I’m somewhat new to the S&W revolver fever. If you could only pick 2 S&W revolvers that you consider to be ultimate classics, what would they be? Model 19, 27, 29, 686? Feel free to name the specific dash model. I’d like to add a used revolver to my lineup soon from the 70’s or 80’s most likely. For some reason, I really like the look of wood grips and a hammer mounted firing pin.

My "holy grail" S&W revolver would be a mint condition Model 27 with a 6" barrel. I passed on one priced at $1200 a few months ago. I have a Model 28-2 with 6" barrel and would like to have a 27 to match.

If it had to be only two ( yeah right)
you might start with a K22 ( pick your flavour 4" or 6" blue or stainless)
Second pick would be a .357,
Your choice J, K, L, N frame blue or stainless in the barrel length of your choice.

29-2 6.5 in blue and 19-3 4” blue.
Dirty Harry gun and regular cop gun.
For me, these are THE two classics of modern American history, the Colt 45 SAA obviously being THE classic of the old west.

Ultimate... hmmm let me think... maybe a 28-1 to start... then maybe a Registered Magnum owned by George S. Patton... I know they are almost Identical, but "ultimate" is a numbers game..

A vintage K22 and either a 5-screw Pre-29, one of the (few) 29-1s or an HH Harris shipped 5” 29-2.

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Some Might Say.

Since this is in the “1980 and newer” section, I would suggest you look for a Model 625-6, 45 ACP, Mountain Gun. Something like this!

(Those who know me are not surprised.)

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Those of us who remember the 70's and 80's don't necessarily think of those guns as "classics", but if I had to pick from that time period I would take a look at the 624 and 24-3 in .44 special, or the 3" heavy barrel/round butt 65 or 13 in .357 magnum. Then again a model 19 or 66 (or both) should be in every collection.

Come on over to the dark side in the 1896 to 1961 forum and we'll talk more.

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SWCA #3942 / SWHF #988

Hmmmm...1970s and 1980s. I guess that I'd be picking from the blued or nickel Model 19s, 25s, 27s, 28s, 29s, 57s (and their SS cousins), and 686s. I'm mostly an N-frame guy, but I do appreciate the K- and L-frames. It really depends upon which barrel length and finish that you prefer, the frame size, and how the revolver is to be used.

OK, OK. I know, quit procrastinating and just pick two. I pick a 6-1/2" Model 29-2 and a 3-1/2" Model 27-2. Wait, maybe the 29-2 and a 4" Model 57. Hold on, perhaps the 29-2 and a 4" Model 19-3. What about a 686 Plus and a 4" Model 29-2? But I like .45 ACP so how about a Model 25-2 and a 4" Model 28-2? I can't do it, I can't just pick two.

Model 28 Highway Patrolman. The working man's N frame. Nothing fancy, just a big chunk of functional heavy iron.

I'm not into collecting. As a shooter, S&W model 60-10!

Since you stated two, I'd have to add my fairly recent purchase of a S&W model 18-2. I like .22's!

The 70's guns are fast becoming C&R as time passes, so to me they are classics. All of my S&W revolvers are pre-1982 and I have the best ones (to me at least) already. If cost was no object and I could wish big, a 3-1/2" Registered Magnum would be #1 on my list, and I'd like either a 4" M57 (1st year, of course) or a 4" M29/pre-29. Alternatively to those, a M28-1 if there is another one around.

I’ll take a Registered Magnum and an early pre -War Two K-22.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Mine would be a 25-7 or 9 with the un-fluted cylinder. The other would be a 3,1/2" Model 27. Close that have a 28, and a 25-15, but not the same thing. Bob

I would vote for the 66 ND and the 686 ND through -4. Particularly in a 2 1/2 or 3" barrel length.

I think the OP is being realistic. Sure, we'd all like a museum-grade Registered Magnum and a matching Triple Lock, but that's not realistic for someone getting into revolvers.

So, narrowing this down to "starter classics," I would get a 27-2 5" and a 29-2 6.5". Both are very shootable with wood grips, and while desirable, won't make you cash out your 401(k) or sell your internal organs to get them into your safe. Both have the option to shoot Specials as well.

Since I sometimes like to follow my own advice:

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Psalm 27:2

I would pick one N Frame and one K frame from the early 1960s instead of something from the 1970s and 80s. Why the early 1960s you might ask; well, it is all about the stocks.

I certainly get the votes for the 27 or 28 workings mans version. Big but here, I prefer my N frames chambered in calibers that start .4 so, I'm going with 44, Magnum Pre through 29-2 with coke bottle stocks. You pick the barrel length.

Mines a 5 inch. I've owned a lot of Model 29s in about every barrel length. For carrying and shooting the 5 inch is a real sweet spot It should have been a regular offer.

