If you could own only one revolver... read OP

[rct269]

There is ONLY ONE---------a 4" Combat Magnum!!

And for those unfortunate enough to not know what that is without the use of its ill advised model number, you have my undying sympathy.

Oh how I yearn for the "Good Old Days"!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[PALADIN85020]

I would go with what has always been the flagship of the Smith & Wesson line - the Model 27. I'd get a dash 2, because it still had the classic pinned and recessed configuration. The most desired and beautiful of that genre in my opinion, would be the one with the 3.5" barrel. The model 27 is the only one with a checkered topstrap. These are not cheap, but can still be found. Chambered for .357, you can shoot .38 specials in it all day and save some money. You could not ask for a better representative S&W. This one was shipped in September 1978.

John

 

[mikeruns]

I will say 4" model 686-the most practical one gun for most. If I have a rifle and there has to be a ridiculous idea of apocalypse survival (Wolverines), then I would choose a .22 combat masterpiece/model 18 to do other things including up close combat which probably would never happen. OP mentioned maybe appendix carry, so my experience with any thing cylindrical in that area besides a 642, would be a 2-3/4" Speed-Six which was fine, but I still felt it.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Get a 4" 629, .44 mag. Can easily be carried, shoot .44 specials, load it with .44 shot shells as first round if in snake country, or full house .44 mags in bear country. Second choice would be a model 66, in 4", same thing.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

And carries easily behind the bib when wearing overalls.

 

[mikeruns]

LOL @ self …

Now I feel dirty for talking up Colt in the S&W forum. I'll say a penance and fire 200 rounds in my 686 later on to atone for my sin. hahaha

I saw a positive review on youtube and must say, that is a robust frame and handsome Colt too…..now if they slipped a set of adj sights on there….maybe their marketing dept already had an idea that an adj sited version would squash their ideas for the resurrected Python…

 

[Kubie]

For a first revolver I would suggest a .22cal so you won't break the bank buying ammo to familiarize yourself with the format. I lean towards a ruger single 6 personally but you would learn more with a double action from any reputable maker. You can always trade to something larger down the road.

 

[LCC]

Hard to beat a 4" K frame .38/.357 for pure versatility. And whereas a range session with a semi tends to get repetitive 'aim/squeeze' magazine after magazine, shooting a revolver is about synching with the timing of the DA action, the preciseness of SA, the mechanics of ejection and loading.
More fun running through a single box at the range with a revolver than multiple boxes with a semi.

 

[Heinz]

I interpret you question as "if you only had one revolver to have as an example, while having a number of other automatic pistols"

In that specific case I would go with a vintage Model 17 or K-22. A beautiful K frame revolver, an very fun, shootable caliber and an excellent example of revolver craftsmanship. I would opt for the 6 inch barrel (actually I already have) but the 4 inch would be fine also

 

[Bumpus13]

I saw a positive review on youtube and must say, that is a robust frame and handsome Colt too…..now if they slipped a set of adj sights on there….maybe their marketing dept already had an idea that an adj sited version would squash their ideas for the resurrected Python…

I actually prefer the fixed sights on a carry gun. I think the 4" target version does have adjustable rear sights though.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I would go with what has always been the flagship of the Smith & Wesson line - the Model 27. I'd get a dash 2, because it still had the classic pinned and recessed configuration. The most desired and beautiful of that genre in my opinion, would be the one with the 3.5" barrel. The model 27 is the only one with a checkered topstrap. These are not cheap, but can still be found. Chambered for .357, you can shoot .38 specials in it all day and save some money. You could not ask for a better representative S&W. This one was shipped in September 1978.

John

Good call... wanted one for years .. but in an N-frame ...... I'd go with a 4".. and Spegel Extended Boot Grips .. overall very little additional bulk vs 3 1/2".

Mine is a +90% recessed but not pinned 27-4(?).... concealed carry goes to a 3" 66..... carrying a lot more than shooting!

