3 inch quandry - AR15.COM

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Posted: 6/23/2015 11:36:28 PM EDT

So I used to have a 3" model 64 and sold it like a dumb ass because I decided I "needed" a 357 instead.

Thinking I'd just go get a new M65. Unbeknownst to me at the time they had been discontinued. And prices had gotten stupid.

So in the intervening years I picked up a decent 64 4" DAO and a SP101 2 1/4" DAO.

Both of them shot well, but I still pine for a 3" fixed sight 357.

So, should I just bite the bullet and get a 3" SP101, or an (adjustable sight) 3" 686 Plus, or sell a kidney and buy a used M65 of gunbroker ?

Posted: 6/23/2015 11:41:04 PM EDT

[#1]

The 65. I'm sure the others are nice enough, but they're not 3" K-Frames. My dream revolver would be a 3" 5 shot .45 Colt on a K-Frame. I know it can't be done because the frame around the barrel is too small, but, like I said, it's a dream.

Posted: 6/24/2015 6:52:30 AM EDT

[#2]

Wait and take your time. Lurking in small obscure gun shops wandering shows keeping an eye on the local for sale ads gun club bulletin boards etc and eventually you will probably find a 65 or 13 at a non scalper price.
It may take a couple years until you find one but the pursuit is part of the fun

Posted: 6/24/2015 8:42:08 AM EDT

[#3]

That's kind of what I was thinking.

I'd even welcome a new production one with the 2 piece barrel and lawyer hole if they made them.

Posted: 6/24/2015 10:59:50 AM EDT

[#4]

Ugh, GP100 Wiley Clapp w/fixed Novak sights is obviously the correct answer.

Posted: 6/24/2015 11:04:23 AM EDT

[#5]

686 is my answer.

Posted: 6/24/2015 11:38:14 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ugh, GP100 Wiley Clapp w/fixed Novak sights is obviously the correct answer.

<a href="http://s984.photobucket.com/user/strangler366/media/Revolvers/1424477362_zps27c48e06.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/strangler366/Revolvers/1424477362_zps27c48e06.jpg</a>

View Quote

I'd have to try one first. I didn't care for the 6" GP100 I shot.

Posted: 6/24/2015 1:32:53 PM EDT

[#7]

I'd patiently wait for a decent shooter grade 65 at a reasonable price.

Posted: 6/24/2015 2:56:41 PM EDT

[#8]

Ruger makes their GP100 in 3 inch. It is a beast though and much larger than a S&W 65.

Another choice would be to get a SP101 in 3 inch.

Or hold out, keep saving and then jump when a decent and fair priced 65 show up. If you really want a 65, this should be the only option.

Posted: 6/24/2015 3:20:37 PM EDT

[#9]

In the last ten years I've seen exactly one decently priced three inch 65. I passed on it as I already had a nice three inch 64. I'm not sure I've ever seen a blued one, either a 10 or 13. There are currently three on gunbroker: all are Ladysmiths and all are over $800.

The GP100 is probably your best option, I picked up Wiley Clapp edition about a year ago. Street price around here is right at $700. Standard GP's are mid 500 range, tho three inchers seem scarce. The Ruger is roughly the same size as a Smith L frame, leather and speed loaders are interchangeable.

The three inch k frame was arguably Smith's best ccw revolver. I carry my 64 regularly. I don't think the lack of magnum rounds handicaps me at all. I had a 2 3/4 66 several years ago. Magnum rounds out of it were unpleasant with hearing and eye protection. Unprotected in a small room the thing would be close to a flash bang going off.

It would be nice if Smith still made these but today's price would be close to $800. There nice, not sure they're $800 nice.

Posted: 6/24/2015 4:21:56 PM EDT

[#10]

You listed a 686 on the poll, so I guess adjustable sights are acceptable.

Posted: 6/24/2015 5:17:20 PM EDT

[#11]

I'll toss this out since I was considering one myself at one point. The SP101 is a nice little revolver but shooting standard full power .357 magnum out of it is unpleasant to say the least. I love big recoil guns, my .44 mag is my favorite gun to shoot but I was at the range one day and the guy next to me let me shoot his SP101. The recoil was a beast in that little gun, I shot 5 rounds and I was done. The first one busted the crap out of my finger and the next four really sucked the fun out of shooting it. Would be a great carry gun but it's far from a "fun" gun to shoot and I much prefer carry guns that are also fun to shoot otherwise.

I'm a huge fan of the Wiley Clapp GP100, mine is soooo fun to shoot and shoot very well on top of that.

Posted: 6/24/2015 5:29:33 PM EDT

[#12]

If you are lucky AND patient you might find a 3" J frame (Model 60),with adjustable sights...............

Posted: 6/24/2015 6:44:47 PM EDT

[#13]

SP101..... You're welcome!

