The Smith with the most versatility...

M E Morrison · #51 09-23-2018, 03:23 PM

Limited to S&W, it would be my 4" M624.

If considering other brands, it would be my blued M15 Dan Wesson in 357; I have 4", 6" and scoped 10" barrels for it.

31FordA · #52 09-23-2018, 08:34 PM

If I had to pick one S&W revolver it would be my 3" 65-5LS. A good blend of concealment and performance. The runner up would be my 1950 vintage 3.5" .357 Magnum.

Jtown · #53 09-23-2018, 08:43 PM

For versatility I would go with the 686 in 4" even over my beloved Freedom Arms Model 83.
Walt

smoothshooter · #54 09-23-2018, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

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?

Any K frame can be converted to a round butt configuration.

k22fan · #55 09-23-2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoothshooter

Any K frame can be converted to a round butt configuration.

In the context of this 1961 to 1980 sub-form that would mean wrecking the collector value of 19s and 66s. It would make more sense to buy a modern 66 which are all round butt. Also the latest 66-8 eliminated the thin flat spot where forcing cones cracked making many posters' preference for L frame .357s questionable. Now I expect more whining about built in locks but that's peer bonding in this sub-forum so it's O.K.

rogerwnuss · #56 09-23-2018, 11:10 PM

19/66 most excellent, but 586/686 more robust. You can shoot 357s all the time in the L frames, which you really shouldn't in a k frame.
But either way, you can run the gamut from 38 wadcutters to full house 357s . Not as powerful as a 44 mag, but way more versatile. Cheaper to shoot. Adjustable sights, shrouded ejector rod, everything you need. And despite the opinions of owners of tactical Tupperware��, I would not feel undergunned with a 66 and half dozen speed loaders if need arise....

Green Frog · #57 09-24-2018, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

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.

If I were in one of those repressive states that require ones concealed carry permit to list the ONE gun that would be carried, I probably would have specified my Baby Chief and been done with it. Lately however, I have changed my thinking and gone with my Model 60-4 which is only a little larger, has adjustable sights to increase versatility, and has the advantage of being more weather (and sweat) resistant with its stainless steel construction. Yep, my vote for most versatile would be a 3" heavy barrel with underdog, stainless J-frame with adjustable sights. Finish it off with the properly fitting set of grips and you have the perfect sidekick.

Froggie

junglefighter · #58 09-24-2018, 11:23 AM

My vote goes to the M69. Either barrel length you like and 5 rds. of 44Spl./44Mag. should cover just about everything,2 or 4 legged that you encounter.

Pro2nd · #59 09-24-2018, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grayfox

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.

Off subject.. but is that an M1 Carbine in your profile pic?
I have one my self..

DRYHEAT · #60 09-24-2018, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubbo

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

After reading Chubbo's response I will have to agree with him. I still really like the 2.5" 66... but the 3.5" M27 has all the good traits of its smaller stable mate PLUS making the hottest .357 loads darn near pleasant to shoot!

BAM-BAM · #61 09-24-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRYHEAT

I still really like the 2.5" 66... but the 3.5" M27 has all the good traits of its smaller stable mate PLUS making the hottest .357 loads darn near pleasant to shoot!

SWEEeeeeet........ but that calls out for a set of Spegel checkered Boot Grips!!!

For years I wanted a 3 1/2" N-frame; then about 3 years ago I picked up a nice shooter grade (90%) 4" 27-2 (recessed but not pinned). I've reevaluated and on an N-frame size gun, which IMHO is too big for conceal carry; you might as well have the advantage of the extra 1/2 inch of barrel.

Concealed carry revolver, it doesn't get any better than a 3" 66 with Spegel Boot grips with a 3" 65 close behind in practicality , but way back on the coooool factor!!!!!

fyimo · #62 09-24-2018, 02:55 PM

My most used S&W revolver is my Pre Model 36 flat latch as it's my summer carry gun. In the fall and winter I carry a Sig P228

petepeterson · #63 09-24-2018, 03:12 PM

For all-around use, I'd have to pick my 3" 60-15. A little easier to conceal than some of those cannons you guys are fond of.

rwt1405 · #64 09-24-2018, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

Also the latest 66-8 eliminated the thin flat spot where forcing cones cracked making many posters' preference for L frame .357s questionable. Now I expect more whining about built in locks but that's peer bonding in this sub-forum so it's O.K.

Thanks, but no thanks, but thank you for letting me know that MY choice (opinion) is questionable.

I don't care what they do (or have done) with the 66-8, my choice would still be an L-frame 686 (likely one of my -4's).

