Your least favorite S&W revolver

[1000island]

Just curious, what is your least favorite S&W revolver and why?

Sorry, I love them all. Some I shoot better than others but that's on me. I don't count it against them. Revolvers are just too much fun, especially the older ones. Something about shooting a revolver built 80 or 90 years ago and having it work as advertised that keeps me looking for the next one to buy!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Model 386PD (scandium/ti)...looks cool, 7 shots of .357, light and easy to carry. BUT- kicks like a mule and quick follow up shots are impossible! Traded mine for a used PC Model 627-5 (2-5/8") and never looked back!

 

[Gryff]

S&W 547. Hated the recoil impulse of the 9mm in a revolver.

 

[mtgianni]

My least favorite? I don't own one. I have shot my friends 500 and have no desire to own one. Same thing with the Govenor. I don't care for the look of a hammerless revolver. I seen no reason to park something in the safe I don't care for.

 

[mtgianni]

I am a traditionalist, this is why the Model 16-4 is my least favorite Smith & Wesson. It did not keep to the Masterpiece configuration as did the Model 14 and 17. Also, it should have been chambered in the .32 S&W Long vs the .32 H&R Mag, again I am a traditionalist.

Curious if you feel the same way about guns chambered in 44 Magnum and 357 magnum. Then there's the problem with the 22 long rifle and high velocity vs 1930 velocities in 22 lr. Even the 32 long is a make over from 32 S&W.

Isn't it funny how our likes and dislikes don't have to follow logic.

 

[dopplebok]

Just curious, what is your least favorite S&W revolver and why?

Just curious, what is your least favorite S&W revolver and why?

S&W Model 329PD (Airlite SC) Got it for a good price. Then found out why the good price RECOIL !!!!!!!! Talk about PAIN !!!!!!!!! Traded it off for two other Smiths. A 625-6 45Colt Mountain Gun, and a Model 30 unfired in the box.

 

[roysha]

Never seen a Smith Mustardvolver before. Yeah, you don't want a red J Frame. You might accidentally shoot your weiner.

OUCH!!!!

 

[BabaBlueJay]

While I would not say it is bad, my flat latch model 36 had a serrated trigger. Any Smith with a serrated trigger would be my least favorite. I am not sure who thought you needed serrations on a trigger, but they are a terrible idea IMO

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

^^^Agree with you. Why I installed a smooth target trigger on my 617-10 rebuild. Much more comfortable and easier to pull than what was in it.

 

[kelljor]

My 638.

Practicing with target wad cutters enlarged the bolt hole to where it was unsafe to shoot. I finally got S&W to fix it, but they replaced the frame with one that wasn't much better.

Bolt hole? Please explain, I am not familiar with that term. Also how did wadcutters enlarge it? Thanks

 

[kelljor]

Don't think I have found one yet.......Like 'em all. If I had to sell one, simply had to, it would probably be......a..........Taurus 856.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I tightened up my cylinder in a 617-10 by getting a better fitting cylinder stop if that's what you are referring to. But I can't understand how wadcutters would affect your lockup. The 638 does have an aluminum frame so I guess a whole lot of aggressive double action cylinder rotation could peen the bolt stop opening.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

I bought a model 14-3 back in the day because my friend was short of money. I didn't know what to do with it at the time, it's a good and accurate revolver. I thought about converting it to 9x19, but I couldn't find a gunsmith in Finland who would want to do the conversion.
I tried to offer it in exchange to gun shops, no one was interested. The model 14 can be found in almost every gun shop in Finland, there are too many of them here. I didn't know how to appreciate that revolver at all.
My first revolver was a model 17. I exchanged it for a 9mm pistol sometime in the 1990s.
A few years ago I bought a model 17-5 and last year a model 16-2.
The 14-3 was an outcast, I didn't appreciate it at all. I even wanted to cut its barrel from 6" -> 4".
Now I have the entire Target Masterpiece family and the model 14-3 has found its place in my collection.
Thanks to this forum and the comments of you US enthusiasts, that 14-3 gets to keep its barrel and I won't "destroy" it.

The favorite for revolvers is a 2" - 3" barrel

 

[DR505]

I just bought a 686-3. I'm relatively new to S&W compared to most on this forum so I'm not sure what a classic Hunter is.

One thing I've found now after my rather impulsive buy is that I'm not too partial to stainless. Looking for how to polish it up a bit so I can sell it or trade for a Model 13.

I read where Flitz polish is the thing to use but don't wan't start without more reading and make it worse.

My Classic Hunter is just like yours, has an unfluted cylinder and a 6" barrel.

Don't polish up your revolver...you very well may lower the resale value.

 

[Dave.357]

I am a traditionalist, this is why the Model 16-4 is my least favorite Smith & Wesson. It did not keep to the Masterpiece configuration as did the Model 14 and 17. Also, it should have been chambered in the .32 S&W Long vs the .32 H&R Mag, again I am a traditionalist.

I traded a Charter Arms 38 even for a like
New 16-4. This was years ago , had less than
$150 in the .38. No plans to keep it just
A up trade. Shot the 16.4 WOW this gun
Is a keeper.
Don't hate any S&W but the Sigma is
Less than desirable to me.

