The old Best Revolver theme...

[LOBO]

65-3, 3" .357 mag.

I can conceal it, it is about perfect for home/self defense, and I can put meat on the table with it if need be.

 

[Pitdog02]

1954 Pre 27 3.5"

 

[Bat Guano]

What I thought was the schnitz long ago compared to now is a long story. But for day in, day out, I like the 442. My old work gun was a Security Six, now on its second barrel and second reblue. Not fancy and not pretty like a M19, but anvil tough and stone reliable. It is the default piece for going to town, plinking out in the sagebrush, or on the ATV.

Never met a K frame that I didn't like; I almost have enough of them, and they will all outshoot me. I like N frames, too, but they would fit me better if I were eight inches taller with hands to match. Until that time my M28-2 4" and 24-3 4" are mostly for fondling.

Suffice it to say that good wheelguns outnumber everything else in my safe. Every one is a favorite; the others are gone.

 

[Sprefix]

My money and vote goes here.................45 Colt

My two favorites are as follows. 25-5 4"(Pure Class),and then a 625-6 .45 Colt Mtn.Gun(Bad is as Bad does,and this jewel is extremely capable).

 

[s2harry]

wiping up the drool....

 

[fyimo]

I guess it would all depend on the situation and my requirements on the one S&W I would keep. I think the Model 27-2 is the best looking of the S&W revolvers and for me the 5 inch barrel balances best but I'd probably keep the 3.5 inch barrel. Now if this was a head to the woods for a long time situation and only take one it would be my Model 28 with 4 inch barrel.

27-2 5 inch

27-2 3.5 inch

28-2 4 inch

 

[LTC]

I started out wanting, and purchasing a M17, then a M14 caught my eye, Why not a 4" so I found a M18. Why not try an N frame that starts with a .4? So a 25-2 6.5" & 25-5 6", then a 25-5 4". The 4" really seemed handy so I found a 29-5 4".

I have found my favorite combination of frame size and caliber, .44 & .45 in 4".

The addiction continues.

LTC

 

[wproct]

K-frame Smith & Wesson in .38 Special or .357 Magnum with 3 or 4 inch barrel. It fits everyone with appropriate grips and is effective in either caliber with proper loads for self-defense or small game hunting. (In .357 Magnum, it may be used for medium game [white tail deer] in a pinch.) It can also be concealed by just about anyone with a decent holster.

ECS

This sums up my thinking pretty well also. I like stainless steel, so I like the Model 66 revolvers alot. I've owned them in the past, but unfortunately right now I don't. So, for now I have to say a model 60 in 38 special, as that is my newest acquisition.

 

[gunny4053]

I would probably choose my 5" 27-2. I love my 28, but the 27 seems to balance and point just a bit more naturally, and in a pinch, I don't want to put any more thought into the task at hand than necessary. I'd choose it because it shoots great, in an apocalyptic situation where I might have to scrounge ammo, .357 and .38 SPL could probably be found in every Mom and Pop store in every corner of the country, it's big enough to defend life and limb, yet put meat on the table when needed, is easily carried in my chest rig, and is supremely reliable.

 

[fyimo]

I started out wanting, and purchasing a M17, then a M14 caught my eye, Why not a 4" so I found a M18. Why not try an N frame that starts with a .4? So a 25-2 6.5" & 25-5 6", then a 25-5 4". The 4" really seemed handy so I found a 29-5 4".

I have found my favorite combination of frame size and caliber, .44 & .45 in 4".

The addiction continues.

LTC

There is no cure and next it will be the 357 magnum is a good round so you need several model 27's and of course a 4 inch model 28 and the beat goes on. It's called a sickness and there is no help up here from us enablers.

 

[gunny4053]

For me its the model 27/28 four inch barrel. It fits my hand its accurate and handles well with moderate recoil.
It is my absolute favorite and NO I dont have one

You must fix that my friend.

 

[P&R Fan]

"Best" is too broad. Each one of mine has a purpose.
My M340PD lives constantly in my non-dominant side pants pocket. My M696 serves well when I am doing a Bodyguard assignment, and there is only a single threat. I want them to see a BIG bore if I have to throw down on 'em. The M28-2s serve well when I can wear a sweater and conceal an N-Frame in my IWB holster. (Plus, I just like carrying a Highway Patrolman). My favorite carry revolver is my 2 1/2" M66-1. .357 Magnum power, six shots and a concealable, comfortable grip. What's not to like about that?
Tonight I have a surveillance assignment. It's getting a little cooler, so I have on a sweatshirt. I'm kinda in a .38 Special mood, so I'm carrying my 2" Nickel M15-3 Combat Masterpiece, backed up by the aforementioned M340PD. The nice thing is, I have about 25 choices. So it just depends on my mood.
Jim

 

[Sealevel]

I'm not a fan of N frame .357's. If I have to tote an N frame around I would just as soon it be in a more substantial caliber. The larger calibers load down as well as up to suit your need.

A k frame .357 makes sense, either a 3 or 4 inch barrel. And whatever it is it better be stainless.

I'm of like mind with .357Larry. To me the "N" frames are just too bulky and my "L" frame 686 with 4" bbl is nice to shoot, but still has more heft than I want. For in hand feel, quick to point and overall most handsome S&W revolver I like the "K" frames, of which I have four in .357 caliber - 3" 65, 4" 13, 4" 66 and 6" 19. For Larry, the two which aren't stainless are nickel.

 

[Frank46]

I like any of the N frames as long as they are in 44 special. However I have a fixed sight model ten heavy bbl that is just plain fun to shoot. Jacketed bullets or lead alloy "boolits" gobbles them all up and is suprisingly accurate. Frank

 

[627 city hunter]

ANY

627.

8 shots o' .357 !!!

 

[kdailey]

after thinking about this for a while. It would be a split between my 28-2's and my 27-2's. Just can't decide between those two models.

 

[LOBO]

After having my 625-4 5" have a 4" mountain gun barrel installed, I believe it would now be my pick.