Posted: 6/24/2015 8:11:48 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:So, should I just bite the bullet and get a 3" SP101, or an (adjustable sight) 3" 686 Plus, or sell a kidney and buy a used M65 of gunbroker ?

View Quote

You're talking about 3 pretty different revolvers.

An SP101, which is the same basic size as a J-Magnum, but built a bit heavier;
a K frame;
an L frame.

What is it you want to do with it? That should be driving your decision.

I like my 3" SP101 as a concealed carry .357. It's also durable enough to shoot on a regular basis with .357 Magnum loads, and heavy enough that with decent grips it's comfortable to shoot with .357 Magnum. Though similar sized, the frame is heavier than a J-frame, and the forcing cone is about twice as thick, so they hold up much better than a J-frame with a steady diet of .357 magnum loads.

I also like my Model 19 as it's a great all round range pistol - with .38 Special, but not so much with .357 Magnum. The general rule with K-frame .357s (Model 19, 65, 66) is that they should be shot with .38s and carried with .357s with the actual use limited to .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds fired in a ratio of maybe 100 to 1. They are a lot more durable than a J-frame .357 Magnum with a much heavier frame and a much thicker forcing cone, but they still have some issues with cracked forcing cones with high .357 magnum round counts.

If you're looking for a .357 Magnum that you can shoot on a regular basis with .357 Magnum loads AND you want something large enough to be comfortable, AND concealed carry is not a need, then the 686 is a good choice, although I'd stay with the 6 round 686, rather than the 7 round 686 Plus.

Posted: 6/24/2015 8:43:40 PM EDT

[#15]

3" SP101 if you prefer fixed sights or 3" 60 Pro if you prefer adjustable sights.

Posted: 6/24/2015 8:47:03 PM EDT

[#16]

I bought a 3 inch model 66 sometime in the 1990's --- very nice revolver. I would highly recommend that for a nice concealed carry piece. Think they would be more difficult to find then a 3 inch model 65. Have a nice 66 in stainless no dash with a 2 1/2 inch barrel. The 3 inch balances much better and with the full length ejector rod shoots and ejects 357 much better. Good luck in your search!!

Posted: 6/24/2015 9:17:19 PM EDT

[#17]

A 3" 66 will cost a small fortune.....a 65 will still be expensive.
I'd go with a 3" 64, .357 out of a 3" won't give you much more than .38 plus Ps will.

Another option if you are set on a .357 is to get a 4" 65 and cut it down yourself.

I went that route with a 681. (I wanted an L frame fixed sights 3")

Posted: 6/24/2015 10:26:04 PM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
A 3" 66 will cost a small fortune.....a 65 will still be expensive.
I'd go with a 3" 64, .357 out of a 3" won't give you much more than .38 plus Ps will.

Another option if you are set on a .357 is to get a 4" 65 and cut it down yourself.

I went that route with a 681. (I wanted an L frame fixed sights 3")
<a href="http://s311.photobucket.com/user/Tonecod/media/581008_zps25b571e6.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk462/Tonecod/581008_zps25b571e6.jpg</a>

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That's hot.

I have thought about chopping my 64.

As far as the recoil of the SP101; I actually found mine to have less pain than the GP100 I shot.

So that's why the 3" Sp101 might be the best factory option right now.

Posted: 6/25/2015 2:46:47 AM EDT

[#19]

A 686-4+ with a 2.5 or 3 inch barrel (did they make them in a 3"?), if you can find one, would be SWEET.

Hope to find one some day to accompany my 4" and 6" 686-4+'s.

Posted: 6/25/2015 6:07:13 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:

You listed a 686 on the poll, so I guess adjustable sights are acceptable.

http://www.fototime.com/467D944D528F859/large.jpg

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I'd happily go with the one here, but you damn better have a kidney available for sale to get one!

I love my 4 inch 686, and though it feels like cheating on my Model 27, it has become my favorite handgun.

Posted: 6/25/2015 8:50:49 AM EDT

[#21]

Well I was cruising GB last night and found a 3" 64 DAO for $400 buy it now.

Not exactly what I crave, but it'll do until I can find a reasonable 65.

Posted: 6/25/2015 1:44:02 PM EDT

[#22]

Meh, you don't need adjustable sights......

Bob the hammer and it's a perfect carry gun for winter.

PIcs???????????????????????????????????

Posted: 6/25/2015 2:01:30 PM EDT

[#23]

Good catch on the DAO 64 OP!

I'm a 3" Smith junkie. My fav is a M65 3" Ladysmith with the shrouded ejector rod and fixed sights. I got a cosmetically challenged one and had her hammer bobbed, re-bead blasted, and added some Spegels.

Posted: 6/26/2015 12:48:46 AM EDT

[#24]

Uh duh. I guess you don't need to bob the hammer, hence the "DAO". Not sure how I missed that. I would love to see pics of this one!!!!! Ooops, I already said that. Dang I'm getting stupid in my old age.

