Smith & Wesson's best revolver?

aterry33 · May 10, 2009

In almost every discussion I've heard, most people identify one of these three revolvers as Smith & Wesson's "best":

Model 15
Model 19
Model 29

Of course, they are different guns for different uses, but if you had to choose one revolver as Smith and Wesson's "best," which would you choose, and why? I know it is kind of an apples/oranges/unfair question.

I guess I'd choose the 19 due to versatility and balance.

s&wchad · May 10, 2009

The .357 Magnum/Model 27, no contest. Nothing else had a checkered top strap (except some 627's and they're later).

BlackAgnes · May 10, 2009

Actually, early Model 41s had checkered top straps, too...

But, I'd have to agree that the .357 Magnum was the defining achievement of the Company for many years.

keith44spl · May 10, 2009

'SMITH & WESSON 357 MAGNUM'

Hands Down.

Su Amigo,
Dave

29aholic · May 10, 2009

Well the best is the 44 magnum HE of course

shawn mccarver · May 10, 2009

Originally posted by aterry33:
In almost every discussion I've heard, most people identify one of these three revolvers as Smith & Wesson's "best":

Model 15
Model 19
Model 29

Of course, they are different guns for different uses, but if you had to choose one revolver as Smith and Wesson's "best," which would you choose, and why? I know it is kind of an apples/oranges/unfair question.

I guess I'd choose the 19 due to versatility and balance.

Depends entirely on your definition of "best." If it means the finest revolver they have ever built, my vote goes to the original .357 Magnum and its offspring, the Model 27, NOT including the strange PC variations and odd looking "creations" of late.

If your definition means best for defense, then that is probably the Combat Magnum - small enough to carry, even concealed and can shoot 38s mostly and magnums when you need them.

If best is the one you carry most, then the J frame Airweight, such as the 642 or the Chief's Special Model 37 get the nod.

If best means most accurate, then the Model 17 gets the nod (I would have specified the Model 41, but you limited your question to revolvers).

If best means cutting edge technology, then the scandium/titanium J frames get the nod.

If best means most famous, then the Model 29 in "Dirty Harry" guise wins.

Let's face it - it is nearly impossible to pick just one S&W, whether it be for personal use, or in a list like this.

m-1911 · May 10, 2009

Originally posted by s&wchad:
The .357 Magnum/Model 27, no contest. Nothing else had a checkered top strap (except some 627's and they're later).

The RM's also had checkered top straps

buckeyeshooter · May 10, 2009

another vote for the model 27. The first Magnum!

s&wchad · May 10, 2009

Originally posted by m-1911:
The RM's also had checkered top straps

That was the original ".357" Magnum Revolver.

Originally posted by BlackAgnes:
Actually, early Model 41s had checkered top straps, too...

But mine doesn't have a cylinder.

redlevel · May 10, 2009

It's just according to which one I'm shooting or carrying that day. It is either a 3" J-frame .38, or a 6" K-38, or a 4" K-22 Combat Masterpiece. Then, there is the Model 63. Or the Model-10, but the Model-15 is so sweet. A few years back, it was definitely the .45 Mountain Gun.

I'll get back to you on that.

mikepriwer · May 10, 2009

The best S&W revolver has to be the one that sold the most, and made the company what it is.
It clearly owes its success to the K-frame line, and within that line, to the .38 Military &
Police models. Hands down, they have made and sold more of those , than any other model. No
other model comes even close.

The model survives to this day, after more than 100 years. The current versions are
the models 10, 14, and 15 .

Later, Mike Priwer

aterry33 · May 10, 2009

There is a strong argument that the 642 is the best pocket pistol ever, and in its size category, the best ccw.

29aholic · May 10, 2009

One could also vote for the K22 as the best

66TAS · May 10, 2009

I think I have to go with the K frame M&P models and the model 10. From it all sorts of models were conceived. Personally, I have a long love affair with the mdl66.

panamajack310 · May 10, 2009

THE BEST S&W REVOLVERS ARE THE ONES I OWN

fyimo · May 10, 2009

My favorite for looks is the Model 27-2 but for plain shooting pleasure it's a Model K22 and K38.

minuteman · May 10, 2009

Probably the 19, well maybe the 29, or the 36, or the K22, or the 27, or the 28....

wraco · May 10, 2009

It's a tough call between the early 44 Magnums, with their Coke Bottle Stocks and all, and the the "357 Magnum".

I choose the "357 Magnum" including pre-27 to 27-2. The checkered top strap signifies that this was the S&W top revolver.

Rod

Gun 4 Fun · May 10, 2009

I'd have to say, all the 5" N-frames in Doc44's collection. I love 5" N's.

BuzzardBilly · May 11, 2009

The original M27s have my vote!
BB

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