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08-11-2018, 02:52 PM
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Best New S&W revolvers
So first apologize for giving up on the classics. There are just too few for too much money these days. I think I am going to look into buying a new S&W revolver WITH A LOCK
I havent kept up mich in the past year or so with new revolvers. Some threads I see show me that S&W has not improved a lot in some areas. Like the M69 thread. Canted barrels etc has haunted new lines of guns in the past. I think I will go look at a new gun though see what S&W offers now.
With that being said what are some of their better offerings these days? Some of the favorites? Some of the unique models that will shoot up in price (M657 performance center). I dont know what I will get yet but I am going to start researching I believe. Get on board with some of the new offerings...maybe.
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08-11-2018, 03:02 PM
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Choose a new one you want, locate locally, go inspect.. buy if acceptable quality. Or buy from Bud's, inspect refuse if need be.
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08-11-2018, 03:14 PM
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Well, I am a shooter, not a collector, so from my perspective the Pro series revolvers, such as the 686 SSR, are appealing because of desirable features and not breaking the bank. If you want different sights or stocks, both are easily changed. That particular model is all set to shoot IDPA, but even if you don't compete, "everybody needs a 4" 686." I'm not sure what isolated QC issues like "clocked barrel" have to do with the design of the revolver, and such assembly mistakes are covered under warranty. YMMV
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08-11-2018, 05:19 PM
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If you want a classic, Model 28's were well made and can generally be bought for less than the new ones. I like the new revolvers too. I think quality has slipped somewhat, but it is still a small number of problems which is not reassuring if you are unlikely, but I always buy locally.
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08-11-2018, 05:20 PM
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Good advice OKFC05.I have two Pro Series revolvers, a SSR & a 640. I had a deluxe action job performed by Denny Reichard on both of them and they are "smooth". The SSR is my favorite!!!!
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08-11-2018, 06:49 PM
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Just remember to bring your feeler gauge when you check out a new one.
I had forgotten mine the day my new one came in.
Think I will keep one on my key chain!!
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08-11-2018, 07:15 PM
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Just got a call from my LGS. My new 442 just came in so I'll pick it up Monday morn. Been carrying a m60 for a long time but wanted +p and lighter weight. Hope it works out!
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08-11-2018, 07:16 PM
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You know, your read here and see all the problem threads that are posted on the new revolvers, you would think that half their new production is faulty. But the reality is that most of their new production is acceptable or even good. I've bought 2 new lock guns in the last 2-4 years and neither have given me any problems to speak of. First was a model 60-15 with 3" barrel for my wife. It's a fine weapon and the only thing I've changed on it from stock is install a lighter rebound slide spring. The second one is my 627 Pro, which has also given me minimal problems. When I got it, I did have a light strike issue with the stock V-rib mainspring that it came with. But I had a new normal power Wolff v-rib mainspring in my parts goodies and I swapped it out and problem solved. And the trigger on my 627 Pro is easily as nice as any on my older S&W N frames. And yes, the lock is ugly, but has given me no problems on either revolver.
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08-11-2018, 08:01 PM
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I haven't had a single problem with any of my new S&W revolver purchases including a 3" model 60, Talo 686, 638 and 642 PC. Buy whatever appeals to you. My next new purchase will probably be a 2.75" model 66.
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08-11-2018, 10:40 PM
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For a range / hunting gun, Standard 686 4"
640 for carry.
442/642 for pocket carry
Model 10 Classic, just cuz the model 10 is for me the alpha and omega of revolvers.
But you get my point, you need to give more info on what you want it for. IMHO, they all have the potential to be good. I honesltly have not met a Smith I didn't like. However the J frames seem to have trigger that are pretty heavy and leave you wanting to look for a trigger job. My 442's is stock but it's a lot heavier than I wish it to be. But I don't want to go with a lighter spring. I prefer leaving it stock for reliable ignition.
It has gotten a little lighter with dry firing and oil dripped onto the trigger to seep in.
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08-12-2018, 06:44 AM
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When I saw this at the local gun show last March, had to have it. 5" 686 Pro. Made a trade with something I was no longer in love with. (you know what I mean) It is my newest S&W, being Feb. 2016. Everything to me is good. Bob
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08-12-2018, 12:09 PM
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Lock guns I own:
M637 PC
3" M629 Deluxe
6" M629
4" M29-10 Classic
2.5" M686 PC
None has had a problem besides the M686, which suffered from light strikes right out of the box despite and incredibly heavy trigger. I changed the springs for Wilsons and installed a Apex XP firing pin, and it's been perfect since.
Of all these guns, the M29 Classic feels the best. I think they are putting a lot of energy in the Classic line. That said, my PC guns do have remarkable triggers.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new S&W revolver.
