The best production double action revolver?

[rwsmith]

My wife isn't a big time shooter but......

She prefers to shoot the 686 DA style. Though I shoot in all modes I have to agree with her that it's the silkiest trigger I've shot. My model 10 was about as good but I can't compare the two side by side, since it is gone. I will say that everything about the model 10 was impressive, though.

 

[A10]

Number 1 is the Registered Magnum. Number two is the 38/44 Outdoorsman. Number three is the S&W Model 29 family. Number four is the Model 27 family. Number five is a Combat Magnum.

You were expecting something else? This is the Smith and Wesson forum!

 

[scooter123]

Ok, we've seen fans of the various S&W revolvers, a few fans of the Snake, and mention of the Korth, which I believe is now selling for over 10 grand. What hasn't been mentioned is that revolver made by those infernal French. The Manhurin, specifically the MR-73. Not easy to get in the US but less expensive than a Korth with a reputation of being every bit as smooth shooting.

 

[ma deuce]

This is not hard. The best production double-action revolver in the world is the S&W Model 19. Everything else is... everything else.

You got there ahead of me. I would not trade my 19-4 Combat Magnum for any double-action ever made, snake guns included.

 

[GyMac]

This is not hard. The best production double-action revolver in the world is the S&W Model 19. Everything else is... everything else.

The Model 19 is a great gun, no doubt about it. But to me, it's a .38 that fires .357's. I don't need that capability so I choose the Model 15.

 

[jtcarm]

When I took my quality training, what is "quality" was stressed over and over. Quality means "good" means "best", and that equates to "meets the customer's requirements ALL of the time.

I might be inclined to list a M19 or a M66 or certainly a M27, and I have more than 1 of each. Fine fit and finish, good accuracy, good trigger, etc, etc. But, to meet the "best" definition it would have to be a Ruger Security Six, SP100 or a Redhawk for sure, because they are build like a brick "***house" and will last almost forever.

First; DO NOT get me started on quality training. I've been through that BS under a variety if names.
Second, there's plenty of brick houses that are junk. I'm not saying Rugers are. I love my OM Blackhawk and my Redhawk, but the Redhawk may as well be an SA, the DA pull sucks and will never equal an S&W or Colt with a leaf mainspring. Even the SA pull on a Redhawk is tough and very hard to improve thanks to the single coil spring that appears to have come off of a deuce & a half truck. And yes, I tried the Wolf springs. Accuracy went to pot.

As to the original question: the M-24.

 

[k22fan]

[...]*edit* Looks like almost everyone is ignoring this sentence in the original post: "The DA equivalent of a Freedom Arms." Either that or they have no idea what an FA revolver is like.

This. ^^^

Freedom Arms are line bored. Their barrels are installed in the frame before even the pilot holes are drilled for chambers. The chambers are drilled with the cylinder in the frame and the drill running through the barrel to align each chamber with the bore. Finish reamers will follow the existing chamber hole. Add their tiny B/C gap and minimal forcing cone and there is no American made DA equivalent to the Freedom Arms.

220 meter silhouette competition pretty well weaned DA revolvers down to Dan Wesson. However, for shooters that fire their revolvers DA as god intended, Dan Wessons aren't worth a hoot and SAs were obsolete by 1885.

 

[A10]

almost everyone is ignoring this sentence in the original post: "The DA equivalent of a Freedom Arms." Either that or they have no idea what an FA revolver is like.

I interpret the question as asking for fit, finish, attention to detail, a sense of quality when you first pick it up. I also interpret the references to durability to mean able to stand up to the use it was intended for, and practically last forever with that use. I reiterate my statement of the Registered Magnum, and it's forerunner the 38/44 family, and it's progeny the M27 family. I will stick with the M29 as well, provided you aren't trying to blow it up with silhouette loads. And if ya ain't look in fer pretty, throw in the Highway Patrolman. There is little or nothing you can do to shoot an Nframe .357 loose, at least I've never seen it happen.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Haven't seen anyone else suggest it so I'm gonna say my recently acquired 24-3. Loving it, versatile caliber , handy. 4" barrel..

 

[BigBill]

Yep, what Big Bill said. Others aren't even close.

No one else will admit it. It's like the Harleys and the Japanese bikes. It's old technology and new technology no one likes change. I enjoy both worlds by owing s&w and rugers.

 

[allthumbs]

According to my wife, her 4" 66-3.

My wife would agree with yours she loves my 66 4" I'm kinda fond of it myself.

 

[44wheelman]

If accuracy is a main criteria for "best" then I would go with Dan Wesson.

if Fit & Finish are the main criteria.... Python

Durabilty... Ruger

The best compromise and overall winner: stainless PC S&W N frame...

Korth, maybe just to obscure to compare

 

[Rpg]

Any S&W model without a '6' in its designation and with the lowest '-x' you can find.

Older is better if you are looking for quality fit, finish and function.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[brucev]

I have shot a new mod. 21 that stacked 6 bullets almost all in one hole at 15 yards standing, unsupported, two hands.
It's a nice looking six-gun too!

I agree. The 21-4 is remarkable. I had never owned a fixed-sight revolver. A few years ago I found and bought a NIB 21-4. It routinely puts six 240 gr. bullets into one inch at 7 yds., and at 15 yds. it will still keep them inside of 1.5 inches. Never would have expected it... given all the criticism of IL S&W revolvers. Fit and finish are faultless.

 

[ladyT]

The best DA revolver in my eye is either the S&W model 586, S&W model 25-2 or the S&W model 610.

 

[71firebird400]

Man you guys are all missing the point. What's the "best" double action revolver being produced today? The Korth. Hands down, no question, no apologies, no compromises. Sorry but a Performance Center S&W isn't going to cut it with MIM parts and an internal lock. Now if we go to discontinued guns that are no longer in production it muddies the waters a bit.

 

[ladder13]

SA, Freedom Arms



DA, Python

 

[Bigman]

4 inch Model 29-2. Ray

 

[BJoe]

I like the looks of a 19 but for shooting, L frame all the way.

 

[C Islander]

My two cents. I love my 3" 65. everything you need and nothing you don't.