What model do you think is S&W's best fighting revolver?

[Nframe357]

This should be interesting, like the title says which model of S&W revolver do you feel is the best fighting model? Lot's of choices here from the wonderful Registered magnums through todays models. I love old Smiths but a RM wouldn't be my first choice to go into a fight with, mainly because I'd hate to lose it to the police or damage it. How about a 4" model 28? Good choice and that is what it was designed for, but it's blued. In my mind a fighting gun needs to be as tough as possible and I feel stainless models would be a better way to go, blued is beautiful but it can be a pain to care or in some enviroments.
So a 4" SS revolver, what caliber 357? 44? 45? Any and all will defend one well but a 44 mag is a bit much for fighting with unless you run mild mag/warm special ammo. So we have 357 or 45,sure the 41mag/10mm are more than up to the job but decent ammo isn't available everywhere.
My choice would have to be a 3" or 4" 686 357 mag., very versatile and also very effective, ammo is plentiful and readily found just about anywhere(before the ammo run of late). The 357 has been doing a fine job of defending folks for 74 yrs. My next runner up would be a 4" or 5" 625 45 ACP, same thing goes for the 45 lot's of good ammo choices with the plus of moon clips for fast reloads.
What's your choice?

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

a 66 357

Here are my still in service house guns.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

The one I have in my hand when the fight starts.

 

[jframefreak]

Those M-66's are hard to beat, I've got a couple snub 66's myself.

 

[WaterburyBob]

I vote for the Model 686.

 

[st regis]

I am partial to the 681.

 

[pinkymingeo]

I vote for the one you can hit what you're shooting with. If you can't do that (and some days I sure can't) choose the heaviest one. It'll make a better club. Come to think of it, it's hard to beat a golf club in close quarters. Especially if you already have a vicious slice.

 

[colt_saa]

A revolver for Close Quarters Combat?

I would choose a 2" 625 with a NY reload.

 

[herbie1]

If I were to purchase a revolver for so called 'fighting' it would be any of the 8 shot .357 models.

H.

 

[Zilmo]

Depends on the type of fight! If it was a brawl, I'd want one of those ten inch X frames to club someone over the head with. But in a gunfight, a 686.

 

[Dragonfly]

Although I don't own one, I'd pick a 4" 681 for an all-round fightin' revolver. The "L" frame can stand a pounding, the fixed sights make it super rugged, the 4" barrel gives a good balance between concealability and sight radius/muzzle velocity and stainless steel will be very durable. Having it chambered .38/.357 give plenty of flexibility in ammo choice as well. Hmmm, I think might have taliked myself into one!

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

I vote for the 686 also.

 

[Mitch_D]

I vote Model 66 in 2.5".
My favorite is setup just like 500 Magnum Nut's.
A Model 60 makes a nice backup.

 

[pinkymingeo]

Actually, Colt saa, a couple of those -11's have gone through my hands and I still have a -10. For serious work, though, you can't beat a chopped 25-2. As already mentioned, if nothing else it makes a better club.

 

[T3]

The Clint Smith 44 special was designed for that purpose, even though most of them sit in a case. I like the idea of sturdy fixed sights and a 44 special. That is why I purchased my model 329 Nightguard.

 

[2hawk]

For me, I think that...

...this might be the one:

Or, from more of a purist perspective, maybe this:

Of course, if I had any pics of my new-to-me 625-3, I'd have to put that up for consideration as well. Those moons can be pretty quick

 

[Sportsterguy]

For me it's my 3" 66. Great accuracy, custom made for my hand and handles like a dream. Bought it in 85 and can handle it better than any other hangun I own. With the longer ejector rod positive ejection of spent cases is a sure thing. Not a sure thing with my 2.5" 19 and hot loads.

With my new 686 CS-1 (Thanks Slufstuff!!!) and a few trips to the range I might change my mind.

I also pack a 3" 657 in the winter loaded with 210 gr. Speer Gold Dots. Never feel undergunned with a .41 mag and it will reach out there and hit with authority!

These will be backups to my riot 870 with 8 rds. of 00 if it's at home and I don't have time to get to the shotgun.

All 3 will get the job done if I do my part, but the 66 is my all time favorite and I shoot it the best of the bunch.

3" 66

3" 686 CS-1 (Slufstuffs photo) My grail Smith!

3" 657 with a Hogue monogrip

 

[sipowicz]

The j-frame...because you will be more likely to have it on you than a K,L or N frame...and if I really thought I was going to be in a gunfight, I'd take my Browning Hi-Power with 15 rounders...

 

[TNDave]

I'd say it is the 4" Model 65. Fixed sights, magnum power.

 

[BigRich315]

Pricey, but a M627: 8 rounds of .357 plus makes a pretty good club. I'd hate to do that to a PC gun though...