Rainy day bored...
Your valued opinion.
Your thought on the most versatile Smith.
Home defense, woods/trail, etc...
Many may choose the model 29 (good choice)
some a trusted J frame of some sort.
As I have gotten older, the lighter the better.
Retired my N frames.
Colt SAA's have become too valuable to pack for woods
bummin.

My pick (4inch or 2.5 inch) the S&W model 19.
38 wad-cutters to hot .357 mags.

What is your pick. ?
My model 19-3 in nickel.

I carry glock, so my new thoughts on revolvers, being they are just toys to target or hunt with, is 617 and 29/ 629.

Sure can't argue with a Model 19. I've got a nickel 2 1/2" and a nickel 4 ".

Actual favorite to shoot is a 5" Model 27, but you can't beat a 19 for universal use.

We've got good tastes.

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Eccentric old coot

For all those reasons plus a stainless finish, the M66.

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Pass it on.
Mark

Even if we do say so ourselves!

It would be pretty hard to beat a .357 magnum, whether K- or N-frame.

For myself, given unlimited access to mail-order ammo (ie, no end of the world / zombie apocalypse scenarios) and unlimited time to handload my own ammo, I would have to chose a 5" 629 (.44 Magnum). A M58 wouldn't be too bad a choice either.

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You're shy a few manners.

4” model 19/66

Concealed carry, home defense, plinking, hunting, target shooting


Carry a 4” 19 every day now

Model 19- 4" barrel. Can be loaded with #4 snakeshot for fishing gun; 180 grain hardcast in 357 for wild pigs; 158 grain 38 special SWC for target shooting; or 125 grain JHP 357 magnum for home defense. All in an accurate relatively light well-made reliable revolver.

629 Mountain Gun.. I hike in places that are inhabited by some big mean critters.

and it goes well under the pillow(well next to it) to put a 240gr thump on an intruder.

That little off the barrel weight makes a difference.

Good choices all but it has taken 9 replies to get the 686 plus in here. And a 7 shot at that!!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

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Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

Growing up most of us read a zillion grocery store gunzine articles that advocated a 4" Model 19 or 66 for most versatile pistol. That was logical before the Model 69 came out. Despite its larger frame the 69's round butt makes it arguably easier to conceal. For large dangerous animals a 69 easily nudges out any .357 S&W. While I did not own a .38 I made target shooting pleasant for young women who had to be coaxed into trying it by firing 180 grain cast bullets in my Model 29 at 700 fps. If that's too much recoil then it is time for a .22. The slightly lower recoil of mild .38s in a .357 is more than offset buy the .44 Magnum's potential power. That's today's theory from my computer chair.

Nice stag Case knives Xfuzz. What's the one in the upper left corner that we can not see the blades in?

Dogleg Case Trapper..

My vote:

...from .38 wadcutters to .357 Mag, fun & accurate to shoot.
Shipped: April 1981 bought in 2011 for $375

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Bill - SWCA #2327

Choices, choices.....

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Yep, the 69 would have been a sweet gun, except for...

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I like my K frames and N frames in .357, but for me, I think my L frames have them beat for most versatile Smith .357.

As the .357 (at least to/for me) is the most versatile handgun ever made, I will have to go with the L famed 686.

At least that’s what I’m going with!

Can not dispute a mod-19 in short or medium configuration.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I just picked this up at the local gun show this afternoon. I’ve been wanting a 19 or 66 for some time now.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I'd have to say a 681/686 in 4" barrel. It can use both .38 and .357, in all different bullet weights plus shotshells. Still small enough to carry but long enough to use for hunting at somewhat longer ranges. Ease of maintenance ( stainless vs. blued ), and the beefier L frame for regular use of magnum cartridges vs. a K frame.

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

When one considers all of the S&W virtues that are being reviewed, A couple more important virtues need to be thrown into the pot, popularity, and elegance. The S&W Mod. 27 - 3.5", possesses ALL, of those virtues, and are guaranteed to bring a big smile to most of our faces. Everything considered, I believe that the 27 - 3.5" should be rated right at the top of the list, to qualify, as the S&W with the most versatility. My 2¢ on the matter.

