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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 11-08-2009, 07:30 PM
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Default If you could purchase just one...

of the new revolvers off the S&W site, what would it be and why? Im looking into getting a new revolver and have been interested in the larger calibers mostly (45acp and 44mag). Im really interested in what you think (no matter the caliber)!

Thanks all!
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Old 11-08-2009, 07:46 PM
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I'd go with a 3" 686. It's small enough that you could carry it, at least in the winter, and still large enough to be comfortable shooting .357 Magnums. 6-shot or 7-shot is up to personal preference.

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Old 11-08-2009, 07:57 PM
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I really hate to say it but I think I'd get the Performance Center 460XVR #170280
It intrugues me.

If the Performance Centers were excluded, then it would have to be the SW1911DK #108287, because the 1911 is the perfect pistol design, bar none
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Old 11-08-2009, 08:01 PM
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I'd probably opt for the Classic 629 with 5" barrel.
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Old 11-08-2009, 08:12 PM
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I like simple, I like .45acp, and I like blue.
Model 22
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Old 11-08-2009, 08:31 PM
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Probably 610-3 4" or the 25 4" but I lean toward the 25 3" Lew Horton special below. I would kill for one like it in 10mm, love those N frames.



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Old 11-08-2009, 08:45 PM
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While I'd like to have a 500 just because it's the biggest, baddest, meanest one, I love the Model 29 classic.
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Old 11-08-2009, 09:06 PM
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My choice would have to be a model 58 classic
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  #9  
Old 11-09-2009, 09:02 AM
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The model 40 .38 snubnose Cenntenial doesn't have the lock or an exposed MIM(cheap looking) hammer. The blueing on new S&W's doesn't look quite as good as the old guns but the new nickle plated guns look excellent, so I would get one in nickle finish.
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  #10  
Old 11-09-2009, 10:15 AM
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I'd probably take the 3" 686 from the posted photo. Yummm...
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  #11  
Old 11-09-2009, 11:58 AM
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Default My choice....s

Just one gun, I'd take a 629 mountain gun. Powerful but light enough to be carried in the event that a person had to "bug out". Ammo could be had relatively easily for a .44 Magnum and .44 specials could be used to lighten recoil. On the other hand , right now in my pocket is a 2" bbl .38 bodyguard (Mdl.49) and in the safe is a well worn 638 bodyguard. They are what I really use right now, and either would be a good choice if the idea were that a person could only "afford" one gun.
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  #12  
Old 11-09-2009, 12:12 PM
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The 3" barrel J frame Model 632 in .327 magnum. Why? Because I really dig the .32 Caliber.
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  #13  
Old 11-09-2009, 02:24 PM
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3" or 4" 686 in the seven shot version(although I think the 3" is ONLY a seven). It's a gun and caliber you can actually enjoy shooting a lot without damage to your hands or budget(if you reload). Great accuracy and somewhere in the 50,000 rounds plus with normal care life span. I've been trying to wear one out for a long time with no luck. Second choice would be a 617.
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Old 11-09-2009, 04:09 PM
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If I could have one and only one... it would likely be a 629 Mountain Gun. With adjustable sights to zero different loads, there is not anything that I could not do with that revolver. That is one revolver that I hope to one day own. Hopefully the current occupant of the white house alone with his chicago mob will be assigned lifetime Fed. Super Max accommodations before our 2nd Amendment right to own and enjoy such firearms is destroyed. Sincerely. brucev.
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  #15  
Old 11-09-2009, 04:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brucev View Post
Hopefully the current occupant of the white house alone with his chicago mob will be assigned lifetime Fed. Super Max accommodations before our 2nd Amendment right to own and enjoy such firearms is destroyed. Sincerely. brucev.
Not with out a civil war.

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Old 11-09-2009, 04:55 PM
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Thumbs down No locks for this guy

The S&W site offers remarkable prices. I don't want a revolver with a lock even if I can get the 'Forum plug'. The Target grade blue 1911s do look interesting - but real pricey.

I'll keep my eye out for used, non-lock S&W revolvers. As my wiser half explains, "You have 2 hands and 16 S&W revolvers. Why do you need another?"
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Old 11-09-2009, 05:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Engineer1911 View Post
I'll keep my eye out for used, non-lock S&W revolvers. As my wiser half explains, "You have 2 hands and 16 S&W revolvers. Why do you need another?"
Something of a rarity, a woman with common sense.

If like mine times like that is the only time common sense shows up.
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Old 11-09-2009, 06:12 PM
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If I had to go with one and only one, the two choices would be a 686+ 4", or if you prefer N frames, a 627 Pro. The 627 is an 8 shot. With all due respect to the lock and MIM haters, of which I count myself to belong to, the current crop of S&W offerings are probably better from a performance standpoint. I had one of the very early 686's and promptly sold it after finding out how poor its accuracy was. I also tried to get the action to be as smooth as the old M19 it replaced, but didn't have much success.
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Old 11-09-2009, 06:53 PM
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Well, I'll have to get back to you after I shoot some of them. I just rec'd my 586 L-comp on Saturday, and my 315 Night Guard and Model 22, Model of 1917 should both be here in a couple of days. I should get to shoot them all Saturday and I'll let you know which one I like the best.
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  #20  
Old 11-09-2009, 07:10 PM
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Well, I narrowed my choices down to the 625 JM and the 629 carry comp in 44mag........ and then the thinking began........ My decision is gonna be the 625 JM.
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Old 11-09-2009, 07:12 PM
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Well, if I understand the question, "any gun" on the S&W website with a bias toward the larger caliber.

