The Smith with the most versatility...

[BAM-BAM]

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!

SWEEeeeeet........ but that calls out for a set of Spegel checkered Boot Grips!!!

For years I wanted a 3 1/2" N-frame; then about 3 years ago I picked up a nice shooter grade (90%) 4" 27-2 (recessed but not pinned). I've reevaluated and on an N-frame size gun, which IMHO is too big for conceal carry; you might as well have the advantage of the extra 1/2 inch of barrel.

Concealed carry revolver, it doesn't get any better than a 3" 66 with Spegel Boot grips with a 3" 65 close behind in practicality , but way back on the coooool factor!!!!!

 

[fyimo]

My most used S&W revolver is my Pre Model 36 flat latch as it's my summer carry gun. In the fall and winter I carry a Sig P228

 

[petepeterson]

For all-around use, I'd have to pick my 3" 60-15. A little easier to conceal than some of those cannons you guys are fond of.

 

[rwt1405]

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.

Thanks, but no thanks, but thank you for letting me know that MY choice (opinion) is questionable.

I don't care what they do (or have done) with the 66-8, my choice would still be an L-frame 686 (likely one of my -4's).

I have more then a few K-frame .357's (Md 66's in 2.5", and 4"; along with Md 19's, Md 65's, and Md 13's), and yet, they're still not my first choice.

 

[michael1000]

i have to go with the OP and say when it's all said and done, i'll grab my 19 4"

 

[ladder13]

Model 681 ?

 

[ladder13]

Or is it the 3.5 inch 27 so popular with others here?

 

[Green Frog]

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

"underdog???" @#%*@#! Spellcheck! Of course I meant underlug.

Froggie

 

[mm93]

Since it's based strictly on opinions. My opinion is a 4" barreled Model 27 is probably the most versatile gun to me. I like the size, as it's not too big, or too small. The 4" barrel can be carried, but still long enough to be accurate too. The .357 in the 27 can handle everything from the heaviest .357 loads to light .38 Special loads, so a great choice for many various shooters to enjoy. Add a pair of Pachmayer grips and it becomes even more versatile to smaller hands.
I think the Model 27 is likely the finest S&W ever built.

 

[ericrlarson]

Since it's based strictly on opinions. My opinion is a 4" barreled Model 27 is probably the most versatile gun to me. I like the size, as it's not too big, or too small. The 4" barrel can be carried, but still long enough to be accurate too. The .357 in the 27 can handle everything from the heaviest .357 loads to light .38 Special loads, so a great choice for many various shooters to enjoy. Add a pair of Pachmayer grips and it becomes even more versatile to smaller hands.

I think the Model 27 is likely the finest S&W ever built.

Good point. I have shot but never had the opportunity of owning a model 27. I hope to rectify that some day'


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Muley Gil]

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

Provided doing the round butt conversion doesn't remove part of the serial number.

 

[gr8]

A few years ago I would have said that the 2.5" model 686 was the do all and be all revolver. I picked up that idea from Hickok45.

Now I'd split my vote between a 7 shot 686 with a three inch barrel or a 6 shot model 19/66 2 or 3 inch.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

My S&W M-28 6" barrel. A little awkward for concealed carry, but a heavy duty model, that 6" barrel lets you get a lot out of the 357.

 

[Tanners Owner]

As much as I love K-frames...my answer for 'most versatile' is a 4" 686. Hands down.

Have to agree. For me, the most versatile S&W is the 4" L frame 357.

Not to say I have any less love for my 24-3, 15-2, 64-2, 625, 627, 63, M&Ps & e series 1911.

But the L frame 357 offers the best combination of power, flexibility, portability accuracy, and durability for me.

 

[Narragansett]

Well, IMHO, I think the best so nonsense S&W would be the M65-1. I have been hard at work looking for a nice one for a while. I sold mine years ago. 135.00 new when they first came out. Just one of those mistakes you make along the way when you are buying and selling.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My first reaction was a S&W Model 19. I'd be hard pressed to say that the 4" that I have is better than the 2.5" that I also have.

I could argue for L frames but you said versatility and the K frames are more versatile IMHO.

Same gun with different stocks:

 

[Jim NNN]

Probably my most versatile handgun (widest range of loads, ability to carry, ability to provide effective protection against wildlife predators, ability to hunt small game with, etc., with all factors balanced out) would be my 4" model 13. So practically speaking, the 3" model 65 that BC38 recommended would be even better, because the 3" barrel and rounded grips could put it in the realm of concealed carry, and the the stainless finish would be more durable. Other than those things, it's the same gun as my 13.

 

[rwsmith]

I cringed....

For true versatility the Governor wins hands down, besides the three calibers it fires you can use it for a small boat anchor or ballast for a hot air balloon.

I cringed until I read the 'besides'.