Favorite S&W revolver from this era and why
- Thread starter fyimo
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My favorite is my 17-4, I like almost any older S&W but this is my favorite because it is my first S&W bought with money from my first job out of college and it was tuned by Bob Chow an long gone but most missed gunsmith in San Francisco. I shoot it all the time and I would guess that I have put close to 10,000 rounds through it. the case is a wood shop project of mine.
Mine, a 27 5" right out of the box. In 1972 my buddies and me continuously pumped every hot hand load that was popular. The imprints on the recoil shield are testimony to the wonder full life this old girl has lived. Sorry, there is a drag line. Mike
ILTim
Member
I really haven't sampled many from this era personally, mostly from the 80's and 90's. But what I love is the classic appearance. It's not one gun from this era, but I can point to one feature that overshadows the rest.
I really want to be excited about the new classics series, but they somehow miss the esthetic so badly that before I even get within arms reach of the dark display cabinets I can see something is wrong.
The biggest feature to me is non underlug barrels. I know that trend has been in motion since... What? WWII? But the round heavy no-lug barrels really do it for me more than any feature.
Even in the modern Ruger SP101 with 4.2" barrel, the .22 looks hot but the .357 adds a full underlug and the appearance suffers.
Then it's all the little (and not so little) details that make the new classics stand apart. Cylinder gaps, the shape of the release button, the flat blueing, all the engraving and barrel markings. The hammer, firing pin, case hardening. Those beautiful flush mounted head stamps.
Ahhhh. I'm, gonna go broke accumulating old guns. Yet i only wish I'd started sooner.
There was such a long slow and painless progression from the early 1930's until the end of P&R guns, and that change is such a clear marker of the cumulative and rapid evolution of manufacturing details in that period. The next such big obvious marker is the IL, but that's for another thread.
Underlugs. That's my one feature.
I really want to be excited about the new classics series, but they somehow miss the esthetic so badly that before I even get within arms reach of the dark display cabinets I can see something is wrong.
The biggest feature to me is non underlug barrels. I know that trend has been in motion since... What? WWII? But the round heavy no-lug barrels really do it for me more than any feature.
Even in the modern Ruger SP101 with 4.2" barrel, the .22 looks hot but the .357 adds a full underlug and the appearance suffers.
Then it's all the little (and not so little) details that make the new classics stand apart. Cylinder gaps, the shape of the release button, the flat blueing, all the engraving and barrel markings. The hammer, firing pin, case hardening. Those beautiful flush mounted head stamps.
Ahhhh. I'm, gonna go broke accumulating old guns. Yet i only wish I'd started sooner.
There was such a long slow and painless progression from the early 1930's until the end of P&R guns, and that change is such a clear marker of the cumulative and rapid evolution of manufacturing details in that period. The next such big obvious marker is the IL, but that's for another thread.
Underlugs. That's my one feature.
For this era ('61-'80): Model 58. Made only in this time frame until just a few years ago. And in this particular case, I like the old ones better.
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M3Stuart
Member
Well, TODAY, I would say my 67-1 for its tack-driving shootability. I'm loading a lot of Trail Boss - midrange .38 Special LSWC loads - and it is very enjoyable to shoot. The 15-2 gets about equal time but I just like the looks of the 67 a little bit more.
Sorry to hear about your health FYIMO...hope you're feeling better soon!
Sorry to hear about your health FYIMO...hope you're feeling better soon!
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In 1963 Dad brought home this K-22. It's been around since then, and is probably my most used handgun. If they all had to go, this would be the last to leave my hand.
The original walnut stocks got pretty used, so I replaced them some time back with ivory.
The original walnut stocks got pretty used, so I replaced them some time back with ivory.
Fyimo, I'm with you. My favorite shooter and the one that gets the most ammo through it is a M-28-2, S prefix. I have others similar to it but this particular gun is the one.
I don't own a single one that is not a perfect gun in its own right. My Js for power and concealability, my 28s for multi use durability and power, my 66 for its weight, balance, and power, my 5" 27 for its overall perfection of the manufacturers art, my 29sfor power and accuracy, and my 57s because they are truly the best balance of power, shootability, and packability.
If I had unlimited ammo at my disposal it would be my 4" 57s. Otherwise, my 3 1/2" 28.
If I had unlimited ammo at my disposal it would be my 4" 57s. Otherwise, my 3 1/2" 28.
dscampbell
Member
After enjoying model 10's in 2, 4 & 6"; 13 4"; 14; 15 4"; 19 4", and 28 6" my most favorite is an ex Victoria model 10-5 3" as it just balances so nicely and shoots POA = POI.
