What is THE classic S&W revolver?

6 1/2" Model 29......After Dirty harry brought them to "every household" via the movie theater and/or the TV.
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Ultimate classic is no doubt the k frame .38 M&P. The ultimate? Probably the Registered Magnum, and I like the 5 inch. The most desireable? Kind of personal preference there, but to me it is the model 28-1.
 
Either way it's a loaded question.......asking a bunch of S&W fans which model is the "classic" S&W:)
 
Military & Police/Model 10 and its variants. It was the only one made by S&W during WWII, all others were ceased in production if I'm not mistaken, at least regular full production, and it was the first one made available for civilian sale after the war. Its been in constant production since 1899, correct? No other S&W revolver can claim that, none. It may not have the "aura" around it like some of the others mentioned but its been the mainstay all these years. These days I do believe the 642 currently holds the number one sales record. I've heard that mentioned in numerous places including from Smith sales reps.
 
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In numbers sold - the Mod. 10
In worldwide model recognition - the Mod. 29
In detail and finish - the Mod. 27
My personal choice - the Mod. 27 3 1/2 and 5 inch.

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I feel there are three S&W handguns that should be considered all time classics.

1. Model 10 Years ago, if you owned a S&W, this was the one you wanted.

2. Model 36 Almost every top cop or plain clothes officer had one. Many civilians had them due to being easy to conceal, store and shoot.

3. Model 19 Just a dang good magnum that was carried by many LEO over the years and I think would still be carrying if a certain foreign gun maker had not given their guns away in trade in order to get the LEA business.
 
In numbers sold - the Mod. 10
In worldwide model recognition - the Mod. 29
In detail and finish - the Mod. 27
My personal choice - the Mod. 27 3 1/2 and 5 inch.

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i like this reply. I dont personly like the look of the 10. But it is growing on me and i have to admit it is a true "classic". But i love the 19,27,29 and so on. It sounds like people love the big N frames, 357 and 44.
 
I agree the M & P/Model Ten is the most prolific revolver, but growing up in the 70's every cop I saw carried the same thing.........the four-inch Model 19, or the stainless version, the 66. Yes, there were some early issues, but they were resolved, and the gun went on to be the iconic revolver of its time.

Surprisingly, I don't even own one. But I own Model 64's and 65's, which are variations on the same theme.

The pinnacle? Some would say it's the 6-1/2 inch Model 29, others might argue for the 686 in four-inch trim as the ultimate do-it-all revolver. Then there's the 500...........the King, some would say.

If I could have ONE, to do everything, I'd grab the 686 and run.
 
Art,
I can't belive you put the snakes ahead of the 1873 Colt Single Action Army!

Doug

I hear you on this one as 1873 Colt Single Action Army is a iconic revolver and it certainly has a great following. I guess I put the snakes ahead of it because I was thinking of the more modern classics. That plus I've always had a secret lust for a Python but was I never willing to spend the bucks for one.
 
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.

Bingo!! We have a winner!!
 
Its the S&W M&P 4 inch tapered barrel of course. Nothing represents S&W better than this revolver. Since 1899 this has been the classic fixed sight revolver.

Regards,
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I've got to go with the Model 19 Combat Magnum, the revolver that set new standards being a medium frame revolver chambered for the new, game changing, .357 Magnum.

In any barrel length, the Combat Magnum, to me and for that reason, is the quintessential example of "the" S&W "Classic" revolver.

Coming in second, perhaps the model 27, but it doesn't hold a candle to the sexy Combat Magnum.
 
I'm with gkitch for my #1...
First: Model 27 3.5 inch
Second: Model 19 2.5 inch (or SS version 2.5 inch Model 66)
Third: Model 39 ASP w/Black Teflon finish, Clear Lexon Grips and Guttersnipe Sight
 
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