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

[lppd4]

I would get a 4" 686/586 if I could only have one. If I had to have a 5" barrel for hunting then a model 27 would be my choice. Oh and I already have all 3

 

[jtcarm]

Am I allowed duplicates of the same gun for redundancy (I always have a backup), or literally one gun?

If it's the latter (one gun) it would be a 160-prefix or later 4" Security Six.

If I can have dupes, I'll go with a 4" 66-7. That's right, weird choice. The -7 has same super-accurate 2-piece barrel and uncircumcised forcing cone of the current -8, but, IMO, are better quality. Both of mine have b/c gaps that barely take a .003 feeler gauge. They are the most accurate revolvers I have ever owned and those tight b/c gaps launch bullets FAST.

In fairness I have not owned a -8, but have read a couple of horror-story anecdotes about them and believe Smith was building better-quality guns in the early 2000s than today.

Honorable mentions to the GP100 MC 10mm and 686-5. They're just a bit on the weighty side.

 

[oldnavynukespook]

My Model 19 2.5 inch Combat Magnum. Accurate, reliable, .38 Special for practice and .357 Magnum when you mean business. I've had mine for over 20 years now and wouldn't think of parting with it.

 

[RevKAB]

Love the 929

Since you have plenty of carry guns, I would choose a 929 N Frame (9mm). They take the same ammo you are probably already using for your autos, are highly accurate, and quite frankly are tack-drivers that are fun to shoot. I use mine for steel.plate competition, and have a blast.
The other one I would like would be the venerable 686 .357. Another highly accurate revolver.

If you could own only one revolver, but you didn't need it to be a j-frame for concealment, what would you buy?

I'm asking because I am not a revolver guy, but I'd love to own one mostly just to have one. I have plenty of concealed carry semi-autos, and though I am not against carrying a revolver (I would), I don't necessarily need it to be concealable (or very concealable). I just want a cool revolver to make me a more well-rounded shooter because I've never owned one. I would like it to be practical enough for self-defense, and it should be carryable appendix in a pinch, but I wouldn't need to pocket carry it, per se.

Thanks in advance.

 

[stanmerrell]

Another vote for a 4" model 19. Find an earlier model with not too much use, but still a shooter in deep blue. Alternatively an early model 586 in deep blue.

 

[squawberryman]

Buy something without a lock.

 

[Naptown_Gaijin]

An EXTREMELY difficult question!! I would narrow it down to a S&W Performance Center 686+ (7 shot) with a 4" barrel OR a S&W Performance Center model 627-5 (8 shot, 5" barrel), OR a S&W Model 625 (.45 ACP six shot, with a 5" barrel. All three are excellent shooters, the latter two can utilize moonclips as standard.

 

[CherryRiver]

The four-inch Model 19 Combat Magnum. Possibly the stainless 66 version.
More versatile than any other revolver I've ever had.

 

[Naptown_Gaijin]

Up on the porch where the big dogs drink a cold Cerveza, they all carry 460s with a short barrel. Everything else is old school.

But they are fond of N frames in 357 with all barrel lengths as well.
Polly wants a 460.

And they all drink their Cerveza's with their left hands, because their right wrists are all broken from shootin' that damn 460 Grizzly Smasher....

 

[kelzie]

While I too love the SAs, your argument has one flaw: Nothing prevents the DA revolver from being shot in the SA mode, just like a SA gun (except perhaps shooter panic). My concern with the original 19th c. SA designs is the fact that they can only be loaded and carried safely with 5 rounds. Not a serious handicap (lots of great DA guns hold only 5 rounds) but seriously dangerous for those who don't know how to do this properly. For this reason (not to mention their exceptional strength and durability), the new model Rugers are much better, if maybe a bit less fun.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

If you could own only one revolver, but you didn't need it to be a j-frame for concealment, what would you buy?

I'm asking because I am not a revolver guy, but I'd love to own one mostly just to have one. I have plenty of concealed carry semi-autos, and though I am not against carrying a revolver (I would), I don't necessarily need it to be concealable (or very concealable). I just want a cool revolver to make me a more well-rounded shooter because I've never owned one. I would like it to be practical enough for self-defense, and it should be carryable appendix in a pinch, but I wouldn't need to pocket carry it, per se.



Thanks in advance.

If I could only own one revolver, it would be my S&W 13-4

 

[KertP]

Dan Wesson Model 744 (.44 Mag) with three barrels - 4", 6", & 8". I have not found another revolver that has as smooth an action, both Single and Double, straight from the factory. Mine is a pre-CZ ownership revolver. It is a real pleasure to shoot...and hunt with.

 

[66fan]

Great article. My only gun would be the model 66-8 with 4.25 inch. It can handle all .357 loads with IWB crossdraw.

 

[SWFan27]

Great article. My only gun would be the model 66-8 with 4.25 inch. It can handle all .357 loads with IWB crossdraw.

My 66-8 with a 4.25 inch barrel is my all time favorite. It is perfect and I love the thing. I also just bought a S&W 686+ 7 shot 357 Mag revolver with a 4.25 inch barrel that I get to pick up on Monday.

 

[Ingramite]

19-3.
Says it all.
Do the research (fun) to learn why it's so special.

 

[DRYHEAT]

These would be my rec to choose from. Both can shoot mild to wild .38 Spl./.357 Magnum, 1 could be a carry if need be while the other is just a pleasure to shoot.

 

[tygar]

only one

Without a doubt an 629 44Mag 4 or 5". Load it down with spls or mags for hunting/protection. No sense reposting all the reasons others have used.

 

[quikdraw67]

All around?

686 4" no dash up to -3

If I could only have one that should cover the bases.

JMHO YMMV

 

[br25004x4]

A Blued Model 29-2 4inch barrel.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

686-3 six inch. I'll never sell it.