I have more then a few K-frame .357's (Md 66's in 2.5", and 4"; along with Md 19's, Md 65's, and Md 13's), and yet, they're still not my first choice.

michael1000 · #65 09-24-2018, 04:59 PM

i have to go with the OP and say when it's all said and done, i'll grab my 19 4"

ladder13 · #66 09-24-2018, 05:24 PM

Model 681 ?

ladder13 · #67 09-24-2018, 05:27 PM

Or is it the 3.5 inch 27 so popular with others here?

Green Frog · #68 09-24-2018, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Frog

If I were in one of those repressive states that require ones concealed carry permit to list the ONE gun that would be carried, I probably would have specified my Baby Chief and been done with it. Lately however, I have changed my thinking and gone with my Model 60-4 which is only a little larger, has adjustable sights to increase versatility, and has the advantage of being more weather (and sweat) resistant with its stainless steel construction. Yep, my vote for most versatile would be a 3" heavy barrel with underdog, stainless J-frame with adjustable sights. Finish it off with the properly fitting set of grips and you have the perfect sidekick.

Froggie

"underdog???" @#%*@#! Spellcheck! Of course I meant underlug.

Froggie

mm93 · #69 09-25-2018, 12:13 PM

Since it's based strictly on opinions. My opinion is a 4" barreled Model 27 is probably the most versatile gun to me. I like the size, as it's not too big, or too small. The 4" barrel can be carried, but still long enough to be accurate too. The .357 in the 27 can handle everything from the heaviest .357 loads to light .38 Special loads, so a great choice for many various shooters to enjoy. Add a pair of Pachmayer grips and it becomes even more versatile to smaller hands.
I think the Model 27 is likely the finest S&W ever built.

ericrlarson · #70 09-25-2018, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mm93

Since it's based strictly on opinions. My opinion is a 4" barreled Model 27 is probably the most versatile gun to me. I like the size, as it's not too big, or too small. The 4" barrel can be carried, but still long enough to be accurate too. The .357 in the 27 can handle everything from the heaviest .357 loads to light .38 Special loads, so a great choice for many various shooters to enjoy. Add a pair of Pachmayer grips and it becomes even more versatile to smaller hands.

I think the Model 27 is likely the finest S&W ever built.

Good point. I have shot but never had the opportunity of owning a model 27. I hope to rectify that some day’

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Muley Gil · #71 09-25-2018, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoothshooter

Any K frame can be converted to a round butt configuration.

Provided doing the round butt conversion doesn't remove part of the serial number.

gr8 · #72 09-25-2018, 03:29 PM

A few years ago I would have said that the 2.5" model 686 was the do all and be all revolver. I picked up that idea from Hickok45.

Now I'd split my vote between a 7 shot 686 with a three inch barrel or a 6 shot model 19/66 2 or 3 inch.

BLACKHAWKNJ · #73 09-25-2018, 03:34 PM

My S&W M-28 6" barrel. A little awkward for concealed carry, but a heavy duty model, that 6" barrel lets you get a lot out of the 357.

Tanners Owner · #74 09-25-2018, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctxcummins

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

Have to agree. For me, the most versatile S&W is the 4” L frame 357.

Not to say I have any less love for my 24-3, 15-2, 64-2, 625, 627, 63, M&Ps & e series 1911.

But the L frame 357 offers the best combination of power, flexibility, portability accuracy, and durability for me.

Narragansett · #75 09-25-2018, 04:16 PM

Well, IMHO, I think the best so nonsense S&W would be the M65-1. I have been hard at work looking for a nice one for a while. I sold mine years ago. 135.00 new when they first came out. Just one of those mistakes you make along the way when you are buying and selling.

ISCS Yoda · #76 09-25-2018, 04:51 PM

My first reaction was a S&W Model 19. I'd be hard pressed to say that the 4" that I have is better than the 2.5" that I also have.

I could argue for L frames but you said versatility and the K frames are more versatile IMHO.

Same gun with different stocks:

Jim NNN · #77 09-25-2018, 05:34 PM

Probably my most versatile handgun (widest range of loads, ability to carry, ability to provide effective protection against wildlife predators, ability to hunt small game with, etc., with all factors balanced out) would be my 4" model 13. So practically speaking, the 3" model 65 that BC38 recommended would be even better, because the 3" barrel and rounded grips could put it in the realm of concealed carry, and the the stainless finish would be more durable. Other than those things, it's the same gun as my 13.

rwsmith · #78 09-25-2018, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefbob81

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.

I cringed until I read the 'besides'.