Smaug
Member
Here’s what I sent:
“I noticed you don't have any in your line-up. You have the 60 and 66, which are both 357.
The market is starting to learn that 357 Magnum in a short-barreled revolver doesn't really get us much, except more flash and concussion.
You have plenty of subcompact 2" barreled revolvers, in 357 and 38.
I would like to humbly recommend for your consideration to build a Model 60 Performance Center Edition, but in 38 Special +P and with an Airweight frame to keep it light. It would be easier to handle and hit with than one of the snubby Airlights, would provide significantly superior ballistics and not be too big to concealed carry. As a matter of fact, a 3" 38+P would probably match a 2" 357, but without all the drama associated with 357 Magnum in such a little gun.
While it's true that the 357 version already available can shoot 38s, many of us don't like to do it because it etches the chambers and then 357s are hard to chamber when needed. As a handloader, my solution has been to load 38+P-level cartridges in 357 Magnum cases, but I can't do that for carry ammo due to liability concerns.
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One other thing. On fixed sight models, add something to the instruction manual (even a model-specific stuffer sheet) that says what ammo the sights were chosen for. It saves us a lot of money trying to find ammo that shoots to the sights. Even something simple, like: "The fixed sights on this model were developed around the regular 38 Special with 158 lead round nose cartridge at 7 yards."
Thanks for your consideration!”
I got this succinct reply:
“Thank you for contacting Smith & Wesson / Thompson Center.
I would be glad to relay your interest to our Marketing & Product Development department for review.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us at …”
I figure they may or may not make a new offering after looking at the market and seeing what a killing Taurus is making on their 3” Model 856.
If not, I feel good because at least I said something to the people who can do something about it instead of just complaining to my buddies here.
Am I wrong, and there just really isn’t a market for a 3” 38? S&W seems to think there’s an endless market for super light 38s and 357 snubbies.
“I noticed you don't have any in your line-up. You have the 60 and 66, which are both 357.
The market is starting to learn that 357 Magnum in a short-barreled revolver doesn't really get us much, except more flash and concussion.
You have plenty of subcompact 2" barreled revolvers, in 357 and 38.
I would like to humbly recommend for your consideration to build a Model 60 Performance Center Edition, but in 38 Special +P and with an Airweight frame to keep it light. It would be easier to handle and hit with than one of the snubby Airlights, would provide significantly superior ballistics and not be too big to concealed carry. As a matter of fact, a 3" 38+P would probably match a 2" 357, but without all the drama associated with 357 Magnum in such a little gun.
While it's true that the 357 version already available can shoot 38s, many of us don't like to do it because it etches the chambers and then 357s are hard to chamber when needed. As a handloader, my solution has been to load 38+P-level cartridges in 357 Magnum cases, but I can't do that for carry ammo due to liability concerns.
******************
One other thing. On fixed sight models, add something to the instruction manual (even a model-specific stuffer sheet) that says what ammo the sights were chosen for. It saves us a lot of money trying to find ammo that shoots to the sights. Even something simple, like: "The fixed sights on this model were developed around the regular 38 Special with 158 lead round nose cartridge at 7 yards."
Thanks for your consideration!”
I got this succinct reply:
“Thank you for contacting Smith & Wesson / Thompson Center.
I would be glad to relay your interest to our Marketing & Product Development department for review.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us at …”
I figure they may or may not make a new offering after looking at the market and seeing what a killing Taurus is making on their 3” Model 856.
If not, I feel good because at least I said something to the people who can do something about it instead of just complaining to my buddies here.
Am I wrong, and there just really isn’t a market for a 3” 38? S&W seems to think there’s an endless market for super light 38s and 357 snubbies.
