3″ Barreled Revolvers

There's something about a 3" big bore revolver. It just hits me as perfectly proportioned. With the attitude of a snub-nose fire breather , a 3" tube still gives decent ballistics and sight radius along with full extraction of empties. It's enough barrel for most any non-hunting scenario, with easier packability. S&W and Ruger have former and/or current 3" models. Lew Horton, a S&W distributor, has commissioned many limited runs of 3" models in the past.

Be careful purchasing 3" models though, you will start scouring local shops and online auction sites for more.

Here is my favorite, a S&W 629 Backpacker.