Mirror, mirror, on the forum, which revolver has the most decorum?

Just curious what the forum members think is the best of the best or your favorite. Obviously this is highly subjective, and everyone is entitled to their views. I did not know where else to put this, as several of the items on the poll fit into different eras in the revolver sections of the forum. I am also likely to leave many out for the sake of brevity I will compile what I feel to be the top 19 in popularity with option 20 being for "other" to account for the many left off. If there is an option for the blued or stainless variant of what is essentially the same gun you can make the assumption that option counts for both. For example, the 686 option could be selected if the 586 is your favorite as it is merely the blued/nickel version of that platform. Also, any stories or reasons why the model you chose as a favorite would be cool to hear. Cheers!

I don’t understand the question. “Decorum” generally refers to propriety or proper conduct.

What qualities of these revolvers are we evaluating?

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Mark Lathem

I voted M&P.. a hundred and twenty five years and still going is a pretty good run..

I mean as in good taste or favorite.

Impossible to determine. ��

de·co·rum

/dəˈkôrəm/
noun
noun: decorum

behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.
"you exhibit remarkable modesty and decorum"


This is a pretty silly word to try to apply to a revolver, but I'll play.

The obvious answer has to be the Registered Magnum. The RM revolvers were all made to a customer's specification including barrel length, sights, regulation with a particular ammunition, finish, stocks, etc. A Registered Magnum purchase required deliberation and thought.

All the others on the list are simple mass produced items that any riff-raff could point at in a dealer's case and say, "Umm, I guess I'll take that one there." How dreadfully common!

Yeah I suppose I was forcing a cheesy rhyme. Even so I'm interested to see the results of which is the favorite of forums members

I have several models on that list, but my vote goes to one I don't have- Model 29.

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Because of the metric system?

...of those listed...29.

3.5” nickel RM.

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I’m your Boogie Man, uh huh.

I didn't even know it came in nickel, that is awesome!

I did not know that either. My vote is for the N Frame .357's, to include all examples. I have a 27-2 3.5 inch that is blued.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

For me it's the Model 10.
The model 10 is known world wide. It lined the pockets of S&W for years. What other S&W products can bost the the numbers that the model 10 has? What other item in the S&W line-up has supported so many generations of handgun users.

My favorite is definitely my 1957 5 screw 357. Right before they used model numbers.

From the title of this thread, not your totally incorrect use of decorum, based on commercial success, longevity, distribution in the millions and overall breadth of utilization world wide, There is no question, it is the .38 Military and Police.

There is no question that S&W has built many fine revolvers, but overall, based on the criteria enumerated above, none hold a candle to the .38 M&P! The question was "What is the greatest", not what is your favorite!

Decorum? Very poor choice of words!

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Model 10 In all the police detective shows/movies, everybody had a Model 10 snubby.

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Thread Killer.

For me, it is the Model 19-4. I carried one as my duty weapon for nearly 25 years.

For me, that's an easy one to answer. It's a revolver that has been acknowledged as truly representative of the S&W brand since it was first offered in 1935. It's still an icon in looks, power, accuracy and versatility. It began as the ".357 Magnum" and re-named the "Model 27" in its path to legendary status. It still gets admiring glances whenever and wherever it's displayed. From precision target shooting to self-defense, it's the perfect combination of many factors that made it a famous and desirable collectable.

My vote goes to this one with no reservations whatsoever. I am aghast that the plain-jane model 28 was offered as a choice here instead of this true classic firearm, which has been the S&W standard-bearer for so long.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

One of the 3" model 19s; but I've settled for a 3" 66 round butt.

Same butt to barrel proportions as the 3 1/2" 27. but easier to carry/conceal.

It was, I was just trying to force a cheesy rhyme and ended up making a fool of myself. Even so, fun to see what people think is the greatest

Easy. Model 15.

Attached Images

IMG_4825.jpeg (103.0 KB, 23 views)

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Rule of law, not a man.

My favorite is the 4" Model 27 or 28. But I voted for the M&P, model 10. Produced in the millions the basic fixed sight tapered barrel K frame .38 spl is the all time best all around revolver for most uses.

Any of the dash 4s.

Since the word "decorum" was used, the only gun that truly answers that question is the Registered Magnum.

I apologize in advance to my Model 58.

