What is THE classic S&W revolver?

[rc51kid]

What do you guys feel is the most classic of all S&W revolver? I don’t really know how to ask what I am asking. But I look at some of the 4 or 5 inch 357 or 44 mags and I think that their lines are some the most classic of all revolvers. I am just trying to see if there is some type of consensus as to which Smith is the most classic of all. I know this is a really wide open question, but I kind of mean it that way. What do you consider THE classic S&W revolver? Pictures are always welcome.

 

[crsides]

Registered Mag
K22
44 mag
kit gun
chief spl

in that order.


Charlie

 

[ContinentalOp]

Just my opinion, but I always thought the Model 10 (or M&P for the pre-model number generation) with a 4" barrel was probably the most "classic" S&W revolver.

 

[Penmon]

The profile I like the best is
Mdl-19, 6 inch

 

[-db-]

There was a similar thread here not too long ago and while everybody likes the 357 and 44 Magnums, I believe the consensus was that the utilitarian Military & Police (later the Model 10), with something like 7 million produced, was the hands-down winner as far as what most people imagine when they think Smith & Wesson.

Edit (from Wikipedia): Boorman, Dean K., The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms (2002), p. 46: "The .38 in Military and Police Model 10 has historically been the mainstay of the Smith & Wesson Company, with some 6,000,000 of this general type produced to date. It has been described as the most successful handgun of all time, and the most popular centerfire revolver of the 20th Century."

 

[dlbleak]

the 19 four inch in blue. although, i think the most elegent revolver ever is the 586 4 inch with wood targets

 

[gkitch]

Tough question! My top three is the best I can do:
#1 3.5" 357 Magnum (Model 27)
#2 6.5" 44 Magnum (Model 29)
#3 4" Combat Magnum (Model 19)

These are the great signature Smiths that are never confused with Colts or Rugers. Classic and legendary all. All made a huge impact.

 

[David LaPell]

The Military & Police and it's later name, the Model 10. The .357 Magnum arrived in 1935, the M & P was already there. The .44 Magnum in 1955, the M & P was already there. The same with the Combat Magnum, the Model 13, the Chief's Special, and every other revolver. They made more M & P's and Model 10's than any other revolver that ever came out of the Smith factory. It served in WWII for how many countries and police forces around the world? The classic 4-inch version is of course the most commonly seen. It might not have been the most glamorous, but it was the workhorse of Smith & Wesson.

 

[scooter123]

If you want the absolute Classic, it's without any doubt the 4 inch M&P or later the model 10. If you want the pinnacle, IMO that would be the 3 1/2 inch RM or the later model 27.

Now for the good news/bad news side of this question. In it's long history S&W has made so many splendid revolvers that there will be considerable debate on this issue. Bad news is that the simple fact is that in terms of numbers and useability nothing better defines the S&W revolver line better than the M&P or model 10.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I think the model 29 is thought of as the classic S&W revolver, although only because of its Dirty Harry fame. I never realized that there were 6 to 7 million M&P (model 10) revolvers manufactured.

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[Smithhound]

3.5" M27
4" Triple Lock .44
6" K22
RD

 

[jeremyws1]

I agree with several previous posts. The .38 M&P has been the epitome of S&W since 1899.

 

[fyimo]

I think a revolver being the classic for its maker is the one most sought after by shooters and collectors and with the S&W or Colt and not necessarily the first. So for me in the S&W line it's the Model 27 starting with the registered magnum followed in second by the Model 29. In colts I think it's the Python and the in second is the Diamondback. In both lines I think the first and second models in each are the most sought after and cost the most.

 

[rc51kid]

it sounds like the M&P might be the "classic". But i like the term "pinnacle". Maybe that was really what i was after.

If you want the absolute Classic, it's without any doubt the 4 inch M&P or later the model 10. If you want the pinnacle, IMO that would be the 3 1/2 inch RM or the later model 27.

Now for the good news/bad news side of this question. In it's long history S&W has made so many splendid revolvers that there will be considerable debate on this issue. Bad news is that the simple fact is that in terms of numbers and useability nothing better defines the S&W revolver line better than the M&P or model 10.

 

[firearmsunlimited]

I think a revolver being the classic for its maker is the one most sought after by shooters and collectors and with the S&W or Colt and not necessarily the first. So for me in the S&W line it's the Model 27 starting with the registered magnum followed in second by the Model 29. In colts I think it's the Python and the in second is the Diamondback. In both lines I think the first and second models in each are the most sought after and cost the most.

Art,
I can't belive you put the snakes ahead of the 1873 Colt Single Action Army!

 

[stantheman86]

It's the M&P-Model 10-Model 64, for my vote. I'll add the 64 because it's just a stainless Model 10

S&W's meat and potatoes, standard .38 Special service revolver. Built for hard service, has everything you need for 2-legged predators and nothing you don't. Made for police, military and civilian use, as a basic defensive handgun. How much more "Classic" does it get?

If it has adjustable sights it's already getting too complicated.....

 

[mod29]

Mod 29-2 6.5" blue.

-Jim

 

[GLL]

Any Pre-War N-frame !

Jerry

 

[senecaap]

For the Classic, the M&P is the unbeatable face of S&W for over 100.
For the epitome...uhhh, here's the short list.
1. 5" Reg. Magnum
2. 6" .44 Magnum
3. 4" .44 Triple Lock