A Good Modern Stainless 4-inch K-Frame Analog?

[Wooosh]

A friend has been search for a new-production revolver, and all of this made me think about the revolvers available on the market today. So, I wondered whether there are any decent (and attractive looking) stainless 4-inch K-Frame analogs today. The following is what I've found:


For S&W, there's the issue of terrible quality control, as Stephanie-B would attest to, and the fact they got rid of the gas ring on new Model 66s which would cause the cylinder to bind up faster. The S&W 64 would be an option if they had not discontinued it. This is not to mention the ugly lock.


For Kimber, their 4-inch revolvers lack full length ejector rods and the adjustable sights have vertical play to them. The K6s also lacks the good aftermarket support that S&Ws enjoy in grips and speedloaders. Again, since this is Kimber, a lack of QC is a given. Although, I've heard that the K6s has decent QC for a Kimber. (However, for me personally, I think they are ugly.)


Taurus revolvers have a bad enough reputation that gun stores near me don't stock them. There's also an issue of finding good gunsmiths willing to work on them again due to their reputation. Maybe the new Rossi revolvers would change this, but I haven't seen any available at my local gun stores.


The Colt King Cobra Target seems tempting, but there is the ugly reshaped trigger guard, the snubnose-length ejector rod with the crude-looking knurling, and the unattractive MIM ejector pin mark visable on the trigger. (If S&W avoided having the ejector pin mark visable, why can't Colt?) There is also the issue of the terrible adjustable sights, but the Python Wilson Combat sights might be compatiable. Still, I prefer the more robust trigger rebound on S&Ws. Additionally, I have heard about QC issues with some Colts.


Rugers are generally way too heavy with exception to the lighter GP100 Match Champion, but Ruger just had to make it look ugly by laser-engraving "Match Champion" on it in italics, complete with a registered trademark symbol. Also, you would think that Ruger, after releasing a 7-shot GP100, would've came out with a 6-shot SP101 by now.


The Korth Combats and Manurhin MR73s are too expensive, and I wouldn't want to shoot them often since due to the risk of scratching the finish. There are also not avalible in stainless. There was the MR88, but it looks like Manurhin has either stopped producing or importing them ever since 2019.


I apologize for all the whinning, but you would think that with all of the technology we have today it would be quite easy to find a good and attractive-looking stainless 4-inch K-Frame sized gun in production today, once a staple in law enforcement. Maybe this would change in the future?

[fatdog]

Too many good used K frames in the market for anybody to be inspired to clone a new one is what I think the reason is. The revolver market is small and limited. I am surprised Colt came back to it, although I am glad they did.

[03RN]

Despite quality control which tends to get overblown on line the modern k frame is still the best k frame.

[sharps54]

The thing that keeps me from buying a new Smith & Wesson for defensive use is that darn lock. I don’t trust them on a life saving tool and I don’t want to add “disabled a safety device” to my woes in court if I end up having to use the revolver.

Edit to add that I do appreciate the number of used S&W’s on the market but I personally do like the idea of having an in production gun with factory support so I understand where the OP is coming from.

[jtcarm]

The thing that keeps me from buying a new Smith & Wesson for defensive use is that darn lock. I don’t trust them on a life saving tool and I don’t want to add “disabled a safety device” to my woes in court if I end up having to use the revolver.

Edit to add that I do appreciate the number of used S&W’s on the market but I personally do like the idea of having an in production gun with factory support so I understand where the OP is coming from.

I think the lock is greatly overblown as well, both the possibility of it accidentally engaging, and the potential liability of disabling it.

[Stephanie B]

Despite quality control which tends to get overblown on line the modern k frame is still the best k frame.

That may be, but allow a counter argument. If one doesn't plan on shooting magnum loads, a classic K-frame (anything since the Second World War) is pretty sweet.

As for the current production guns, based on a sample size of two, I'd be hesitant to drop nearly four bills on one.

[03RN]

That may be, but allow a counter argument. If one doesn't plan on shooting magnum loads, a classic K-frame (anything since the Second World War) is pretty sweet.

