Its nice to dream but dreams or internet posts wont make it happen at Smith and Wesson. They have a definite marketing strategy and its involves many other things besides revolvers. If someone takes the time to learn about the company their product and manufacturings lines are diversified and very interesting. Thats how they keep in the bucks. I used to think all the 44 special hotrodders were keeping the 696 out of production and maybe they are because of potential liability issues but this might not be correct. So far this year (2011) nothing in their product lines grabs me (my opinion) but if you are looking or waiting for something like a long barreled 696 or a full-lug Model 14 you might be waiting for ever and a day. Other good ideas may also never see the light of day. L-frame or N-frame 327s with 6inch barrels or reintroduced Model 16s with full lug barrels also exist only in dream land. The market for handguns seems to be all about concealed carry and law enforcement. Maybe its just me and my tastes. But their revolvers are still my favorite. A Model 14 still might be in my future.

As long as they keep making 10's and 64's I'll be happy......even if I don't buy another 10-14, I like to know they're being made

Smith and Wesson is the most prolific maker of revolvers in the world today.
It's incredibly interesting that in a modern age where most people gravitate to the now-established reliability reputation of well made semi-autos, S&W continues to crank out not only a LOT of revolvers, but a host of variations of them.

S&W is only going to make what they think will sell, but they sure seem to make a lot of different models with small variations between them.
So to "wish" for yet another variation on a theme from them is probably not an impossible wish.

I'm wishing that they buy the Metaba patents and have at it with a well made, "S&W semi-auto revolver".

Now how cool would THAT be?

You still have to be curious at how they come to some of their marketing decisions. I have read enough stories about how they track the used gun markets to see what keeps selling and what prices jump up on for certain dropped models. And I still have to laugh when I think about whose choice it was to try and one up the Taurus Judge by naming S&W’s the Governor… They dropped naming models years ago but do it for this one model. Very interesting coincidence indeed. And then there was the choice to drop the K frame magnums in favor of the L frame. I can only conclude that with the use of the hottest magnums they knew the barrels weren’t holding up and with the lifetime warranty issue they didn’t want to just keep giving away barrels. Maybe that is the reasoning and maybe not. Maybe they felt the K frame magnums just weren’t selling as good as the L frame models were. If I’m to believe that then maybe there is hope for them to return in my lifetime. It would definitely be nice if they would release on their website why certain models get either changed or discontinued. Maybe that would be a better request than just adding to the wish list. But I bet they review that wish list for future ideas.

As long as the "wishes" are realistic, I think wish lists are informative and I do feel that S&W execs cruise sites like this. If I were a "higher up" at a major firearms company, I for sure would be reading all the forums like this, just to see what people are saying. The internet is a major form of communication these days, and if a lot of people are saying they want something, it may make a S&W exec take some note of it. It may not get produced, but it at least may "plant a seed".

Revolvers aren't going anywhere, in fact I feel they are more popular than ever, since many states are relaxing CCW laws and more and more people are getting into shooting. Many people do not want autoloading pistols, and lightweight .357 snubs are selling like crazy.

Now, people wishing for "S&W's made the old way again" , M&P's chambered for 7.62 Tokarev, or .22 LR X-Frames are just being unrealistic. Those are never gonna happen. Asking for a .327 7-shot K-frame IS a realistic "wish", IMO.

I have to admit that later after saying "rest it" on the forum I decided that I was a bit dissappointed and had a sour grapes attitude about the 2011 product line. In years past they have added new or reintroduced models midyear so there is hope. I was also a bit disgusted after seeing a Model 696 at a gun show with a dealer asking $1100 for it. That dealer has also had that revolver at that price for at least 2 years. I remember when they retailed for less or about half that price. I should have bought one but I am not paying $1100. This dealer also had a bunch of N-frame specials at $670 to $780. Hey I also would like them to re-introduce a Model 23 also known previously as the Outdoorsman. Maybe a 38/44 Heavy Duty. And yes a K-frame 327 is realistic or an L-frame is too.

Just keep the classics and the "N" frames comming for "I" want the all before i pass on.

You would think that you should be able to order for the Performance Shop a Smith revolver on a basic frame size in certain calibers, finishes and barrel lengths. IE I would love to have either a new 657 with a 6" or 8.375". K frame 3" RB, HB in either .327 or .357.

CD

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De Oppresso Liber

How about a five shot .44 special in a K-frame with a three inch barrel and round but, similar to the model 65?

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No Fear is lack of experience.

So your saying that I'll never see an "N" frame .22? but how cool could that be? It would probably hold 13 or 14 rounds.

Actually, if you buy a new gun and send in your warranty card, you will likely get a survey sometime later in the mail. The survey will have a bunch of different hypothetical would buy this gun or that gun that they don't presently make. I saw at least half the guns on the last survey I sent back in several years ago come to fruition within a few years time. Point is, they do listen to customers.

S&W makes, and has made a mind boggling array of pistols, revolvers, and rifles......some I look at and I'm like "why?!?" but I guess someone's buying them.

10 years ago if someone told me they wished S&W would make an AR-15 I would have told them they were crazy.....

And the 5" Model 60? I wonder "why?" but there seems to be a market for it......a pocket gun that is trying to be a holster gun?

You never know what may come next......if enough people ask for it, S&W sees a potential for profit and they'll make it.

Nah...Six shooters are suppose to be Six shooters.

"cruise sites like this?"why cruise when they are a member?

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Rest it? Nope.

How about bombard Smith with it. Now THAT might just work.

Still want that 9 shot N frame .327 by the way. If anyone's listening that is.

Or...

A reissue or the Webley revolver but with interchangable barrels including a longer one with a forend and interchangable grip with a stock. You'll have a T/C-like system and a nice little plinker.

I hear that comment time and again and yet the ten shot 617’s fly off the shelf, Ruger just introduced a ten shot Single Six, and Taurus sells an awful lot of 94’s…

Smith's first .22 was a 7 shooter

CD

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De Oppresso Liber