I recently purchased an S&W Model 66-8 revolver. It sports a 4.25" barrel, instead of the traditional 4" tube. I was disappointed that Sticky holsters, and likely many other brands are too short to accommodate these new K-frame barrels. Sticky will manufacture an IWB holster for me on a "custom" basis, at triple the cost. What did S&W hope to accomplish with the extra 1/4" of barrel length? Was this a ploy to increase leather/polymer rig sales?

I believe barrels at 4" or less can not be sold in Canada.
Their new firearms laws may negate all sales anyway.

PC

That could be it. For no apparent reason, S&W has stretched the barrel length on several of their 4" K and L-framed revolvers by some fractions of an inch. Frustrating when the old holsters don't fit.

Yes Canada for the barrel length. For my revolvers I have several of the well built durable and inexpensive don Hume JIT slide open bottom holsters - can carry any barrel length as the barrel sticks out exposed underneath. Never a snag or issue drawing, and with a snub hold the gun on the belt high enough the barrel barely protrudes below the lower belt line

Ruger, and I am sure Colt also.
Once Canada's full ban is in place, perhaps our OEM's will revert back to the true 4" length.

quote:

Ruger, and I am sure Colt also.

Yup. Both the GP100 and Python have 4.25" barrels for their midlength versions.

I wasn't aware of the Canadian issue. Thanks for the education.
Even Smith's new replica "Model 19 Classic" has a 4.25" barrel. It wouldn't fit in my original M19 holsters which have sewn shut muzzles.
Buyer be aware.

If you're using sticky holsters then you have more things to worry about that .25".
Buy a new holster for your new gun.

Bought two conventional holsters for the M66. I modify the Stickys with a belt clip for IWB crossdraw carry. I'm not paying $70 for a custom Sticky holster. That's certain.

I would hope not. They are terrible in my opinion. I suppose with a clip they could be useful though.