My pick is the Combat Magnum. 19 or 66 in their original configuration, square butt, adjustable sights & 4" barrel. A TRUE classic.

29-2 6.5” Dirty Harry, naturally.
The “must have” in any S&W collection.

FWIW, it was not my intention to play semantics cop with my earlier comment; I was honestly trying to understand.

Most days my favorite is the 640.



But I also have a deep and abiding love for the classic 2” M&P.



And there is no doubt (at least in my mind) that the 3.5” .357 Magnum is the most beautiful—and “serious-looking”—revolver ever made.

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Mark Lathem

BlueJay, you’re not the one making a fool of yourself. Good grief

Model 66, Lisa's gun.

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Keep on Chooglin'

There are a LOT of great S&W revolvers. My 686 would be about the last gun that I'd get rid of. BUT, a revolver that has been in production 125 years!? Model 10 all the way.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I voted for the RM but must say that the Model 19/Combat Magnum is a glaring omission from your nominee list.

python???
j/k LOL

If I say one is greatest.................They why did I buy the other 46?...........Greatest is just a personal opinion of you.........Not me or Harry.

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S&W Accumulator

I was thinking the same thing....and props to BlueJay for taking it in stride.

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Because of the metric system?

My choices are; M-19, 4", M-28, 6", and M-57, 6", M-60, 3". Each of them for a different reason and a different use.

Llance

That would be poor decorum? Mentioning Colt on a S&W thread.

1st model hand ejector was the grand daddy of them all.

Then the m&p 38, and the 44 TL was the pinnacle. Everything else mere modification/ improvements.

Seriously, you didn’t list the Model 19?

There’s nothing wrong with the Model 66,



and the Model 14 and 15 are very nice, but the 4” and 6” Model 19s are 4” and 6” perfection.



I don’t mind the K-22 or Model 17 either. I like them both the same for different reasons.

Voted Model 10 because that was on the list but the Model 19 and the Model 15 have to be right up there also.

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Mike
USMCR 84-87, USAF 87-07

Wow, the grammar nazis are grumpy lately...
RM for me.

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1 Samuel 13:19 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I choose the 66, considering it to be the same as the 19. I consider this gun, with 4" barrel, to be the best all-round revolver. Other models and configurations do certain things better. But I believe there is no revolver that does more things better.

I voted for the Model 15 but its a lie. I have no real idea which is my favorite. It depends of which one I'm shooting right now. I will say the 15, and it's sibling the 18 are right the top of list, day in and day out though.

And "Combat Masterpiece" is hands down the best name for a revolver EVER.

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John 3:16 .

The only correct answer is Registered Magnum. All else is just incorrect.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Pre-war 357 Magnum (either Registered or Non-registered).

The M&P/model 10. Probably more of these made than all the others put together.

John

I voted Model 29, because I am fairly young (not even 80 yet) and am not really rooted in the past. But I have no argument with those who voted for the Triple Lock.

Post #43 is also hardly heretical.

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Formerly Model520Fan

I voted other. Yes, lots of nice models listed. Yes, the magnums are sweet. But to me there's something very special about the 38/44 Heavy and Outdoorsman-the earlier the better. They led the way for those later registered and non-registered puppies.

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	38 44 Outdoorsman.jpg (58.6 KB, 9 views)
	38 44.jpg (128.7 KB, 8 views)

Model 19-4
Model 17

The Pre-war .38/44 outdoorsman.

In the 1950's a 357 Magnum was considered a cannon, while S&W made a 45 ACP revolver, 1911's in 45 ACP were a military pistol and not popular with the public. Many of whom had carried the thing in WW2, did not think it accurate, but did believe it weighed too much.

Revolvers were king up to the 1990's, and Cops carried 38 Specials. Sure, sure some carried 357's, but prior to the M16 in 357 magnum, 357 Magnums were N frame and heavy. I remember when 357 Magnums were considered too powerful for Police issue.

Pretty much, post WW2, basically up to the 1990's, the 38 Special was the most popular centerfire cartridge on the firing line.

And this one, the six in K38 was a highly respected target pistol for NRA Bullseye Pistol matches.





Mine has a smooth action, lovely trigger pull, and accurate.





if I could, I am sure it could hold the 3.3 inch NRA 50 yard ten ring. I am lucky to keep most of my shots on a 12 X 20in target.



So this is my icon pistol representing the times.