As for the current production guns, based on a sample size of two, I'd be hesitant to drop nearly four bills on one.

I agree
100771

[jetfire]

Taurus revolvers have a bad enough reputation that gun stores near me don't stock them. There's also an issue of finding good gunsmiths willing to work on them again due to their reputation. Maybe the new Rossi revolvers would change this, but I haven't seen any available at my local gun stores.


Currently our only guns that fit the "k-frame" window are the Model 82 38 Special and the Model 65 in 357 Mag. Only the 65 is available in stainless, and unfortunately is saddled with a shallow gutter rear sight and a fixed front sight that can't be replaced. My personal Model 82 is at 1937 rounds, which isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things, but has experienced no issues whatsoever. That being said, the gun isn't pretty by any means, it's just a working class gun.

The new Rossi revolvers are going to be significantly more upscale in terms of fit and finish; I've got a couple thousand rounds on the 6 inch and the 3 inch platforms. For a utility gun, I'd hold out for the 4 inch which should be ready mid-year, because then we'll also have some holster options and more grips available.

[PNWTO]

jetfire, I get that it may not be part of your time sheet but I’m very interested in the new Rossi lineup.

[Navin Johnson]

Other than specialty use No market for a 35 ounce 6 shot blaster that is very large

Not really sure what OP is asking as K frames are available new and used?

[lee n. field]

Currently our only guns that fit the "k-frame" window are the Model 82 38 Special and the Model 65 in 357 Mag.

The Model 66 is not?

[HCM]

I think the lock is greatly overblown as well, both the possibility of it accidentally engaging, and the potential liability of disabling it.

This ^^.

AFAIK the lock engaging under recoil has only occurred with the lightest of j frames using high pressure ammo.

Either way I’d be fine deleting it. If the issue came up it can easily be argued the lock is a storage device rather than a safety device.

[45dotACP]

What about the Rock Island revolvers? Is there a 4" alfa proj?

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[sharps54]

This ^^.

AFAIK the lock engaging under recoil has only occurred with the lightest of j frames using high pressure ammo.

Either way I’d be fine deleting it. If the issue came up it can easily be argued the lock is a storage device rather than a safety device.

Maybe I’m being overly cautious on the matter.

[jetfire]

The Model 66 is not?

The 66 is a 7 shot so it doesn't fit 1:1 with K-frame sized accessories.

Re: the Rossi guns, they're part of my purview but not my primary responsibility. They're pretty rad though

[Sarvershooter]

The M66-8 is a great 4.25" barrel classic K-frame. That said you should try to buy it in person so you can inspect it thoroughly due to some degree of inconsistent quality control on their revolvers. Do check for a canted shroud (rare due to two piece tube and shroud design), barrel to cylinder gap, smoothness of single and double action and possible cosmetic issues. The problems (real or not) make headlines in gun forums, the good guns rarely get counted. I have a 66-8 bought new in late 2015 with zero issues with an incredibly smooth action and perfect carry up/timing. It's one of the most accurate, best shooting revolvers I own.

[TheNewbie]

jetfire

I actually think the model 82 looks pretty good. How would you compare shooting it to the various 856s you have shot?

Is the new Rossi up to high round counts of .357?


Thanks for all the info you share with us.

[Sal Picante]

MR88 has entered the chat...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411560489/manurhin+mr88+dx+defense+inox+.38+sp+da+4

[jetfire]

jetfire

I actually think the model 82 looks pretty good. How would you compare shooting it to the various 856s you have shot?

Is the new Rossi up to high round counts of .357?


Thanks for all the info you share with us.

Well the 82's a lot bigger so it's a lot easier to shoot. Full size grips and a 4 inch barrel make a a pretty easy shooter. Plus, the geometry responds really well to changing the main spring so the trigger pull its pretty fantastic.

In testing the Rossis have been through thousands of rounds of 357 and they're all fine according to our engineer dudes.

[sharps54]

MR88 has entered the chat...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411560489/manurhin+mr88+dx+defense+inox+.38+sp+da+4

I’m ok paying for quality but that is outside my price range. I max out somewhere around a quarter of that.