 

[hkcavalier]

For me, it would be a 627PC 5". For you---the OP---, I'm thinking one of the Carry Comps (586 or 19).

Big revolvers carry different than autos for sure, and just like autos there are compromises to be made. The 586CC is kind of the Glock 19 of the revolver world; not big but not tiny.

 

[winchester62]

I'm going to say a 4 inch model 66 or 686 (if you want the beef) with a second cylinder converted to 9mm and moon clips. This would be really versatile whether or not your a hand loader. You could taylor a million different loads in 38 or 357, and would be able to shoot all the relatively cheap 9mm you have laying around.

 

[DR505]

Good call... wanted one for years .. but in an N-frame ...... I'd go with a 4".. and Spegel Extended Boot Grips .. overall very little additional bulk vs 3 1/2".

Mine is a +90% recessed but not pinned 27-4(?).... concealed carry goes to a 3" 66..... carrying a lot more than shooting!

If it is a recessed but unpinned it is a 27-3. I have one in 4" trim. However, I prefer this 27-2 3 1/2" shipped in 1967.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Actually , the OP's query is kinda unique , and differs from the age-old " one gun" discussions . He has a plethora of bottomfeeders , such that his obvious requirements are met , and is looking for the soul and elan of a revolver in addition . Does not mention taking up hunting or defending against animals the size of a smart car



Obvious - 4 inch M19

Tied - Ruger Blackhawk of 4 5/8 or 5.5
Ideally .45 Colt/ .45acp Convertible .

Wild Card - .22 rimfire . 1st choice Single Six ( in 6 shot , extra preferably a 3 Screw) 8n .22lr/ .22wmr convertible . 2nd choice - M17 or M18 .

 

[ruger 22]

For a purely objective choice I would pick a K frame in either 38 or 357. The latter would give you more options but my personal pick here would be a Model 10.
I have a few 22lrs in my battery that I would never get rid of but that is pure sentimentality on my part.

 

[jdlii]

I play this game every time I watch an episode of Life Below Zero or the Last Alaskans. The issue, for me, comes down to versatility. Which revolver can do it all?

For me, as previously mentioned, it comes down to a Mod. 629 4" as a first choice. The second choice, also mentioned, is a Mod. 686 4". Take Alaska out of the equation and the 686 would be the logical choice.

A platform that can handle full house .357 loads, .38 special and .38 shot shells. An extremely comfortable firearm to shoot at the range, a great woods gun, carry piece and hunting companion. As a reloader, neither are an issue for me, as long as the primers and powder hold out.

 

[Billylee]

A four inch model 65 with Pachmayr Decellorator grips.

 

[GerSan69]

N frames are too big unless you're a giant. L frames are almost as bad. If a J is out of the question, then a K frame is your only choice providing you limit yourself to S&W. 2", 3" or 4" only, and stainless if you intend to use it in a damp or really hot climate. I'm in AZ and stainless is my friend all summer. Models would be 64 2-3-4", 65 3-4", 66 2.5-4" (they make a 3" 66, but you'd have to give your firstborn to get one,) and 67 4". I have all but the 4" 66 and any one of them would be an excellent choice. The 65 and 66 are .357s, the rest are .38.
Good luck with your shopping. Most of these are pricey because the market for American-made older revolvers is crazy right now. That said, there are still bargains if you look or are really lucky. (If you choose to go "off the reservation" and include some foreign brands, you'll find them at a fraction of S&W asking prices. Many of them are well made, but look in person and do your homework before putting any $$$ down.)

 

[gmiller0737]

80's 4" Stainless Python gets My Vote

 

[UncleEd]

Just about any K or L frame
Smith would do.

My all-time favorite is the
Smith Combat Masterpiece
(Model 15) in .38 Special.

But just to be a heretic, one
might consider the 2018 3-inch
or 4-inch Colt King Cobra.

The King Cobra is a tad smaller
than a K frame Smith but is a
.357 six shot.