Rule #1. Never sell a quality S&W handgun.. Only add new ones to your "stash."
You face the dilemma so many of us face... What is the perfect S&W handgun that will surely make us eternally content and happy forever?
It's a singular item that just doesn't exist, and for all intents and purposes, can't exist....
With so many frames, calibers, finishes, barrel lengths, engineering changes (dashes), grip and sight options, the "all things for all people" handgun quest becomes futile..
I have a large collection and I've handled and shot most all the models manufactured since the mid sixties. I've settled on one particular gun that,
for me, is as close to ideal as I'll ever find.
This is my personal requirements list....
1. It must fit my hand and feel good to shoot.
2. It must be of an
adequate caliber for both SD and hunting.
3. It must have a barrel length
marginally acceptable for both CC and hunting.
4. It must be a firearm I'm proud of and aesthetically, I love to look at.
5. It must be inexpensive to buy or re-load ammo for.
6. It must have a frame size capable of a lifetime of hot load use.
For me that final compromise choice is the Mod 27-2 square butt with a five inch barrel in blue.
Why a 27 square butt?
It's an N frame that fits my hand and gives me a wide range of grip choices.
Why a dash 2?
I love the P&R guns of that era and that is the focus of my collection.
Why the five inch barrel?
It's the perfect balance of that barrel length, still so-so concealable and with an adequate sight radius.
Why the .357?
I prefer the .41 Mag caliber but just try to find one in a 5" P&R N frame.
Why blue?
Just like the way it looks...
If you like the N frames any Mod 27 or 627 may be worth a look... JMHO