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

[A10]

Well, I have carried a Combat Commander, 3" 629, a 4" 28, a 3 1/2" 28, a 4" 25 in .45 Colt, a 4" 29-2, a 6" 29, a 6" 629, a 6" 28, a 4" Python, a 4"19, a variety of Glocks, and a 442 on a consistent basis over the years. If I had to stick with one, I wouldn't, but to me the most practical are the Nframe .357s, and believe it or not I'd go with my 5" 27, which doesn't currently get carried much.

 

[BearBio]

Favorite S & W revolver for all purpose? Hmmmm......

For defense, I'd say my 1917 but 45 AR is hard to find and clips are a PITA.

For accuracy, a 25-2 but same problem.

45 Colt is harder to find (although I load for it). Same for 44 spl.

Best all round: Likely a 4" 357. K frame or N-frame?? Durability goes to the N-frame. Since I want useability and not flash, I'd go with my 28-2 Highway Patrolman. Don't have a picture of it.

Second choice: Model of 1989

 

[kraigwy]

I don't believe there is a one size fits all, but if I had to choose one, use it for everything, a tool if you will, it's have to be my 4" Model 28.

 

[squidsix]

This...
19-3

^ that. Perfect.

 

[Pete99004]

I like my RB 3" 686+. I have 7 rounds to work with instead of 6. A 3" BBL is easier to conceal but it's still an accurate firearm, fairly lite weight handgun that handles well, is well balanced with a very manageable recoil, .357 mag. is good all around round to have, plus less expensive .38 spl. to shoot at the range, SS holds up well and when there is a BG around it's certainly intimidating...what's not to like?


Pete

 

[old bear]

Why is it the simplest questions can be the hardest to answer?
For me it's a tossup between two models, my M-19 4" for carry either on a gun belt or under a coat. Second my M-586 4" which is noticeably heaver but is such a joy to shoot with .357 magnum loads.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

For me, it's gotta be a 681. Fixed sights, .357, and relatively concealable.

 

[M3Stuart]

Best 'all purpose'...66 in 2.5"!

 

[feralmerril]

In thinking about it maybe one of these two .357s? Or maybe my 24-3 or 25-5? My answer will be different tomorrow.

 

[Kinman]

I used to think that my 38-44 Outdoorsman was my best "all-around" Smith and Wesson handgun. It can be loaded to near .357 velocities and snake shot loads are handy and easily rolled out.
I picked up a smokin deal on a first edition 629 Mountain Gun and after having it magna-ported and re-stocked am of the opinion that it is probably the best "all-around" Smith and Wesson handgun that I own. Even while just messin around in known bear country with my granddaughter and nephews while berry pickin, it has become a fairly constant companion on about every outing and will probably go with me flyfishing in snake country, I've been known to eat a snake or two a year.

 

[Kinman]

Picture I tried to add above...

 

[Blackgun1]

Performance Center 629:

686:

 

[akjaeger]

Mountain Gun.
Back when the S&W bug first hit me I bought a 629-2 Mountain Revolver. I carried that thing many a mile while living in Alaska. It was a fixture in my duffle while pimping fish, on my hip while guiding, fishing or hiking. I had Andy Cannon do an action job in the early nineties and after 15,000 rounds had to send it back to S&W when the trigger stud worked loose.
Now that one is semi-retired and I mostly pack a 625-6 .45 Colt.

 

[finesse_r]

Best all round Smith would be a Model 696 no dash with a three inch barrel.

 

[mike from st pete]

Best all round Smith would be a Model 696 no dash with a three inch barrel.

I hardily concur.

 

[Mule Packer]

My first inclination would probably be the Model 19...but, this Model 15-3 is such a joy to pack and to shoot, I'm afraid I'd be a little more partial to this ol' friend.

 

[petepeterson]

I just posted in another thread...

My 60-15 is the "all-around" revolver of the stable. I have handguns that do individual things better, but if I could only have one for every situation, that would be the winner.

Light and concealable, adjustable sights, and with the option of full-house 357 power.

 

[Wyo]

I reckon I would go with one:

Built by Keith44Spl on a pre-27 357 magnun, converted to 45 Colt with a King ivory bead reflector front sight and stocks by Keith Brown. It feels like a 3 1/2" M27 but carries a big, ol' heavy bullet. My second choice, angling more toward defense, would be my 3" M13 in 357 mag.

 

[amazingflapjack]

M-28 4" hands down.

 

[feralmerril]

I see I have posted several times on this old thread. I cant pick my favorite. They change daily. Here are a couple I didnt show earlier. I have had them both roughly 40 years. A 27-2 and a 29-2 both in 5"s. I have packed and shot the 29 more thats because I always had lighter .357s like a old model trooper etc. I think if somehow I lost every gun I own in a house fire or whatever the first gun I would look for would be a 29 mountain gun.
Meanwhile I am happy with my 24-3 4" .44 special or my 5" 29-2.
When it comes to guns I am a polygamist. Here I am 40 years ago toteing my old .44.