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Rapidray
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To easy...
That would be my two model 58! One gets carried with me 24/7 and the other 58 is still BNIB. My dad was a small arms instructor and he started me off on the M&P model 10.
That would be my two model 58! One gets carried with me 24/7 and the other 58 is still BNIB. My dad was a small arms instructor and he started me off on the M&P model 10.
That would be my two model 58! One gets carried with me 24/7 and the other 58 is still BNIB. My dad was a small arms instructor and he started me off on the M&P model 10.
Two 58's!? Oh I dread the day back in the late 70's when I sold mine. It was new and it was beautiful. Sorry about the hijack.
roaddog28
Member
My favorite S&W revolver is my model 10-7. Still the classic police carry revolver.
Howard
Howard
SuperMan
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Rapidray
Member
Ok, you have my attention. How was it made and who did the work? That is a very cool revolver. That barrel is not a 27 but does have the lazy amperstand. Very nice!...I agree..so I made one for myself...out of a rusted 64...
Brian41
Member
My favorite would be the Model 57 I bought for my 50th birthday. It was unfired and had the gold fill that was popular back in those days. I've shot it but have kept it nice and later bought an S serial 57 for hunting and carrying. They are what got me started on 41 mag and bought a few others since.
StickShift
Member
My favorite revolver, period, is my Model 67-1 from 1977. In my opinion, a taper barrel, 4" K-frame is the best handling revolver money can buy. Add adjustable sights and durable stainless finish, and you have .38 Special perfection.
A close runner up is the early taper barrel Model 64.
A close runner up is the early taper barrel Model 64.
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BigBill
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I really like the balance, the power to weight ratio, plus the way they seem to fit my hand. I'm talking about the s&w n frame revolver.
It's tough to pick just one to me it's saying pick one of your three kids that you love the most. I never play favorites but I'd have to go with my very first handgun caliber I ever purchased. The s&w m28 6" barrel in 357mag.
We have a winner. But keep in mind I love them all.
But the m58 4" bbl & k38 combat masterpiece 4" bbl are close seconds.
A favorite 22cal revolver would be impossible. The s&w k22 would be tied with the colt officers target model. I hate to overlook and leave out the H&R revolvers but to me there awesome tough revolvers but they do deserve a mention. I think most rimfire revolvers shooters grew up with h&r.
It's like asking a Harley rider what was his first motorcycle? They stumble to say Japanese.
It's tough to pick just one to me it's saying pick one of your three kids that you love the most. I never play favorites but I'd have to go with my very first handgun caliber I ever purchased. The s&w m28 6" barrel in 357mag.
We have a winner. But keep in mind I love them all.
But the m58 4" bbl & k38 combat masterpiece 4" bbl are close seconds.
A favorite 22cal revolver would be impossible. The s&w k22 would be tied with the colt officers target model. I hate to overlook and leave out the H&R revolvers but to me there awesome tough revolvers but they do deserve a mention. I think most rimfire revolvers shooters grew up with h&r.
It's like asking a Harley rider what was his first motorcycle? They stumble to say Japanese.
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Hmmmm.... "revolvers you shoot regularly"
I don't shoot much pistol on any regular basis, although you would never know it from the fair several I've managed to accumulate.
If I had to pare it down to just one, it would be this "clone" of the one I had to give back when I left the PD.
I suppose that makes it my "favorite."
I don't shoot much pistol on any regular basis, although you would never know it from the fair several I've managed to accumulate.
If I had to pare it down to just one, it would be this "clone" of the one I had to give back when I left the PD.
I suppose that makes it my "favorite."
stantheman86
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I'd have to go with the good old 64
I've got 3 of them, a 64-3, 64-7, and a 64-8.
I have an NY-1 64-5 on the way.
From the "pinned" era, this is my favorite. It beats my Model 10's only due to ease of maintenance and stainless is just more carry friendly.
.38 Special is my favorite round of all time, and the 64 was (and is) a stand by, go to meat and potatoes service revolver that has done it's time in countless duty holsters on some of the toughest streets in America. It can still be found in use by many Corrections Depts. and security companies.
I'm a PA State Corrections Officer and I've qualified with both 64's and 65's. The 65's at my job are not the most well cared for, stainless is a must for these kinds of jobs, where the gun gets handled and carried by several people every day, is in service 24/7 and treated with about as much care as a flashlight.
