Opinions On S&W Revolvers

T

trky chsr

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
50   0   0
Location
Ontario
Opinions are like belly buttons ...everyone has one so what is your opinion of the various S&W revolver models? I've seen a few different ones on the EE and I'm saving my pennies right now for one. Are the more current 586/686 better handling (with their full front lug) than say the Model 14 or 19. I know they will all shoot better than I can shoot them but what is your experience? TC
 
I carried both a Colt and a Smith in the days when I was paid to do so and am a fan of revolvers generally and especially like the older Smiths. I don't know a lot about the new offerings but if you can get your mitts on an older N frame you will be a happy camper - a few months ago I found at an auction a 5" Model 27-2 'pinned and recessed' and I reckon it will run with anything made today.

BTW - If you are looking for an economical brand-new revolver you could actually do far worse than to look at the Ruger GP100.
 
It all depends on how it feels to you. I prefer to have the weight back in my hand as opposed to out front, so I'm not a fan of 6 or 8 inch guns with the full underlug. The 5 inch 686 currently offered is more to my liking, and the 4 inch with full underlug (if you're able) is great. I had a 4 inch .41 Mag (N frame, model 57) for a time and the balance was just about perfect.
 
In the world of those that shoot revolvers there are those who shoot well and their are those that don't use a S&W..

All kidding aside.. I have a number of revolvers they are all S&W.. Most other revolvers are difficult to tune.. I have 10, 14, 19 65 & 66 .. I've also owned a couple 29's
 
Viper26 said:
It all depends on how it feels to you. I prefer to have the weight back in my hand as opposed to out front, so I'm not a fan of 6 or 8 inch guns with the full underlug. The 5 inch 686 currently offered is more to my liking, and the 4 inch with full underlug (if you're able) is great. I had a 4 inch .41 Mag (N frame, model 57) for a time and the balance was just about perfect.
Click to expand...
If you ever try out a 5 inch barrelled S&W Heavy Duty in 38 Special, you will love it's handling properties.
I have one factory shipped in 1940 and it has the older 'long action'. It's a jewel in the handling department.

Currently I own:
Brazilian M1937, the Heavy Duty, a 1977 made Model 25-2, a 624, and a 1990 made DX Classic Model 629.
The one lonely K-frame, circa 1985, a Model 64-3 modified with a six inch target barrel & adjustable rearsight.
Two Colts, a 1956 made Model 357, an Anaconda, & one DW, an eight inch Model 44.
 
I have a 686 And I love it.
I do have some out of timing barrel problem every time I take it to the range. The gun just got back (100 rounds) from Official Smith repair shop, and still does the problem.
Talked to a Few ruger users and they never had a issue with the GP100.

I like my smith better though
 
They are good revolvers. I have an old Model 10 K frame 38 spl and it would be hard to improve on for accuracy. Something might shoot better than it out of a ranson rest, but for practical matters its as good as they get.
 
Well a lot of people say the triggers are better than the GP series from Ruger, but a spring kit in my freinds GP100 very smooth and light! I got to shoot another members 629 and I didn't notice any huge difference over my Redhawk in .44 mag! One thing I do know is that after extensive use the Rugers tend to stay smooth and in time a little better!
 
S&W revolvers, ahhh, how can one not like them? Aesthetically pleasing, well-made, sweet triggers, accurate. I have a 686 and a 586. Had several other 686's that were sold to make funds available for other toys. I shoot 38 special +P+ through them almost exclusively. Not to say they cannot handle 357 magnum, I just want to give them an easy life.

If I can help it, these two L-frames will be mine until they are inherited by whoever wants them, my children or grandchildren.

Now I also have Rugers, a GP100 and a Security Six that I am as equally attached. They may not have the looks, feel and appeal of my Smiths, but they are rugged workhorses and I do most all my full load 357 magnum shooting with them. In fact, that is main reason I bought them.

Almost forgot, my 17-3 is another keeper. Every shooter must have a .22 revolver preferably of Smith and Wesson manufacture...the K-frame .22 is the quintessential target revolver.
 
Last edited:
seems that S&W revolvers are like a nicely tuned Jaguar V12, and that a Ruger is like a stump-pulling Cummins turbo diesel. one has refinement, the other has strength.

i've shot a S&W 686, a S&W 64, and a S&W 629, but i own a Ruger GP100.
 
Also note it depends what you want to run in it.

If you want .357 Mag, it rules out the 14. Also, the 586/686 L frames were designed because of 19's loosening up with a constant diet of .357.

If you only are going to shoot .38 Special (Rockin' Into The Night, Teacher Teacher lol) you couldn't go wrong with any the three you mentioned, or any of the S&W line.

I've had several S&W revolvers and liked them all. Enjoy whatever one you chose!
 
I own a 686 in .357 Mag. I hope to ,one day, be as good as it is in the accuracy dept. I've never had a firearm that did not care what you fed it. The old girl stays on target no matter what. It is the reason that I started likeing wheel guns. I prefered semi autos till I got to play with her!!!
 
S&W wheelguns

pitdogboy said:
Excellent revolvers...
Click to expand...

Arguably, the S&W revolver is the wheelgun by which all others are measured.

My experience with them goes back ~ 30 years. I have literally shot thousands of rounds of .38 Special out of Model 10's, 12's, 13's, 14's, 15's, 19's, 27's, 28's, 36's, 37's, 49's, 64's, 65's, 66's, 586's and 686's over the years.

If you ask me right now I like the Model 19 or 66 in 4" or a Model 586 or 686 in 6" for a .38 Spl/.357 Mag.

As for .22lr I like the Model 18 in 4" or a Model 17 [no underlug] in 6"

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom