Smoothest Shooting S&W Revolvers

[KampfJager]

Hi, I'm new (introduced myself on new member thread). I only have one S&W. I bought a 8" .500 when they first came out more than a decade ago. I got it just for the wow factor, and the smiles it puts on people's faces. I load it at the top of the charts because felt recoil is sort of the point. I couldn't be happier with it. It is a very smooth shooter for such a behemoth wheelgun.

As I said in my intro, a gunsmith I like hates all my Colts and told me to get a pre-war Smith. He mentioned "5 screws". As my first "normal" S&W revolver, and at the risk of being flamed or snarked, I would like to hear your opinions of the best model shooters in terms of tightest groups, smooth action, and best factory triggers,

I prefer .357s for their versatility, but am not averse to .38s or .44s. I know this is sort of like asking people what their favorite beer or wine is, but is there any consensus about what the best shooting model would be? I'm new to S&W, but not to revolvers and shooting. The best shooter revolver I have is probably a '71 Python in terms of smooth action and tight groups. I don't want the highest grade NIB Registered Magnum; I just want to buy a revolver that is a joy to shoot and makes me excited about shooting S&W. Thank you in advance.

 

[RonJ]

My 17-3 and 19-4 seem to feel almost identical as far as action smoothness and single action trigger. The .22 is extremely accurate, especially with Velocitors. The .357 is very close behind with full power 158 gr bullets. The model 19 actually outshot my buddy's Python. Both 6" barrels. Same shooter.

Now to tick off a few members......My post lock MIM model 60 has a smoother DA pull than either of the K frames. The SA pull is almost as good. I haven't benched it for accuracy yet.

 

[ErnieDeBord]

I "Had" a 629-3 8 inch that was my best. Trigger was unreal, either single or double. That thing was a shooter.......of coruse, should have never sold it. BUT BUT I now have a 629- dare I say - 6. Its a 3 Inch that's be sent back for a action tune. I haven't shot it yet, but it has a action that will take your breath away. Regards Ernie

 

[finesse_r]

My 624 in .44 special and my model 19 are the smoothest shooting revolvers that I have other than a couple of Ruger single action revolvers.

 

[shouldazagged]

The smoothest I ever owned or shot was a 15-3, bought unfired from an estate. It was lovely out of the box, but after a master smith did a little work on it it was unbelievably slick and completely dependable. Equal in smoothness to any Python I ever handled, or better. My son and his boys have it now and shoot it regularly.

LOVE those K-frames, especially the older ones.

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I have a well used K-38 Target Masterpiece made in 1952 that is as smooth as they get.

I also have a 7.5" 657-5 .41 Mag that has a 2lb single action trigger pull after some work was done on it. It can be scarey if you do not know what to expect.

Another favorite is a 8 3/8" 27-2. I do not have a S&W revolver that has a bad trigger.

It just depends on what you want to shoot.

 

[rwsmith]

For a .357....

I'd recommend a 686. 586 if you want a blue gun. Mine is a 686 no dash (first run of 686s until a few slight engineering changes). They are strong enough to take full power loads continuously. They are sought after for their triggers, very smooth. They are great shooters. Mine even makes me look good.

I have a 6" barrel. Most people prefer 3"-4" for the best balance.

If you consider a 686 there are a few pointers here that people here can catch you up on.

Welcome to the club

BTW for .38 special look to the model 10. The world's most popular gun for about 100 years.

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

The smoothest revolver I ever fired is my M&P R8. It is a PC gun and I bet with most PC guns, the trigger is really smooth. So I say look for a PC gun.

James

 

[Nframecollector]

The absolute smoothest revolver I've ever shot is my model 10-5 snubby that dates from 1968!

 

[deralte]

My 625 Performance Center .45 has the smoothest trigger I have ever experienced and I have a lot of handguns.

 

[shaggist]

For an inherently accurate revolver (saying nothing about the shooter), a Model 27-2, 5" barrel, blue .357 Magnum out of the box from the factory is at the top of a small list. It will handle all loads from a flea-flicker .38 Spl to a full-house 180 grn .357, and not even flinch. Few, if any other, makes or models will match this performance. The action, both single and double, is virtually unmatched by any modern handgun, with a trigger/sear combination that breaks like a glass rod when it fires. If you do your part, the sound of the impact on a 100 yard Ram is not a once in a lifetime occurence. Try one, if you can find one, and you will see what I mean.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I own quite a few DA revolvers, including a primo Colt Python. But this one beats them all. It's a Smith 625-2, Model of 1988, 5-inch barrel, .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim. It's received a class A action job from Nelson Ford, and it has the slickest, smoothest double action pull of any revolver I've ever fired. Admittedly this one has been modified and tuned to my tastes, but it shows what can be done when you start with an already-excellent gun.

John

 

[RonJ]

Shaggist, I haven't been able to afford a nice 27-2 but you sure are making me ache for one again.

 

[Cpo1944]

I agree with the 625 recommendation as I have one and it is very sweet, but I have to say the pre-war .22 Outdoorsman is THE BEST EVER.

 

[COYOTEHUNTER]

I 2nd the K22 outdoorsman.

 

[gjamison]

Lets get this thread back on point. Your gunsmith was right, the pre war Smith&Wesson revolvers have a very smooth action.

The pre war Outdoorsmen in 22LR, 38/44 Outdoorsmen and the Registered Magnum are the best revolvers EVER MADE. If you haven't fired one of these please do, it will change your mind about all these modern guns mentioned above.

By the way most of these where manufactured in the 30's & 40's.

 

[glowe]

My 1948 K22 - they don't call it Masterpiece for nothing!

 

[HWayne]

I have to add my vote for a pre-14 K-38 Masterpiece. I picked up a well-used one at auction earlier this year and the let off is simply the cleanest break I have every felt.

I am also very fond (flame retardant on) of the Colt Officer's Model Match that I inherited from my father.

I would love to get a Python someday, but in the mean time, these two revolvers will out shoot me for some years to come.

 

[Peak53]

Let's recap. Everyone has nominated their own personal favorites as THE bestist, smoothest, and accuratist. I notice a pattern, here - they are all Smith and Wessons. The bottom line is that SW made (makes?) the finest revolvers around. I have about 20, and every one has been my favorite, at least until the next one comes along. I am happy to own many of those touted above - well, not the RM or pre-war K-22 Outdoorsman, but they are on the list. When I have been fortunate enough to obtain a lightly used example, and I think the DA trigger seems a bit stiff compared to my most recent favorite, I just shoot it a bit, and guess what? Perfection again! Buy, shoot, enjoy!

 

[Cal44]

The smoothest revolver I ever fired is my M&P R8. It is a PC gun and I bet with most PC guns, the trigger is really smooth. So I say look for a PC gun.

James

I just tried an R8 in a LGS. It did seem to have the best trigger I've encountered.

Of course, I just dry fired it as most LGSs object to shooting live ammo into the display counter.