I think it's a eye sight issue. As we age the 3" puts the FS at the right distance from the MK1 eye ball and still is a compact pistol.

 

I have several 3/3.5" Smiths and to me it's a balance issue. They are just sooooo sweet......

 

Agreed

A 3" GP100 is pretty dang tough to beat as well.

 

For the longest time I drooled over a 3" 625 .45ACP....then I got one and thought, "meh, what's all the fuss?"

In S&W, a 2.5" K Frame (19/66) or a 4" N frame feel best to me.

Although my 3" SP101 is my go to fishing companion.

 

3" footprint barrel however end is comp'ed, my opinion, all things considered, to me, this is the ultimate small revolver for "do all" use it shoots balances and handles like a dream

 

S&W 3" the ultimate ?

I don't think there's one that's the "ultimate", but a 3" barrel on a service-sized revolver would get my vote for "Best All-Arounder". My 3" M65, for instance, is likely the last revolver I'd sell, yet it gets little use; getting passed over for revolvers that're better choices for the specific job at hand.

 

Mine is the 3" model 65 too, 6 rounds of whatever you want to feed it, still compact enough to conceal with the round butt and dead on accurate. The superb action job I did on it doesn't hurt anything either.

 

Good thread.

The 3" revolver, particularly the K frame, is a great set up. I dig it.

 

One nice thing about the 3" K-frame Smith and Wessons (besides the balance and aesthetics) is that it has a full length ejector rod, whereas the 2.5" barrel models have a shorter ejector rod. I do love my 2.5" 66-2, but my 3" 19-7 is my favorite.

 

I inherited the snub nose version of the one on top.

I handled a 3" version like in your picture. I felt better balanced. The sight radius was more to my liking. It wasn't any less concealable. I like it much better.

 

I think the 3" has enough ejector to push empties out, just enough barrel length for a good sight picture and short enough barrel for easy concealed carry. Yes, I'd say the 3" is just about right.

 

Almost a pocket revolver

Stronger than a K frame

 

I think it all depends on what the purpose of the firearm is. If I was looking for a target or hunting revolver, I'd get a 5", anything longer just seems clumsy to me. Now if I were looking for a carry piece that wasn't to be a "pocket" piece, 3" is perfect! I would love to have a 3" L-frame in .45acp! I've had a couple 4" revolvers but they were too long for carry. I currently don't have a 3 incher but I do have this little 3.75" will that do? It's one of my favorites.

C.S.