Smith & Wesson Model 28-2 with a 4-inch barrel.

Much as I enjoy my Stealth Hunter .44 mag, if I had a job where I had to carry and depend on something to defend myself, I'd beg them to let me carry a .40S&W Glock. And I don't even like Glocks much.

M65-3. I would probably put some Ahrends finger grip combats on it first.

I started in Law Enforcement in 1967 and carried a S&W Model 10. I tried them all over the years. The N frames jabbed you in the ribs and were heavy and the J frames were too small and puny. Today with Law Enforcement being attacked every time they turn around, I would carry a Model 65 in a 3 inch bbl on my hip and Remington 870 Riot gun across my lap.

Back in the day I carried a model 28, 13 and finally a 66 but today I would carry a 3" model 10 with laser grips and 158 grain LSWCHP +P

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Wheel guns are real guns too.

I would either find another 3 1/2 Model 27 to replace the one I sold or I would get a 4-inch Model 28, either that or I have begun to take a real shine to those Model 22 .45 ACP revolvers.

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Vaya con Dios

Who sells a model 27 3 1/2 barrel without having at least one other one?

I started packing a badge in 1976 and from then until sometime in 1981 I carried S&W K-frames, these included the Model 10, 14, 15, 19, 66 and 67. When the L-frame came out I adopted it, my first was a Model 581. In 1982 I joined the Border Patrol and was issued a special-made stainless Ruger Security Six; later (1988) I transferred to Customs and my issue handgun was a CS-1 (Model 686) with a 3" barrel that I used until we went to the S&W Model 6946 9mm around 1993. We've had two other auto-loaders since (Glock 17 and HK P2000) then. Were I to go back to a wheel-gun today it would be one that I wish I'd had 37 years ago...a S&W Model 686-Plus Mountain Gun. I like the 7-shot cylinder (for which I have HKS speed-loaders) and the tapered barrel. Stoked with a modern design 125 gr. JHP in .357 Magnum, it would be a hard combination to beat! Since I'm mostly a "chair-borne ranger" in a low threat-level position today, my fantasy gun would be a Model 12 with a 4" barrel and an all nylon belt/holster rig. My aching lower back would sure appreciate the light weight...

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Bottom line, I would not carry a revolver as a primary weapon.

Why not? What are some objective reasons?

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

in 1994, I started my LE career carrying a Colt Diamondback 4 inch. A year later I went to a M65 4 inch, then a 910 9mm, then a Glock 23. I have always carried concealed. I switched agencies and have carried several semi's and a few different J frames as back-ups. As much as I like my wheel guns, the Glock 26 I carry daily sure is easy to conceal and on the back. Also has 13 rounds before the reload. I know most likely a shooting will be over in less than 8 rounds but I like having the extra rounds.

But if I was required to carry a revolver, it would be a Model 65.

Stay safe.

After having read through this thread and even joking about Walkers (imagine wearing one in a patrol car!!) I have to say this.

Every single weapon referenced here would be a great carry for an LEO (I've never been one, thought about it for three days...)

Simply because all of them have been used in that capacity.

Even the oft maligned 9MM. I was told a story about a federal officer who emptied 15 rounds from his Hi Power into the chest of a perp only to have the perp still kill him and then walk out of the bus station to die outside.

I do know this story to be true because the "teller" is truthful.

But my question is, after two shots why wasn't the third in the head? Even so the 9MM has done in a lot of people.

But, if I was restricted to a revolver I'd probably carry my 4 inch M625 with full moon clips and a 250 grain bullet at 900 FPS.

Second choice the M65 3 inch with moon-clips.

Third choice...shotgun!!

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

I started out in LE with a S & W M15 with M36 as a second and BU,carrying them until the stainless came out. Then went to a M66 6" on duty with a M60 as a back up and off duty. If I was still LE today I would probably have to go with a M & P 40 and my 340PD as a back up.

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640Pro 340PD Shield M&P 22

The same thing I was issued in the begining a M 64, 4 inch pencil barrel

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no second place winner

this one.........

Smith & Wesson unveils monster .460 caliber gun: The ?Backpack Cannon? - Washington Times

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Even older, even crankier....

