulder holster cuts off all air circulation in your clothes.
 
N Frame.

I actually carry an 8 1/2" model 29 in a few situations.

Outdoors in bear county.
Anywhere I open carry.
Most places in the winter.

It's not the most practical in the world, but you can do it. I like a shoulder holster for mine.

For a 4, 5, or 6", Dillon Precision (the reloading guys) have a kydex holster in their catalog to fit them.
 
Frank,

To answer your questions, I have never owned or tried to carry/conceal any N Frame with a longer a barrel than five inches. However, at that length, I have had no problems with a my 27-2 and my two 627 Special Editions, all principally carried at four to five o'clock in a FIST, high-rise, FBI cant, OWB holster. I also use -- and like very much -- one other holster for five inch barrel N Frames. However, and I feel really foolish reporting this to you, I can't provide the specific manufacturer or model number right now, since it's locked in my safe, the house is being painted, and the is safe inaccessible with all the painter’s ladders, tools, and gear blocking that corner of the garage.

Regards.
 
Five inches used to be the standard police carry length. Then it went to 4".
I have a Smith Brazilian Contract 1917 that I cut to 3 1/2" and works just fine.
 
Well, I have decided to go with the 4in barrel. I called S&W they don't make a 4in and they don't cut then down.The only thing currently available is the 7.5 in.So if I want a full lug 657 I will have to either cut it or have it cut.
 
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