Best Revolver in each caliber....and why?

[Research Nerd]

Guys,

Little slow at work today so I thought I'd start a discussion.

Which revolver would you say is the best made by S&W in each caliber?

Only experience I've had with revolvers is in .38 special and I'd choose the Model 15-2 hands down. Great balance, beautiful black/blued finish, and can hammer tacks at 30'.

Curious to see what the rest of the group things about what the best in each caliber is.

Take care,

Ryan Z.

 

[glenncal1]

.22 K-22 in all its variations. Probably introduced more people to the S&W mystique than any other.

 

[stantheman86]

The 4" Heavy Barrel Model 10 is THE .38 Special revolver IMO. It's heavy enough to be an all-around, all day range gun, it's big enough to be a duty gun, and also can be used for concealed carry in the right holster. I can hit at 50+ yards with any of mine and I don't miss adjustable sights at all. They are plenty accurate and some of mine are scarily accurate. I have 4" 10's that shoot as well as my 8 3/8" Model 14.

The L-frame is IMO the ideal .357. You can get 'em with 2" barrels for CC and as long as 8 3/8" for target shooting. I like the 586's and love my two 581's and I can't for the life of me find a 619.

And of course the N-frame .41's and .44's.

 

[diamonback68]

One of each caliber in each frame size. You pick 'em!

 

[bryan87]

For and L-Frame .357 I don't think anything could compare to the Model 686. I myself have a 686+ -6 in 4" that was what convinced me that all I would ever need was a wheelgun.

I just learned about the 686 CS-1 today and that pretty much concluded any debate I may have personally had on the matter. Never shot an N-Frame 27/627 though.

 

[David LaPell]

.38 Special -Smith & Wesson Outdoorsman-will shoot every .38 known to man.
.357 Magnum-Smith & Wesson Model 27 (look at one and tell me I'm wrong)

.22 long rifle (Smith K22) total elegance and fits like a glove

.44 Magnum-Model 29 with a four inch barrel, best balance

.44 Special-Model 1950 Target, great packing and with the adjustable sights to boot

.45 Colt-Model 25-see above

 

[bloo]

38 sp 14-2 Dayton
22 pre 17
357 model 19 4"
44 mag early 29 or pre 29 blue 6 1/2"
22 magnum model 48 4"



Ted

 

[P&R Fan]

.38 Special -Smith & Wesson Outdoorsman-will shoot every .38 known to man.
.357 Magnum-Smith & Wesson Model 27 (look at one and tell me I'm wrong)

.22 long rifle (Smith K22) total elegance and fits like a glove

.44 Magnum-Model 29 with a four inch barrel, best balance

.44 Special-Model 1950 Target, great packing and with the adjustable sights to boot

.45 Colt-Model 25-see above

I only differ with David on the first one. The .38/.44 Heavy Duty is my favorite in that caliber. It's just cool.
Jim

 

[noah228]

22lr = Model 17
22WMR = Model 48
32 H&R = Model 16
38 = Model 60-4
357 = 686
44 Spl. = 696
45lc = 625 Mountain Gun
44 Mag. 629

 

[C Islander]

Easy question to answer. Best revolver in each caliber. Smith & Wesson. Why? Because they are Smith & Wessons!

 

[fyimo]

38 special Model 14-3 with 6 inch barrel
357 Magnum Model 27-2 with 5 inch barrel
44 Magnum 629 no dash with 4 inch barrel
41 Magnum Model 57 with 4 inch barrel
45 ACP Model 25-2 with 6 inch barrel
22LR Model 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel because it shoots like a rifle

 

[Papa]

632-2 for 327 magnum. It has not exposed hammer and night signs. Two must haves for a pocket carry self defense gun.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

Hmmmmmmmm, got to think a little here.

22LR: M63
22WRM: M650(3")
38/357: M13/65 hands down
357: M27-2
9mm: M940
32s: M632-2
44Mag/Sp:M629 Mountain Gun
45 ACP: M325
45 Colt: Ruger Red Hawk 4" (sorry, but what can I say?)