I have a Freedom Arms which I consider to be the best single action revolver in the world.

My question is:

What is the best production double action revolver in the world?

The DA equivalent of a Freedom Arms.

Here I'm talking of a product manufactured with some reasonable volume -- not a one-of custom gun.

Possibilities:

The Smith and Wesson 627PC or 625PC or some other PC version???

Dave

This is not hard. The best production double-action revolver in the world is the S&W Model 19. Everything else is... everything else.

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If I only had one pistol I would keep my Model 19-2 with a 4inch barrel. Love the way it shoots and looks.

According to my wife, her 4" 66-3.

I have several answers to the question:
1- M-27, the two I've owned were the finest revolvers I've ever handled and shot.
2- M- 19, the quintessential combat revolver.
3- M-586 the most Practical revolver I've ever owned.
4- My, new to me, 2 1/2" M-66 just cuz it's so cool.

64-2 2 inch.

Four-inch Model 15. Second place to a two-inch Model 10 or 64.

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Oh well, what the hell.

the 686 4", but only because it was pioneered by the model 19!

Think it depends on what you want to do with the gun. If you are a hunter and want something that can competently take anything anytime, it has to be the S&W Model 500.

If you want a pocket rocket DA that is super rugged, a Ruger SP101.

For general purposes, perhaps one of the heavier framed S&W .357 Mags. Don

Whatever 6,7,or 8 shot S&W that is currently in my hand...

All kidding aside I'm pretty fond of my 686

When I took my quality training, what is "quality" was stressed over and over. Quality means "good" means "best", and that equates to "meets the customer's requirements ALL of the time.

I might be inclined to list a M19 or a M66 or certainly a M27, and I have more than 1 of each. Fine fit and finish, good accuracy, good trigger, etc, etc. But, to meet the "best" definition it would have to be a Ruger Security Six, SP100 or a Redhawk for sure, because they are build like a brick "***house" and will last almost forever.

I have shot a new mod. 21 that stacked 6 bullets almost all in one hole at 15 yards standing, unsupported, two hands.
It's a nice looking six-gun too!

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DA: 60-10
DAO: 640-1

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60-10,640-1,G30,G41MOS,1911

I have a 10-5 snubby that has the best dbl. action pull of any revolver I've ever handled! #2 would have to be my 27-2.

In my opinion, it's the 586 (no dash) 4".

Interesting replies, thanks.

One thing I was wondering:

Are there any small companies like FA the make high end quality DA revolvers?

Straying from the S&W camp, how about the Korth? From what I have read, completely hand fitted, and probably the most expensive factory revolver made.

Larry

Model 1950.

The Registered Magnum, in the barrel length of your choice.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Korth is to DA revolvers what Freedom Arms is to SA wheel guns.

Odds are you will not find a couple hundered of our fellow forum members that have fired a Fredom Arms, even fewer have had the chance to shoot a Korth

I pretty much agree with the Ruger Six Series being the best guns ever made. If I had to choose only one of my guns to keep it would be a 2 ¾” SS Ruger Speed Six. A close second would be the 2 ¾” SS Ruger Security Six.

Next I would pick my three inch Lew Horton 624 as third best, then my 696 no dash as forth best, and my fifth choice would the the 3 inch model 625.

This.


Korth-Waffen (Revolver)

I have owned both in the past and have shot several of both brands. korth is just unreal smooth. the trigger rides on roller bearings so you can guess what that is like, along with the handfitting. nothing else like it.to me, second would be a tedford tuned action python. still own one and shoot it a couple of times a year just to remind myself what American craftsmanship was like and could be again.

I am a dedicated S&W fan and owner now. There are a lot of good ideas above like the Reg Mag, or a 27 - if S&W feels it is their best built it is hard to argue with them. Same on the 15, 686, 64 all good choices.

But there is one left out here so far . From my Colt -ing days I would say there is a big group and percentage of revolver guys out there who would agree that the Colt Python should be at or very near the top on any Best Revolver list.

