Need to add a S&W Revolver - which one?

[Huskerguy]

I have looked at Smiths for some time at guns shows and they seem to run in two categories - nice and expensive and total junk. Last fall I found some nice revolvers but was afraid to pull the trigger because of my lack of knowledge of the different models. I am a 38/357 guy. I just want to add a nice smooth Smith to my collection as an everyday shooter. What models are best and what do I look for (I do know what to generally look for in a revolver as I have several Colts and Rugers already) but as far as models. I did a quick check on my phone on the internet about the one I was looking at last fall and some people were saying they had a weakness in them which didn't excite me. I don't shoot hot magnums and mostly mild 38's I load myself. Prices seem to be coming down, or they were, every time I picked one up the guys would automatically start dropping their prices significantly. Any information would be helpful. I don't have the biggest hands in the world, a security six fits me well as does a Colt Trooper. Thanks in advance

 

[H Richard]

The Model 15 in 4" and 2" or the Model 14 in 6" are some of the best shooting totally classic S&W revolvers and are hard to beat. Look around, and you should be able to find them in the $350 to $550 range depending on condition, etc. These are in 38 Special.

 

[Art Doc]

Easy. The model 27 is the top of the line Smith. The -2 and earlier will have the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder for panache. The shorter the barrel the higher the asking price. The 3.5" version is the sexy one that everybody wants. The 5" is my favorite and IMO the best balanced.

 

[murphydog]

The one you heard about having a "weakness" was probably the K frame model 19 (blue/nickel) or the 66 (stainless). If you restrict them to light .38s or heavier bullet weight .357s they will give several lifetimes of service; the forcing cone on these can be damaged with full 125 gr .357s. This is comparable to the Security Six in size.

The next size up would be an L frame, the 581/681 with fixed sights and the 586/686 with adjustable rear sight. These are about the same size as a Trooper. Up from there as SP mentioned is the N frame model 27. Enjoy the search!

 

[weatherby]

A model 28 is my suggestion.
It is the working mans 357.

 

[azmick]

You will never go wrong with a Highway Patrolman. No, it is not a Model 27 but, as stated, is a working man's N frame revolver. Shooting cast bullets in 38 Spcl cases are easy to shoot and the 158 gr jacketed loaded in .357 cases with a fair amount of (pick your powder) lets you pick off clays 'out there' like a pro with out breaking the bank on a shiney polished 27. For what you spend on a 3 1/2" 27, you can buy a 6" and a 4" HP (judicious shopping)

 

[paplinker]

Lots to pick from, What is your budget for a nice shooter? Do you prefer pre or post war guns?

 

[colt_saa]

I have looked at Smiths for some time at guns shows and they seem to run in two categories - nice and expensive and total junk. Last fall I found some nice revolvers but was afraid to pull the trigger because of my lack of knowledge of the different models. I am a 38/357 guy. I just want to add a nice smooth Smith to my collection as an everyday shooter. What models are best and what do I look for (I do know what to generally look for in a revolver as I have several Colts and Rugers already) but as far as models. I did a quick check on my phone on the internet about the one I was looking at last fall and some people were saying they had a weakness in them which didn't excite me. I don't shoot hot magnums and mostly mild 38's I load myself. Prices seem to be coming down, or they were, every time I picked one up the guys would automatically start dropping their prices significantly. Any information would be helpful. I don't have the biggest hands in the world, a security six fits me well as does a Colt Trooper. Thanks in advance

You are WAY over-thinking this.

Forget about the weakness, internet chat groups have raised it to the level of Urban Legend. 99+% of S&W revolvers outlive those that shoot them.

You did not complete your profile to let us know where you are. Based on the screen name I will guess Nebraska. Don't you have any shooting buddies with S&Ws?

If you were in South Florida, I would gladly let you try a few of mine. I would guess other Forum members might make the same offer.

If not, just find one of the S&Ws whose lines and looks appeal to you and buy it.

 

[Rawhyde]

I have to chime in with another vote for a Model 14. It's available in 6" and 8-3/8". I have one of each, and they're my favorite centerfire revolvers. Extremely accurate and fun to shoot.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Personally, I am not worried about the Model 19 or 66 as the vast majority of my shooting is with 38 Special. Any magnum loads I would use are 158 grain, so the issue with 125 grain Magnum loads is not an issue. Therefore, the K frame is a good choice if the mission includes concealed carry. If not, then you cannot go wrong with the Model 27. The L frame in 4 inch is a little heavy for my taste, but the 7 shot version would be my choice. It is called the 686 Plus.