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08-12-2018, 12:49 PM
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I have two "new" S&W revolvers, and one old revolver. The 627 Pro and 617-6 are both fine guns. I am frankly fairly lousy with handguns, but I shot much better than normal with both of these guns. No problems with either of them. After reading threads here about canted barrels, I looked at my 627 Pro, and sure enough, it is ever so slightly canted. I never noticed it before, and it had no impact from my perspective on shooting it. The 617-6 had a couple of sticky chambers but a bit more frequent cleaning resolved that minor issue. The locks? Well, I checked that they worked when I got them home - they did - then unlocked them and left them in that condition ever since. Doesn't bother me at all.
I did fall victim to a 1958 vintage Model 28 Highway Patrolman however. That is the extent of my venture into "classic" S&W revolvers. I manage to shoot it pretty well too, at least by my standards.
So I would not hesitate to buy a new S&W revolver. My two examples are fine guns. And of course keep your eyes open for a nice older one too.
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08-12-2018, 02:39 PM
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I was revolver less and started looking at different S&W revolvers and others .. after looking for over a year (wasn't in a hurry) I decided on at least one ..
I sold my last revolver when I left Alaska back in 1970 .. and have had several different autos since then ..
Well I decided on a 686 + PC with the 2 1/2 inch barrel .. Workmanship was excellent .. barrel was straight, front sight is dovetail and not pinned .. thinking of putting a red dot on it .. action was very smooth and feels that its stage able ..the long trigger reset will take some getting use to as the reset on my autos are very short while the 686 you have to release the trigger all the way forward to have the trigger reset for the next shot !!
Da trigger pull is over 10 pounds .. that's all my gage will record .. fells to me around 12 to 14 pounds and the SA is 3.2 pounds .. would like to see the DA down around 6 to 8 pounds with the SA at 3 about what it is now ..
I will put several hundred rounds through it before doing anything to it ..
Will be our night table pistol ..
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08-12-2018, 02:50 PM
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I own only 2 new lock revolvers, all my others are pre lock, however, I've had zero problems with the new type. Fit and finish are very good, reliable too. a M29-10 Classic in 4" accurate to boot. Other is a PC 625-8 with a 4" barrel,
which is outstanding, never a problem, used this for local bullseye shooting, great revolver. I would have no problem buying another "lock"
type S&W revolver. Just my two cents.
Oh, I forgot about my Scandium 340 PC, my daily carry piece. Well put together, lightweight but a real bear to shoot with magnums, never a malfunction.
Last edited by Arm; 08-12-2018 at 03:09 PM.
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08-12-2018, 04:16 PM
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My newest gun is a Model 686 Competitor. I have had no problems with it. It has functioned perfectly.
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08-12-2018, 04:23 PM
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i do not let the IL bother me. I simply remove all of it, leaving the intended “oil application port.”
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08-12-2018, 08:25 PM
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Here are 2 that I recently added. I bought them slightly used. Shoot great.
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08-12-2018, 10:20 PM
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Best New S&W revolvers?
There aren't any.
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08-13-2018, 06:28 AM
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I don't own any "new" examples, but if I wanted a new S&W revolver, I certainly wouldn't let the IL stop me; IMO it's a non-issue.
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08-13-2018, 07:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grayfox
Best New S&W revolvers?
There aren't any.
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That certainly was an insightful and helpful post - not.
I have several new S&W revolvers and I'll put them up against anything you have, both for quality and accuracy.
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So many S&W's, so few funds!!
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08-13-2018, 07:36 AM
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My “new” Smiths, well, not new now, as hundreds of rounds have been sent down range from each.
629-6 4”
29-10 6 1/2”
686-6+ 6”
All great shooters: accurate and reliable. The 686 has about the best trigger of any of my revos. Although the 29 and 629 are pretty close. I wish the lock wasn’t there, but not enough to stop me from buying a new Smith and Wesson. Plus, new guns come with lifetime service agreements. That’s a huge reason I was happy to purchase these 3.
Of all these, I imagine the 29-10 may have some appeal in the future (wooden case, all shipping boxes and papers), especially if Smith stops making them again. If not, it doesn’t matter, to me. There are better investments out there than guns.
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08-13-2018, 08:46 AM
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I have a new model 66-8 and it is outstanding. Plan on using it for PPC Service class. It is extremely accurate and actually is very close to my special built, bull barrel, Combat class gun in accuracy.
The firing pin length was .491 so I changed it to an Apex that was .495. This allowed me to reduce the trigger pull slightly.
Zero problems. Couldn't be happier.
IL......never touched it.
lbm
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08-13-2018, 09:18 AM
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Just picked up a new 629. No problems at all! The fit, finish, and function are great. Accuracy is great. No barrel cant or problems with IL. Found one online reasonable and the rebate made it around $600.
Cant find any used N-frame around here for 600.
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08-13-2018, 09:30 AM
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I think the Classics series will eventually become collectible. Their fit and finish really are top notch. Tight guns.