S&W 586 L Comp


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When I went through the academy, one old-timer firearms instructor told me that if I knew I was going to get in a gunfight tomorrow, his advice was to call in sick! He'd been in a couple and didn't recommend the experience.

I'd feel fine carrying a 9mm, a .38 Special, a a .40 S&W, a 10mm, .45 ACP, a .45 Colt, a .357 magnum, a .41 magnum, or a .44 Special/Magnum. The key is to use good quality ammunition, and practice/train so you can:
1. Get the gun into action quickly
2. Get an accurate first shot
3. Be able to get multiple, quick, accurate follow-up shots.

Exactly


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 2

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Wheel guns are real guns too.

Oh, no, you mean I have to train, to practice, to maintain skill levels. That sounds like a lot of work....

You are right. With skill and practice, any tool will serve us well.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

I think of spray and pray as undisciplined firing toward the target as opposed to firing multiple rounds into the target. If that makes sense.

^ Right. "S&P" is just blazing away without (sufficient) regard for where the rounds are going. The other is also referred to as "shoot 'em to the ground" - keep putting rounds into the appropriate target area(s) until it's clear that they can no longer present a threat.

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NHI, 10-8.

MY 66-2 .357 MAG 4" BARREL WILL DO THE JOB

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When I was with the Ind. Dept. of Corr. we had Mod. 19's as duty weapons. My personal carry was a 4" 586. I also used the 4" and a 6" 586 in PPC matches. During winter months when we shot indoors at the Police Acad., I used an older Mod 14/K-38-6", TH,TT, etc.
Took a long time for me to get comfortable carrying a semi-auto. Nothing wrong with a revolver, Personal choices...

[QUOTE=Nothing wrong with a revolver, Personal choices...[/QUOTE]

Exactly, what works for me may not work for you. I would never look down on anyone who wanted to duty a carry a revolver.

I have a model 19 I carried in the 70's and 80's and love shooting it.

4" Model 19 or a 4" Colt Police Positive.

If it had to be a revolver, I'd get my 4" 66-1 out of the safe with Hogue Monogrips, put the belt back on & charge my comp speedloaders. Plain clothes, it would be my 3" 66-2. But really, given the choice it would be my last duty gun, 645... powerful, no malfunctions, easy to shoot well... I'd have to go out & buy a CS45 to back it up.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

No question... 8-shot 627 Pro Series. Probably with Winchester Silvertips.

One of the writers I first started reading when I was a kid, along with Elmer and others, was Bill Jordan. I'd have to go with his first choice, a 4" M19, only with target stocks.

I think a 686 mountain gun would be a good choice, 7 rounds and the tapered barrel to keep the weight down.

'nough said.
Steve

Either my 3 inch 13 or 65 Loaded with +p 158 SWCHP's.

Probably any SW 357 would do.

But I sure would prefer the 3 1/2 Model 27 .

I believe I even saw a Texas Ranger wearing one once. But mostly I have ever seen them with 1911s.

Believe I would pick a 4" Model 13 or 65. Model 10 HB handling characteristics with the option of using Magnum ammunition.

Don't own either - this question makes me feel like looking for one. Strictly an academic question for me, never having been a LEO and too old to think about working as one now.

Or like somebody else said, any .357 caliber Smith revolver would be fine, when you think about it.

Theoretically; I'd pack a 686 SSR with a factory PC installed 7 round cylinder. I'd used the quad speedloader pouch from Tex Shoemaker. Its slick, two up-two down. About the size of a Glock 21 mag pouch.
Thankfully, my dept. issues .158g .357 GDHP, not .38's like my California counterparts are limited too.

I would have to go 45ACP 3 or 4" M625 plus 4moons of 230 JHPs

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Tommy

If I couldn't carry my 4" Model 27, I'd opt for "Bill@Yuma's" (RdrBill) 4" Model 25-9 in .45 Colt!

My 66-5 in a Safariland Level II duty holster

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The Oxygen Man
RRT/ NREMT-P

Model 66, 586/686, or 28 with 4" barrel, if allowed to use .357 Mag ammo. Otherwise I would use W-W .38 Spl. 158 grain SWC lead HP +P, and would not have a problem using the Model 10 with heavy 4" barrel.

