OFT II
US Veteran
I've got to go with the M&P/Model 10 as being the classic S&W. The model 27 would get my vote as being the classiest S&W.
Is "classiest" a real word?
Is "classiest" a real word?
What is THE classic S&W revolver?
- Thread starter rc51kid
- Start date
mkflyfisherman
Member
"Classic", "Utilitarian, "Pinnacle"
Classic = M&P/Model 10
Utilitarian = 4" Model 19
Pinnacle = Registered magnum
"Least Classic" - Anything with a LOCK!!!!!
Classic = M&P/Model 10
Utilitarian = 4" Model 19
Pinnacle = Registered magnum
"Least Classic" - Anything with a LOCK!!!!!
dave-arlington-va
Member
The Model 10 standard barrel. I have a 10-5 4" I bought from another forum member that remains my favorite. I want a 5" barrel and I'd feel I'd then own the two revolvers that say Smith & Wesson the best. They still remain the best combination of form and function S&W has produced IMO. There are more powerful and desired revolvers I know but for me it's always been the Model 10. The tapered barrel with like new bluing is as graceful a piece of steel as I think one will find in a firearm.
Moondancer
Member
And another vote for these two. 4" M&P is the classic, 3.5" RM/M27 for the pinnacle.
M29/57, also in 4" guise may possibly be close to the RM/M27 for second place IMHO.
5" M&P is right up there with the 4 inch
The M&P, Mod. 10 has to be the most classic S&W ever built. There are lots of other, maybe a little better looking, but 7,000,000 users can't be all wrong.
The first Mod. M&P
The first Mod. M&P
The older, the better 
To me these ARE classics but most likely not THE classic S&W. M19 2 1/2 ", M15 4", M14 6" and the M17 6".
rags
rags
gkitch
Member
definition of classic
I disagree with the Model 10 for this category as my definition, for all that's worth, of "classic" would be something that was made in enough numbers to be famous and quickly associated with the company, yet enough of a ground breaking advent in gun history that it was never confused with the products of other companies. Often copied by others though. Sure, the M&P (M-10) was made in huge numbers forever but it was all too similar to the Colts of the day.
It is an easier question when applied to others:
Ruger: the Blackhawk
Colt: the SAA
Colt, also ran: the 1911 (one could esily argue the SAA and the 1911 in reverse rolls here)
Colt, DA: the Python
Winchester: the Model 70
Old Winchester: the 1873 lever-action
I still think the S&W Classics were the 357 Magnum, the 44 Magnum, and the Combat Masterpiece. All highly sought-after and often copied originals that sold more than S&W could make in their eras. Now they are all highly respected icons of the company.
I disagree with the Model 10 for this category as my definition, for all that's worth, of "classic" would be something that was made in enough numbers to be famous and quickly associated with the company, yet enough of a ground breaking advent in gun history that it was never confused with the products of other companies. Often copied by others though. Sure, the M&P (M-10) was made in huge numbers forever but it was all too similar to the Colts of the day.
It is an easier question when applied to others:
Ruger: the Blackhawk
Colt: the SAA
Colt, also ran: the 1911 (one could esily argue the SAA and the 1911 in reverse rolls here)
Colt, DA: the Python
Winchester: the Model 70
Old Winchester: the 1873 lever-action
I still think the S&W Classics were the 357 Magnum, the 44 Magnum, and the Combat Masterpiece. All highly sought-after and often copied originals that sold more than S&W could make in their eras. Now they are all highly respected icons of the company.
A Volcanic Repeater, as that's what started the whole thing off.
Just kidding.
More realistically, I think I would shy away from a specific model with a particular barrel length. There are three model classes that I would nominate.
The New Century, or triple lock. The gun from which ALL N-frames descend, and fascinating because of its innovative engineering and cost-be-damned approach to producing a fine revolver.
The .38 Military & Police beginning with the Model of 1902 and continuing through all its descendants and spin-offs to the present. (The Model of 1899 is atypical and to my mind represents a prototype that made it to production before the design was fully baked.) I am in complete agreement with everyone who has nominated this 20th-century best seller in prior posts.
Finally, the K-frame Masterpiece models -- K-22, K-32 and K-38. I would stretch this category to include the K-22 Outdoorsman in the 1930s, as that was clearly heading toward the Masterpiece line-up of the first postwar decades.
