S&W 24 barrel

[Kurt]

I just traded into a 3" model 24 barrel with a Mcgivern gold bead sight and ejector rod and I don't know what to do. Local shop has a M-28 for a reasonable price that I could use it on. The problem with that is I have a 4" in process and don't know if I would like a 3". Suggestions are welcomed.

[hoss]

I love the look of a 3" N frame: The original (pre 27) 357 in that length, is, at least to me, the most purposeful and businesslike of all N frames. I drooled over the Lew Horton 44 mags in that length and curse daily the cruel fate that caught me out with 2 small kids and empty pockets when a pal of mine offered one for sale in 1986 for the princely sum of $300. (The kids were worth it... I guess.) I only have one 3" N frame, a converted 45 acp (which I STILL haven't gotten to shoot!) All I can say is this: difference betwixt the 3 & 4 inchers in terms of velocity and concealability are negligible. If the 3" pipe appeals to you, use it. You can always find a longer barrel at a later date to swap for.

[jgt]

I would keep the three inch barrel for a future project and go ahead with the four inch on the model twenty eight. Forty four barrels are hard to come by and four inch barrels are very hard to come by. When I have a barrel I can always find a donor gun for another forty four. To me the barrel is the key to any gun building project.

[dennyl]

I agree I would keep it I have a 28 with a 4" I have been thinking of having the Bowen conversion to 44 special but I would just have the 4" rebored