The best S&W production revolver?

[MountainSmith]

I hope this hasn't been covered before, although I suspect it might have been. If so, please accept my apologies and direct me to the correct thread. Otherwise, here goes: All things considered, what do you think is the best production revolver Smith ever made? Give your reasons if you like. I thought about this the other day, and made my decision, but I am up for any other opinions from wiser Smith nuts. I think my 66-1 with the 2.5 inch barrel and round butt is my favorite. 1. It is stainless, my favorite material. 2. It is a K frame, my favorite size compromise between shootability and carry. 3. It is pinned and recessed. 4. No lock. 5. No MIM 6. round butt. 7. Caliber - I love shooting the .38/.357. I thought of the Model 27, and 29 four inchers, and I am a fan of blued/walnut, but I wouldn't carry them for fear of ruining the finish. The only thing I don't like about my 66 is the grooved trigger face, I would prefer smooth. A three inch barrel might be nice, but the 2.5 is close enough. Not trying to start a debate, just wonder what others think.

 

[Andy Griffith]

It isn't possible. I like them all.

Except for the 2nd. model safety hammerless .38...never could get it to work.

 

[MountainSmith]

Come on, Andy, give it a whirl. I'm not sayin' it's the only one you can keep.

 

[18DAI]

The 3" 66-2. Perfect version of the perfect 357 sixgun. Regards 18DAI.

 

[ect1222t]

The 3" 66-2. Perfect version of the perfect 357 sixgun. Regards 18DAI.

My choice as well for the perfect S&W revolver. I have been lusting for them ever since I first saw them in an Ashland ad many years ago. I hope to own at least one before I die. It is my Holy Grail. -Ed.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Perfect....... you know after thinking, I'm gonna say the 681.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Ah..easy!

The .38 Double Action Perfected. (top break)

I just wish there were more of them to go around.

 

[m1gunner]

Gotta be the 4" M19. Best balanced, best handling and best looking S&W ever.

 

[n4zov]

+1 To me, the M19 is what the SAA is to Colt lovers.

 

[redlevel]

All things considered, what do you think is the best production revolver Smith ever made?

Easy. Four-inch standard barrel M&P/Model-10 .38 Special.

Reasons? I don't need no stinking reasons!

 

[truckemup97]

Perfect....... you know after thinking, I'm gonna say the 681.

I was going to say whichever one is at hand. Since a 681 is what happens to be at hand right now, I'll agree with Caj.

 

[Mickey D]

Anything in .44 Special. Especially the 696. (going for a holster ride right now)

 

[m657]

...excluding the 32 S&W ballistic factors, the 31-1 with rubber grips is most pleasing in the pocket...falls to hand very nicely....610 3 5/8 unfluted is my ultrafavorite in hand...627 V8 as shooter...a 3" 629 is growing on me...the various 41 mags can not be dismissed....ok, L frames have their charm...and m14s seem to work well....geez, I can see how this is going...

 

[josephthreedogs]

My favorite (also the second revover I ever owned, a Python being the first) S&W would have to be a M-28 with four in. barrel

 

[cass]

Based only on what I end up shooting the most, it would be the M18, followed closly by the M66. OTOH, there ain't any bad ones(except the klintin lock ones).

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Redlevel comes closest to right, but there IS a reason. Most produced. Also, king of the H.P. White tests when, back in the seventies, feds were trying to get a basis for outlawing Saturday Night ********** Specials, only they didn't want to advertise what racists they were, so they left out "**********."

After that, it varies with hand size and recoil tolerance. A man with a big hand might reasonably say 4" M29, while a man with a smaller hand might say K RB .357, or even hold out for a newer .44 with a RB. Women might have other opinions, and even some men might have an excuse for a .38 Spl.

I'm fixing to get a 625-10. It's used, and I think the IL is worn out, but maybe that's the best S&W ever made. If it fits in my left vest pocket and I can fire it accurately left-handed without bleeding or crying, it probably will be.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[PALADIN85020]

The .357 Magnum or the Model 27 in any of its iterations except the later guns with the infernal internal safety. Finely finished, checkered top strap and barrel rib, smooth action, ability to handle any .357 or .38 special load, accurate. Absolutely the crown jewel of Smith and Wessons.

I wrote an article about it in the March, 2008 issue of Dillon Precision's Blue Press catalog/magazine.

First page:
http://www.dillonprecision.com/docs/Mar_08_Classic_handguns1.pdf

Second page:
http://www.dillonprecision.com/docs/Mar_08_Classic_Handguns2.pdf

John

 

[Rule3]

The .357 Magnum or the Model 27 in any of its iterations except the later guns with the infernal internal safety. Finely finished, checkered top strap and barrel rib, smooth action, ability to handle any .357 or .38 special load, accurate. Absolutely the crown jewel of Smith and Wessons.

I wrote an article about it in the March, 2008 issue of Dillon Precision's Blue Press catalog/magazine.

First page:
http://www.dillonprecision.com/docs/Mar_08_Classic_handguns1.pdf

Second page:
http://www.dillonprecision.com/docs/Mar_08_Classic_Handguns2.pdf

John

Have to agree with Paladin on this one:

Need a better picture of this fine gun.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

That is like asking a women what pair of shoes do you
like the best? It depends!! What are you going to use it
for? To answer your question I will say the model 66. Don


1:
2:

 

[Joe in SC]

Too difficult to pick just one. I've racked my brain recently trying to narrow down my herd in my head to what I'll eventually need to hold on to . I can't do it. I can come up with a logical purpose for each one.

I once thought my 4" 19 was the one. Then I discovered the 5" 27, which is an absolute marvel to shoot. The best I had fired until the 44 special, model 28 conversion came along. Then I picked up a 625-2 with round butt and a 5" bbl. All the finest since sliced bread until I dig out the mod. 17 and 14. Man, what a fun afternoon at the range!

I've got it too bad, there's no reason to go through life with just one. Smith and Wesson made too many excellent handguns. Why didn't you ask which ONE I want real bad right now. That would be easy, a 3 " round butt 66.

Damn, now I've got a headache thinking about it!