SBE3 3” only vs 3.5” capable guns

[flyingirish04]

My FiL purchased a 3” only SBE3 today.  I was helping him put it together and noticed the upper receiver and barrel are not connected like with my 3.5” capable Performance Shop SBE3.  They are two pieces instead of one.  Is this normal?  My old SBE 1 is same way. One piece. 

[remarkable]

3" SBE 3's are a two piece design, the 3.5" SBE 3's are a one piece design.

[flyingirish04]

Thanks.  Any idea why?

[remarkable]

Barrel production would then be very similar to most other models, saves weight, to name a few.

[flyingirish04]

Interesting.  What other models use two pieces?  My M2 doesn’t.  Neither did my Montefeltro or ultralite. Why not just have them all be two piece?

[remarkable]

The barrel on your M2, Montefeltro, and ultra light are all very similar to the SBE 3" verson.  If you remove the "Top Cover" you will see the similarieties.  thus barrel production would be very similar in most noted models.  Using the Top Cover on the SBE 3, 3" would support line intigration.

[flyingirish04]

Yeah my models are all one piece with the barrel.  Nothing like my FiLs SBE 3 3”.    Must be older versions didn’t have that.  The Monte is particularly different.  Have to remove charging handle to take bolt out.  Rest come out like my SBE 3 3.5 inch.  Good to know this is all normal tho.   Thanks again. 

Edited December 12, 2023 by flyingirish04