I would have to go with my 64-7. Has a Wolff Type-2 mainspring and Wolff rebound spring. Apex Tactical firing pin and spring. It never fails to go bang, the DA pull is as close to perfect as it gets, and the SA break is crisp. The Hogue Bantams wouldn't get in the way in the holster but still give me the grip, utility and durability wood can't.

I love a blued revolver but for daily holster carry I have to go stainless.

I don't miss the .357 capability, I would carry it loaded with Federal 158 gr. LHP .38 +P aka the "FBI load".

You could do a lot worse than a stainless Ruger GP100 too

A pair of of Ruger Old Model Vaqueros in .45LC with the hottest JHP loads to be had or a TRR8 with Hearthco Moonclips and a TLR-2 again with the hottest 125-140 grain bullet available.

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This≠DodgeCity&You≠BillHickok

Fascinating responses so far. What I've found extremely interesting that the vast majority of posters who worked in a LE capacity wouldn't feel inadequately armed with a good service revolver and a backup revolver even today. I find that remarkable, especially since the label "police is outgunned" usually sticks high above whenever a switch of duty sidearms and calibers is announced.

First off, I have never been a LEO, and I am not even an American. However I love threads like that and have given that topic some thought.

To me choosing a suitable revolver for police work would be MUCH easier than picking one of the modern semi-automatic pistol models for the same purpose. That said, for uniform duty carry any good S&W double-action revolver based on the K, L or N frame with 4 or 5 inch barrel would be acceptable. I am not a big fan of the internal lock so a good case could be made for the Ruger GP141 or KGP-141 nowadays. Another great but offbeat choice could be an old Manurhin MR73 revolver, but getting spare parts in case of wear or breakage might pose a problem. I'd find the Colt Python a bit delicate, so I would skip that particular model for service use. For elegance and pure aesthetics the Colt Python is unparalleled, IMHO.

For daily carry in a four season climate I think stainless steel might be preferable to blue carbon steel. However, not all preferred S&W models are available in stainless steel. For example, there is no SS version of model 28…

Choice of revolver model would also depend on the issue caliber and ammo. If .38 Special ammo is issued I'd choose a lighter, sleeker K frame. Makes no sense to haul along unnecessary steel in a bigger frame gun when only .38 Specials are going to be used. Preferred model would be M67 .38 Combat Masterpiece (which I actually own), then the M66 Combat Magnum (yes, I know it's a .357). The rather rare M68 would be an outstanding choice as well, but I only saw it with 6 inch barrel length, which might be a bit long in a patrol car. Acceptable choices would also be the model 15 and 19, but their blue finish is usually too damn nice that I would really feel bad if I'd subject them to the elements and hard use on a daily basis.

For plainclothes duty I'd pick a smooth fixed sight model 64, 65, 10 or 13 in that order. Again, stainless steel is preferred for ease of maintenance. What I also like is the extremely accurate (for a snubnose) M15 with a 2-inch barrel, but its exposed adjustable rear sight might snag on clothing. Unfortunately, there never was a stainless steel version I know of. Closest thing is the model 66 with 2 1/2" barrel already mentioned quite a few times here.

If .357 Magnum ammo is issued, I would have a hard time to decide between a model 686 and the M28. Either one would be a good choice, and I own both. The model 586 and the long discontinued fixed sight models 681 and 581 are okay, too. And, of course, the Ruger GP100-series.

I'd personally skip the .41 Magnum - not because of its ballistics but because (factory) ammunition and/or components can be hard to come by around here…

A good police revolver that never was could have been the model 58 chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge. If S&W would have made it in stainless steel and featuring a tapered barrel with a shrouded ejector rod that would have been an ideal LEO duty sidearm.

