The finest all around revolver ever made by S&W

[Model 19 6"]

Well I have to go with my model 19's nuff said.

 

[raygixxer89]

I'm more of a vintage guy, but on basically the same page. I think the M19 and its stainless brother, the M66 are the finest.

No probable technical glitch here.

I have to agree with this post, since I only have 357mag Smiths. I'd love to find a 44mag, though.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I think it is the Chiefs Special.

We have a winner!

I've not seen Sasquatch, but I've seen his (or her) cast prints.

I've only seen griz and wolf prints in the mud.

Still in all, THE answer is S&W's Model 60-4,
Chiefs Special Target, 3" full lug Heavy Barrel, .38 Special.

Mine is a premier example, fit, finish, and mechanics!

If you can have only one S&W revolver, it should be a Model 60-4 (seller's photo).

So ends the discussion!

 

[message_board_expert]

Score one for the Chiefs Special and all the variants it has spawned since introduced in 1950. And still going strong.

 

[Flygas]

While the 4 inch Model 27 is the cream of the crop, Registered Magnum even creamier, the 4 inch Model 28 just has a special, unexplainable appeal for me.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Finest means Model 29. All-around means 4". For me, that's it.

I understand the Registered Magnum answers, and I'm surprised that I missed the Triple Lock, but they were before my time, and anyway the RM came only in a subcaliber.

I do like my 3" 629 PC double Magnaported with Fishpaw grips better than my 29-2, but "finest" and maybe "all-round" fit the 29 better.

JMO.

 

[StrawHat]

The 681. Everything you need-nothing you don't.
GAME ON!!!

I owned and competed with the L frames. For competition, they were good. Accurate and the extra weight cut down the felt recoil.

Different story on the street. That extra weight pulled on my duty belt. There was a reason many cops preferred the K frame. So once I quit wearing a badge, I sold the L frames.

My choice for the finest design by S&W would be the Model 1917 or it's progeny, preferably with 4" barrels.

Kevin

 

[SuperMan]

The 681. Everything you need-nothing you don't.
GAME ON!!!

...except a good set of sights...

 

[Ruger 13]

Triplelock.......of course!

 

[cadmike]

My idea of a fine revolver would be a stainless N frame with adjustable sights, a 6 inch full lug barrel with a patridge front sight and chambered in a magnum caliber or 45 colt.

I really like my 629 classic.

 

[Art Doc]

Define "finest." If you mean the highest quality has to the RM. If you mean most useful then every man has his own choice.

 

[lamarw]

Many of the experts believe it to be the Triple Lock - Model 44 Hand Ejector 1st Model a.k.a. New Century Triple Lock.

 

[OLDSTER]

Best all around? The trusty M&P. There's a reason they've sold over a million of them.

DITTO

 

[mike from st pete]

681 is the Ultimate Combat Magnum.
The finest all around would have to include Registered Magnums.
The S&W handgun the most utilitarian would be the model 1917 in 45ACP.

 

[lppd4]

686 with a 4" for me. maybe not the best revolver but I do think it's the best all around revolver

 

[VaTom]

DITTO

Agree also. The finest S&W revolver is the one you carried daily and your life and the life of others depended on it functioning first time every time. Model 10 and it's related cousins the 64 and 15.

 

[Sgt911]

686 for me. I bought one new in 84 and still have it. I have a 681 but don't like the fixed sights on a 4" L frame revolver. Three inch barrel fixed sight on a model 10 is great though.

 

[misswired]

The 681. Everything you need-nothing you don't.
GAME ON!!!

I'm all in on a 581 nickel. Rides on the hip, in the truck and loves boating...... will get the job done and is sexy to boot. Follows me around everyday

 

[StephenWhoDat]

I'd have to go with a 4 inch 686. Not really even a tough choice for me.

+1 for this! It's hard to beat a 686 for me. Especially the 4".

 

[dave1918a2]

registered Magnum, even if it's a cartridge for girls. After that, any pre - 29.

 

[biku324]

Nope, all are wrong. It's the M58; everything you REALLY need, nothing you don't, and still light enough to carry all day, every day. And enough power for deer/elk/bear/lowlives.

 

[Pine_Worker]

The Model 27 without a doubt!

 

[ladder13]

 

[LAH]

Won't speak to the finest but for all round give me a 4" 44 something like this one.

 

[gerhard1]

The 681. Everything you need-nothing you don't.
GAME ON!!!

Agreed. As I have said before, if I could have just one handgun, it would be my 681.

 

[Bill In Texas]

How about the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece?

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Another vote for the 60-4. Stainless 3" J-frame .38 Special with full underlug and target sights. Shoots like a K-frame. Suitable for home defense, concealed carry, target shooting, woods walking or small game hunting. Well-balanced and perfectly suited to the .38 Special cartridge.

 

[Kurusu]

I prefer the N Frame over J/K/L. Too bad they never made one in .22 LR.

But they did! not Smith & Wesson though.

Someone gave himself the trouble of having a British Service .455 converted into .22 lr and have an adjustable rear sight from a RM/Model 27 installed.

And I have it.

 

[johngalt]

But they did! not Smith & Wesson though.

Someone gave himself the trouble of having a British Service .455 converted into .22 lr and have an adjustable rear sight from a RM/Model 27 installed.

And I have it.

Excellent! Not much chance of bulging the cylinder...

 

[Darkenfast]

For "all around", I think adjustable sights and seven rounds in a handy frame size, combined with .38/.357 and a compromise barrel length, puts the 686+ 4.125" at the top of the list.

Lots of beauties in this thread, though.