Posted: 6/26/2015 9:03:13 PM EDT

[#25]

I solved my dilemma of liking my 2.125" Model 60 more than my 3" SP101 in general, but preferring the 3" barrel of the SP101.

I picked up a Model 60-15:

Posted: 6/26/2015 10:55:42 PM EDT

[#26]

Not a bad solution.

Posted: 6/26/2015 11:21:56 PM EDT

[#27]

The Ruger to get is a 2 3/4 inch Speed Six, but they aren't easy to find either.

Posted: 6/27/2015 9:26:57 AM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
I solved my dilemma of liking my 2.125" Model 60 more than my 3" SP101 in general, but preferring the 3" barrel of the SP101.

I picked up a Model 60-15:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h470/SDBB57/EC208872-4986-4372-9ED3-34D2999A28A6_zpsv0k5recy.jpg

View Quote

Way back in 90-91 I had the same basic gun in matte blue.

Posted: 7/1/2015 12:30:37 AM EDT

[#29]

The 3" guns are nice.
The model 64 will be fine.
A comparison, between a S&W 64 3" and Ruger GP100 3":

Posted: 7/1/2015 3:29:06 AM EDT

[#30]

Pie

My choice would be a 3" 64

Posted: 7/4/2015 9:00:29 AM EDT

[#31]

3 inch J framed 38 Special is about right.

For a 357 Magnum, I want a K frame with at least a 4 inch barrel. A 4 inch K is not that much harder to conceal than a 3 inch. S&W now has the 66-8 that they say solves the barrel cracking problem.

If I NEEDED a small framed 357 Magnum, the the 3 inch SP101 would be my choice. A three inch M60 with adjustable sights would also be OK. You dont need to shoot a lot of magnum loads for practice. 38 Special is just fine. Less wear and tear on the revolver and you.

If you want the Ruger, there is also a 4.2 inch SP101 with adjustable sights that looks good.

Posted: 7/4/2015 12:12:58 PM EDT

[#32]

Well I got the 3" in. It's an NY-1 64-3.

Not as tight as my 4", but at least it was in time. It now wears a set of the S&W Hideout grips.

Posted: 7/4/2015 1:17:11 PM EDT

[#33]

You tease.....

Posted: 7/4/2015 2:39:18 PM EDT

[#34]

I have a 3" model 10 that I carry a great deal. I have a 2.5" 19 I carry little. Do you really insist on a .357?

Posted: 7/4/2015 2:46:47 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have a 3" model 10 that I carry a great deal. I have a 2.5" 19 I carry little. Do you really insist on a .357?

View Quote

Obviously not because I have two 38's.

I'd just like to have full multi-fuel compatibility with my Rossi M92.

ETA: I'm working today but I'll try and get a pic up tonight.

Posted: 7/4/2015 6:55:37 PM EDT

[#36]

How about a 3 inch Ruger GP100

Posted: 7/5/2015 6:59:47 PM EDT

[#37]

Out of the choices you listed, the 65.

As mentioned above, the Six-Series Ruger short guns are a viable alternative.

Posted: 7/6/2015 6:38:57 AM EDT

[#38]

If you are matching it up with a lever rifle then the Ruger Vaquero is the way to go.

Posted: 9/3/2015 2:23:51 PM EDT

[#39]

Just thought my 64 and 65 should drop in and say HI.

Posted: 9/3/2015 2:58:06 PM EDT

[#40]

Was the S&W Model 13 made with a 3" barrel? Those have fixed sights.

Posted: 9/3/2015 9:48:57 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
Was the S&W Model 13 made with a 3" barrel? Those have fixed sights.

View Quote

Yes, but good luck finding one for a good price.

Posted: 9/3/2015 9:51:14 PM EDT

[#42]

This is NOT what I thought this thread was about.

Posted: 9/3/2015 10:32:44 PM EDT

[#43]

Here's the NY-1 and a Bulldog Classic I picked up.

Both shoot great so far.

Posted: 9/4/2015 1:56:02 PM EDT

[#44]

Super duper nice.

Posted: 9/4/2015 8:20:47 PM EDT

[#45]

I had a 686 "Customs Service" 3".
Damn I regret selling it!

Dave N

Posted: 9/9/2015 12:46:26 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ugh, GP100 Wiley Clapp w/fixed Novak sights is obviously the correct answer.

<a href="http://s984.photobucket.com/user/strangler366/media/Revolvers/1424477362_zps27c48e06.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/strangler366/Revolvers/1424477362_zps27c48e06.jpg</a>

View Quote

BINGO!

Posted: 9/9/2015 12:58:07 PM EDT

[#47]

I've owned a 3" S&W 13 which was ok but not the cats meow as I had been led to believe. I also owned a 3" SP101 which I didn't care for either. I now own a 686+ Talo 3" and love it. For feel balance and all around awesomeness I recommend the 686.

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