I don't trust moon clips for hard use, so no such sixgun for duty use for me (your opinion might differ), even though I think highly of the respective revolvers for range use and action shooting. Of course, the model 25-2 and model 625-2 could be used with .45 Auto Rim, but that calls for reloading and acquisition of uncommon brass cases. If I'd do that I would rather work with the model 29/629 with a 4 inch barrel for even greater ballistic flexibility. The model 24 and 25-5 appear as being good choices when larger calibers than .38/.357 are called for. Factory loads are more limited and not as easy to come by, though. After reading Massad Ayoob and others I have a slightly uneasy feeling about the aftermath of even a justified shooting with an over-.40 caliber handgun being used, especially since handloading of a more moderate, easier controllable load might be called for. I don't know how much truth there is to certain large bore, magnum calibers and/or handloads being labeled as "excessive force" in court. I know, the .357 Magnum is a "magnum" round as well, but it was a common LE caliber for decades and I am also aware that on principle a justified shooting is a justified shooting. I just feel it is equally as important to survive the aftermath of a shooting just as well as the actual shooting incident itself and not to fall into any traps just because of alleged mistakes made in the choice of gun-ammo combinations. I mean to what extend could the use of a .41 or .44 Magnum rather than a .38 Special be interpreted as negative for the defendant in a justified homicide? Not to hijack this thread, but if someone could comment on that, it'll be appreciated.

Back to the topic at hand: For backup, I prefer any all-steel J frame Smith revolver in cal. .38 Special. My first choice would be the all stainless steel M640 .38 Centennial, then the M649 Bodyguard, then the blue steel M49. The M36/60 Chiefs Special would serve well, too. But I'd make sure to have their spur hammers bobbed/radiused. I don't like any of the ultra lightweight, hard recoiling J Frames with titanium or scandium cylinders, but I would rate the various alloy frame/steel cylinder J frame models (M37, 38, 42, 438, 442, 637, 638, 642) as acceptable in that capacity.

Like I wrote the choices are virtually endless. It is very hard to make a bad choice, as most revolver models mentioned in this thread are well proven.

If pressed to the wall, I'd would probably stick to .38 and .357 calibers and simply use the model 67 and 28 4-inch for open duty carry, the model 64 (or 65) 3-inch for plainclothes work and the fully shrouded model 640 for backup.

What I've noted is that when U.S. police was equipped mostly with revolvers they didn't switch back and forth between various manufacturers/brands/models/calibers like they appear to do nowadays with duty semi-automatics. It looks like that an issued (or personally owned/department approved) service revolver was carried by a police officer or sheriff's deputy on duty for many years.

3 inch 65

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Sure you did

The "outgunned" mantra apeared after some notable shootouts where officers got themselves in trouble. In several of the shootouts officers had "heavier" weapons available, such as shotguns, but did not deploy them properly. Inadequate firearms training and poor tactical training cost several officers their lives. Very sad and unfortunate.

I have observed, as have you, the increased rate of wholesale switching of approved weapons on the part of many departments. Have not read much discussion aboiut why this is happening but I would really like to find more information. Tupperware guns not holding up? Semi-autos not performing as sold in the field? Or fickle "fashion" driving the changes (the move to semis was definitely an expression of fashion).

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Follow the money.

Well, most police officers never get in a shooting during their careers, despite what pop culture might indicate.

I always thought the Python to look ungainly. I've used them in the past and didn't care for them. To each his own.

I concur with the choice of the M67 if .38 Special is the caliber of choice. Lightweight, easy handling, accurate, and stainless. I have a first year M67 that is a beauty and it shoots very well.

Personally I prefer to carry a full sized sidearm even in plain clothes (which I do every day, a Glock 21). They are easily concealed while wearing professional attire. In a UC role, I would opt for something else.

You just described the 625 Mountain Gun...a wonderful firearm in a terrific caliber.

As you said, a justified shoot is a justified shoot. My main weapon is a Colt M-4 in 5.56mm NATO, and some of our guys are issued a 7.62mm NATO patrol rifle. If going on a raid, arrest, etc., I opt for the rifle first. Each of these packs a bit more energy than a sidearm, we are trained in their use, and we are expected to utilize them as needed. My daily carry is a .45 ACP, so we are authorized large bore handguns and have not had an issue.

Bravo...time for a gratuitous photo of my Model 67:


By the way, I've been all over Europe and have family in several countries there...from which country do you hail?

Nothing wrong with that "gratuitous" photo......it started my morning off just fine, thank you! As much as I'm a fan of the M-64, the 67 is even better, and I'd be happy as a pig in a puddle to carry one on duty.

Of course, you're correct, Sir. I didn’t' think about that particular revolver model when I posted my comments. Rather, in my head was an image of a SS version of model 520 sans adjustable sights and chambered for the .45 Colt. However, it's true, model 625 "Mountain Gun" in .45 Colt is quite similar and would fit that description almost perfectly.