The K frame is is the model 19 all day long. It is perfect in about every way. The early diamond insert target are perfect for my paws. I love my 4 inch 19s but honestly my 19-3 with its round butt and 2 1/2 inch barrel gets carried a lot more.

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Bill Bates

Choose two? Only two? If I choose rare and wonderful ... I'll have to keep them pristine. So, leaving aside rare, I will choose wonderful! First, and I blame Bob Melick for this, would be a S&W Model 18-2. Why? Because he so very much appreciated and lauded the Model 18 for the woods and fields. Second, and for this I blame Skeeter Skelton, would be a four inch Model 586. Why? Because I chanced to read a little article he wrote entitled, "My Friend the .357." Enough said! Sincerely. bruce.

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<><

Model 57 and Model 58. HM Model 28.

I would choose a model 17 and model 27 or 28.

Simple tastes, already in stock. For pure shooting pleasure, my S260XXX 4 inch highway patrolman that seems to have eyes of its own. For a bit more power, my early 657 mountain gun. Ken’s stags already on both.

(Bonus…For pure BBQ wishin’ a tastefully engraved 629–4.)

A K22, 1947 vintage and a 19-2 4" blued. Oh wait, I already have them.

Can't do 2.

Registered Magnum
Model 19
Model 29

19 and 29 early enough to have recessed cylinders and pinned barrel.

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I've still got it made.

Hopefully much has to do with shooting the gun reasonably well and how they may be used. For me, an early J-frame Model 60 (no dash - 3) .38 special stainless Chief's Special and a K frame Model 19 (dash 3-4) blued 4" .357 magnum would be ideal classics. I have the Model 60. Waiting on the right Model 19.

(1) Either a 4" Model 29 Blue or a 4' 57 Blue (60's-70's Vintage) (2) A 4 or 6" Model 16-4 in 32 H&R Magnum

5” Model 29-4 (or 629-3) Classic DX
(No - I do not own one)

5” Model 27-2



3” Model 624





Once you go pre-model #s, I couldn’t name just two. However, Model 1917s are not that hard to find and not horribly expensive. IMHO every Smith & Wesson collector needs a 1917. So does every Colt collector 😛

M27-2 5"
early K frame 22 LR 6"

I have a lot of Great Classics. But if I had to pick 2 - 629-4 Performance Center (1 of 50) with Culina Black Walnut RB Combat grips and my 586-4 3” with these Great Curt Harlow grips.

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I love the look of the k38 Combat Masterpiece. It and the Combat Magnum would be my choices.

I’d have a hard time picking just 2, but 3, I can do. Number 1, my very early, one of first few shipped, January 17, 1931 K22 Outdoorsman with King Target Rib. Number 2, my first year (December 1956) 6.5” Blued Pre-29 .44 magnum with Presentation Case and Tools. Number 3, my 1972 3.5” Nickel 27-2 with original gray box, tools, and paperwork, plus a Mahogany Presentation Case.
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

686 no dash and 629 no dash

Model 29-2 & model 15-3.

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Life Member GOA and NRA

While my tastes change depending on the purpose and venue I’m shooting, but the two I’d probably retain if forced …..

M24-3 3”. I do enjoy big bore non magnums, and this is the classic 44 spl IMHO. My next big bore would be my 625-8, as it’s a hoot to shoot in my ICORE and IDPA games.

M617-6 4”. This thing is a laser beam and is probably the most accurate revolver I own.

There are many others I won’t let out of my hands, but the two I’d retain are the M24-4 and M617.

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Guns + Dogs= Bliss

This is a really tough question. In fact, I might argue it is impossible for anyone to answer, other than you, of course.

Even restricting ourselves to the post-WWII years the number of “classics” is significantly greater than two. What frame size do you prefer? Barrel length? Blue or stainless?

If pressed to the wall to name only two—with “classic” as the primary criterion—I would probably say the M&P/Model 10 and the .357 Magnum/Model 27 would likely top the list.

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Mark Lathem

Well, since we are in the 70's and 80's nothing says business like a nice 3 1/2" M27-2. After that, a nice 17-3 6".

I would not consider rare guns to be classics. I think it has to be something obtainable, and set apart by condition.

I have both of the above

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Ya just gotta have a model 10. And I love my 686. Sure wouldn't hurt to add a model 36 'J' Frame to the bunch but my sister has a model 60 that I really like. That will give you a 'K', 'L' and a 'J' frame. All you will need is an 'N' frame but I can't advise you there.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I would agree with this since we are talking 70s and 80s time frame.

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Staying in the time frame, 70’s-80’s, I would pick two that I have. M-19 4” and M-29 6”. As to what I like best I would choose M-57 6” and M-586 4”. But… owning S&W revolvers you just gotta have 19 and a 29

Dan

Larry - your early K-22 Outdoorsman with the full Kings rib and sights is outstanding!

