New Classic's

[BobsSmith]

Greetings Everyone...

I am looking at some of the new Classic's, wondering how they compare to the older models? I have a 19-5 which I really like.

I was looking at the SW site... why they putting locks on new Classics?

Are they comparable to the older models?

Do they make them without the locks?

Best

Bob

 

[Old Corp]

They all have locks, 'cause lawyers run the world.
IMO, they're not comparable to the older models they represent, at least not to a great degree.
Compared to other commonly available current revolvers, they are high quality, but they have no way to make it 1960 anymore.

 

[BobsSmith]

Thanks Old Corp!

Kind of what I thought. Still might look into it, kind of "kick the tire".

I have a 642 with lock ( never use the lock ) seems like a quality piece.

Guess was asking too much to make the Classics w/o the locks!

I doubt anything will equal the oldies! Cherish my M19 all the more!

Best

Bob

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I have a few of the new "Classics" for the following reason. Since I am an stubborn old coot, I will not buy a firearm I cannot pick up and look over and that rules out any kind of internet buys. Yeah I know you have an inspection period and such but I don't need the hassle (see the old coot comment) of returning something that did not turn out. Some vintage guns I just haven't seen for sale locally thusly buying a new classic model such as the M-24. They may not have the vintage down pat but I have been happy with the new ones for shooters.

 

[BigBill]

I have a few brand new s&w N frames with the lock which is no problem to me. The m29-19, m57, m58 & m24 cycle and function fine dry firing them with snap caps. My m58 & m57 had two different feeling actions. One was a tad rougher than the other. Lubing it with moly made both actions and trigger pull equal. Moly makes all my triggers have the same let off and the actions are equally smooth too. I have no problem owning the brand new s&w revolvers. The lock is no problem. It's still the same quality s&w firearm to me.

We still are holding a piece of s&w history which most frames go back to the turn of the century. They still have that awesome s&w lifetime warranty. What more can we ask for.

I don't want my own private museum I want shooters. New or old I love them all.

The older awesome s&w k22 revolver. This showed me what I been missing. It raised my interest in the newer classics. It's all good now.

 

[BobsSmith]

Thanks everyone!

All sorts of different opinions..! Thinking about the "plan vanilla" Model 10. Just for shooting fun...!


Best

Bob

 

[jimbo728]

Model 10`s are sweet revolvers!
Jim

 

[Bill Douglas]

We still are holding a piece of s&w history which most frames go back to the turn of the century.

That's only 14 years

There are plenty of LNIB and NIB models from back in the day appearing on GB in perfect condition if you want one of these.

 

[Northwoods Trader]

They all have locks, 'cause lawyers run the world.
IMO, they're not comparable to the older models they represent, at least not to a great degree.
Compared to other commonly available current revolvers, they are high quality, but they have no way to make it 1960 anymore.

I've got to agree...the new ones just aren't what the classics are. To each his own, but for me, I'd pay a considerable amount more for a classic over a modern day revolver anyday, regardless of the new bells, whistles, IL, MIM, etc...someone else can have them.

 

[Dave T]

If S&W has to tell you it's a "classic"…it isn't!

Dave

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've owned 2 "classics" for a number of years. A mdl. 21 & 22. They are fine revolvers with a throw back to yesteryear. Don't let anyone here persuade you not to get one.
True they are not exactly original but neither is my 2014 Mustang compared to a 1964 model.

 

[Kiteman72]

Thanks everyone!

All sorts of different opinions..! Thinking about the "plan vanilla" Model 10. Just for shooting fun...!


Best

Bob

I bought myself one of these and I love it!

Very accurate and w its new fake ivory stocks, it doesn't look so "plain vanilla" anymore.

 

[DRJ]

I have a new 57 Classic and it is a very nice gun. I don't like the lock but I've never had a problem with one. I was quite surprised to find it was a sq. Butt frame, I thought all the new Smiths were rd. Butt frames.

Doyle

 

[Rocky20]

new classic 586 4 inch is great

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If S&W has to tell you it's a "classic"…it isn't!

Dave

That's a matter of opinion. Classic is a term generally reserved for something old and special or something new and extra special from the outset but if you remake the same thing in a new version closely or exactly the same as the original you're entitled to call it a classic.

Adding the IL doesn't change the fact that the so-called "Classics" are pretty much the same gun today as they were when they came out decades ago. Which might also explain the Model 57 square butt.

***GRJ***

 

[Macinaw]

Go ahead and bash it. I don't care. This thing is FREAKING AWESOME!

 

[Kiteman72]

Macinaw, what is that thing?!? It looks freakin awesome and I want one bad! The case colors are fantastic. I saw a Model 40 lemon squeezer w case colors like that but I didn't really know what I was lookin at. When were those revolvers made?

Thanks for screwin up my want/get ratio!

 

[Macinaw]

Macinaw, what is that thing?!? It looks freakin awesome and I want one bad! The case colors are fantastic. I saw a Model 40 lemon squeezer w case colors like that but I didn't really know what I was lookin at. When were those revolvers made?

Thanks for screwin up my want/get ratio!

Model 22 of 1917 22-4 (DBD 54xx)

 

[MarTay6]

I faced the same choice...

In my recent search for a quality .38 target revolver, I, too discovered the 'Classic' line of pistols... but decided that- for the same money or less, a 99% used older Model 14 was the better choice for me. I don't want a re-creation of a "classic"- I want the real thing! With the worksmanship that MADE it the classic that it is today. And no lock.
I ended up with a 99% model 14-3- made in 1969- that I'm totally enthralled with.
No regrets.
Wes

 

[66snub]

Maybe it's best to consider the old classics and the new classics to not be the same animal, but to be cousins, in a sense. They share some DNA, but clearly they have their own personalities, habits, needs, and interests.