What is your favorite decade for S&W revolvers?

[Cal44]

So which decade you consider the best for Smith and Wesson's revolvers?

I'm probably somewhat unusual in my choice.

I like revolvers made from 1985 - 1995 the best.

The ones I like have forged internals. Around 1995 marked the end of forged parts era, although the exact last year depended on the particular gun model.

The late 80's early 90's guns had most of the benefits of modern metallurgy, and had most of the service life extensions incorporated.

Both high quality bluing and nickel was still available.

Stainless designs were available across most of the product line.

The older, smaller (pre-magnum) J frames (640, 442, 60, etc.) were still available.

Towards the end of the period, you could get N frames drilled and tapped for scopes.

One of my favorite calibers, .32, was available in 32 S&W long during the beginning of this decade, and then the 32 H&R magnum guns came out during the early 90's

This period is a good mix of S&W traditional design with modern improvements.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hmmm. Great question.

Mine reach from mid-1920s through last year, but the majority fall between post WWII and 1958, including the first model-numbered guns. Workmanship was fantastic so a well cared for revolver from that era is still flawless in performance. That's the decade I'm from, too (1952) so maybe there's a built-in prejudice.

I don't have one anymore, but that's also the era of the .44 magnum. If you subtract the war years the .357 magnum was still in its infancy then, too. Lots of significant, and still sought after, models were made then.

Anyway, that's my two bits.

Bob

 

[JohnRippert]

My favorites are from a couple decades. I like the '50s and '60s guns.

 

[Targets Guy]

I like the 1950's but find myself drifting into the 40's. So maybe 45 - 55 works best for me.

 

[Ashlander]

I like the fit and finish of the guns (all stainless) made from the mid 1980s into the 1990s. The timing on my guns made in that period also seem more consistent.

 

[cold blue steel]

Late 60's to late 70's. fit, finish, numbered. New enough to shoot, yet vintage all in one.

 

[one eye joe]

IS EVERYONE AFRAID TO MAKE MENTION OF THE IL, FOR FEAR OF BEING ACCUSED OF WHINING, OR BASHING ? ? ? I CERTAINLY AM, I HAVE AREADY BEEN WARNED......

I MUST AGREE WITH Cal44, THE OP. 1985 TO 1995 SEEMS TO BE THE BEST DECADE, FOR THE REASONS THAT HE MENTIONS. I DO LOVE THE STAINLESS STEEL MODELS, WITH FACTORY WOODEN GRIPS. I SEEM TO HAVE A PENCHANT FOR THE NO DASH 617 AND 686 MODELS, ALTHOUGH THEY DON'T HAVE THE LATER ENGINEERING UPGRADES.....

I SHY AWAY FROM REVOLVERS MADE IN THE 21ST CENTURY, ESPECIALLY THE TAPERED UNDERLUG, SLAB SIDE BARRELED, SPACE GUN LOOKING CREATIONS, WEARING GOODYEARS, FROM THE PC.....

 

[Bullet Bob]

So far, I like any of the decades between 1852 and 2017.

 

[sodacan]

For me, it's undeniably the 50's, before model numbers were used. My favorites are the 357 Magnum, Highway Patrolman, 1950, 1955 and K-22. Their fit and finish are amazing. Every gun was a "Performance Center" model back then.

 

[992B]

Definitely the 1950's. gary

 

[Old cop]

I hope someone from the S&W mother ship looks at this b/c I really like(d) them all until the internal lock showed up. There is a pride of ownership associated w/a fine revolver and this look ruins it. There is a way to remove it but I'm not sure that's wise if the weapon has to be used for self defense. I agree w/Mass Ayoob who said it was a hill he'd rather not climb in court.

 

[Laketime]

I hope someone from the S&W mother ship looks at this b/c I really like(d) them all until the internal lock showed up. There is a pride of ownership associated w/a fine revolver and this look ruins it. There is a way to remove it but I'm not sure that's wise if the weapon has to be used for self defense. I agree w/Mass Ayoob who said it was a hill he'd rather not climb in court.

Somehow I really don't think they care what revolver lovers think any more.

 

[johnsonl]

Definitely the 1920's-1940's. They are nothing less than elegant. Even more interesting is their stories, if you can get them.

 

[6518John]

So far, I like any of the decades between 1852 and 2017.

Agree 100%. I have never handled and shot a S&W that I did not like. I have a modern 22-4 Classic with the internal lock that is as nice in bluing, fit and finish as any old of the old-timers. SHoots like a dream too.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

Blued: 1950-60. Stainless: 1980-90.

 

[wadcutter1]

Most of my revolvers are from the 70's and 80's but my favorite is a pre-war heavy duty. I'll says 85-95 for shooting and 1930's for looks.

 

[NCBeagle]

I don't think that there is much difference between 70s and 80s, but I'll go with 70s. I was made in 1975. Was a good year.

 

[gallar]

I like the 1950's the most, but up till the IL, any decade will do fine. I was born 'pre-model number' so those are my faves.

 

[ladder13]

Whenever they made 38-44's, Wolf & Klar 1926's, and Registered Mags.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Well I'm a sucker for P&R 19/66s ........ so 55- ?

but.........

the 3" 66s, along with 586s from the 80s are another weak spot............

then there are the factory round butt 586/686s from 95-97.


So not so much a favorite decade..... to paraphrase a past President: "It's the gun stupid"