I have tried to persuade myself that there is a small-frame "classic" S&W, but I just can't make the jump. I know that models like the Chiefs Special and Centennial are admired by many, and everybody knows I love prewar Kit Guns, but they feel to me like niche products that were designed to address a specific marketing opportunity. If I hear someone say "Smith & Wesson," I never think first of a J-frame model or an I-frame predecessor, just as I never think first of zebras when I hear hoofbeats.
Just kidding.
More realistically, I think I would shy away from a specific model with a particular barrel length. There are three model classes that I would nominate.
The New Century, or triple lock. The gun from which ALL N-frames descend, and fascinating because of its innovative engineering and cost-be-damned approach to producing a fine revolver.
The .38 Military & Police beginning with the Model of 1902 and continuing through all its descendants and spin-offs to the present. (The Model of 1899 is atypical and to my mind represents a prototype that made it to production before the design was fully baked.) I am in complete agreement with everyone who has nominated this 20th-century best seller in prior posts.
Finally, the K-frame Masterpiece models -- K-22, K-32 and K-38. I would stretch this category to include the K-22 Outdoorsman in the 1930s, as that was clearly heading toward the Masterpiece line-up of the first postwar decades.
I have tried to persuade myself that there is a small-frame "classic" S&W, but I just can't make the jump. I know that models like the Chiefs Special and Centennial are admired by many, and everybody knows I love prewar Kit Guns, but they feel to me like niche products that were designed to address a specific marketing opportunity. If I hear someone say "Smith & Wesson," I never think first of a J-frame model or an I-frame predecessor, just as I never think first of zebras when I hear hoofbeats.
In the "J" frame category I believe the Mod. 60 is a product worthy of serious consideration as a "Classic."
As the first production stainless steel S&W handgun it initiated a material direction that has dominated the handgun world today. The Mod 60's success influenced the creation of the Mod 66, then the Mod 629, and the result today is the utilization of stainless steel throughout the S&W product lineup..
That amazing influence uniquely qualifies the little "J" frame Mod 60 for "Classic" status, IMHO. Its creation has changed the direction of modern handgun production more than any other firearm......
So, in addendum to my earlier post, I'd also nominate the Mod 60 to "Classic" status.
As the first production stainless steel S&W handgun it initiated a material direction that has dominated the handgun world today. The Mod 60's success influenced the creation of the Mod 66, then the Mod 629, and the result today is the utilization of stainless steel throughout the S&W product lineup..
That amazing influence uniquely qualifies the little "J" frame Mod 60 for "Classic" status, IMHO. Its creation has changed the direction of modern handgun production more than any other firearm......
So, in addendum to my earlier post, I'd also nominate the Mod 60 to "Classic" status.
Tracer_Bullet
Member
Tough question. I have to go with the M&P/Model 10. Runners up would include the 36 and 19 due to their wide use in law enforcement circles, and the 29 due to it's Dirty Harry fame.
phenson
US Veteran
All the .44's, but the Magnum is the pinnacle..
I am young to S&W ownership but I love my model 10-7,2" barrel followed by my model 17-4, 6" barrel - so nice to shoot at the range and I have equally as much enjoyment in cleaning them at the end of the day. I've got a 29-2, 8 3/8" barrel coming and can't wait to post my enjoyment with this piece.
gkitch
Member
In the "J" frame category I believe the Mod. 60 is a product worthy of serious consideration as a "Classic."
As the first production stainless steel S&W handgun it initiated a material direction that has dominated the handgun world today. The Mod 60's success influenced the creation of the Mod 66, then the Mod 629, and the result today is the utilization of stainless steel throughout the S&W product lineup..
That amazing influence uniquely qualifies the little "J" frame Mod 60 for "Classic" status, IMHO. Its creation has changed the direction of modern handgun production more than any other firearm......
So, in addendum to my earlier post, I'd also nominate the Mod 60 to "Classic" status.
Yep...meets the criteria!
gkitch
Member
Another vote for the M&P .38 Special
Love this photo, Bill!
Rapidray
Member
Oh yea...
model 10 4 inch heavy bull barrel. She looks like a muscle car -the Challanger 
you just can not beat it!
model 10 4 inch heavy bull barrel. She looks like a muscle car -the Challanger you just can not beat it!Larry from Bend
Member
Probably a 1917 ---- but Maybe this 17 no dash sorta fits the bill.