The Python is a Ferrari type handgun. It is totally hand assembled and hand fitted. It polishing and finishing is at the top too. Colt polishers were the top , but they had to be there for a while to polish on a Python.

While the Korth is right up there too I suspect that the Python would win by virtue of much more votes and awareness.

But as for mine - Ill take that Registered Magnum please. And trade you an unfired nickel 27 to boot too.

Oddly, as well built as the Korth revolvers are, they may not be any more accurate at distance than a good S&W or Colt. The Freedom Arms revolvers DO have have an excellent accuracy reputation, earned regularly amongst IHMSA shooters. You'd probably feel like you're going backwards. (I just don't like the feel of the SA in my hand, so suffer with DAs.)

It depends on your criteria for "best." Do you mean most rugged? Do you mean prettiest? Do you mean most accurate? Do you mean most handwork? Do you mean best action?

My vote for best production revolver would probably have to go to that long discontinued model, the original ".357" Magnum. Hand built, fantastic action, lots of handwork, beautiful hand checkering, super accurate, yet tough enough for police or FBI work, most powerful for its day, etc.

I suppose you could say the same thing these days about the Korth.

The type of handwork present in the ".357" Magnum is not likely to be seen again.

I wonder how many million K frame Smith and Wesson revolvers were manufactured and sold in the 20th century?

I wonder how far back it is to second place?

I would go with an N-frame S&W but that's because of what suits me. Six shot cylinder mind...

I would have to say model 19-2 6 inch out of the many I own.

I've read the same thing.

Freedom Arms would be tough to beat. Not that I could say first hand, they're a bit out of my price range

I think adding 'current' before production in the original question would make it more interesting. My Ruger days are behind me, but the best built DA from that camp was my .454 SRH by far. My Redhawk and SP101 days are thankfully behind me. All of my myriad of SA and DA Ruger examples - even my beloved SRH - were delivered as 'works in progress' - and eventually finished into decent revolvers, save the .32 H&RM models as they had max ID chambers, remedied by new cylinders - and that wasn't 'in the cards'. No, I'll put S&W alone at the top for current production best DA revolvers - MIM parts, IL, two piece barrel and all! My 2 5/8" PC627 UDR is a prime example. My 2 1/8" 632 Pro is no slouch - neither is my 3" 63. JMHO

Stainz

I haven't had experience with some to the guns nominated here, but in my own personal experience and preferences, I have to go with my S&W Model 686-3 with a 4 inch barrel. A close second would be my stainless Ruger Security Six with a 6 inch barrel. However, the Smith wins due to the incredible versatility of the four incher.

It's the Ruger Redhawk and the Ruger Security & Police Service Sixes. As far as strength there on the top of the heap. I run stout loads threw them all the time. There are no screws nor side plates to loosen up.

Isn't the S&W model 19 noted for hammering itself apart with the magnum loads?

Now don't attack my N Frames. I like all guns but it's good to have some that can take the magnum load abuse too.

Ruger for very strong well built magnum revolvers. Number 1

S&W for second when it becomes to its history of fine revolvers. The actions on the older combat masterpiece and target masterpiece 38 specials are unmatched even today.

But lubing any new revolver with a rough action with only will smooth it out. My two new s&w m58 & m57 actions and trigger pull we're different. Once lubed with the only paste there exactly the same.

Colt sorry I can't say "quality" and colt together.

Model 65 4 inch, no question about it. Stock wood grips too. Handsome gun.

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Back to back World War Champs.

Original post implied current production, so I'll nominate Elmer's one gun battery, an x29 4".
44 > 357, IMO.

I understood current production too.
There are a LOT of Fantastic guns that used to be made, but ones you can go buy NIB?

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As an owner of a single Freedom Arms .454 Casull revolver and many S&W revolvers (but no Registered Magnums), I can say that none of the S&Ws that I own match the FA for build, precision, stoutness, and the sheer feel of quality. Neither do any of my Colts, including a Python. I've never handled a Korth but they are said to be pretty nice....

