Favorite all-purpose S&W revolver from any era...

[akjaeger]

I know all about the polygamy...... that 629-2 turned into about a dozen N-frames, I really don't think any of them are better, jest different.
That five inch N-frame habit is the worst, it's demanding and expensive!
I found a 5" 29-2 at the local hardware store, boy was it cool! Well, then I needed a 26-1, a 5" pre-27 and a 5" 27-2 just had to be sent off to Bowen for a 44 special conversion.

 

[feralmerril]

Here is another 5" .44 special I have. I had found a 5" barrel off a model 21 at a gunshow about 30 years ago. Found a cheap HD and had my smith ream the cylinder to .44 special and just swap barrels. I didnt get it reblued or anything. Actually I have been carrying this one more lately as I ride atv and dont like to bang my safe queens around.

 

[DR505]

Lots of choices...but if I had just one for "all around" I'd choose....

4" 629-4 .44 Magnum, for the reasons outlined above (versatility in load choices).

 

[Cyrano]

I have a 625 in 45 Colt just like the OP; mine has Spegel grips. It's wonderfully powerful, especially when reloaded with type metal 265 gr bullets and a hefty charge of powder. It also sits in the drawer of the end table next to my recliner, loaded with some hellish HPs; don't come in the back door uninvited. But it's pretty heavy for carry.

I also have a revolver that's been many miles by my side in a El Paso Saddlery Tom Threepersons holster; a Ruger Security Six 357, six inch barrel, with Hogue grips. Versatile, powerful and accurate, but a bit hard to hide with that large frame and six inch barrel.

I still don't have the ideal universal revolver: to my mind a stainless 4 inch barrel 357 in K or L frame wih adjustable sights; I think the ideal compromise between power, versatility and portability. As long as I have a choice of firearms, however, I can come closer to what the siuation requires with what I already have. My 638 makes a great pocket gun as well as one for holster carry.

 

[Donn]

4" model 19.

^^+1^^ The 19 was, is and always will be my personal favorite. An economical target/plinker using 38spl. A formidable SD choice with 357mag. I generally load 38spl+p in mine.

 

[akjaeger]

Here is another 5" .44 special I have. I had found a 5" barrel off a model 21 at a gunshow about 30 years ago. Found a cheap HD and had my smith ream the cylinder to .44 special and just swap barrels. I didnt get it reblued or anything. Actually I have been carrying this one more lately as I ride atv and dont like to bang my safe queens around.

I really like the looks of that!

 

[vito]

Back in 1986 the only gun I owned was a Browning 9mm (not a 1911) of questionable quality, but I hardly ever did any shooting then and didn't think about guns much at all. Then my house was robbed, and of course the thieves took my one and only gun. The next morning I went out to buy a gun for home protection (partially because the thieves had been interrupted mid-crime and I thought they might return) and bought a Model 19-5, 4 inch, nickel, because it looked so good sitting in the gun case at the local sporting goods store.

Over the last 27 years I have bought and traded numerous firearms, and currently own a mixture of revolvers and semi-autos, but when I had to decide which one stays loaded and in the small GunVault in my bedroom as the go-to-in-the-middle-of-the-night gun, I ended up picking that old Model 19-5. The only thing I have done to this gun, other than cleaning and shooting, is adding Crimson Trace laser grips. The grips don't have the look of the original wood grips, or the feel, but the laser feature makes me more likely to hit what I need to hit in the middle of the night.

Overall I think the Model 19 is about the closest I have found to a do-it-all handgun. Accurate, absolutely reliable, good to hold, and if 6 rounds of 357mag are not enough, I'm in real trouble anyway.

 

[ladder13]

M65

 

[wbraswell]

Well, as much as I want to say an N-frame, I can't. I am real close to ladder13's choice. A Model 13, 3" barrel, in blue or nickel. I don't like stainless very much, as it looks like silver paint, and I like a gun that needs to be cleaned after shooting. I tend to take better care of them that way.

 

[M29since14]

Throw my vote in with the 4-inch Model 19 crowd. The bigger guns are nice, and they do have a lot of potential beyond the reach of the Model 19, but I don't really need it and lugging them around, and their heavier ammunition, has never really appealed to me. I also happen to think the 19 is a really sleek, beautiful revolver that none of the N-frames can quite match.

 

[WPWarhawk]

Another vote for the 629 Mountain Gun, but I could live with an MG in 45 Colt too.

 

[rwsmith]

I my neck of the woods

To start, I feel that the .357 is the most versatile cartridge at least around here. For hunting, critters don't get too big here. Deer being about the biggest. For defense it's more than adequate and carryable. Great for range shooting. Which model? If I could carry a 4" 686 that would be it. If not, a 4" 'K' frame .357 would do the job. Load to suit your needs.

 

[targetchief]

686 2.5" rb Easy to pack and I shoot it as well as my longer guns. I would like to someday own a short barreled N frame in .44 or .45.