My first love is....

[Jst1mr]

Pinned and recessed revolvers, especially K and N frames, but I do have a few J frames and an I frame, also one X frame. Although I have a few (expensive) holes to fill in the N frame (my favorite!) arena, I feel I should also complete the alphabet soup of frame sizes by acquiring an L frame. Now, for whatever reason, these have not ignited the same interest from me as the others, but still......
All right, then, the question for you lovers of the L frame: If you could have just one, what particular L frame revolver best represents all that is great with this category? The head-and -shoulders above-the-rest example to covet?

 

[bamabiker]

I guess for me that would be the M686 but that may be because that's what I own(2 of them). I would like to get a nice M586 some day.

 

[JCS&W]

The often forgotten L frame M581/681 is my favorite. I just love the fixed sight Smiths. It does not hurt that they are great shooters. Here is my M581.

 

[robvious]

first choice would be the stocking dealer special 5 inch half lug... looks like baby dirty harry or big 66... great balance... and gets that hollywood special 7th shooter...
sorry.. tried to post image... didn't figure it out... someone smarter will be able to find one to post..
second choice would be CS-1 3 inch...

 

[66snub]

686+ in 6". Pure magic...

 

[wproct]

My favorite all purpose 686 is the 4"bbl model. My 686-4 4 incher currently fulfills the need for me.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I'll also vouch for a 686 6". At that barrel length you'll be hitting bullseye every time. The weight and length balance out real well. I also like the 3" as many come with the 7 round cylinder...but it's not as accurate shooter as the 6".

 

[panamajack310]

I also love the Kand L frames. My favorite era is the Bangor Punta years. They seem to have out out the best revolvers and best of all they were pinned and recessed, with NO locks.

 

[Srigs]

686. I own a 686 2.5" and love shooting it.

 

[spearcrow]

the 696 is a fine little 44spl if you favor that caliber. 686 if your lookin for a good shooter in a caliber you probably shoot already. have fun!

 

[kdailey]

If I could ONLY have one L-frame .....686 6". It would fulfill all my needs.

 

[highpower3006]

The S&W that created my addiction was this K22 Masterpiece that I acquired back in 1982. It opened up a whole new world to me as far as how accurate a handgun could be. Through thick and thin, I have held on to it and have added a few others over the years. I have been hooked on pinned barreled Smiths ever since

 

[STCM(SW)]

"L" frame? If I get another one it would be a 586/686 4".

 

[P&R Fan]

As the P&R Fan, I too love the Pinned and Recessed revolvers. That's one of the reasons I've never been too enamored of the L-Frames, there ain't any.
I do, however, have two. I ordered a M296 when I saw them in a magazine when first introduced, but I'm not really fond of it. Kicks too much, and that sucker is UGLY! I hardly ever shoot it or carry it, but I'm holding on to it because they are quite collectible. My other one I bought a year or so before that one: My M696. I LOVE that revolver. It is just plain cool. I'm a big fan of the .44 Special, and it's a joy to shoot and carry. Never gonna sell it either.
Now, if they just had that dang pin....they'd be PERFECT.
Sigh...
Jim

 

[Hillbilly77]

 

[papajohn428]

I think the 3" 686-Plus is about as good as it gets for general use and CCW, but I wouldn't mind having a four-incher again, and a six inch would be nice as well. What I'd really like is a five-inch 686, but I'm not sure those even exist. For now the 686+ with a set of Spegels is good enough.

 

[youngda9]

I think the 3" 686-Plus is about as good as it gets for general use and CCW, but I wouldn't mind having a four-incher again, and a six inch would be nice as well. What I'd really like is a five-inch 686, but I'm not sure those even exist. For now the 686+ with a set of Spegels is good enough.

I agree with you there as that same gun is my daily carry. Like your grips !