The Smith with the most versatility...

[Xfuzz]

Rainy day bored...
Your valued opinion.
Your thought on the most versatile Smith.
Home defense, woods/trail, etc...
Many may choose the model 29 (good choice)
some a trusted J frame of some sort.
As I have gotten older, the lighter the better.
Retired my N frames.
Colt SAA's have become too valuable to pack for woods
bummin.

My pick (4inch or 2.5 inch) the S&W model 19.
38 wad-cutters to hot .357 mags.

What is your pick. ?
My model 19-3 in nickel.

 

[Ribwizzard]

I carry glock, so my new thoughts on revolvers, being they are just toys to target or hunt with, is 617 and 29/ 629.

 

[Iggy]

Sure can't argue with a Model 19. I've got a nickel 2 1/2" and a nickel 4 ".

Actual favorite to shoot is a 5" Model 27, but you can't beat a 19 for universal use.

We've got good tastes.

 

[KalamazooKid]

For all those reasons plus a stainless finish, the M66.

 

[Jack Flash]

...

We've got good tastes.

Even if we do say so ourselves!

It would be pretty hard to beat a .357 magnum, whether K- or N-frame.

For myself, given unlimited access to mail-order ammo (ie, no end of the world / zombie apocalypse scenarios) and unlimited time to handload my own ammo, I would have to chose a 5" 629 (.44 Magnum). A M58 wouldn't be too bad a choice either.

 

[eb07]

4" model 19/66

Concealed carry, home defense, plinking, hunting, target shooting


Carry a 4" 19 every day now

 

[texasjarhead]

Model 19- 4" barrel. Can be loaded with #4 snakeshot for fishing gun; 180 grain hardcast in 357 for wild pigs; 158 grain 38 special SWC for target shooting; or 125 grain JHP 357 magnum for home defense. All in an accurate relatively light well-made reliable revolver.

 

[bigggbbruce]

629 Mountain Gun.. I hike in places that are inhabited by some big mean critters.

and it goes well under the pillow(well next to it) to put a 240gr thump on an intruder.

That little off the barrel weight makes a difference.

 

[g-dad]

Good choices all but it has taken 9 replies to get the 686 plus in here. And a 7 shot at that!!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[k22fan]

Growing up most of us read a zillion grocery store gunzine articles that advocated a 4" Model 19 or 66 for most versatile pistol. That was logical before the Model 69 came out. Despite its larger frame the 69's round butt makes it arguably easier to conceal. For large dangerous animals a 69 easily nudges out any .357 S&W. While I did not own a .38 I made target shooting pleasant for young women who had to be coaxed into trying it by firing 180 grain cast bullets in my Model 29 at 700 fps. If that's too much recoil then it is time for a .22. The slightly lower recoil of mild .38s in a .357 is more than offset buy the .44 Magnum's potential power. That's today's theory from my computer chair.

Nice stag Case knives Xfuzz. What's the one in the upper left corner that we can not see the blades in?

 

[Xfuzz]

.

Nice stag Case knives Xfuzz. What's the one in the upper left corner that we can not see the blades in?

Dogleg Case Trapper..

 

[DRYHEAT]

My vote:

...from .38 wadcutters to .357 Mag, fun & accurate to shoot.
Shipped: April 1981 bought in 2011 for $375

 

[MetalMan]

Choices, choices.....

 

[tlawler]

That was logical before the Model 69 came out. Despite its larger frame the 69's round butt makes it arguably easier to conceal.

Yep, the 69 would have been a sweet gun, except for...

 

[rwt1405]

I like my K frames and N frames in .357, but for me, I think my L frames have them beat for most versatile Smith .357.

As the .357 (at least to/for me) is the most versatile handgun ever made, I will have to go with the L famed 686.

At least that's what I'm going with!

 

[gmborkovic]

Can not dispute a mod-19 in short or medium configuration.

 

[tlawler]

4" model 19/66

Concealed carry, home defense, plinking, hunting, target shooting


Carry a 4" 19 every day now

I just picked this up at the local gun show this afternoon. I've been wanting a 19 or 66 for some time now.

 

[F75gunslinger]

I'd have to say a 681/686 in 4" barrel. It can use both .38 and .357, in all different bullet weights plus shotshells. Still small enough to carry but long enough to use for hunting at somewhat longer ranges. Ease of maintenance ( stainless vs. blued ), and the beefier L frame for regular use of magnum cartridges vs. a K frame.

 

[Chubbo]

When one considers all of the S&W virtues that are being reviewed, A couple more important virtues need to be thrown into the pot, popularity, and elegance. The S&W Mod. 27 - 3.5", possesses ALL, of those virtues, and are guaranteed to bring a big smile to most of our faces. Everything considered, I believe that the 27 - 3.5" should be rated right at the top of the list, to qualify, as the S&W with the most versatility. My 2¢ on the matter.

Chubbo

 

[Ribwizzard]

Whatever can be said about the .357 can also apply to the .44, and then some. Right?