S&W semi's don't really interest me at all. I've got half a dozen 1911's, half a dozen random 9mm's, a couple of 100 year old Colt auto-loaders, and a small mix of other semi's. Nothing S&W makes today or in the recent past interest me at all. Based upon reviews I've read and personal tastes there is always a better option than the comparable S&W semi-auto.

For revolvers S&W is right at the front of the pack and I wouldn't have a problem recommending one to anyone. For pistols the competition is more fierce. S&W probably makes some decent guns for the entry level shooter on a budget, but I guess that's just not a market I'm interested in.