The finest all around revolver ever made by S&W

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The 681. Everything you need-nothing you don't.
GAME ON!!!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

For some unexplained probable technical glitch I didn't get a 681 picture.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I'm more of a vintage guy, but on basically the same page. I think the M19 and its stainless brother, the M66 are the finest.

No probable technical glitch here.

 

[Nevada Ed]

+1;

vote for the M19 for a medium size revolver.

Fun for target and venison.

 

[lawandorder]

It is not a good idea to disagree with our esteemed Attorney but I would have to say the model 65 Ladysmith would fit that description for myself.

 

[Rodan]

By the dictionary definition of 'finest' (superior in kind, quality, or appearance)...

I'd say it has to be the Model 27 / Registered Magnum, depending on your vintage of choice.

 

[k22fan]

No doubt this thread will be dominated by .357 enthusiasts. While the cartridge is not worthless, I have it on good authority that it is inadequate for defense against Sasquatch. Out behind the wood shed a red squirrel told me .44 Mag is the minimum required. You shouldn't trust any old city park squirrel on these matters. Western Washington red are the only true authorities. If it must compete with 148 grain HBWC .38 cartridges for pleasant recoil .44 Mag can be hand loaded with 180 grain bullets at 700 fps. That's light enough. .44 Mag is indisputably a more all around cartridge than .357 Mag. Since Sasquatch rarely wonder into downtown we do not need a concealable revolver but an L frame .44 Mag ads that flexibility. There is only one S&W model, the 69.

 

[bigmtnman]

By the dictionary definition of 'finest' (superior in kind, quality, or appearance)...

I'd say it has to be the Model 27 / Registered Magnum, depending on your vintage of choice.

For me, it can't the the "finest" without adjustable sights. And for "old school" S&W quality.....the above is also for me.

 

[Sevens]

Using the term "finest" means the Registered Magnum is the only answer and all of the other answers might fit the term "favorite" but not "finest."

 

[BigBill]

I love my ruger revolvers but I'm new to s&w so I'll say any caliber in an N frame gets my juices going. I like big frames I cannot lie.

 

[Donn]

I'm more of a vintage guy, but on basically the same page. I think the M19 and its stainless brother, the M66 are the finest.

No probable technical glitch here.

Another vote for these two.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have to agree with Cajun Lawyer ! I have a 681 , had it for quite a few years . They are very very accurate and you can go from " mild -- Wild " and it loves'em all . When I lived in Az , it was my daily carry item . Regards Paul

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Also big fan of the K Frames.
Have carried my old 19 all over including SEA.
My 2 Inch 66 was my carry gun for many years.
Then I got old and became a J Boy!

 

[rubiranch]

My 1960 6.5" Model 27.

I have never seen and don't even know what a 681 is so I can't agree or disagree.

So, I refuse to reply to it on grounds that I feel my opinion may incriminate me.

 

[Rudi]

I'd have to go with the M 28.

 

[ContinentalOp]

For me, it's the 3" 65. Just a nice, well-balanced, all-around gun. Still miss the one I sold several years ago.

Never been a big fan of L-frames. I would like to get a 3" 696 or 69 at some point. Carried a 686 as an armed guard for a while (forced to carry .38 Special 158gr LRN...*sigh*). But I do regret passing on a good deal on a 681 back in the 90s. A local PD had just switched to semi-autos and a LGS had a bunch of their old revolvers, 4" 681s. Asking price? $250. For the life of me, I cannot remember why I didn't jump on that.

While I'm not a fan of the larger frame S&W revolvers, I have had this dream to one day make a replica of Jelly Bryce's "Lucky 13" revolver. IIRC, it was a 4" 3rd Model HE in .44 Special. Nickel-plated, I think.

 

[Telecaster]

"Model 681: .357 Distinguished Service Magnum Stainless

Caliber - .357 Magnum/.38 Special, double-action revolver built on the square butt stainless steel L service frame with 3 screws, 6-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.62", 4" full lug ribbed barrel, 1/8" serrated front ramp sight with square notch rear sight, .265" service hammer, .312" smooth combat trigger, checked walnut service stocks with S&W medallions, stainless steel version of the Model 581. Although early examples are thought to exist in the AAA serial prefix range, introduction began at serial number AAB9378 to AAC1304 and in a wide range to AAL1304 with 1,927 units shipped April 1981. Regular production begins at sn AAE3887. Approximately 53,180 Manufactured circa 1980-1992."

- Supica and Nahas, 4th Ed.

Nevah heard of it!

 

[jeffsmith]

I sense a "Move" is Imminent

 

[Rpg]

The Smith I shoot the most is a M34.

The Smith I carry the most is a M38.

I'm partial to both but if I had to choose just one it would be the M38: I have a Colt Woodsman that often takes the place of the M34.

 

[Golddollar]

Another vote for the Highway Patrolman/Model 28.