So which decade you consider the best for Smith and Wesson's revolvers?

I'm probably somewhat unusual in my choice.

I like revolvers made from 1985 - 1995 the best.

The ones I like have forged internals. Around 1995 marked the end of forged parts era, although the exact last year depended on the particular gun model.

The late 80's early 90's guns had most of the benefits of modern metallurgy, and had most of the service life extensions incorporated.

Both high quality bluing and nickel was still available.

Stainless designs were available across most of the product line.

The older, smaller (pre-magnum) J frames (640, 442, 60, etc.) were still available.

Towards the end of the period, you could get N frames drilled and tapped for scopes.

One of my favorite calibers, .32, was available in 32 S&W long during the beginning of this decade, and then the 32 H&R magnum guns came out during the early 90's

This period is a good mix of S&W traditional design with modern improvements.

Hmmm. Great question.

Mine reach from mid-1920s through last year, but the majority fall between post WWII and 1958, including the first model-numbered guns. Workmanship was fantastic so a well cared for revolver from that era is still flawless in performance. That's the decade I'm from, too (1952) so maybe there's a built-in prejudice.

I don't have one anymore, but that's also the era of the .44 magnum. If you subtract the war years the .357 magnum was still in its infancy then, too. Lots of significant, and still sought after, models were made then.

Anyway, that's my two bits.

Bob

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

My favorites are from a couple decades. I like the '50s and '60s guns.

I like the 1950's but find myself drifting into the 40's. So maybe 45 - 55 works best for me.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I like the fit and finish of the guns (all stainless) made from the mid 1980s into the 1990s. The timing on my guns made in that period also seem more consistent.

Late 60's to late 70's. fit, finish, numbered. New enough to shoot, yet vintage all in one.

IS EVERYONE AFRAID TO MAKE MENTION OF THE IL, FOR FEAR OF BEING ACCUSED OF WHINING, OR BASHING ? ? ? I CERTAINLY AM, I HAVE AREADY BEEN WARNED......

I MUST AGREE WITH Cal44, THE OP. 1985 TO 1995 SEEMS TO BE THE BEST DECADE, FOR THE REASONS THAT HE MENTIONS. I DO LOVE THE STAINLESS STEEL MODELS, WITH FACTORY WOODEN GRIPS. I SEEM TO HAVE A PENCHANT FOR THE NO DASH 617 AND 686 MODELS, ALTHOUGH THEY DON'T HAVE THE LATER ENGINEERING UPGRADES.....

I SHY AWAY FROM REVOLVERS MADE IN THE 21ST CENTURY, ESPECIALLY THE TAPERED UNDERLUG, SLAB SIDE BARRELED, SPACE GUN LOOKING CREATIONS, WEARING GOODYEARS, FROM THE PC.....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

So far, I like any of the decades between 1852 and 2017.

For me, it's undeniably the 50's, before model numbers were used. My favorites are the 357 Magnum, Highway Patrolman, 1950, 1955 and K-22. Their fit and finish are amazing. Every gun was a "Performance Center" model back then.

Definitely the 1950's. gary

I hope someone from the S&W mother ship looks at this b/c I really like(d) them all until the internal lock showed up. There is a pride of ownership associated w/a fine revolver and this look ruins it. There is a way to remove it but I'm not sure that's wise if the weapon has to be used for self defense. I agree w/Mass Ayoob who said it was a hill he'd rather not climb in court.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Somehow I really don't think they care what revolver lovers think any more.

Definitely the 1920's-1940's. They are nothing less than elegant. Even more interesting is their stories, if you can get them.

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SV,14,17,21,28,29,39,66,586

Agree 100%. I have never handled and shot a S&W that I did not like. I have a modern 22-4 Classic with the internal lock that is as nice in bluing, fit and finish as any old of the old-timers. SHoots like a dream too.

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Possum—The other white meat!

Blued: 1950-60. Stainless: 1980-90.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Most of my revolvers are from the 70's and 80's but my favorite is a pre-war heavy duty. I'll says 85-95 for shooting and 1930's for looks.

I don't think that there is much difference between 70s and 80s, but I'll go with 70s. I was made in 1975. Was a good year.

I like the 1950's the most, but up till the IL, any decade will do fine. I was born 'pre-model number' so those are my faves.

Whenever they made 38-44's, Wolf & Klar 1926's, and Registered Mags.

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Sure you did

Well I'm a sucker for P&R 19/66s ........ so 55- ?

but.........

the 3" 66s, along with 586s from the 80s are another weak spot............

then there are the factory round butt 586/686s from 95-97.


So not so much a favorite decade..... to paraphrase a past President: "It's the gun stupid"

I like 'em all pre 1982.

For me Smith & Wessons manufactured from 1930s through mid 1960s are the cats meow and it shows in what I have in the safe.

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Bill Bates

50's to 1982

50s and 60s for me!
When I started buying them in the 60s, I bought used guns which were only a few years old.
Like an Oudoorsman, a model 27 and a K-22.
The Model 19 that I bought in Guam was new.
Did I mention that I still have these guns?

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

50's, 60's tie for first. 70's after that.

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K & N S&W revolvers

Post war ca1947 through the early '80s. Even though my favorite "shooter" is a '95 Model 64

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John

Definitely the 80's - mid 90's for sure. You have all of the engineering upgrades and it's just before the implementation of IL...not to say that they aren't beautiful anymore. In fact, it's a testament to S&W that really shows that you can put a big pimple on a gun and the gun is still attractive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We have some really long decades here.

As far as looks go and what I own, I would say the 70's guns that still had the carbonia blue and are pinned and recessed. As to functionality, from the 70's through the new revolvers as I have had minimal problems with the 60-15 or 627-5 Pro I've bought in the last few years for MIM/ILS guns and the 27-5 and 629-3 Classic I also have, which are 90's guns with forged internals. I also love the looks of the pre-70's guns but I don't own any (so far).

If I own it , any decade is fine with me .

If I had to pick just one ten-year period, it would likely be 1935-1945. A lot of my favorites came from that time frame.

I have owned and enjoyed Smith & Wessons from all periods of production, and yes, even one or two IL guns

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On the Oak Savannah

Me too, though no longer with me.

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Sure you did

I'd say 60's & 70's, I know it's more than a 'decade' but those are the two decades they seem to have the most elegance to them.

1950-1969... I have about 45 Smiths at this point and I think about ten of them are from this time period. The fit, finish, and detail just seem to be better than the other time periods... The bluing especially from the mid-1950s through the late 1960s just seem to be more outstanding than any other...

Bob

The bright blue models of the '50 s and '60 s are my favorites.