[Duelist]

MR88 has entered the chat...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411560489/manurhin+mr88+dx+defense+inox+.38+sp+da+4

That’s definitely not in budget. LOL!!

[Sal Picante]

I’m ok paying for quality but that is outside my price range. I max out somewhere around a quarter of that.

100789

[sharps54]

100789

Guilty as charged! ;)

100790

[45dotACP]

MR88 has entered the chat...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411560489/manurhin+mr88+dx+defense+inox+.38+sp+da+4That's pretty costly for a Security Six with an accent.

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[jtcarm]

That's pretty costly for a Security Six with an accent.

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That’s more than an MR-73.

[Stephanie B]

MR88 has entered the chat...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411560489/manurhin+mr88+dx+defense+inox+.38+sp+da+4

At four grand? That'd buy you a 66-8, a GP100, a King Cobra Target and something Brazilian. If you're willing to inch up a tad in frame size, that's a 686, a GP100 and a Python.

[Sal Picante]

At four grand? That'd buy you a 66-8, a GP100, a King Cobra Target and something Brazilian. If you're willing to inch up a tad in frame size, that's a 686, a GP100 and a Python.

On the plus side, the QC will be better than over in Springfield... :D

[Outpost75]

Consider having an older gun professionally inspected and refurbed. An S&W Model 13 would be a good candidate.

I prefer Colts myself, but I have a gunsmith who works on them and I am a certifiable dinosaur.

[Wooosh]

Other than specialty use No market for a 35 ounce 6 shot blaster that is very large

Not really sure what OP is asking as K frames are available new and used?
It was more of an exercise to see what the revolver market is like now. I would argue that a K-Frame sized revolver would be a good choice for self defense and recreational shooting for the vast majority of people, but the process of buying an old gun is a pain for people who are just getting into shooting.

You would need to know how to inspect a revolver for timing and headspace issues and then find a trusted and reliable gunsmith to fix any problems found with these aging guns. In contrast, new guns have the advantage of having factory warranty and customer support in addition to spare parts being readily available.


MR88 has entered the chat...

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/411560489/manurhin+mr88+dx+defense+inox+.38+sp+da+4

I’m ok paying for quality but that is outside my price range. I max out somewhere around a quarter of that.

That’s definitely not in budget. LOL!!

At four grand? That'd buy you a 66-8, a GP100, a King Cobra Target and something Brazilian. If you're willing to inch up a tad in frame size, that's a 686, a GP100 and a Python.
And yet, Ruger still doesn't have a 6-shot SP101 or a steel-framed 6-shot LCR in their lineup.

[358156hp]

SP-101 Match Champion in two barrel lengths- https://ruger.com/products/sp101MatchChampion/models.html

And a 7-shot GP-100 with a 2.5 in barrel, adjustable sights, and what appears to be the small grip- https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1774.html

I'm really taken with the GP, but everythings so damn expensive right now...

[Outpost75]

It was more of an exercise to see what the revolver market is like now. ....

And yet, Ruger still doesn't have a 6-shot SP101 or a steel-framed 6-shot LCR in their lineup.

SP101and LCR are scaled to 5-shot .38 Special because that's where they feel the civilian market lies, in concealed carry.

Design objective of SP101 was sturdy and durable gun to withstand continuous use of +P+ LE in .38 Special. Later enlarged frame window and lengthened cylinder for .357 once they established it would hold up to high volume use.

Design objective of LCR was light weight and low production cost in a .38 Special +P being also .357 capable for limited use in later models when they enlarged frame window and lengthened cylinder. You will never see a steel one.

A 6-shot revolver require a larger bolt circle, bigger cylinder and frame. A complete redesign.

GP100 is larger than a K-frame because design objective was to withstand high volume of .357 Magnum. A poor man's Python was WBR's concept. Also intended to be less labor intensive to manufacture than the older "Six" series, because that is where they saw the majority sporting market going. There have been no large contract orders for police revolvers at Ruger since 1988.

[4RNR]

It was more of an exercise to see what the revolver market is like now. I would argue that a K-Frame sized revolver would be a good choice for self defense and recreational shooting for the vast majority of people, but the process of buying an old gun is a pain for people who are just getting into shooting.

