If You Could Only Own One... What Would You Choose?

[silver78]

I recognize many posters here own multiple S&W wheel guns. But some of us for various reasons only own one. Here is my story.

My first wheel gun was a Ruger Security Six in 357 magnum. I liked it a lot until I fired my friends 686. It did not take me long to realize how much nicer the S&W was compared to my Ruger. In a matter of minutes I decided that I really did not like my Ruger any more. So I sold it... and bought my first S&W wheel gun. A 629. I loved that gun and thought I would own it forever. But it was not to be. While it was a great gun in my 20s and 30s something changed in my 40s. I aged and the joints in my hands told me that shooting the 629 was no fun any more. It just plain hurt. After a lot of wavering I sold it when I turned 50. But now for the first time since the 1980s I was without a wheel gun. So I started searching. The 686 came to mind and I thought real hard about the 617. I might have bought a 617 but the full underlug was just too much bulk for me. In the end after two years of thinking and looking a different models it was a 67 that won me over. A humble 38 special. Not too much recoil and the lines/balance are just perfect.

So that's my story.

What would some of you experts suggest to others if they could only own one?

 

[joonbis]

I love all my guns and it would be hard to choose just one. It would probably be my 340pd with my 625-10 a close second. That's just me though.

 

[Donn]

That's easy, my 4" Model 19 Combat Magnum. I have others, S&W, Colt & Ruger and am very fond of them, including a new 686 and a pristine Colt Police Positive. When it's all said & done, it was, is and always will be the 19.

 

[wewaslim]

Interesting; a friend and I were discussing this very thing last week. We both agreed we would choose Skeeter's choice: a 5" Model 27 .357 Magnum. I have a 27-2 nickel in that length that is not for sale. Bill.

 

[KarmannGhia]

If there can only be one, it would have to be my 4in 686 that I've had since High School. My wife claims it for herself (she says I can have it back when I get her a 4in SS Python).

 

[Smith357]

The Model 67 is a fine choice. For a short time a few years ago I had sold off all my firearms except for a .22 caliber rifle. Kids make you do strange things. After the kids got old enough I figured it was time for a quality handgun that, if I could only have one, this one would be it. So I thought about jobs I wanted to do, basically a range queen that could double as a night-stand gun. I looked around at the tools, and picked what I thought was the best tool for the job I had at hand. My my short list was narrowed down to either the Model 14 or 15.( I still had all the reloading gear for .38/357) I bought a S&W Model 14 figuring the extra 2 inches of barrel would help me at the range and not be a detriment in the home.

 

[Rick_A]

For me it's two...a no-lock 442 and a 22-4.

The .38 J frame and .45ACP revolvers are just must haves

Recently I found the "one" classic Smith quite by accident, a pre-27 in 3.5."

So there you go, two new, and one old.

The N and J frames speak to me. The K's and L's, as handy as they are, don't.

 

[Hapworth]

Only one? I almost hate to say this because of my love for the Model 19 2.5", as close to a "do everything well" revolver as there is -- but only one...

...is going to be a round butted J-frame snubby. Concealed carry in all weather, environments and clothing is still my number one priority, and nothing covers that like a J. Let's make it a 640 Pro so I get a little stainless steel recoil absorption, good sights and moon clips. No, make it a 442 Moon Clip -- they're so light you forget they're there. No, wait...

 

[RacinbobSW]

silver78, I like your choice on the 67. I recently purchased one myself for the same reasons. A 4" K frame has perfect lines and balance. I also have a 6" 66-2 and love it but I just love a 4" barrel. Now, if I was limited to just one revolver I'd have to think real hard. I'd probably end up with a 4" 686 or 66. The added versatility of being a .357 would be a plus.

 

[Hghtraining]

That's a easy one for me. A 4" 686 I picked up used. Slickest action I have ever used, most accurate revolver I ever had. This is one I want to be buried with.

 

[holo]

I would choose my model 19 4"

 

[trashy]

Tough question. Only one????? As much as I enjoy all mine, I guess it would be either my 19-4 or 66-4, both 4".

 

[Harrison]

Either one of my 581 4" revolvers.

 

[petepeterson]

Two answers:

Assuming I can own other types of handguns, but just one Smith revolver- 4" Model 19

If that's the only handgun I can own- 442

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

I would think that a three inch model 66 would fit the bill for me.

 

[S&W Fan]

It would have to be the 4" 686 "no dash" I inherited from my dad, never leaving the family. Goes to my older son when I pass, then to his new son, hopefully on and on.

 

[Comrad]

Model 65 4 inch.

 

[scooter123]

My choice would be my model 67. While not the most powerful revolver I own by far it is the revolver with the finest balance in the hand. IMO you just cannot do any better than a 4 inch K frame with an older style tapered barrel. I regard the tapered barrel K frame as the revolver equivalent of the Ferrari 250 GTO. Meaning it's a revolver that sets the standard for Handling that any other revolver has to measure up to.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I think I would have to go with my 627-0.I have several other smiths,but that one is my all time favorite.

 

[Gunnut.38]

Well I also love all of my S&Ws. But if I could choose only one , it would be my 4" model 66-2. It wears Pachmayr grips and has had a trigger job with a Wolff main spring. Plenty of power for woods carry, yet small enough winter concealed carry. Great to plink with using .38 special loads or .357s reduced to that level. Easy to clean and care for. Very accurate and great sights. What more could you want in a handgun?