 

[steelslaver]

Bolt hole would be the hole in the recoil shield that the center pin locks into

 

[BloodyThumb]

..anything engraved.

To me, putting engraving on a handgun is like putting lace on a leather motorcycle jacket.

 

[CKPOMEH]

I had at least six J frames and I never liked them.

In search of the perfect BUG (second gun) as a cop I found the Colt Detective Special was perfect. Six shooter with a comfortable grip and perfect for the left front pocket.

Now I carry the Kimber K6xs which is very similar to the Colt Detective Special.

Ha - you are brother from a different mother! I also alternate between a 2" DS 3rd gen and 3" K6S for the EDC. When I have a lot to drive, it is the DS as it is ok in the appendix carry, and when I will walk more, it is the K6S as I get the 357s round with it but the 3" digs into my own parts too much...Both with rubber grips for better control.

 

[ruger 22]

My least favorites are the 44 magnums. I guess I just do not like that cartirdge. I am very fond of 38 special, 357 mag, 22lr and the 500 mag.

 

[thefresh2o]

I struggle to let revolvers go.
My very first handgun was a Model 19-5 that was an ex-police gun. It was run hard and put away wet - the action was tired. Replaced that with a really nice 4" Model 66 no-dash. I also had a really nice 586 no-dash with the silhouette foresight.
Never felt right. Sold it off.
I have a couple of M&P 4th changes that I dont shoot (one is USNCPC stamped) and a Second Model Hand Ejector in .455 that feels rough compared to my Triple Lock. Those three should go too.

 

[peterdeb]

Don't have a LEAST favorite S&W. I love them all! Why would I buy a S&W that I would think I won't like it???

 

[DRankin]

I just bought a 686-3. I'm relatively new to S&W compared to most on this forum so I'm not sure what a classic Hunter is.

One thing I've found now after my rather impulsive buy is that I'm not too partial to stainless. Looking for how to polish it up a bit so I can sell it or trade for a Model 13.

I read where Flitz polish is the thing to use but don't wan't start without more reading and make it worse.

S&W will refinish it in a bead blast finish.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/customer-service/performance-center-precision-gunsmithing

Finishing - Revolvers

• High Bright Polish (Blue, Stainless Steel) - $275
• Standard Polish & Blue - $220
• Glass Bead Blue & Stainless Steel - $170

 

[SgtDog0311]

Thnx DR!

 

[N4KVE]

Any revolver with a keyhole on the side, & any revolver that's DAO. GARY

 

['79 Magnum GT]

Any revolver with a keyhole on the side, & any revolver that's DAO. GARY

I have one of each, both in 44 Spl.

Rick

 

[fatmanranch]

Model 317 Airweight .22 lr. Timing was terrible, it spit lead out of the BC gap on several chambers, and it heat-bound if shot more than about 15 rounds, even single action, if run even slightly fast. Allowing it to cool for 5 minutes restored function. And I couldn't get it to shoot any with any degree of accuracy, despite trying a dozen different types of ammo. This might be my problem due to very light weight; but I have at least a working knowledge of how to grip, hold, rest, and squeeze.

I sent it in for warranty service. They fixed the spitting but nothing else. The gun sits on my elderly mother's nightstand now.

 

[Bullbull]

929.....
It's basicall a sub standard revolver for any brand. Chamber throats are usually .358" and the barrel .353" or .354". I have tuned 929's that you couldn't fire all chambers out of the box. There are so much to say about this, but if the built their reputation on this revolver, they would not be a company today.

 

[91B40]

2 inch Model 34, square butt. Never could shoot a decent group with it. Tight chambers. Could not find grips that were any improvement. Passed it on to one of my sons. His son (15 years old) adores it.

 

[Grayfox]

Anything made during the current century. Aside from the various "changes" and "improvements" which most everyone knows about, S&W's QC has gone straight down the toilet and their service these days absolutely sucks.

As for a least favorite model? I know this sounds like blasphemy, but I gotta say the Model 29. Not that I hate it, its just my least favorite. I've never been a recoil junky. I shoot for pleasure and as others have said, there's no pleasure in the .44 Magnum. I do own one, I just don't shoot it much.
For big bores, I much prefer the .44 Special and .45 Colt. Big bullets, plenty of power without all that buck and roar.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Model 317 Airweight .22 lr. Timing was terrible, it spit lead out of the BC gap on several chambers, and it heat-bound if shot more than about 15 rounds, even single action, if run even slightly fast. Allowing it to cool for 5 minutes restored function. And I couldn't get it to shoot any with any degree of accuracy, despite trying a dozen different types of ammo. This might be my problem due to very light weight; but I have at least a working knowledge of how to grip, hold, rest, and squeeze.

I sent it in for warranty service. They fixed the spitting but nothing else. The gun sits on my elderly mother's nightstand now.

I had three I think, from the first 17/8" barreled version to the latest with the FO sight, all developed issues with the cylinder scraping the barrel face and difficult extraction. Hope springs eternal I guess…