You would need to know how to inspect a revolver for timing and headspace issues and then find a trusted and reliable gunsmith to fix any problems found with these aging guns. In contrast, new guns have the advantage of having factory warranty and customer support in addition to spare parts being readily available.





And yet, Ruger still doesn't have a 6-shot SP101 or a steel-framed 6-shot LCR in their lineup.Not to say that this can't happen but 99.9999% of used guns are less used and more so pre-owned. Even cop guns.

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[HCM]

It was more of an exercise to see what the revolver market is like now. I would argue that a K-Frame sized revolver would be a good choice for self defense and recreational shooting for the vast majority of people, but the process of buying an old gun is a pain for people who are just getting into shooting.

You would need to know how to inspect a revolver for timing and headspace issues and then find a trusted and reliable gunsmith to fix any problems found with these aging guns. In contrast, new guns have the advantage of having factory warranty and customer support in addition to spare parts being readily available.





And yet, Ruger still doesn't have a 6-shot SP101 or a steel-framed 6-shot LCR in their lineup.

While I agree that a K frame sized revolver would meet most people’s needs, it doesn’t necessarily meet their wants, which are semi auto pistols and smaller J frame sized revolvers for concealed carry.

This goes to that whole “gun companies exist to make money, not guns” thing. They make what sells / what they believe will sell.

As noted the days of any significant institutional use of revolvers is long over.

[sharps54]

Wooosh said, “ And yet, Ruger still doesn't have a 6-shot SP101 or a steel-framed 6-shot LCR in their lineup.”

If you go with the optimal cartridge for the frame size they do may 6 shot SP101s and LCRs, they are just chambered in .32 ;)

A new or elderly or small framed shooter could do worse than a J frame sized gun shooting .32 wadcutters for most things.

Edit to add I understand the limitation here, while you can find .32 Long online finding the guns is hard and the ammo in your local store even harder.

[Rex G]

Rugers are generally way too heavy with exception to the lighter GP100 Match Champion, but Ruger just had to make it look ugly by laser-engraving "Match Champion" on it in italics, complete with a registered trademark symbol. Also, you would think that Ruger, after releasing a 7-shot GP100, would've came out with a 6-shot SP101 by now.



To a degree, there is enough meat, on a GP100 barrel, to carefully remove much of the unattractive engraving, and recountour the outside of the barrel. I have not found it necessary to do so, but I have seen examples that looked nice. It is not like the laser engraving on S&W revolvers looks good, either.

I am not an engineer, but, just eyeballing GP100 and SP101 cylinders, I can see why there is no 6-shot SP101, chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum. .32, yes, but .38/.357, no.

While not “currently” manufactured, the Ruger Speed Six answers the questions that many us of have been asking, and fits many K-Frame holsters. Without even looking on the internet for them, I have accumulated three Speed Sixes, in both of the usual barrel lengths. Actually, four, if I count the NYPD version I bought, long ago, and foolishly let get away from me, in a trade.

Edited to add: I admit being biased, in favor of Ruger. The original-pattern factory GP100 and SP101 grips fit my hands to a custom-fitted level of perfection, and the old wood Speed Six grips are not half bad. Plus, I used a GP100, in a real-world defensive incident.

[Crazy Dane]

Rugers are generally way too heavy with exception to the lighter GP100 Match Champion, but Ruger just had to make it look ugly by laser-engraving "Match Champion" on it in italics, complete with a registered trademark symbol. Also, you would think that Ruger, after releasing a 7-shot GP100, would've came out with a 6-shot SP101 by now.




I have been in the "Rugers are heavy" argument before and I have weighed all of my revolvers. I only have 1 K frame and 1 L frame to compare.

S&W 19-2 4 inch - 2lb 4 7/8oz
S&W 69 2 3/4 inch - 2lb 4 1/8oz
Python 4 inch - 2lb 8 1/2 oz
Python 3 inch - 2lb 7 1/2oz
GP100 3 inch .357 - 2lb 4 1/2oz
GP100 3 inch .44 - 2lb 4 3/4oz
GP100 5 inch .44 - 2lb 6 1/8oz

It works out to be 5/8oz per inch of barrel on the GP100 .44s and exactly 1oz on the Pythons so I would guess that a 4 inch GP100 .357 would weigh about 2lb 5 1/2oz.