 

[Huskerguy]

I live in Kansas, grew up in Nebraska and therefore the screen name. I have two brothers in law I shoot with the most but neither have Smiths in their collections. Another friend has several but all in 44's which I really enjoy shooting although I do not have a 44 of my own. I cast and reload my own 38's in 158 grain SWC bullets along with several other calibers in handguns and rifles. I don't run across very many Smiths in my LGS in central Kansas but do see a few at shows in the area but prices are all over the place. I would have no problem spending $600 or more on one. It won't be for CC as I have other firearms for that. Tend to like a 4" barrel or in that range, not much on the 2" barrels for some reason, more balance than anything. That was a model 19 I was looking at last fall. It was very nice, blue was excellent, one funny mark in the barrel I could not figure out. Guy started at $675 and came down to $575 without me asking. I wanted to get a little more information before I head out looking again. I am patient for the right deal. No preference between pre or post. I have read about some of that.
thanks for the information guys, really appreciate it. I will keep reading

 

[colt_saa]

Sounds like you are a candidate for a Model 19/66 revolver. $575 for a clean example is not a bad deal in today's market

The 19 was available in blue or nickel while the 66 is the stainless variation.

These could be had in 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrel lengths.

The 4" and 6" are quite popular as target guns.

Here is my oldest 66 with it's 4" barrel

This more modern one is an unissued Missouri Highway Patrol revolver

One of my personal favorites is this 6" model 66 that was produced for the Rhode Island State Police.
Only 200 of these lanyard ring equipped 6" wheel guns were manufactured.

I have a few of the 2 1/2" and 3" variations for carry purposes, but the 4" is great choice.

 

[BigBill]

Ok first if your looking for a revolver in 357magnum my first pick is a S&W model 28 highway partrolman with a 4" or 6" barrel. My second suggestion is a S&W model 27 with a 4" or 6" barrel. Both are 357 Magnums. Now if you like the same S&W Larger N frame revolvers as the 44mag you shot I would suggest #3 a S&W model 58 in 41magnum with a 4" barrel or a model 57 in 41mag with a 4" or 6" barrel.

The s&w model 27, model 28, model 57 & model 58 all use the same N frames. I think you might want your first s&w revolver to be the m57 or m58 in 41magnum since you like the 44 and have two revolvers in 357mag already.

 

[BigBill]

Sounds like you are a candidate for a Model 19/66 revolver. $575 for a clean example is not a bad deal in today's market

The 19 was available in blue or nickel while the 66 is the stainless variation.

These could be had in 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrel lengths.

The 4" and 6" are quite popular as target guns.

Here is my oldest 66 with it's 4" barrel

This more modern one is an unissued Missouri Highway Patrol revolver

One of my personal favorites is this 6" model 66 that was produced for the Rhode Island State Police.
Only 200 of these lanyard ring equipped 6" wheel guns were manufactured.

I have a few of the 2 1/2" and 3" variations for carry purposes, but the 4" is great choice.

Your top gun picture exrayed the gun. You can see the working miners????

 

[colt_saa]

Your top gun picture exrayed the gun. You can see the working miners????

That is a clear lexan sideplate on the revolver. Yes, you can watch the internals operate as you pull the trigger and cock the hammer.

I use it for classes.

 

[BigBill]

Is the lexan strong enough to shoot it?

 

[80sgyrene]

My vote is for a 581/681. Can get great deals on these and IMO they are the most underrated S&Ws out there.

None of the weaknesses of a K .357 and alot better handling than an N.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Sounds like the 4" Model 15 in blued steel or the 4" Model 67 in stainless steel would fit the bill nicely. They are medium weight, nicely balanced, and just about perfect for the .38 Special cartridge. They have an excellent reputation for accuracy and are also fairly common and reasonably priced.

 

[colt_saa]

Is the lexan strong enough to shoot it?

The package it came in said no, and I believe them.

I am certain there would be no catastrophic failure at least if shooting 38 Special, but the Lexan might fracture or splinter

Besides I have three model 17s and three model 15s that we use for live ammunition.