Make the "classics" more like exact re-issues

[nframes4me]

These "classics" have too many deviations from the originals. If the original had a square butt grip frame, make the re-issue the way and make exact reproductions of the original grips. Same thing for firing pins on the hammers and many other details, and not only so far as the things that are missing, but things I've seen on some models which the originals never had.

Maybe it's too costly to tool up for things like pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, but i think for what these guns are selling for, some extra effort could go into making them as close to original as possible.

Most important of all, hide the damn security lock under the cylinder latch OR under the grips like Ruger does with their single actions.

Hell, do that with the classics and then do it on ALL the new revolvers as it should have been done in the first.

The Classic series is a sad reminder that Smith doesn't build guns like they used to and these semi-reproductions pale in comparison with the real thing.

 

[shotguntom]

AMEN!!! AMEN!!!

 

[M2MikeGolf]

I understand your frustration, however, I guess sometimes we have to compromise.

At this point, I would just be happy if S&W would release a classics 547 and make the Model 10 a square butt, or make a 3" Model 10 round butt, and a 3" 547 round butt. Now that's what I call compromise!

 

[STCM(SW)]

AMEN!!! AMEN!!!

DITTO's!!!!!!!!

 

[Rawhyde]

I agree. It's not like they don't have the original drawings or have to worry about copyright or patent issues...

 

[august1410]

I'm with you guys on this one.

 

[papajohn428]

Every gun they made without The Lock would sell better than the other version. Why don't they know that? If the beancounters are running things, why don't they care more about actual sales than non-existent Liability Issues? I just don't get that.

 

[beemerrider]

I bought a 5" Model 29 Classic, and although there are some differences between it and my dash 2's, I'd have to say it is one of my absolute favorites, because it is as accurate as the best of my older ones, and for some reason; maybe the rubber grips or something else, it is the nicest shooting of the 7 model 29's I own and love. I'm really happy they built it, and even happier that I bought it.

 

[TDC]

I bought a 5" Model 29 Classic, and although there are some differences between it and my dash 2's, I'd have to say it is one of my absolute favorites, because it is as accurate as the best of my older ones, and for some reason; maybe the rubber grips or something else, it is the nicest shooting of the 7 model 29's I own and love. I'm really happy they built it, and even happier that I bought it.

I'm a pre-80's collector and I've gotta agree with beemerrider. My "go to" 44Mag right now is a 629-6 5" Classic. I can choose any model I wish from my collection for a shooter. I do agree, however, these guns should have been named something other than "Classics."

Say what you will about all the changes made to these guns. I've had no problem with MIM parts, the IL, or the gun in general. Love the balance, accuracy, grips (have Crimson Trace 207's on it now), and the quickly interchangeable front sight blades for different light conditions.

My heart's with the older guns but all the late guns I have have been excellent! I think if you tried one it could change your mind...

 

[Gatofeo]

I wish S&W would invest the time in fit and finish on their classics. After all, you're paying for what should be a clone from the past.
My Classic 14-8, bought new 14 months ago, has a terrible action. Feels like it's filled with burrs. Single action pull creeps, is not smooth, and breaks at an estimated 7 pounds. Double action is probably around 16 pounds, perhaps more.
This lousy trigger keeps me from obtaining its full accuracy.
It's disgusting. I wanted a premium target .38 revolver -- I could have done better with a $75 Spanish copy made in the 1930s.
Come on, Smith & Wesson. You once produced the finest revolvers in the world. You can't do the same for the flagships of your line?

 

[REP]

I wish S&W would invest the time in fit and finish on their classics. After all, you're paying for what should be a clone from the past.
My Classic 14-8, bought new 14 months ago, has a terrible action. Feels like it's filled with burrs. Single action pull creeps, is not smooth, and breaks at an estimated 7 pounds. Double action is probably around 16 pounds, perhaps more.
This lousy trigger keeps me from obtaining its full accuracy.
It's disgusting. I wanted a premium target .38 revolver -- I could have done better with a $75 Spanish copy made in the 1930s.
Come on, Smith & Wesson. You once produced the finest revolvers in the world. You can't do the same for the flagships of your line?

Six months ago I bought a Model 14-8 and while the trigger pull was heavy in both single and double action, the action was crisp and smooth. I replaced my main spring with a Wolff standard weight spring and the trigger return spring with a 13lb. spring. My gun has proved to be my most accurate centerfire gun that I have ever owned even more than my Bowen Classic Arms custom Blackhawk. I have had such a good experience with mine that I have placed a Model 17 Classic on layaway which upon inspection seemed to be as well of made gun. Springs are something that I have been changing for over 15 years in about every gun I've bought new since.

 

[Reevolvers]

I wish they were listening! But they ain't I'm afraid. The should give us a real classic like an exact replica of a model 19, and a 3 and a half inch model 27! I really wish they would make them the old way! No blasted lock, and hand fitted. But alas we live in an age where profit trumps all else.

 

[papajohn428]

Heck, I'd be happy if they could just put out cataloged guns that work right out of the box. I met a lady at my club range last week who had just spent almost $800 for a new S&W 22, and it was junk right out of the box. The barrel wasn't properly indexed, the trigger return didn't, and it misfired constantly. If they can't build a current gun correctly, what hope do we have for them getting the handmade Classics right?