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

[MTKTM]

I've noticed with threads like this that everyone tends to chime in with some gun they have and like, generally (since most of us have never, thank God, been in a gunfight) basing our opinions on nothing more than theory and conjecture. As many have noted, the best gun in a gunfight is really going to be the one you have.

If I knew I was going to be in a gunfight in advance, well, I'd probably run as fast as I could in the opposite direction!! Failing in that effort, I'd tilt toward one of the 8-shot Model 27s, probably the 5" 627 PC. I like the idea of 8 shots prior to a reload, and the .357 in some of the 125 grain loadings should be an excellent fight-stopper

 

[akjaeger]

Mountain Gun!

The mountain guns have everything I need (power, accuracy, portability) and nothing I don't.
I can hit with them out to 100yds, they are fast and reliable. Not hard for me to conceal either.
The .45 ACP loaded with 200gr JHP's at 1050fps is my favorite for urban areas. Moon clips for fast reloads.
The .45 Colt loaded with 288gr SWC's at 1050fps is my constant companion out here in the Idaho backwoods. Plenty of power for anything I may encounter.

 

[keith44spl]

I've noticed with threads like this that everyone tends to chime in with some gun they have and like, generally (since most of us have never, thank God, been in a gunfight) basing our opinions on nothing more than theory and conjecture. As many have noted, the best gun in a gunfight is really going to be the one you have.

If I knew I was going to be in a gunfight in advance, well, I'd probably run as fast as I could in the opposite direction!! Failing in that effort, I'd tilt toward one of the 8-shot Model 27s, probably the 5" 627 PC. I like the idea of 8 shots prior to a reload, and the .357 in some of the 125 grain loadings should be an excellent fight-stopper

If I had a slightest clue that there would be 'that' kinda trouble I'd have a carbine in hand...If caught between a rock and a hard place with a revolver, I've saved my own hide with a 27 loaded with 125gr JHPs.

But after much reflection, I've chosen the .45 calibers cartridges for business and the .44s and .357/38s for sport shooting.
I can testify that the big bores have the all around edge.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[Farmer17]

I've never cared much for a .41 Magnum, but for some reason lately, I've have a burning desire for a M-58. I've read gobs of reports and data over the years saying the 9m/m is a better stopper than a .41 Mag, but now I've come full circle to the opinion that whatever kicks hardest in your hand is going to be the superior stopper.

 

[4330Inroute]

I like MTKTM's response of the best defense is not to be there when the shooting starts.

In this post it's the S & W revolver of choice then I'd pick a 686 6" rb with Rem 125 gr. hp's. with 4 reloads.
This is a winter time carry piece. Summer time it stays in the truck if I choose to bring it along. Summer time here is on avg. 100+ degrees so concealed is almost impossible. Right now it's 106 at 1305 hrs.(PST) est. to be 108-109 by 1700.

 

[pharmer]

Another vote for the "chunky snub", 3" 65.

Joe

 

[KurtC]

Any of the 1917, Model 22 or 25-12 style revolvers. Fixed sights, .45 acp, no lock. Preferably with a 4" barrel.

 

[jimgoldth]

S&W's best fighting revolver?

I would go with a 686+ in 4" barrel version. I have zero experience with the 7 shooter but I was very confident with the 6 shot 686 4" that I carried on duty from 1986 until we were finally issued guns (Sig P228 9mm) in 1992. I believe that the Mod. 686 revolver was definately a very fine duty weapon. Having a 7th round sounds great to me and maybe modification to full moon clips.

 

[tac803]

A 6" K or L frame .357 with a Patridge front sight and a brass plate on the bottom of the grips. For those moments when you can't shoot 'em, but you are justified in whompin' 'em. John

What he said.

This would be my second choice, since it's a heck of a lot easier to carry, and danged near as accurate.

 

[Nframe357]

I gotta ask: How many different good defense choices does one really need with the .41 Magnum?

Obviously more than are offered now, due to the responses here...

 

[Two Guns]

I would go for the model 10 in 38 special

 

[Sistema1927]

Any of the 1917, Model 22 or 25-12 style revolvers. Fixed sights, .45 acp, no lock. Preferably with a 4" barrel.

When the 22-4 came out I had this exact set of criteria in mind. Yes, it has the lock, but that can be turned into nothing more than an annoying hole in the side.

Experience has shown that it was a good choice. A T-grip fills out the the grip, it carries easily in a Simply Rugged Sourdough holster in cross-draw configuration, and an El Paso Saddlery moon clip loader carries a couple of reloads.

 

[jclif1995]

My choice would be "MY" model 10 with the bull barrel loaded with 38+p ammo. This particular gun is as close to a tack driver as I can get with a handgun and out of all revolvers I have, I have the best speed to accuracy ratio with this particular gun. For backup I would have "MY" model 442 with 38+p ammo.

It is interesting to read the posts on this thread. It seems there are many fine choices to fit all the various forms and preferences of people posting. This is as it should be.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Nothing ends a fight like a 10mm.