Chubbo

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Whatever can be said about the .357 can also apply to the .44, and then some. Right?

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE M686.....

IMHO, IT IS THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION......

AS FAR AS VERSATILITY, MY PICK OF THE LITTER WOULD BE THE M686+ MOUNTAIN GUN. ITS EASILY CARRIED CONCEALED. ITS GREAT FOR SD AND HD WITH ITS 7 ROUND CAPACITY. ITS AT HOME ON THE RANGE, AND IN THE FIELD ---FOR HUNTING OR AS A CAMPING OR FISHING COMPANION. THE VARIETY OF AMMO AVAILABLE IS ENDLESS, FROM THE LIGHTEST TARGET LOADS TO THE MOST POWERFUL HUNTING LOADS....

I DON'T HAVE A SOLO PIC, BUT MY M686+ IS ON THE EXTREME LEFT OF MY 3 MOUNTAIN GUNS BELOW.....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

If I could have only one..........................though I love my 3" 66s for concealed carry.

My all around gun... was & would be my 3" M66. OD, many miles of trail on foot & on horseback. No big dangerous critters here that couldn't be handled by it. It strikes the right balance.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

4” 66 could easily fill all roles. Though it probably wouldn’t be my ideal choice for concealed carry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Talk about VERSATILE. If I don't want an 'L' frame (which I have) a mod 66 would be my next choice.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

As much as I love K-frames...my answer for 'most versatile' is a 4" 686. Hands down.

Another vote for a 4" L-frame .357. All the advantages of a 19/66 but able to handle a steady diet of full house magnums.

I would be another vote for the 686. Potent 357, +P 38's, mild 38's, or lite target Wad Cutters. Can take deer size game, self defense, practice, or light wc game loads for rabbit or squirrel.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I can't argue at all with the K frame having the most versatility.
Thinking about it, I never intentionally sought after K frames on purpose, but over the years, I have ended up with a 2" 66, a 4" 66, and the first pistol I ever bought new, a 6" Mod. 19.

So I guess on a psychological level, I must like the darn things because they can do pretty much everything.

Have a Mod.29 8-3/8", a couple of L frames, and a gaggle of J frames, but if I had to sell most of my Smith revolvers, it would be the K frames that would be the last to go.

I'm going to go with the 686 here.

Specifically the 686-4. The -4 had the frame drilled and tapped from the factory for a scope mount. You just remove the rear sight and the gun's already set up to mount a scope.

You don't have to worry about how many, or what bullet weight magnums you fire. You have all the advantages of a 66's stainless construction, and it's stronger. You get a trigger and sights as good as a 66. You get the same large selection of grips as the K-frame. Holster selection is great. You can swap to a scope easily for hunting, etc.

For true versatility the Governor wins hands down, besides the three calibers it fires you can use it for a small boat anchor or ballast for a hot air balloon.

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Bob P.

4" Model 66.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Here's my latest favorite. A Model 66-2 with 3" barrel.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

I can no longer shoot .357 Magnums for physical reasons, but for sheer
versatility you can't beat a .357 revolver. I love K-frames, so a four-inch 66 would be my first choice; but the 686+ would be a very close second.

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Oh well, what the hell.

629 mtn gun.

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S&W Accumulator

For all around versatility, I’d also vote for the Mountain Gun Revolver in .44 mag or .45 Colt. Merely for SD/HD I like my 2.5 inch 66, 686 or 627-5.

If all my listed 2.5” revolvers held 6 rounds, then the K frame 66 would get the nod every time. However, in my battery as frame size and weight increases, so does capacity; the L frame 686 holds 7 and the N frame 627 holds 8, to my mind justifying the nearly linear increase in the weight to round ratio.

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This is also my choice.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Keeping the threat in mind, I never feel undergunned with my Baby Chiefs Special in an appendix holster.

