OT Smith & Wesson revolver

[abcollector]

Why is there that huge unsightly gap in this revolver below the pivot/ejector rod? The barrel looks like it goes all the way to the cylinder face. Looks repulsive imo.

[Modoc ED]

I notice that that revolver is a .357 Magnum. Should S&W want to use the same platform for a longer round, they need only shorten the barrel to accomodate the round. Kind of like when they use the N-frame for both the .45ACP and .44 Magnum. Same platform for both a short and long round.

[J Miller]

abcollector,

Modoc ED's comment is correct. S&W fits the cylinder to the cartridge, not necessarily to the frame.
But, how come your noticing the ugly gap in front of the cylinder when the entire gun is uglier than Ruger's LCR?

That things so ugly it gave me the shivers.

J e

[kimwcook]

Joe, I don't agree it's uglier than Ruger's LCR. I'll just say they both have their problems.

[Blaine]

Function IS beauty.

[O.S.O.K.]

I like the way the LCR looks. And that Smith is a beaut too

[Warhawk]

S&W has been making them that way for a long time, this one is an old model 28 Highway Patrolman. It just shows up better with that white background.

[brionic]

That was always the "shortcoming" of the N-frame .357 - the short cylinder. S&W fixed that with the M19/66, which allowed handloaders to use longer bullets. But with the less robust frame, it became a bit of a wash.

Personally, I don't appreciate the ultra short bbls on the newer revolvers, but I haven't had one in the field, which is the point of them I think.

Have these designs sold well for them? Is this the Nightguard line?
--
Br.

[abcollector]

Interesting guys. I guess I've just never noticed S&W did that until I started looking for a compact revolver. That gap alone would keep me from buying one but I think I could look past the rest of the gun if it weren't for that. What does a Ruger LCR look like?

[Rexster]

The gun in the original post is indeed not very pretty, but the "gap" has long been present in the shorter-cylinder models. Why the short cylinder? It saves weight. Griping about the gap will get little sympathy here, as some of the most beautiful and classic old S&W sixguns have that gap.

There is also a functional reason for the gap. A longer cylinder means more freebore, which, all else being equal, does not help accuracy. I have seen target sixguns with cylinders machined even shorter, increasing that gap, but reducing freebore. Yes, of course, the breech end of the barrel has to be machined extend even farther into the frame window.

[airedaleman]

I'd like to see the muzzle flash on that monstrosity with Federal 125gr hollow points! Give me a break...

[AJMD429]

If they thought it was a cosmetic issue, they could have easily 'thickened' the crane a bit there, so at least half of the front below the cylinder pin would be 'closing the gap' - I don't think they cared about it, and not sure I do either. If the gun functions well and is durable and affordable, I'll consider it good.

[jeepnik]

Finally, a S&W I wouldn't buy. They keep making stuff that ugly, and they'll be filing bankruptcy, again.

[jeepnik]

I like the way the LCR looks. And that Smith is a beaut too

I have a really good eye doc. Would you like a referal?

[2ndovc]

I'm with OSOK. I think it's kinda cool.

Ugly is, ugly does Sir!

One of the most accurate sixguns I ever had was a beat up and worn S&W Model 15.
Hardly any finish, mismatched parts, etc. Ugliest darned thing I'd ever seen.
I let a friend talk me out of it for a
home protection piece. I know I'll never get it back.


jb

[awp101]

Is that the 8 shot model? If so, that might be what the S&W collectors refer to as the V-8. They were a limited run IIRC and the prices shot through the roof after Eastwood used one in Bloodwork.

[Old Savage]

Well I kind of like it - BTW abcollector - heading down your way for dinner and to see a belly dancer for Valentines Day and it is the ladies' idea. Who needs those Teddy Bears and PJ grams.

[Rusty]

That's not a gap... look at the ga on a 1955 Target/M25. Now THAT'S a gap.