My 686p is perfect. I had to examine dozens of NIB 686s over the years to find this one. Tight lock up on all chambers. Good BC gap, perfect carry up, and most important, barrel is screwed on perfectly to 12 o clock.
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08-13-2018, 09:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom S.
That certainly was an insightful and helpful post - not.
I have several new S&W revolvers and I'll put them up against anything you have, both for quality and accuracy.
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I agree. Some of the newer ones have tighter lock up and less endshake than the older ones (even the older ones that are LNIB). CNC machining does have it's benefits.
Also, you'll find that the newer S&W's tend to have 'faster' barrels than the older ones. We get more velocity with the newer ones, sometimes significantly more.
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08-13-2018, 10:21 AM
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I believe a new performance center model is what I will lean toward. I also believe it will be a 686 model. I think 38 and 357 are pretty affordable in most cases and effective if you ever need them for business. I took my 586 out yesterday and shot it and I love it all over again. It is a 4 inch and I think a performance model will be a fun addition to the shooting stable lineup. I used to have a 640 and now I don't I would love to add another one of those to the carry group. There are some beautiful examples of new S&W models on here too. I really think I am leaning toward a model 69. It is a fairly new model so I expect to see some variations in the future for that model as S&W explore those waters.
I believe that you see most of the "Problem" S&W guns on here of course but they are likely the few of most of the guns produced so I will just do a lot of shopping and comparisons before I pull the trigger on one.
Last edited by bigshep85; 08-13-2018 at 10:22 AM.
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08-13-2018, 11:00 AM
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Keyhole Smiths
I am a Shooter and I Like S&W Revolvers. I sold off most of my Pre Lock Revolvers years ago, but have recently acquired some Keyhole Smiths. In fact I have one in every Frame size that Smith Presently Makes. From the Top.
460 X Frame
629 Deluxe N Frame
M69 L Frame
M617 K Frame
M63 J Frame
BTW I never had a Problem with any of my New Model S&Ws
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08-13-2018, 12:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nipperdog
I am a Shooter and I Like S&W Revolvers. I sold off most of my Pre Lock Revolvers years ago, but have recently acquired some Keyhole Smiths. In fact I have one in every Frame size that Smith Presently Makes. From the Top.
460 X Frame
629 Deluxe N Frame
M69 L Frame
M617 K Frame
M63 J Frame
BTW I never had a Problem with any of my New Model S&Ws
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Do you have a favorite?
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08-13-2018, 12:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigshep85
Do you have a favorite?
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I Love them all, however I'm a little Partial to the M69.
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08-13-2018, 02:56 PM
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I have a really nice M69 and a 625JM that I like also (It did take a second try to get a 625 with the barrel on straight)
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08-13-2018, 06:53 PM
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Well, today I just purchased a new 629PC 2.5" and the fit and finish is perfect. This is my 3rd one - as I have had two previously but sold them off to fund some other "must-have".
Already installed the C&S fixed sight and Pachmayr's (which I held on to and had on my prior ones).
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08-13-2018, 07:14 PM
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I own a few new Smiths because there’s no vintage option:
4” 500
2.6” 627
640-1 Pro
Other than the hammer on my 500 breaking into 2-3 pieces, I’ve been more than satisfied. I had a 329PD, but had more faith in the construction and longevity of my mountain gun/revolver so I sold it.
Last edited by CH4; 08-13-2018 at 07:19 PM.
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08-13-2018, 07:59 PM
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I have a number of new (ish) S&W Revolvers,
986 Pro. Perfect in all aspects. My Steel Challenge match gun.
617-6. Went back for recoil shield drag. Perfect thereafter.
327 TRR8. Had it tuned my a local guru. Tried it for steel but stayed with the 986. Trying to figure out a new mission for it. Silhouette, maybe?
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08-13-2018, 08:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN
I have a number of new (ish) S&W Revolvers,
986 Pro. Perfect in all aspects. My Steel Challenge match gun.
617-6. Went back for recoil shield drag. Perfect thereafter.
327 TRR8. Had it tuned my a local guru. Tried it for steel but stayed with the 986. Trying to figure out a new mission for it. Silhouette, maybe?
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Nice guns, awesome pics.
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08-13-2018, 08:07 PM
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Nice 986! Sure would like to have 1! Not really sure why though. Too much to choose from already. Bob
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08-13-2018, 11:37 PM
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When I bought my first S&W revolver in 1981 (19-4) everybody trashed it because Bangor Punta had destroyed Smith and Wesson. When I show it to people these days all I hear is stuff like “Boy, Smith sure used to know how to make great guns.”
Is there some sort of rule that says gun owners have to be curmudgeonly? It sure seems that way. My recent production 686+ is a fine revolver, and removing the internal lock hardly required a feat of mechanical wizardry.
Having said that, my 329PD was a steaming pile o dung. Full power loads would spin the cylinder.
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Last edited by Elkins45; 08-13-2018 at 11:40 PM.
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