No nonsense, drop 6 rounds of +P in the cylinder and put it in your holster. Goes bang when needed, no unnecessary target sights to mung up. Shoot 6, reload, repeat......it just does the job. I have fired my fixed sight revolvers out to 100 yards and hit the target.
I've got 3 of them, a 64-3, 64-7, and a 64-8.
I have an NY-1 64-5 on the way.
From the "pinned" era, this is my favorite. It beats my Model 10's only due to ease of maintenance and stainless is just more carry friendly.
.38 Special is my favorite round of all time, and the 64 was (and is) a stand by, go to meat and potatoes service revolver that has done it's time in countless duty holsters on some of the toughest streets in America. It can still be found in use by many Corrections Depts. and security companies.
I'm a PA State Corrections Officer and I've qualified with both 64's and 65's. The 65's at my job are not the most well cared for, stainless is a must for these kinds of jobs, where the gun gets handled and carried by several people every day, is in service 24/7 and treated with about as much care as a flashlight.
No nonsense, drop 6 rounds of +P in the cylinder and put it in your holster. Goes bang when needed, no unnecessary target sights to mung up. Shoot 6, reload, repeat......it just does the job. I have fired my fixed sight revolvers out to 100 yards and hit the target.
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27 Man
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I have a bunch of Smiths in a variety of calibers but when I need to walk a fence line, I take my old four inch 1963 vintage 15-3. Great balance and does every thing I need.
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By "this era," I am assuming you mean current production to use as a "shooter."
Assuming that is the criteria, I like the new 66-8. It is 4 inch, round butt, K frame, and I prefer this new two-piece barrel over the previous design. It is a virtual duplicate of one of the most desired revolvers that ordinary folks could not obtain in the 1970s - the round butt 19s given over to the FBI by the ONI, yet is in a way more desirable, in that it is stainless. This new Model 66-8 would have been exceedingly popular among LE in the 1970s!
Use of the two-piece barrel seems to have solved the problem with the thin section at 6 o'clock on the barrel shank which occasionally caused problems.
The K frame .357 allows Magnum ammo when needed, lighter loads when not needed, is easy to conceal, accurate, and the adjustable sights allow for easy zeroing.
I am not fond of the lock, but it comes out easily enough. I am not sure, but might consider changing the sideplate screws and cylinder release for stainless parts to get more of a traditional appearance, but this is not high on my priority list as the existing parts work just fine.
Assuming that is the criteria, I like the new 66-8. It is 4 inch, round butt, K frame, and I prefer this new two-piece barrel over the previous design. It is a virtual duplicate of one of the most desired revolvers that ordinary folks could not obtain in the 1970s - the round butt 19s given over to the FBI by the ONI, yet is in a way more desirable, in that it is stainless. This new Model 66-8 would have been exceedingly popular among LE in the 1970s!
Use of the two-piece barrel seems to have solved the problem with the thin section at 6 o'clock on the barrel shank which occasionally caused problems.
The K frame .357 allows Magnum ammo when needed, lighter loads when not needed, is easy to conceal, accurate, and the adjustable sights allow for easy zeroing.
I am not fond of the lock, but it comes out easily enough. I am not sure, but might consider changing the sideplate screws and cylinder release for stainless parts to get more of a traditional appearance, but this is not high on my priority list as the existing parts work just fine.
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george_lehr
Member
The S&W at the top of my list of revolvers that I shoot regularly is the Model 14. Why? I like to shoot them so much, my model 14s are the revolvers I shoot the most, regularly. Gratifying for target shooting, fun for shooting on the plate and bowling pin ranges and not punishing to shoot lots of rounds.
My newest is a M14-3.
George
My newest is a M14-3.
George
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FYIMO, if your age and health allow you to still find the balance of a model 27 desirable, I'd say your strength is an indicator that you've got a long life ahead of you.
I've always thought my Highway Patrolman was too heavy, and it only has a 4 inch barrel. In fact, my dad gave the gun to me a couple of years ago because it was too heavy for him to lift anymore. (He'll be 94 this year.) I like the balance of the model 10 with a 4" tapered barrel best. My current model 10's don't have this barrel. Model 14's are the the guns from this era that I like the most, I think.
Doug.38PR
Member
Smith & Wesson Highway Patrolman with a 6 inch barrel made in 1977. Factory target grips. Love it. Can handle anything I put through it and is a great hiking and outdoor work gun in a Jordan thumb break holster.
dscampbell
Member
My first duty weapon was a model 28 with 6" bbl back in 1973
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