 

[C.S.63]

Intresting thread and a wealth of fine firearms,
Mr simmons cool 10mm
My choice is my 640 (.38 +P+ Variant-early 90s) (red epoxy in the front sight) you can carry it in a coat/jacket pocket, on the ankle, in the pocket of a pair of jeans or on the hip. A couple speedloaders and you are good to go. (5-15 rounds of Federal .38 125gr JHP nyclads) its like a broken in pair of old boots!!!!
still not ccomfortable with my 442 it will take some time
remember ya need to hit what you are POINTING at.
Carl

 

[gizamo]

This one...cuz it will scare 'em to death just lookin' at it. And friction tape don't hold no fingerprints...and it leaves very big holes....That and it's already been in a few gunfights, so it knows what to do.

giz

 

[C.S.63]

gizamo,
no messin around there, how about some particulars?
carl

 

[R6j6B]

gizamo,
no messin around there, how about some particulars?
carl

I likes a gun wit a bit o'sordid hist'ry. Care to ante up, Giz?

 

[tom turner]

I likes a gun wit a bit o'sordid hist'ry. Care to ante up, Giz?

Giz could tell ya, but then he might have tuh kill ya!

No bad choices have been mentioned. I like 'em all . . . but here's my "Huckleberry" . . .

.45ACP, chopped to 3 1/4", a double action trigger slicker 'n goose grease, narrowed and rounded trigger for fast double action use, and a tall and now filed down front partridge sight that is SHARP and will cut your attacker if he tries to grab it in the dark.

I've used this gun in a steel match against high cap bottom feeders to win the pot on a special steel match with 18 steel targets and poppers from 10-30 yards away . . . and a one manditory reload required! AND . . . the guns had to start UNLOADED. I waxed 'em good too . . . and had some real good laughs and ribbing for 'em all when it was over.

Needless to say, this gun is magic in my hands so it has to be my first choice . . .

Plus . . . BIG, CHUNKY WHEELGUN and BIG HOLES. Seein' them thar "Flyin' Ashtrays" should be a big deterrent to the average BG, hopefully!

If I don't have it on me, there's always the M37 as my BUG in my front pocket . . .

or an M65 3" (another GREAT choice, and #2 in my selection list as a main fighting revolver) . . .

or 2 1/2" M19 (#3) . . .

or an M36 . . .

Naturally the weather, season and other factors influence what I pull from the ol' safe and carry.

T.

 

[HayesGreener]

Gunfight Gun

I carried J frames, K frames, and N frames in the line of duty, 2.5", 3", 4", 5", and 6" barrels, in 38, 357, and 44, plus a plethora of semi autos. I have to say that if I had to pick one revolver it would be a 4" K frame, model 15/19/66 64 or model 10/64/65. I just always seemed to be able to get multiple hits in the middle of the target from the holster a lot quicker with the K frame 4" than with anything else I ever used.

 

[Hendel]

I don't pretend to know much about Smiths and I sure haven't owned nearly as many as most of you (have only had a blued Mountain Gun, a 629 and a 686 some years ago), but the only one I currently own sure has become a favorite of mine and gets put through the wringer on a fairly regular basis with drills for IDPA.

I'd be pretty comfortable using this 586-4 when needed........

 

[alexcat]

m-19 or 686

 

[Stainz]

For fighting feral ferrets, especially the bands of Zombie marauders, I prefer my 4" 617. The DS-10 Speedloader - and 6 x 10 loading block - help keep the fire rate up, very important during those desperate frontal assaults. Those little buggers will climb your leg, too!

Of course, for normal threats, ie, 2-legged warm blooded vermin, I'll go with my 642. It's my 24/7 companion - cutting the grass, going to church, grocery shopping - it's there. Woods stomping - my 296 is in my pocket. I'd rather have a lessor capable/capacity 'protector' - but have it 24/7. My 625/627/629 choices are useless - they are range guns - and not a normal 'carry'. It does you little good 'at home/in the safe'.

Stainz

 

[caribouhunter]

Model 357PD works for me.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I have been working om this for some time.
The fighting handgun should be able to help you with "anything,anywhere,anytime" so must be not too big to carry but able to use loads with some good Whoop A## start with 357 and go up...

 

[ki4dmh]

4 inch 686 is my vote.

 

[mclark202]

340 M&P or 340PD for me. Both are .357 capable and at 11.5 ounces, the 340PD is like carrying some extra keys in your pocket.

 

[SuperMan]

If it had to be hidden all the time:

Model 65 3' .357 Magnum using Speer 125 grain Gol Dot HPs. Hammer would be bobbed, DA tuned and a front night sight dovetailed in.

As an all-around fighting gun:

Mountain Gun...most any caliber would do. They just balance better than anything else I have ever handled.

Bob

 

[Hook686]

The one in my hand.

 

[jpz]

How about the Highway Patrolman, M-28-2.