Actually, I am somewhat familiar with the M625 "Mountain Gun" in cal. .45 Colt. I've been offered one for sale once but I declined because cylinder throats were oversized and I wanted to use commonly available jacketed and lead bullets intended for the .45 Auto (.451" - .452" diameter) in it. Guess, this M625 "Mountain Gun" would have needed .454 or .455" diameter bullets to achieve good accuracy. Not an uncommon "problem" with Smith revolvers chambered in .45 Colt. However, normally that's associated with the early production models 25-5, so it was surprising to see it in a mid-1990's production gun. For SD and duty use this level of accuracy is probably more than acceptable.


I've owned (still do) a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt which has tighter cylinder throats that works beautifully with .451"/.452" bullets. I also own a .454 Casull Freedom Arms M83 with auxiliary cylinder in .45 ACP. With that .45 ACP cylinder in place that gun probably shots better than most custom 1911s tuned for a high standard of accuracy. Since the various specimen of S&W model 625-2 in .45 ACP that I've tried of the years never grouped so well for me, I didn't expect that high level of precision from the FA M83 either. It was a real eye opener. That gun proves that if tolerances are held to a bare minimum, the rather long free travel of the bullet in that relatively long cylinder doesn't affect accuracy negatively. Sorry, I am getting carried away…

I own a model 67 identical to yours. It was made in 1973 (my year of birth!). It was and is an outstanding service revolver if the .38 Special is the duty caliber of choice. I wouldn't feel inadequately armed at all if I had to rely on it. IMHO, in the age of 9 mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP semi-auto pistols the .38 Special has become a rather underrated cartridge. I still feel that for the non-enthusiast the all-steel, medium frame service revolver with a 3 - 4 inch barrel and chambered for the .38/.357 should still be the firearm of choice. I'd even go so far that anyone seriously interested in learning marksmanship basic should forget about the semi-auto pistol at first and start off with a good, relatively inexpensive .38 or .357 magnum revolver with adjustable sights, as these guns usually provide for a high degree of inherent accuracy potential that most other production pistols are lacking, save some rare or expensive ones (SIG P210, for example). If I hadn't started shooting revolvers but right with centerfire pistols at first, I believe that my level of marksmanship wouldn't be up to the level that it is now. Offhand, I usually am able to tell quickly whether a particular semi-auto pistol shoots accurately or not at 25 m distance. If in doubt, I normally switch back to the revolver and some proven loads to confirm whether it's really me or the pistol I've tried before. In my experience, the average, modern semi-automatic duty/SD pistol is barely able to compete with the average police service revolver in the accuracy department. I get hands on many different pistols but often I don't like what I see. Notable recent exceptions were the HK45C and the USP Compact .45 ACP, which both shot exceptionally well for pistols their size.

And that's one of the reasons why I still hold revolvers in such high regard. Another reason is that the revolver is normally much more reliable if it needs to be shoot one handed, weak handed, from an awkward position and/or in a personal struggle with an attacker. Quite often, a semi-auto - particularly those compact, subcompact or small pocket models - might jam on you if it's fired from an "unstable" shooting position, resulting in a single shot weapon. Therefore, if gun size becomes an issue and a smaller handgun is called for, at a certain point I strongly prefer the short barreled revolver to a compact and especially the subcompact and pocket semi-automatic pistol, because of much greater mechanical reliability. For these reasons, I think that the practical K frame sized revolver with a 2 - 3 inch barrel and especially the S&W J frame revolver - the quintessential "get-off-me-gun" - can never be replaced by any auto pistol, regardless of how small it may be. They're the most dependable in their respective niches.

I am from Germany. Despite constant attacks on our rights and our already restrictive national gun law, "gun culture" and shooting is alive and well around here. The best guys and gals I've ever met have all been legal gun owners and decent, law-abiding citizens. I'd call it a high level of mankind, decency and comradeship I have the honor and pleasure of experiencing frequently, and that's usually not found in most other hobbies/sports.

Have a good one today.

Probably a 325. Have one. Not as flat as my Colt Commander, but you can stuff in the full moon clips about as fast as a magazine in the Colt.

My S&W 586 or my registered 357 It was the 25 off of the line.