The Smith with the most versatility...

[BC38]

3" barrel M65.

Long enough sight radius for accuracy, short enough barrel for concealment, 357 chambering shoots everything from bunny toot 38 specials to fire breathing heavy 357 magnums, light enough to carry, but with enough weight to decently absorb recoil, stainless for durability.

Everything you really need and nothing you don't. Mine would be the absolutely LAST one I let go if I ever had to get rid of them all.

 

[RGVshooter]

Model 66 combat magnum

 

[tops]

For class and showoff I like my 3 1/2 M27. For ease of carrying when I'm working here on the homestead I carry a 4 in. M19. Larry

 

[alwslate]

For sheer versatility it's hard to beat a 4" .357 magnum. But I just can't
warm up to the looks of the L frames and as for the K frames, well the
old label of "glorified .38 spl" I heard long ago has stuck in my mind. So
the good old N frame it is. P&R 28 or 27, take your pick, I have both.

 

[joncoman1]

That's a tough choice. I think for overall versatility I'd have to pick my 625 Mtn.gun. it launches a heavier larger diameter bullet at similar velocity to my identical 629 with far less pressure and blast/recoil. Although larger it carries lighter than my 4" 586 which is usually my go to when carrying a revolver. But not quite as capable on large critters as the venerable .45 Colt.

 

[Laketime]

A four inch 629-3 with a spare set of original two piece pac's for weather resistance.The 44 magnum can be used for anything from chipmunks to personal defense against humans and protection against dangerouse preditors without being in the stunt category .I use to think that the .357 magnum was the most versitile cartridge until I bought my first .44 magnum.I regard the .357 as a good second choice in competion with the .45 acp.

 

[Joe in SC]

Not just to be different, but I consider my 4" model 57, 41 maggie to be very versatile. From light target loads to heavy hunting, I find it to be spot on. I have no need to shoot the shortened 41 spec. case because I can put up some dandy lighter loads in the full length magnum cases.

I own S&W 's in .22 LR, 38 spec., 357 mag., 41 mag., 44 spec., 44 mag. and 45 Colt. I would be just as happy with the 44 spec. or the 45 Colt. I no longer shoot the 44 mag. because the only one I own is a pristine 98%,1956 44 magnum that I bought to sale.

I prefer calibers that start with a 4 for most shooting purposes.

 

[BAM-BAM]

To me "Versatility" also includes the easy availability of ammo.......

and while .4xs can be loaded to do a wide range of 'stuff"; finding it in LGSs and box stores isn't as easy as with .357/.38spl.

This ammo availability.... is what, for me, gives the .357 S&W L or K frame the edge.

 

[Russell Cottle]

My wife tells everyone that I've got more handguns that one man would ever need, so I'm really not particular about what goes on my hip. But, if the worse happened and I was limited to one, it'd be my 686 Mountain Gun. Stroked with the right handloads it'll handle anything that walks, crawls or flies in my neck of the woods.

 

[Bacon]

Keep coming back to my M696 no dash. It's a very accurate range and home defense gun. It can be cranked up with 255 grain wad cutters to 1100 fps. That'll stop any predator here in the South. With a good holster it carries nicely.

 

[M E Morrison]

Limited to S&W, it would be my 4" M624.

If considering other brands, it would be my blued M15 Dan Wesson in 357; I have 4", 6" and scoped 10" barrels for it.

 

[31FordA]

If I had to pick one S&W revolver it would be my 3" 65-5LS. A good blend of concealment and performance. The runner up would be my 1950 vintage 3.5" .357 Magnum.

 

[Jtown]

For versatility I would go with the 686 in 4" even over my beloved Freedom Arms Model 83.
Walt

 

[smoothshooter]

Growing up most of us read a zillion grocery store gunzine articles that advocated a 4" Model 19 or 66 for most versatile pistol. That was logical before the Model 69 came out. Despite its larger frame the 69's round butt makes it arguably easier to conceal. For large dangerous animals a 69 easily nudges out any .357 S&W. While I did not own a .38 I made target shooting pleasant for young women who had to be coaxed into trying it by firing 180 grain cast bullets in my Model 29 at 700 fps. If that's too much recoil then it is time for a .22. The slightly lower recoil of mild .38s in a .357 is more than offset buy the .44 Magnum's potential power. That's today's theory from my computer chair.

Nice stag Case knives Xfuzz. What's the one in the upper left corner that we can not see the blades in?

Any K frame can be converted to a round butt configuration.

 

[k22fan]

Any K frame can be converted to a round butt configuration.

In the context of this 1961 to 1980 sub-form that would mean wrecking the collector value of 19s and 66s. It would make more sense to buy a modern 66 which are all round butt. Also the latest 66-8 eliminated the thin flat spot where forcing cones cracked making many posters' preference for L frame .357s questionable. Now I expect more whining about built in locks but that's peer bonding in this sub-forum so it's O.K.

 

[rogerwnuss]

19/66 most excellent, but 586/686 more robust. You can shoot 357s all the time in the L frames, which you really shouldn't in a k frame.
But either way, you can run the gamut from 38 wadcutters to full house 357s . Not as powerful as a 44 mag, but way more versatile. Cheaper to shoot. Adjustable sights, shrouded ejector rod, everything you need. And despite the opinions of owners of tactical Tupperware��, I would not feel undergunned with a 66 and half dozen speed loaders if need arise....

 

[Green Frog]

Keeping the threat in mind, I never feel undergunned with my Baby Chiefs Special in an appendix holster.

When I'm working in the woods, though, I like my 640 Pro at 4 o'clock.

If I were in one of those repressive states that require ones concealed carry permit to list the ONE gun that would be carried, I probably would have specified my Baby Chief and been done with it. Lately however, I have changed my thinking and gone with my Model 60-4 which is only a little larger, has adjustable sights to increase versatility, and has the advantage of being more weather (and sweat) resistant with its stainless steel construction. Yep, my vote for most versatile would be a 3" heavy barrel with underdog, stainless J-frame with adjustable sights. Finish it off with the properly fitting set of grips and you have the perfect sidekick.

Froggie

 

[junglefighter]

My vote goes to the M69. Either barrel length you like and 5 rds. of 44Spl./44Mag. should cover just about everything,2 or 4 legged that you encounter.

 

[Pro2nd]

Another vote for a 4" L-frame .357. All the advantages of a 19/66 but able to handle a steady diet of full house magnums.

Off subject.. but is that an M1 Carbine in your profile pic?
I have one my self..

 

[DRYHEAT]

When one considers all of the S&W virtues that are being reviewed, A couple more important virtues need to be thrown into the pot, popularity, and elegance. The S&W Mod. 27 - 3.5", possesses ALL, of those virtues, and are guaranteed to bring a big smile to most of our faces. Everything considered, I believe that the 27 - 3.5" should be rated right at the top of the list, to qualify, as the S&W with the most versatility. My 2¢ on the matter.-Chubbo

After reading Chubbo's response I will have to agree with him. I still really like the 2.5" 66... but the 3.5" M27 has all the good traits of its smaller stable mate PLUS making the hottest .357 loads darn near pleasant to shoot!