The one that I shot the most accurately was a Model 66 4" that had an action job from a good gunsmith. I carried it on duty (shows how old I am) and tried to shoot it a lot. I could shoot it better than any handgun before or after.
I like my 4" 14's best. They both are easy and fun to shoot and hold under 1" at 25 with WW 158 SWC or Precision Delta 158 SWC. They seem so easy to shoot well. Bob
3-screw Ruger Bearcat, simply because it's all I've got in that length. A 6" 686 is the most accurate revolver I have, if we ignore the length restriction.
1980 vintage 57...target was shot in 1983 a few days after I bought the gun from a friend. 25 yards double action. The one out was my fault not the guns. Swayed just as the hammer dropped...
657 Mountain Gun....this was 50' Double Action. The target was a blank B21PC silhouette and the low round was the first and aiming point for the rest.
I think most good quality revolvers are this accurate but what makes small hand held groups is the "shootability" of the gun. One can have a gun that from a Ransom Rest will put all its rounds through the same hole. But if the trigger pull is really crappy the best shot in the world isn't going to shoot the gun as well as they could with a good trigger....
I have a Model 18-0 that is awesome. Also Models 10 and 15 that shoot very well. I find that on a rest, all are really accurate, free hand, well, then I enter the picture and things get a little shaky.
Re." OP. S&W 18-3 that I bought about 2001 from an acquaintance at a local gunshow. Firing off-hand I've been able to shoot 6 shot groups with it at 60 long paces that measured under 6 inches. It is an exceptional revolver. I would not consider selling it.
For me it is the 28-2. I have posted a 50' indoor range target showing 5 shots in one hole. I think the quality of build then the weight, good sights and for me the grip shape and size make N frames perfect shooters.
4" 38 Colt Diamondback with 158 g LRN with 700 X holds the 10 ring at 25 yards.
4" Ruger GP100 in 327 holds the X-ring at 25 yds 98g DEWC and AA#2. - gene
My 6" mdl. 10-5. It out shoots my 14, a flier is about a half inch off the main group. It loves a 146gr. DEWC that I cast. Bullet fitment must be right on with this one. I picked her up rust flecked and cleaned her up, not bad for a little over $200.00. A shooter for sure. Wish I could add a pic but something isn't right.
Probably me.
4" 38 Colt Diamondback with 158 g LRN with 700 X holds the 10 ring at 25 yards.
4" Ruger GP100 in 327 holds the X-ring at 25 yds 98g DEWC and AA#2. - gene