When I'm working in the woods, though, I like my 640 Pro at 4 o'clock.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I will have to say that I have had a hard time deciding between the Model 19/66 and a Model 586/686. I have my last duty carried 4" 66-2 and a 3" 66-2. Both hold a special place in my heart, and really don't get shot or carried much. I have a 4" 586 that is about the sweetest shooting .357 I have. I have a 4" Pro-Series 627 x 8 that is also a great shooter, if a bit on the heavy side. They are all special revolvers to me.

A while back, I decided that I needed to get a mid-sized S&W revolver that would handle the chores for which it might be needed in the hills and desert; one I wouldn't worry as much about harming in some way by carrying in the dirt and sand or by firing full-house loads. I settled on a new 2.75" Model 66. The damn thing is quite accurate and seems tough enough to handle anything I'll throw at it. I'm still on the prowl for a 3" 686, though. It just seems that the L-framed .357's might be the best compromise between size, weight and durability. I'll wait and see how the 2.75" 66 does over time.

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Dave Frost

I'll go with the 4" 686.

3" barrel M65.

Long enough sight radius for accuracy, short enough barrel for concealment, 357 chambering shoots everything from bunny toot 38 specials to fire breathing heavy 357 magnums, light enough to carry, but with enough weight to decently absorb recoil, stainless for durability.

Everything you really need and nothing you don't. Mine would be the absolutely LAST one I let go if I ever had to get rid of them all.

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Model 66 combat magnum

For class and showoff I like my 3 1/2 M27. For ease of carrying when I'm working here on the homestead I carry a 4 in. M19. Larry

For sheer versatility it's hard to beat a 4" .357 magnum. But I just can't
warm up to the looks of the L frames and as for the K frames, well the
old label of "glorified .38 spl" I heard long ago has stuck in my mind. So
the good old N frame it is. P&R 28 or 27, take your pick, I have both.

That's a tough choice. I think for overall versatility I'd have to pick my 625 Mtn.gun. it launches a heavier larger diameter bullet at similar velocity to my identical 629 with far less pressure and blast/recoil. Although larger it carries lighter than my 4" 586 which is usually my go to when carrying a revolver. But not quite as capable on large critters as the venerable .45 Colt.

A four inch 629-3 with a spare set of original two piece pac's for weather resistance.The 44 magnum can be used for anything from chipmunks to personal defense against humans and protection against dangerouse preditors without being in the stunt category .I use to think that the .357 magnum was the most versitile cartridge until I bought my first .44 magnum.I regard the .357 as a good second choice in competion with the .45 acp.

Not just to be different, but I consider my 4" model 57, 41 maggie to be very versatile. From light target loads to heavy hunting, I find it to be spot on. I have no need to shoot the shortened 41 spec. case because I can put up some dandy lighter loads in the full length magnum cases.

I own S&W 's in .22 LR, 38 spec., 357 mag., 41 mag., 44 spec., 44 mag. and 45 Colt. I would be just as happy with the 44 spec. or the 45 Colt. I no longer shoot the 44 mag. because the only one I own is a pristine 98%,1956 44 magnum that I bought to sale.

I prefer calibers that start with a 4 for most shooting purposes.

To me "Versatility" also includes the easy availability of ammo.......

and while .4xs can be loaded to do a wide range of 'stuff"; finding it in LGSs and box stores isn't as easy as with .357/.38spl.

This ammo availability.... is what, for me, gives the .357 S&W L or K frame the edge.

My wife tells everyone that I've got more handguns that one man would ever need, so I'm really not particular about what goes on my hip. But, if the worse happened and I was limited to one, it'd be my 686 Mountain Gun. Stroked with the right handloads it'll handle anything that walks, crawls or flies in my neck of the woods.

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Sheriff Russell Cottle. ret

Keep coming back to my M696 no dash. It's a very accurate range and home defense gun. It can be cranked up with 255 grain wad cutters to 1100 fps. That'll stop any predator here in the South. With a good holster it carries nicely.