Model 20-4 .38/44 HD Classic

[S-W4EVER]

I enjoy shooting my 21-4 & 22-4 (Thunder Ranch) Classic revolvers. What I'd really like is a blued steel eight shot .357 Magnum Heavy Duty revolver, preferably with 5" bbl.

 

[JWintergreen]

I have always wanted to see the same thing, albeit in brushed stainless. I think that would be the ultimate defensive .357 revolver. The weight could also be kept at, or just under, 40 ounces. That is about the same as most full lug medium frame revolvers.

A half lug, 3.5", 4", or 5" tapered barrel 8 shot 627 would be nice to see as a companion to its fixed sight brother. They could also market the 4" version as a brushed stainless Highway Patrolman (628). S&W came close with the standard production 627-5, but the bull barrel turned a lot of folks off. Timing was not perfect either.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I believe the eight shot .357 Magnum is pure genius and the concept has not been pursued to the fullest extent.

 

[JWintergreen]

I believe the eight shot .357 Magnum is pure genius and the concept has not been pursued to the fullest extent.

I agree whole heartedly. It is my idea of the ultimate handgun. However, I have never really liked the long term standard production offerings. They have the 627 Pro Series, but the slab sided barrel and bead blasted finish are not what most folks likely had in mind when picturing a stainless .357 N frame. A fixed sighted variant in blue and brushed stainless (with a tapered barrel) would be defensive revolver perfection.

If the eight shot .357 N frame had been introduced in the mid 70s instead of the mid 90s, we would have likely seen all sorts of great configurations. Hopefully, S&W will see the potential market for these possible options and make up for lost time.