S&W Revolver Accuracy

Rocket Surgery

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Hello,

A couple years back I had a S&W Model 60 .38/.357 which I reloaded for. I was using about 3.5g bullseye with a lead SWCBB and the accuracy was just outstanding. If I really took my time, I could make rifle-like groups at 25 yards standing. There were times where I made 3-shot touching groups.

I'm looking to get another revolver, and I'm wondering if I had (and sold) a real gem, or if they're all like that. The 686 looks like a nice pistol, and I can't seem to find another model 60. The Ruger GP100 looks nice as well.

Do you guys get these types of groups with your guns or should I try finding the guy I sold to and offer him $1000.00 for my gun back?
 
Hello,

A couple years back I had a S&W Model 60 .38/.357 which I reloaded for. I was using about 3.5g bullseye with a lead SWCBB and the accuracy was just outstanding. If I really took my time, I could make rifle-like groups at 25 yards standing. There were times where I made 3-shot touching groups.

I'm looking to get another revolver, and I'm wondering if I had (and sold) a real gem, or if they're all like that. The 686 looks like a nice pistol, and I can't seem to find another model 60. The Ruger GP100 looks nice as well.

Do you guys get these types of groups with your guns or should I try finding the guy I sold to and offer him $1000.00 for my gun back?

That kind of super accuracy is partly from the gun, but mostly from the shooter. If you can do 3-shots touching with a model 60, you can do it with a 686 or a GP100.
 
You may find several S&W revolvers that group just about or almost as well.
Perhaps a 25-2, 624, or a 64-3. I've found these ones in my collection to be particularly good shooters. Oh yeah, my Colt Anaconda, and a Model 357 are also fine shooters too.
But I strongly suspect my Dan Wesson will outshoot any other magnum I own.

ymmv

Edit: On the EE Nestor has a very very nice 66-2 for sale. If I didn't have the 64-3 it would be mine!
I bet you it's a fine shooter also.
 
I'd suggest they're all pretty accurate. Here's 6 shots standing at 20 yards with my 586 and cheap factory ammo.

2s7tdg0.jpg
 
I'd say you may have had a slightly better than usual example. But consistent groups that are close to that should be easily achievable... if your own abilities haven't slid downhill since that time.

I wish my eyes and nerves were good enough to let me shoot that good. Even on a good day I would smile if I could keep all 6 in a 5 to 6 inch circle at 25. The gun itself is definetly better than me.
 
Smiths are accurate guns. I'm into long range shooting (from sandbags) & S&Ws are my way to go !! My preference is 44 caliber. My 4 inch Mdl 29-4 does 2 inches @ 100yds & my Mdl 624 (4 in bbl again) 3 1/2 in @ 150 yds on a good day...2012 will bring some testing of a Mdl 24 at those ranges...For the record all of these are doing cloverleafs @ 50yds, again from sandbags...

All S&Ws wheelguns are capable of superb accuracy, poor results are usually shooter's fault...Mk
 
I've loved my Smith 586 for years. I had the front sight changed to a high patridge from the red plastic insert ramp sight. A 158 gr SWC, pushed by 3.4 gr of 231 make that gun a tack driver.
 
It may also be frame size and your hands. You may want to find a K/L frame Smith and check the fit in your mitt. J framed Model 60s are smaller, though I'm agreeing with the previous posters: a guy who can shoot touching 3 shot groups at 25 offhand can probably shoot any other Smith just as well. You won't go wrong with a good K frame, I've owned (almost) everything Smith & Wesson ever made, from the 1800s on to modern N frames, and I do my best shooting with K frames. Like that 66 on the EE...
 
I prefer L-frames personally. I have a 4" Smith 581 that can outshoot my 6" Smith 14. When shooting double action, I prefer the tight lock up feeling of an L-frame. My Model 14 tended to spit and not be as accurate as my L-frames.
 
I have an early production Colt Python that I've done some of my best off hand light load paper punching with, back when I was doing a lot of shooting in that discipline.

357MagColtPython.jpg


The load I was using was 3.5gr of Bullseye with a Speer 148gr HBWC and using 357 Mag cases.

Python-1.jpg
 
yes the colt snakes are nice ,as well as the K and L Frame Smiths .

But the 38/44 and the N Frame revolvers in 38Spec and .357 Mag are the best in thier class. In that Cal !

Bob
 
I think I have to give a nod in your direction Bobbyjack.
In my collection of S&W revolvers is one Heavy Duty in 38 Special that left the factory in 1940.
It's action is wonderfully nice & it's just an awesome handgun with outstanding workmanship one rarely sees these days.
 
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