To me there is not enough weight and size difference between GP-L-K to make a difference in carry. What effects my carry IWB with a revolver is barrel length and where the cylinder rides. 3 inch or less is the happy spot, 4-inch guns are doable and the 5 inch is almost impossible, just hope I don't have to sit down. After weighing all of these I have never found a need to chase down any more K frames.

I have learned that finding the right belt/holster combo to carry a 2 1/2-pound gun all day is critical and what works for me probably won't work for you.

[Outpost75]

Now, the question is, would you pay $3000 for an 11oz. Titanium frame and cylinder SP101 or a 20 oz. GP100?

[Crazy Dane]

Now, the question is, would you pay $3000 for an 11oz. Titanium frame and cylinder SP101 or a 20 oz. GP100?


As long as I did not have to shoot Magnums out of them...

[JonInWA]

Given current concerns over quality control and availability, I'll echo the comments Rex G makes regarding Ruger -Six revolvers. Yes, they're out of production. And no, Ruger Customer Support no longer supports them (although some components, such as adjustable rears sights from current production guns carry over).

But: They're incredibly durable. They rarely break. Wolff stocks trigger return springs, which is the only component on my 1978 vintage Security Six that ever needed replacing. I think the odds are in your favor in finding a decent used stainless steel -Six and getting a lifetime's worth of use out of it than needing to spend four thousand dollars on a new MR88. And the 3" and 4" barrel MR88s are .38 Special only....

Alternatively, I'd probably recommend going the Match Champion route; I'd personally be inclined to get the fix sighted version with the Novak rear sight, and then replace the rear sight with a Novak adjustable rear sight.

Or, But Wait! there's the MR73 Gendarmerie 4" available from Beretta USA, at the bargain price of $3,600. But it's blued...

https://www.beretta.com/en-us/manurhin-mr73-gendarmerie-/

Best, Jon

[Zeke38]

The Smith 242 fits into your criteria. Smith couldn't give them away. Now you have to sell a kidney to purchase one. I think Smith needs to rethink some ill timed releases of some of their revolver designs.

I don't shoot 2" K frames well, but I enjoy and shoot well a 3" HB K frame Smith. An updated 3" HB on a Model 12 frame in 38+P could spring some of my cash.

Oh well packin a 442-1 is probably all I need.

[MichaelOrick]

Look for used Ruger Speed/Service/Security Sixes.

Still out there in 38/357 and 9mm from $350-1,300.

[jtcarm]

I'd probably recommend going the Match Champion route; I'd personally be inclined to get the fix sighted version with the Novak rear sight, and then replace the rear sight with a Novak adjustable rear sight.

Best, Jon

Or, go with the target-sights and replace with a Bowen Rough Country:

[Wooosh]

SP101and LCR are scaled to 5-shot .38 Special because that's where they feel the civilian market lies, in concealed carry.

Design objective of SP101 was sturdy and durable gun to withstand continuous use of +P+ LE in .38 Special. Later enlarged frame window and lengthened cylinder for .357 once they established it would hold up to high volume use.

Design objective of LCR was light weight and low production cost in a .38 Special +P being also .357 capable for limited use in later models when they enlarged frame window and lengthened cylinder. You will never see a steel one.

A 6-shot revolver require a larger bolt circle, bigger cylinder and frame. A complete redesign.

GP100 is larger than a K-frame because design objective was to withstand high volume of .357 Magnum. A poor man's Python was WBR's concept. Also intended to be less labor intensive to manufacture than the older "Six" series, because that is where they saw the majority sporting market going. There have been no large contract orders for police revolvers at Ruger since 1988.

I completely understand why K-Frame sized revolvers have all but disappeared, but I think they are still an excellent choice for novice shooters who want a revolver. Snubbies are often a handful to shoot for many, and plenty of people don't like the idea of hauling around a 686 or GP100 outside of a shooting range.

