If you could purchase just one...

[45Wheelgun]

Well, if I understand the question, "any gun" on the S&W website with a bias toward the larger caliber.

There does not appear to be a monetary restriction, so my first choice would be the Engraved Model 3 Schofield, in .45 S&W. The top of the line S&W that the factory is producing today. Hand engraved with Class A coverage, with a beautiful deep blue finish. As a bonus, there is no lock!

Now, I understand if $4500 could be a bit out of the budget, but you can get the non-engraved verson for around $1800. Both come in a nice display case.

If that is still to high, I would suggest any one of the Classic Series big bores. .41 .44 .45, pick your favorite but regardless of the caliber, get it in Nickel. Nickel is the best finish they have available today. They are amazing. If it were me? I would be getting the Model 25 Classic 6" in nickel. You can find them in the $700-$1000 range.

I would be remiss if I didn't point out that if I actually had the money to buy any of those guns, I would be buying a 50's vintage N-Frame in some large caliber. Probably a Model 25 (or Pre 25) in real nice shape, maybe even with a box and some goodies.

 

[martyj]

460 xvr with 8.375 inch barrel

 

[brucev]

"...my first choice would be the Engraved Model 3 Schofield, in .45 S&W. The top of the line S&W that the factory is producing today. Hand engraved with Class A coverage, with a beautiful deep blue finish. As a bonus, there is no lock! Now, I understand if $4500 could be a bit out of the budget, but you can get the non-engraved verson for around $1800. Both come in a nice display case."

I must be brain-dead. It never occurred to me to actually go and look at the S&W website. That Schofield is simply gorgeous. If I could afford on, especially w/ Class A engraving, I don't think I could resist taking it out and putting rounds down range. In fact, I am certain that just as soon as I could buy or make ammunition for it, I'd be heading out for a little recreational range time. Practicality aside, I think I'd rather have the Schofield than some of the PC products that I see advertised. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[Old Navy]

I didn't see a non engraved one on the website, so didn't consider it. But I would buy a standard blued model in 357, 44 Mag or 45 Colt in a heart beat. If plain Scofield is $1300 list then street price should run about $900 to $1000 and would be fast seller in 3", 4" or 5" models.

 

[4inch357]

I don't want a revolver with a lock even if I can get the 'Forum plug'.

Have to agree. I would take the $$$ and buy an older gun on the used market.

 

[Stainz]

You need to consider many things when deciding 'which one'. I would say a 642 - or some other pocketable protection - should be top on the list. You can't beat a 4" 617 X10 in .22 LR as a great plinker - super frugal to plink with. I think you want more oomph - perhaps something to hunt with. Consider these:

The .45 ACP 625JM is a real keeper. You just can't beat a .45 ACP for a frugal big-bore, both in recoil and cost... and available at WallyWorld on a Sunday afternoon (... ie, anywhere!). I reload, and love to put .45 Colt lead in .45 Auto Rim cases - no moonclips needed. A 255gr LSWC at nearly 900 fps is great for deer or hogs. The low speed Speer 250gr Gold Dots are very effective, too. You can't beat 230gr FMJ 'ball' ammo in .45 ACP loaded in Ranch Products' moonclips ($35/100 delivered.) for utility and fast reloads.

Of course, .38s are cheaper - and the +P Remington R38S12 158gr LSWC(HP) is a known man stopper - it's also known as the 'old FBI load'. The 627 Pro will take eight at a time on a moonclip (Ranch Products 50/$50 or 100/$75 delivered.) for social work. You can also load real SAAMI-spec'd .357 Magnums for some more 'demanding' work, like hunting. Or, like me, enjoy wimpy 125gr JHP loads in .357 Magnum Starline brass (Loads more easily in moonclips!) or just .38 plinkers - very utilitarian.

Both the 625JM and 627 Pro have a spring-loaded front sight base and take the same .250" tall Classic/DX style HiViz in a tool-free change. The 625JM comes with a nice JM wood grip, the 627 Pro comes with rubber Hogue monogrips (The Ahrends cocobolo 'Retro Targets' are ~$60 + s/h.). Both revolvers weigh just over 2.5lb and are fine, recoil-wise, with wood stocks. Both have many merits - and making a choice would be difficult. Obviously, modern materials (MIM, etc.) and the dreaded IL are non-issues to me. They both have an MSRP of $1059, too! Good luck,

Stainz

 

[batmann]

Stainz's 8 shot .357 is a really good start, although I prefer a 4" 629 (.44 Mag).

 

[Poohgyrr]

Off the website I was going to say the 627 Pro; sent to the PC for an action job & I want a gold bead up front.

If Horton can be included, they still have some 3 1/2" Registered Magnums, either blued or nickled. I'd prefer one of these.

 

[bubbajoe45]

Probably 610-3 4" or the 25 4" but I lean toward the 25 3" Lew Horton special below. I would kill for one like it in 10mm, love those N frames.

I like these, but if I was going to go 'new' I'd go all the way and get the highest tech one they offer: the 325 Nightguard. If you trust it to go bang, it would be a really nice carry gun (about the same weight as a Commander).

 

[Old Navy]

My problem is the Night Guard is it looks like it is painted black and not blued. They do not hold up well against wear and scrapes such as might be had during pocket carry or CCW in general.