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

[RobertJ.]

After a lot of thought:

If I could only own one revolver, it would be a 4" 629-4.

 

[boomer49]

I have a 4" new classic N frame .357 that I traded for a year ago. I always wanted a 6" model 19 until I held this Model 27. It fit me so well and feels so smooth shooting .357 loads. When I found it at a gun show it was about 6 years ld and had never been fired. I just put a Vortex Venom on it red dot on it and can't wait to start shooting it next week. I think the red dot will really help my 72 year old eyes.

 

[6917sctygrp]

I second you opinion except I prefer the 586 3" blue/black. Mine is a carry comp performance center and although heavy and a 7 shot it can be carried AIWB

 

[smoothshooter]

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

It has not been my experience that a 4" Model 29 is easy to carry.
Also, .44 Special factory ammo is some of the most expensive to buy, and the hardest to find, of all the calibers that new guns are currently chambered for. Even before the current ammo shortages.
If a person is a reloader, they can load reduced loads in .44 Magnum brass and not bother with the Specials.
In the last 10 years I'll bet I haven't seen 15 boxes of .44 Special for sale total, and I get around a bit.
I am not saying it is a bad cartridge; I currently have 2 rifles and 1 revolver chambered for .44 Special specifically, so you know I like it.
Have hundreds of .44 Special brass for reloading too.

 

[Benchrest1]

5" 629 Classic.

 

[jcs266]

It has not been my experience that a 4" Model 29 is easy to carry.
Also, .44 Special factory ammo is some of the most expensive to buy, and the hardest to find, of all the calibers that new guns are currently chambered for. Even before the current ammo shortages.
If a person is a reloader, they can load reduced loads in .44 Magnum brass and not bother with the Specials.
In the last 10 years I'll bet I haven't seen 15 boxes of .44 Special for sale total, and I get around a bit.
I am not saying it is a bad cartridge; I currently have 2 rifles and 1 revolver chambered for .44 Special specifically, so you know I like it.
Have hundreds of .44 Special brass for reloading too.

The .44 Special is my all-time favorite cartridge by far. But as you say ammo availability is scarce in stores and expensive from any source. You MUST be a reloader if the .44 Spl is your choice. A great round.

 

[fredcoyote]

S&W 686-4 Plus 2.5" Barrel

Not the best at anything but above average all around! Added fixed sights. Tough, accurate, easy to carry(relatively), and 7 shots of 357 is an acceptable compromise for me.

I have a Manurhin 3" MR73 that's in the shop for cleanup (police trade few years ago) but that's a one gun contender for me too. Funny Frenchman wheelgun that is like a S&W 3" 13 made of kryptonite with a trigger like no other.

Fred

That 681 3" 7 shot posted here is on point!

 

[CMudrock]

I couldn't only own 1 revolver. I already have a few, & just can't get rid of any. I prefer Smith & Wesson to Colt revolvers.
I own 2 vintage Smiths: .45acp N frame, + 38spl 1902 K frame, + a .357 snub nose shrouded hammer Taurus - smith clone.
I also own 3 H&R Top Breaks: 9 shot 22lr, snub nose + 9 shot model 999 Sportsman .22lr, + Five shot .38(S&W) snub nose "Defender". All Keepers.

 

[KurtC]

I'm down to my last Smith & Wesson revolver, this Performance Center tweaked 625-4.

 

[RangerRWB]

If you could only own one revolver...

S&W Model 19-3 in 6"

 

[Travis Montana]

Since concealment is not the main reason for the revolver 357 mag would be my choice. Model 19-3 in 4". I would not sell mine.

 

[John Patrick]

Asking which one revolver is like asking which one golf club, or which one fishing rod.

But, forced to suggest a beginning, it would be a 2 1/2" or 3" K frame 357.

 

[oink]

Thank you for your feedback. Since I would only need to carry it "in a pinch", I'm leaning towards a 5" 686. I'm thinking I might be able to hunt with it, but hunting with handguns in my state requires a 5" barrel.

I know people would probably steer me to 6" or more, but this wouldn't be purchased as a dedicated hunting implement.

As far as the shorter barrels, like I said, this more about getting a do-all revolver since I have plenty of other guns for concealed carry. In a pinch I can carry a 5" handgun, but six or more would be pushing it.

I think you're leaning towards an excellent choice. A 5" is near perfect.

 

[Moo Moo]

S&W R8 M&P .357mag or 327 TRR8.

(Not my photo - off Google images).

 

[David Lee Valdina]

If you want to appendix carry, you will need a 2" barrel and even that can be uncomfortable to sit down. The smallest will be a J frame and you probably should not have a hammer sticking out, so a Bodyguard or Centennial model. .38 Special is 5 shots and the .32 H&R Mag. will be a 6 shot model, and my favorite. These will also work well in a pocket carry.

 

[Cdog]

For me the .38/.357 is the one revolver caliber. I love single action "cowboy" revolvers. In my mind the Double/Single revolver is more practical.

Pure shooting pleasure, a Smith 4" K frame .38/.357.

A little more weight, magnum comfort, Smith L frame .38/.357.

Less refined, but built like tank, 4" Ruger GP100 .38/.357.

Admittedly, I have no first hand experience with the newer Colt offerings.