To clarify, I was thinking that if investment casting is no longer as cheap as it once was back in the 80s, Ruger could use the technology and experience they gained in developing the LCR in creating a new clean-slate design that will be cheaper than any legacy design, investment casted or forged.

The LCR .357 has a CNC-machined steel upper frame with the only cast part being the crane. I also noticed that, thanks to the usage of CNC machining and MIM, parts on the LCR drop-in with basically no hand-fitting.

[jetfire]

I completely understand why K-Frame sized revolvers have all but disappeared, but I think they are still an excellent choice for novice shooters who want a revolver. Snubbies are often a handful to shoot for many, and plenty of people don't like the idea of hauling around a 686 or GP100 outside of a shooting range.

To clarify, I was thinking that if investment casting is no longer as cheap as it once was back in the 80s, Ruger could use the technology and experience they gained in developing the LCR in creating a new clean-slate design that will be cheaper than any legacy design, investment casted or forged.

The LCR .357 has a CNC-machined steel upper frame with the only cast part being the crane. I also noticed that, thanks to the usage of CNC machining and MIM, parts on the LCR drop-in with basically no hand-fitting.

I've been writing love letters to Ruger about making a K-frame sized LCR, the LMR or whatever, for basically ever. Maybe someday, but not today.

[Jim Watson]

The only reason I can think of why they are not making an LMR is not wanting to compete with themselves. Why tool up to make a revolver that would cut into sales of the GP?

[45dotACP]

The only reason I can think of why they are not making an LMR is not wanting to compete with themselves. Why tool up to make a revolver that would cut into sales of the GP?Just my opinion, but a 6 shot medium frame LCR would be less pleasant to shoot full house .357 through. Meanwhile the GP100 laughs at your 125gr that goes 1500FPS

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[gato naranja]

There isn't much demand among the masses for such an animal anymore, and what interest there is could be easily met if S&W could figure out how to do QC yet again... at least unless someone fires up the social media/influencer/movie machine and brainwashes everyone into a "needing" a Combat Masterpiece.

[gato naranja]

edit: duplicate

[JWintergreen]

Op, those are my exact frustrations with the current revolver market as well. I think the six shooter that would make sense from Smith or Ruger would be six shot D frame sized revolver. I certainly think there is still a market for svelte little revolvers that still have a six round cylinder. Things like normal sized trigger guards (here's looking at you Colt), hearty ejector rods, adjustable sight options, and somewhat competent quality control departments would go a long way.

With that said, I'm really not expecting that much out of Smith or Ruger anymore. The most interesting options seem to be coming from Taurus these days. If the new Rossi revolvers prove to be reliable that will be a great option for some folks. From the spec sheet they also seem to be size efficient little buggers as well.

[Wooosh]

I would also like to add that people have been wishing for a 6-shot .357 SP101 (or at least something similar in weight) from Ruger for quite some time. It's the biggest complaint most shooters have with the SP101 besides the rough out-of-the-box action, which can be easily remedied unlike the 5-shot limitation.

Here are two threads showing what I'm talking about:

https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/the-case-for-a-six-shot-38-357-sp101-lineup.396827/

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/ruger-sp101-38spl-6-shot.275161/

[JWintergreen]

I would also like to add that people have been wishing for a 6-shot .357 SP101 (or at least something similar in weight) from Ruger for quite some time. It's the biggest complaint most shooters have with the SP101 besides the rough out-of-the-box action, which can be easily remedied unlike the 5-shot limitation.

Here are two threads showing what I'm talking about:

https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/the-case-for-a-six-shot-38-357-sp101-lineup.396827/

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/ruger-sp101-38spl-6-shot.275161/

lol

that one thread looks .... familiar

[358156hp]

I would also like to add that people have been wishing for a 6-shot .357 SP101 (or at least something similar in weight) from Ruger for quite some time. It's the biggest complaint most shooters have with the SP101 besides the rough out-of-the-box action, which can be easily remedied unlike the 5-shot limitation.

