$600 to $1,000 is a pretty good spread. If I didn't have a .44 Magnum then I'd be looking for a pre-MIM Model 29 (-2 thru -6) or 29-5 or -6 Classic full lug.
The Original 29 Classic
The Original 29 Classic
You have $800 to spend and no S&W revolver yet but want one...what do you get?
- Thread starter Stopsign32v
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Either a 4inch blued Model 19 or a 4inch blued Model 28, depending on which frame you like better, K or N.
Texas Star
US Veteran
You have a four-inch M-66. That' be my first pick; mine is M-66-3.
With the M-66, I'd for a M-60, preferably M-60-7. You'd have an all-round service/outdoors revolver in the .357 and a concealment gun taking .38 ammo that can be shared between guns.
I would certainly regard this as the basic two-gun handgun battery, and both are stainless.
I would avoid Airweight J-frames until I had at least one basic stainless steel snub. M-60 should be from $400-$500.
If you can find and prefer a three-inch M-60, that has the usual advantages of a three-incher. The M-60-4 is excellent and a fine small field gun. But the basic snub is a little easier to conceal in some modes of carry.
These two revolvers give great versatility, but the M-66 isn't a full-time .357 shooter. For that, get a M-686 or a Ruger GP-100. But the M-66 is handier, and how often do you really need .357 power? A .357 is not a "range gun." it's a killing gun, for men or beasts.
With the M-66, I'd for a M-60, preferably M-60-7. You'd have an all-round service/outdoors revolver in the .357 and a concealment gun taking .38 ammo that can be shared between guns.
I would certainly regard this as the basic two-gun handgun battery, and both are stainless.
I would avoid Airweight J-frames until I had at least one basic stainless steel snub. M-60 should be from $400-$500.
If you can find and prefer a three-inch M-60, that has the usual advantages of a three-incher. The M-60-4 is excellent and a fine small field gun. But the basic snub is a little easier to conceal in some modes of carry.
These two revolvers give great versatility, but the M-66 isn't a full-time .357 shooter. For that, get a M-686 or a Ruger GP-100. But the M-66 is handier, and how often do you really need .357 power? A .357 is not a "range gun." it's a killing gun, for men or beasts.
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Stopsign32v
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I think I want a Model 19 no dash or a 19-1 in 4". Would that be possibly at my price? I'm wanting a nice example.
This was mentioned in an earlier response and not answered unless i missed it but what are your intended uses for the prospective new addition? Seems to me that is what should drive the selection.
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Stopsign32v
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Nothing for certain. I wouldn't mind carrying it, but I have Glocks for that. I wouldn't mind shooting it, but I have other guns for that. I wouldn't mind just holding it, well that I will do either way.
I'm really looking to just expand my S&W collection in the smartest way possible. In reality I want to get a 686 to go blast at the range non stop. But I keep thinking Model 19 prices are close to taking off so I might should grab one now while I can. The 686s aren't going anywhere.
May not be too far off of your budget but I have not seen a no dash or dash 1 Model 19 in a LONG time. I would widen your search to any pinned and recessed 4inch 19.
silentflyer
Member
Target shooting or hunting, a Model 686 or 28 or 19 in 6", or a 4" if you are thinking CC.
A very nice 19-2 would be right in that range. Could probably even get target options.
For a 19 or 19-1 your likely looking at guns with moderate wear.
It would take north of a grand to part with my 19-1. Some may disagree as its just a short amount of time until the dash 2.
I am on the same page as Texas Star. Last week got a 60-10 which was $575 OTD. If you can find a similar gun that leaves you $225 to start your fund for a model 66.
If you reload, then .44 magnum is the answer. Short barreled magnums are a little dumb; inefficient and blasty.
Not every handgun a person owns needs to be concealable (I've had enough of that fad). Just like every rifle doesn't need to be a tier 1 operator clone.
Get a 6 or 8 inch .44, go to range, be badass.
Not every handgun a person owns needs to be concealable (I've had enough of that fad). Just like every rifle doesn't need to be a tier 1 operator clone.
Get a 6 or 8 inch .44, go to range, be badass.
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Jim L
Member
REBUKE TIME!
#1 several people on here recommended a short barrel 44 mag & just because it differs from your opinion, its not a dumb idea.
#2 There are hundreds of thousands of short barrel 44 mag from various manufactures in the market place.
#3 concealed carry is not a fad, but a reality for most of us.
Anyone who knows anything about CCW realizes that there isn't a huge difference in CCW a snub, or a 4 in barrel. Its the size of the cylinder that matters most. I would never call a Ruger Redhawk short barrel a CCW sized gun.
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Stopsign32v
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5" is about the longest I like in revolvers. Anything past that looks weird to me.
MY concealed carry revolver is a 3" 66 or 3" 60-10.......
But I have carried a 4" 66 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special................with Spegel Boot grips.
Following up on my earlier post........if I was starting from scratch:
1) 4" 686...... I like the older guns through -5s
2) Older .22lr either a 4" Model 18 or 6" Model 17
3) 2 1/2" or 3" Model 66/19
at this point I switch over and grab a............
4) High cap 9mm........3rd gen 59xx or 69xx in a smith or maybe just a nice Browning HP........ even a nice Smith 915.
Basics covered............sky is the limit!!!!!!
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Other than a .22 LR, a 686 is a very versatile Smith. Strong, good balance, durable and availability is good. It can shoot light target loads up through full house .357 Magnums. I'm an N frame fan and most of my guns and shooting are with N frames, but I really appreciate the L frames. In fact, I just bought a 686 6 inch, that is 30 years old. I didn't need it, but it was there, so........
varmint243
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If 5" is your limit then I would recommend a 5" 625 45acp
I suggest you ask to borrow a 6" revolver from a member of your gun club for a few cylinder fulls and see how you like it.
For target shooting
(what I like)
I recommend
586/686 6"
model 14 6"
model 19 6"
625 45acp
929
I don't CC or collect so I can offer no advise there
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bananaman
Member
Maybe I missed something, but what is this intended to do? Carry? Range gun? Answering this would make a big difference in choices. Bob
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Stopsign32v
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It has been asked and I've answered that already.
dcopper
Member
Why not a 3 inch Mod 13 or 65! Best of both worlds!
If you want a new one I'd say a 686+ four inch.
If you want a used one, well......WOW!!!!
If you want a used one, well......WOW!!!!
