Barrel length for j-frame snubbies

[vito]

Looking at the full S&W lineup I see that there are two basic barrel lengths, only about 1/4 inch difference, the 2.1 in and the 1.9 inch. I can't imagine that this small difference in barrel length is significant in terms of the power of the round, and wondered why there are these two different lengths. Is it just for cosmetic reasons, i.e., that the slight difference gives the gun a different look or am I missing something more important? And while I am on barrel length, maybe someone can tell me how much difference in stopping power there might be between my Model 640 with the 2.1 inch barrel and my Model 19 with a 4 inch barrel, firing the same 38+p ammunition? I would never part with my 19, which is my favorite go to gun, but the 640 is much more suitable for carry in a pocket holster.

 

[PRM]

I agree - can't see a bad guy will be arguing about the effective difference of the two barrel lengths. I do like the looks of the longer barrel. My all time favorite J frame is a 3 inch heavy barrel Model 36-1. The 3 inch heavy barrel does tame the recoil and lets you pick the sights up a little faster for follow-up shots.

 

[Mobuck]

Just my opinion but you'll probably find more variation in individual rounds of ammo than will be detectable in the 2.1 vs 1.9" barrel length. In actual use, I can't see much difference between a 3.9 and a 4.5" in 9mm.

 

[beatledog7]

The whole concept of a snubby is to have a short barrel, so it can be easily concealed and easily drawn when it must be drawn. To pick nits about bullet velocity is to ignore the reason why we have snubbies.

 

[jad0110]

Not sure why they do the two slightly different lengths. The 1.9" are .38s and the 2.1" are .357s.

 

[Arp32]

Only having the shorter barreled version, I just guessing that the longer one has the fully shrouded ejector rod.

EDIT: d'uh, longer ejector rod for longer .357 brass...

 

[pendennis]

Just wondering if there's a difference in the frame where the barrel is attached, causing a difference in barrel length. There's a dimensional difference in the old and new "J" frames, but I've never attempted to measure the new .357 mag J frame vs. the old one.

 

[P5 Guy]

Ejecting the spent brass, the 357 is a longer round and to assure that the brass is knocked out the longer barrel allows for a longer ejector.