*edit* Looks like almost everyone is ignoring this sentence in the original post: "The DA equivalent of a Freedom Arms." Either that or they have no idea what an FA revolver is like.

After reading everyone's suggestions I find that I have to agree with Comrad, especially if we include "practicality" as part of the criteria for selection as "best." The M65 can do it all, every task described in this thread. That includes "slickest action" with just a little tuning.

My preference would be for a 3" barrel. And I like the .333" wide smooth trigger over the old ribbed tirgger. But, if all I could have from here to eternity is an M65 with a 4" barrel and a ribbed tirgger (M65-1), I would be perfectly satisfied.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Yep, what Big Bill said. Others aren't even close.

Best double action? Well, let's see, It needs to be blue. The barrel should be 6 inches long. K frame's about right, but the caliber's not too important. Oh yeah, it's gotta have target /diamond / football stocks on it. The only real variable is whether it's long action or short action. That would depend on how itchy my trigger happens to be.

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Why, I aughta.....

She prefers to shoot the 686 DA style. Though I shoot in all modes I have to agree with her that it's the silkiest trigger I've shot. My model 10 was about as good but I can't compare the two side by side, since it is gone. I will say that everything about the model 10 was impressive, though.

Number 1 is the Registered Magnum. Number two is the 38/44 Outdoorsman. Number three is the S&W Model 29 family. Number four is the Model 27 family. Number five is a Combat Magnum.

You were expecting something else? This is the Smith and Wesson forum!

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Even older, even crankier....

Ok, we've seen fans of the various S&W revolvers, a few fans of the Snake, and mention of the Korth, which I believe is now selling for over 10 grand. What hasn't been mentioned is that revolver made by those infernal French. The Manhurin, specifically the MR-73. Not easy to get in the US but less expensive than a Korth with a reputation of being every bit as smooth shooting.

You got there ahead of me. I would not trade my 19-4 Combat Magnum for any double-action ever made, snake guns included.

The Model 19 is a great gun, no doubt about it. But to me, it's a .38 that fires .357's. I don't need that capability so I choose the Model 15.

First; DO NOT get me started on quality training. I've been through that BS under a variety if names.
Second, there's plenty of brick houses that are junk. I'm not saying Rugers are. I love my OM Blackhawk and my Redhawk, but the Redhawk may as well be an SA, the DA pull sucks and will never equal an S&W or Colt with a leaf mainspring. Even the SA pull on a Redhawk is tough and very hard to improve thanks to the single coil spring that appears to have come off of a deuce & a half truck. And yes, I tried the Wolf springs. Accuracy went to pot.

As to the original question: the M-24.

This. ^^^

Freedom Arms are line bored. Their barrels are installed in the frame before even the pilot holes are drilled for chambers. The chambers are drilled with the cylinder in the frame and the drill running through the barrel to align each chamber with the bore. Finish reamers will follow the existing chamber hole. Add their tiny B/C gap and minimal forcing cone and there is no American made DA equivalent to the Freedom Arms.

220 meter silhouette competition pretty well weaned DA revolvers down to Dan Wesson. However, for shooters that fire their revolvers DA as god intended, Dan Wessons aren’t worth a hoot and SAs were obsolete by 1885.

I interpret the question as asking for fit, finish, attention to detail, a sense of quality when you first pick it up. I also interpret the references to durability to mean able to stand up to the use it was intended for, and practically last forever with that use. I reiterate my statement of the Registered Magnum, and it's forerunner the 38/44 family, and it's progeny the M27 family. I will stick with the M29 as well, provided you aren't trying to blow it up with silhouette loads. And if ya ain't look in fer pretty, throw in the Highway Patrolman. There is little or nothing you can do to shoot an Nframe .357 loose, at least I've never seen it happen.

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Even older, even crankier....

Haven't seen anyone else suggest it so I'm gonna say my recently acquired 24-3. Loving it, versatile caliber , handy. 4" barrel..

No one else will admit it. It's like the Harleys and the Japanese bikes. It's old technology and new technology no one likes change. I enjoy both worlds by owing s&w and rugers.