Best New S&W revolvers

[bigshep85]

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.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Choose a new one you want, locate locally, go inspect.. buy if acceptable quality. Or buy from Bud's, inspect refuse if need be.

 

[OKFC05]

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

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

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.

 

[sdb321]

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!!!!

 

[fortyshooter]

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!!

 

[78bagger]

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!

 

[muddocktor]

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.

 

[wadcutter1]

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.

 

[ABPOS]

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.

 

[bananaman]

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

 

[dr. mordo]

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.

 

[627Pro]

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.

 

[Whitwabit]

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 ..

 

[Arm]

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.

 

[Jtown]

My newest gun is a Model 686 Competitor. I have had no problems with it. It has functioned perfectly.

 

[shawn mccarver]

i do not let the IL bother me. I simply remove all of it, leaving the intended "oil application port."

 

[ridgewalker]

Here are 2 that I recently added. I bought them slightly used. Shoot great.

 

[Grayfox]

Best New S&W revolvers?

There aren't any.

 

[OLDSTER]

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.