There does not appear to be a monetary restriction, so my first choice would be the Engraved Model 3 Schofield, in .45 S&W. The top of the line S&W that the factory is producing today. Hand engraved with Class A coverage, with a beautiful deep blue finish. As a bonus, there is no lock!



Now, I understand if $4500 could be a bit out of the budget, but you can get the non-engraved verson for around $1800. Both come in a nice display case.

If that is still to high, I would suggest any one of the Classic Series big bores. .41 .44 .45, pick your favorite but regardless of the caliber, get it in Nickel. Nickel is the best finish they have available today. They are amazing. If it were me? I would be getting the Model 25 Classic 6" in nickel. You can find them in the $700-$1000 range.



I would be remiss if I didn't point out that if I actually had the money to buy any of those guns, I would be buying a 50's vintage N-Frame in some large caliber. Probably a Model 25 (or Pre 25) in real nice shape, maybe even with a box and some goodies.
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Old 11-10-2009, 08:48 AM
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460 xvr with 8.375 inch barrel
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  #23  
Old 11-10-2009, 09:52 AM
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"...my first choice would be the Engraved Model 3 Schofield, in .45 S&W. The top of the line S&W that the factory is producing today. Hand engraved with Class A coverage, with a beautiful deep blue finish. As a bonus, there is no lock! Now, I understand if $4500 could be a bit out of the budget, but you can get the non-engraved verson for around $1800. Both come in a nice display case."



I must be brain-dead. It never occurred to me to actually go and look at the S&W website. That Schofield is simply gorgeous. If I could afford on, especially w/ Class A engraving, I don't think I could resist taking it out and putting rounds down range. In fact, I am certain that just as soon as I could buy or make ammunition for it, I'd be heading out for a little recreational range time. Practicality aside, I think I'd rather have the Schofield than some of the PC products that I see advertised. Sincerely. brucev.
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Old 11-10-2009, 10:09 AM
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I didn't see a non engraved one on the website, so didn't consider it. But I would buy a standard blued model in 357, 44 Mag or 45 Colt in a heart beat. If plain Scofield is $1300 list then street price should run about $900 to $1000 and would be fast seller in 3", 4" or 5" models.
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Old 11-10-2009, 11:26 AM
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Quote:
I don't want a revolver with a lock even if I can get the 'Forum plug'.
Have to agree. I would take the $$$ and buy an older gun on the used market.
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  #26  
Old 11-10-2009, 12:16 PM
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You need to consider many things when deciding 'which one'. I would say a 642 - or some other pocketable protection - should be top on the list. You can't beat a 4" 617 X10 in .22 LR as a great plinker - super frugal to plink with. I think you want more oomph - perhaps something to hunt with. Consider these:



The .45 ACP 625JM is a real keeper. You just can't beat a .45 ACP for a frugal big-bore, both in recoil and cost... and available at WallyWorld on a Sunday afternoon (... ie, anywhere!). I reload, and love to put .45 Colt lead in .45 Auto Rim cases - no moonclips needed. A 255gr LSWC at nearly 900 fps is great for deer or hogs. The low speed Speer 250gr Gold Dots are very effective, too. You can't beat 230gr FMJ 'ball' ammo in .45 ACP loaded in Ranch Products' moonclips ($35/100 delivered.) for utility and fast reloads.

Of course, .38s are cheaper - and the +P Remington R38S12 158gr LSWC(HP) is a known man stopper - it's also known as the 'old FBI load'. The 627 Pro will take eight at a time on a moonclip (Ranch Products 50/$50 or 100/$75 delivered.) for social work. You can also load real SAAMI-spec'd .357 Magnums for some more 'demanding' work, like hunting. Or, like me, enjoy wimpy 125gr JHP loads in .357 Magnum Starline brass (Loads more easily in moonclips!) or just .38 plinkers - very utilitarian.

Both the 625JM and 627 Pro have a spring-loaded front sight base and take the same .250" tall Classic/DX style HiViz in a tool-free change. The 625JM comes with a nice JM wood grip, the 627 Pro comes with rubber Hogue monogrips (The Ahrends cocobolo 'Retro Targets' are ~$60 + s/h.). Both revolvers weigh just over 2.5lb and are fine, recoil-wise, with wood stocks. Both have many merits - and making a choice would be difficult. Obviously, modern materials (MIM, etc.) and the dreaded IL are non-issues to me. They both have an MSRP of $1059, too! Good luck,

Stainz
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Old 11-10-2009, 01:12 PM
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Stainz's 8 shot .357 is a really good start, although I prefer a 4" 629 (.44 Mag).
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Old 11-10-2009, 02:49 PM
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Off the website I was going to say the 627 Pro; sent to the PC for an action job & I want a gold bead up front.

If Horton can be included, they still have some 3 1/2" Registered Magnums, either blued or nickled. I'd prefer one of these.
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Old 11-10-2009, 09:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Navy View Post
Probably 610-3 4" or the 25 4" but I lean toward the 25 3" Lew Horton special below. I would kill for one like it in 10mm, love those N frames.



I like these, but if I was going to go 'new' I'd go all the way and get the highest tech one they offer: the 325 Nightguard. If you trust it to go bang, it would be a really nice carry gun (about the same weight as a Commander).
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Old 11-10-2009, 10:03 PM
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My problem is the Night Guard is it looks like it is painted black and not blued. They do not hold up well against wear and scrapes such as might be had during pocket carry or CCW in general.
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45acp, 610, 627, 642, 686, ahrends, cocobolo, commander, engraved, hiviz, hogue, lew horton, lock, m19, model 19, model 25, model 40, model 686, n-frame, nightguard, schofield, snubnose, starline

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