Smith & Wesson's best revolver?

[aterry33]

Allen-Frame, that is one beautiful lineup you have there..

 

[donaldw870]

As another poster pointed out, it depends on what the criterion for "best" is: best-shooting, best-looking, most powerful, best-carrying, most accurate, most popular, most valuable, etc. But as Mike Priwer pointed out, the M&P series made the company what it is, so the 38 M&P gets my vote. If I had to pick just one version, I'd say the 4" 10-5 with PC magnas, but I dearly love all of the variations from the first model of 1899 to the early M&P targets, to the 14 and 15, and other K frame variations (though the current production HB Model 10 with goodyears and lock might be the last gun I would buy, and only if it was the only one I needed to complete my collection!). -Donald

 

[tac803]

Gotta vote for the K-frame platform. Most versatile and prolific revolver that's been getting the job done since the turn of the last century

 

[P.D.]

I'm siding with the Model 27 crowd, but I'm not parting with my 624 or 629.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Without a doubt, the 357 Magnum/Model 27. I've often referred to it as the crown jewel of the Smith & Wesson lineup. Here's a couple of mine:

 

[Jimmymac46]

While it would be very difficult to argue with the logic of the 'N' frame 357's, 27-2 or earlier, I believe the Model 29's (or 629's for that matter) are the 'best' revolvers in the lineup. Beside the quality and incredible asthetics, the calber makes it the best. All N frames are excellent handling but the 44 caliber puts it over the top. The 44 special is a near perfect round in every way. Clearly accurate, soft shooting or powerful with Keith type loads, or the 44 magnum, which can about do it all yet is still controllable. Easy to reload (I use 44 mag brass even for my target loads), relatively cheap, and bottom line, pure fun. As for overall beauty, I prefer the straight barrel of the 29 over the tapered 27, but that is just my opinion. While I own nine 29/629's in all barrel lengths, one would be hard pressed to find a more perfectly balanced model than the old 6 1/2". While I have two 27-2's in mahagony, 3t's, with 5" and 8 3/8" and would not part with them, it is my 29's that are my favorites for the above reasons......Enjoy hearing about all your 'best' choices and logic behind your views.

 

[onetonson56]

For me its's an N-frame 357, with the 6-1/2" 27 at the top of the list.You gotta love the fit and finish and the checkered top strap. You can load it from mild to wild, and find grips to fit almost any hand size. Also felt recoil is minimal. Second would be an old 6" K-22, the ultimate plinking revolver.

 

[vrichard]

That realy is not a hard question,it's the
model 10 of course.
Dick

 

[aterry33]

This was a rigged question when I posted it, of course

After all, how do you define best? But the safest answer is probably the M&P/Model 10. It is the most successful (and I'm pretty sure) widely-produced revolver (and maybe handgun of any kind) of all time.

All of the other wonderful guns that have been mentioned, the 27, the 29, the 19, etc., all sprang from this original masterpiece.

 

[durco]

Which is the best restaurant?
Which is the best motor vehicle?
Which is the best airplane?
Who is the most beautiful movie actress?
Who is the best race car driver?
Who is the greatest general?
ad nauseum..... Have fun!
Mike

 

[Col]

I agree with Hannah, anything I have.
2- 60's in stainless,.357, 2" barrel for ccw.
model 19 in blue 6", one of the most beautiful guns ever.
629 in 3 or 4", 6" or any length you like. I would like to get one in blue.
have several in stainless.
a K-22 outdoorsman 6" blue from mid 1930's.
Any other of the beautiful blue standard 6" lengths, like so many of you post here.

 

[Rick Bowles]

The Model Number One 1st Issue, with it's bored-through cylinder and self contained metallic cartridge is the revolver that began the company and became the foundation of every S&W revolver that followed.
Since 1857, every revolver using self contained cartridges sprang from this original masterpiece.

 

[JSW]

The original 357 Magnum.

 

[jtcarm]

Except for the M-29, I don't recall those three being at the top of the polls.

I'm a sports fan and hate the term "best player" on a football or baseball team. Each one has a certain role to file and it's apples to oranges. Applies to handguns as well.

Now if you're asking for favorites:
K-22 and it's children through the 17-3
.44 HE and it's descendants (.44 Specials.)

My 3rd spot is a tie between the M-66 and 25-2.

I have owned an M-27 and they are absolutely beautiful guns, but: the N-frame is too big for a 6-round .357.

 

[DGT]

I'm tempted to vote for the Triple Lock but, I have to go with the registered magnum.

 

[sps282]

I really like all the "K" frames but the model 15 is the best with the model 10 next in line.

 

[tftech1]

Put me down for a hypothetical S&W: A TL with RM technology and artisanship. For details, I'd go with the HBH, BQD front sight on a 4-3/4inch barrel with ivory magna stocks (not checkered) and a blue finish. I might add a lanyard loop with a properly offset butt serial number and a minimal amount of inlay on the cylinder drag line and muzzle.

To the S&W PC: I'm waiting...

 

[S&W HE]

For me it's the Triplelock followed by the Model of 1926 in .44 S&W Special Target configurations. Of course any pre-lock S&W tends to trip my trigger.

 

[Jaymo]

I like any of the K and N frames prior to MIM and IL.

Any of the early K and N frames are fantastic.

I'm a big fan of the K-38s, especially 15s.

All of the pre-lock, pre-MIM Ks and Ns had a graceful style that sadly, no longer exists in the gun world.

 

[tlay]

The best has to be the 357 magnum, or the 44 magnum, or the 38/44 outdoorsman, or the model 19, or the HD, or,or,or,or????????????????????????????????????