I would say my 66 and its training mate the the 18.

I really,really like my model 14 and I agree with rwsmith on a model 10.

Your injected rule DOES Not Apply to anyone. Is just a game...Why not 7 or 13 or 23?

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S&W Accumulator

Picking from 70’s/80’s era guns I’d say the Model 10/64. Lot’s of barrel lengths to choose from, round or square butt. It’s the classic cop gun. If you would rather have .357 you can go with the 13/65 or 19/66.

My other choice would be the Model 28-2. Another all around great revolver. If you want to pick from the 1990’s then I’d go with 625. The 625 gives you a wide range of choices, including two Mountain Guns.

I can personally vouch for all the guns I listed, owning multiples of each.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

My choice would be a three inch model 65 and a model 38.

Thanks TheTinMan, I really appreciate that gun too. But , apparently I cheated, because I didn’t pay close enough attention to the dates of this section. I saw folks mentioning registered magnums, vintage K22’s, pre-29s, etc. I’m old, so don’t really consider guns newer than 1980 as classics, but if I stick to that constraint, I will say my 1982 transitional Model 66-2.
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

Given my profession, it will come as no surprise that my two choices are .38/357 caliber. Each I list I own, so I will add my reasons and circumstances of ownership.

The first is a Model 27-2 with the 3.5" bbl. It was my last duty revolver bought in the early '70s before my department switched to the Model 66, which became mandatory carry.

While I could have bought another Model 28 as I had previously owned, I simply wanted the nicest iteration despite no functional advantage. Despite its classic appearance, I ended up stocking it with Rogers grips because they fit my hand so well. As it turned out, it was only a short time until we went to the Model 66, so the 27-2 did not get carried much. It is in pristine condition.

My second choice is a 586 no dash with the 6" bbl.

From the time of its introduction I considered the L frames to be the ideal .38/357 duty sized revolver frame.

Our department had had a lot of problems with the Model 66s. About a year after the introduction of the L frames, Bill Davis made an offer to exchange our 66s for 4" 686s, and we would pay just the sales tax. I was able to make this happen for my patrol division (I was the division commander by then, and I was committed to getting my troops the very best equipment). With the departure of the 66s so departed the functional reliability problems. These 686s were our last duty revolvers until we went to semi-auto revolvers. They performed admirably.

As much as I like(d) the L frames I wanted one for me. I wanted a 6" 686 with the tall Patridge front sight for use in PPC leg gun matches so I could use a neck hold. But this configuration was thin on the ground. Finally a 6" 586 with that front sight became available, so I grabbed it. Since I wanted something that would replicate the stainless finish wear and rust resistance, I had the revolver electroless nickel plated. Next I had a gunsmith do a competition action job.

Next I had a brlliant idea, or so I thought. Wichita Arms at the time manufactured a stainless steel heavy weight barrel sleeve with an integral recoil compensator. I reasoned that this would convert the revolver to an ideal PPC competition gun for both regular PPC match use, then remove the sleeve via its hex head mounting screw for leg match use. Wichita recommended purchasers have them do the install since they were set up for it.

Upon its return I loved the considerably additional muzzle weight. On the range firing .38 wadcutters felt like firing .22 rimfires. This was one steady and slick revolver. Then I went to do some testing without the sleeve, in leg match configuration. There was however, one slight problem. That sleeve was not coming off. I figured that the very slight additional material on the barrel from the electroless nickel plating had resulted in the sleeve being so snugged to the barrel that no hand pressure would loosen it.

There went the bright idea of one revolver for both matches. I just continued using my PPC customized Ruger Six series for the regular matches and my 6" Python for the leg matches, since I was well satisfied with this combination. I still own both. Both too good to let go.

It was not too long after this that I quit competitive shooting. Command management responsibilities and college and academy teaching were taking up so much time that something had to go, and competition was it.

Given that I will not let a good gun go, I still have that 586. And with that wonderful weight forward balance and smooth action it is a great shooter.

Thus, my two selections along with far more information than anyone could ever want to know.

One poster had added the Colt SAA simply because it should be there. I second the motion.

My choices would be a 6” 17 and a 6” 57. I have the following models to choose from: 63, 2-17’s, 2 -19’s, 66,2 686’s, 28, 627, 2 57’s, 25,629

A S&W Model 66 in 3" and a Colt SAA 4.75" in 45 Colt

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Mine would be a first year Model 53 in the box with all the accessories and a fitted 22LR cylinder. Next would be a first year pre-29 or a first year model 57 with an 8 3/8 barrel.

For ranch work , I would pick MODEL 27-2 5" and Model 29-2 4".
But right now all I carry is Mod 57. 4”. Of course it helps to be a reloader. Then you can have full house magnums and specials.

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V/r,
Markham