Here are two threads showing what I'm talking about:

https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/the-case-for-a-six-shot-38-357-sp101-lineup.396827/

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/ruger-sp101-38spl-6-shot.275161/

I did triggers on two different SP101s, and it looked to me like Ruger should be swapping out their production tools out far more often than they are. Almost every recessed that appeared to have been swaged to final size had a rough finish and "tails" of swaged metal left at the end of the tools travel. Once I got that mess cleaned up everything was much more straight forward and conventional. Both revolvers slicked up nice though, it just took extra time.

[Navin Johnson]

I would also like to add that people have been wishing for a 6-shot .357 SP101 (or at least something similar in weight) from Ruger for quite some time. It's the biggest complaint most shooters have with the SP101 besides the rough out-of-the-box action, which can be easily remedied unlike the 5-shot limitation.

Here are two threads showing what I'm talking about:

https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/the-case-for-a-six-shot-38-357-sp101-lineup.396827/

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/ruger-sp101-38spl-6-shot.275161/

So……a 34 oz. 6 shot?

Those are readily available

The frame and the cylinder must be notably bigger, and will add weight. There’s no way to ignore physics.

A 26 ish oz. Scandium or hybrid (like LCR) I would think possible

A 6 shot cylinder is way bigger from a carry perspective

Is there a market to recoup costs? (Not just 30 members on a forum)

Not to mention what’s left of the mid size revolver market is converting or fading

Small far more shootable semi’s are readily available at half the price of a midsize revolver

[JWintergreen]

So……a 34 oz. 6 shot?

Those are readily available

The frame and the cylinder must be notably bigger, and will add weight. There’s no way to ignore physics.

A 26 ish oz. Scandium or hybrid (like LCR) I would think possible

A 6 shot cylinder is way bigger from a carry perspective

Is there a market to recoup costs? (Not just 30 members on a forum)

Not to mention what’s left of the mid size revolver market is converting or fading

Small far more shootable semi’s are readily available at half the price of a midsize revolver

Nope. D frame sized revolvers weigh quite a bit less than that. For example a Magnum Carry/King Cobra Carry is around 25 ounces (and those are all steel guns). Heck, even the new Rossi snub (which I believe has a K frame sized cylinder) is only 27.3 ounces. The difference in cylinder diameter between an SP101 and a classic D frame sized revolver is only 0.05" in diameter. If there were no market for such a beast the new small frame Colts, Kimber K6s, Taurus 856, etc... would not exist.

[03RN]

Fwiw a 2.75" m66-8 is 33oz and I wouldn't want it to weigh less

A 4" round butt, standard weight m64 is 31oz. I'm guessing a 2" m10 is 29oz

[jtcarm]

Fwiw a 2.75" m66-8 is 33oz and I wouldn't want it to weigh less

A 4" round butt, standard weight m64 is 31oz. I'm guessing a 2" m10 is 29oz

Is that 4” M-64 a pencil-barrel? My 3” weighs in at 32.5 oz wearing Uncle Mikes grips.

A 4” 10-5 pencil-barrel SB at just under 31 with original magnas + adapter.

My GP100 Match Champion 10mm is 38 oz wearing Hogue Tamers.

[Flamingo]

This got me thinking about the weights of my different revolvers.

I weighed my medium framed revolvers:

M10-6 SB with VZ Stocks 4 inch 36.7 oz
M64-5 SB with VZ Stocks 4 inch 37.0 oz

GP100 WC original stocks 3 inch 36.8 oz
GP100 adjustable sight blue MC stocks 4 inch 39.3 oz

Security Six SB with Sile rubber stocks 6 inch 40.6 oz

I weighed the WC GP100 (because that is the one I am most likely to carry) loaded and it was 39.9 oz and I then thought about my G19 with a RDS which has been my primary carry for a while. It weighed 32.8 oz loaded.

I don't think any of this really matters, but I am a nerd so I think it is interesting. I am comfortable with carrying either type of gun. in my opinion, good holster design is much more important than 7.1 oz.

[jtcarm]

Wow that full-lug barrel on the 4” GP comes at a price.

Of course the 10mm has bigger holes, so less metal.