The best of the best…

Nathan · February 2, 2024, 09:32 PM

You guys have seen and shot them all…what is the best shooting, best looking S&W revolver you have ever handled?

For me, I think it is my 14-4. Locks up solid, pinned barrel, 3T’s, great accuracy, nice finish….just a great revolver.

I also have a 19-3 that sings well!

Pumpkin · February 2, 2024, 10:05 PM

Pinned barrel nickel 4” M27.

upstate81 · February 2, 2024, 11:24 PM

Probably my 19-4, pinned barrel model. K frames fit my hand so well, my nickel 29-3 is a close second!

44caliberkid · February 3, 2024, 04:31 AM

Any dash 2 or older, Model 29, 6 1/2 inch barrel. Second choice, Model 66, 2 1/2 inch.

105kw · February 3, 2024, 05:43 AM

It's kind of a toss up.
1st, is my favorite K frame, a Model 67, stainless steel Combat Masterpiece.
2nd, a 3 1/2 inch Model 1950 .357. An old 5 screw gun.

jetinteriorguy · February 3, 2024, 07:29 AM

My 4” Model 57 no dash.

BarryLee · February 3, 2024, 08:18 AM

For me my S&W M66.

Bob Wright · February 3, 2024, 10:17 AM

For a Smith & Wesson, this 5" Full Lug Model 29 has got to be one of my favorites.

But then this Model 586 runs a mighty cllose second:

Bob Wright

**44 AMP** · February 3, 2024, 01:37 PM

For me, its my Model 28-2. 6"

It has all the classic features, none of the crap, and I prefer the satin blue over the high luster blue used on my Model 29.

My favorite Highway Patrolman has the target hammer and trigger too, which makes it even better!!

Webleymkv · February 3, 2024, 05:33 PM

Best shooting, by a small margin, is my 5" Model 27-2. Best looking by a country mile is my 3 1/2" .357 Magnum (Pre-Model 27).

fisherman66 · February 4, 2024, 07:26 PM

I love shooting my Model 10 5” police trade in. I did put a standard spring in place of the LEO spring. There’s magic in wheel guns.

CajunBass · February 5, 2024, 07:16 AM

These two are pretty hard to beat. Not a matched set, but both are from the 51-52 time period. Top is an M&P 38, 6" barrel. Bottom is a K-22, 6" barrel.

I don't shoot them any worse than I do my other guns.

bamaranger · February 6, 2024, 02:28 PM

The best looking S&W to me is the 3" M27, now long out of production. Something about that ejector shroud sweeping up to the muzzle....they look beautiful........and sinister in the same glance. Thing is, I've never handled one, and not sure if I've ever seen one in the flesh.

But I'd gladly trade my 4" M28 no dash on one if I ever came across it.

bamaranger · February 6, 2024, 02:34 PM

OK, it may be 3.5" instead of 3".

ammo.crafter · February 6, 2024, 04:25 PM

S&W model 57 (41 mag) with an armoloy finish.

radom · February 9, 2024, 02:40 AM

Here I have a old 57 no dash I really really like but best has to be my wifes M&P that was her granddads. 1921 date and well broke in on the trigger now.

black mamba · February 9, 2024, 12:46 PM

629-4 Classic 6½" Super accurate and has the Endurance Package.

**Mike Irwin** · February 10, 2024, 11:45 AM

S&W Model 19 4".

The single best alignment of handling, ergonomics, reliability, portability, and power ever conceived as far as I'm concerned.

Closely followed by my Model 25-5 4" in .45 Long Colt.

PzGren · February 11, 2024, 10:47 AM

I had bought my 14-2 pre-owned in Chicago in 1985 and have shot it a lot since then. On top of the rounds I have fired, a good friend had borrowed it for a couple of years and many state and national UIT events. It is hard to beat the practical accuracy.

I somehow gravitate to a 1971 Korth Sport in .357 lately that has grown dear to me, the double action is on a roller and if it is properly set up, the post - 1969 Korths are unbeatable. The fact that the rollers can be changed to have more or less stacking, is another advantage.

Nathan · February 11, 2024, 11:33 AM

@PzGren….thanks for sharing such nice guns!

@Black Mamba…..Can you share what the Endurance Package is? Great 629!

PzGren · February 11, 2024, 12:56 PM

My 29-2 does not have the endurance package but even if it had it, I would not dare to shoot the reloads I made specially for my Ruger SRH through it. I kind of inherited the gun from the estate of a friend and that friend had shot thousands of .44 Special loads through it.

IMHO it is a beast of beauty.

PzGren · February 11, 2024, 01:19 PM

Nathan,

I object somewhat to calling something the best of the best, whether it is a revolver or a car. Many objects are purpose built, and the S&W 14 would be poorly suited for concealed carry purposes, while the S&W 19 with the 2 1/2" barrel is a better choice for concealed carry, most shooters will not do so well with the short sight radius.

For me it is the Korth revolver because I am quality conscient and put my guns to hard use. A rimfire Korth's trigger characteristics are feeling fantastic, ejecting brass is super easy because Willi Korth had driven a ball bearing through the chamber to end up with a super smooth surface. The standard sights of the Korth Sport work well for me, too. It is hard to find another revolver that is finished that well inside and out and I consider them in the same class of high end guns like the Freedom Arms revolvers, Swiss SIG P210, Sphinx 2000s, and the American semi custom 1911s. I compare my Korth to my Nowlin Challenger, built by Mr. Nowlin Sr. after he turned management of Nowlin over to his son.

rclark · February 11, 2024, 04:10 PM

Quote:

You guys have seen and shot them all

I've seen 'em, but have only shot a couple S&W revolvers that others have let me shoot. Seemed to shoot ok. Trigger pull seemed good in SA mode that I shot. Never actually owned one as they have no visual appeal/attraction to me nor operational wise either... So best? I have own 'bests'

.

black mamba · February 11, 2024, 11:23 PM

The Endurance Package of 1990 included strengthening the retention system on the crane and cylinder notches were made longer to prevent the bolt from jumping out of the cylinder upon recoil.

Sevens · February 12, 2024, 02:04 AM

Don’t know if it’s the “best” but it makes me smile a lot. This is a custom PPC gun built by the great Travis Strahan on a S&W Model 64.

February 2, 2024, 09:32 PM	#1
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,334	The best of the best… You guys have seen and shot them all…what is the best shooting, best looking S&W revolver you have ever handled? For me, I think it is my 14-4. Locks up solid, pinned barrel, 3T’s, great accuracy, nice finish….just a great revolver. I also have a 19-3 that sings well!

February 3, 2024, 08:18 AM	#7
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	For me my S&W M66. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

February 3, 2024, 10:17 AM	#8
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	For a Smith & Wesson, this 5" Full Lug Model 29 has got to be one of my favorites. But then this Model 586 runs a mighty cllose second: Bob Wright __________________ Time spent at the reloading bench is an investment in contentment.

February 3, 2024, 01:37 PM	#9
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,871	For me, its my Model 28-2. 6" It has all the classic features, none of the crap, and I prefer the satin blue over the high luster blue used on my Model 29. My favorite Highway Patrolman has the target hammer and trigger too, which makes it even better!! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

February 4, 2024, 07:26 PM	#11
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,686	I love shooting my Model 10 5” police trade in. I did put a standard spring in place of the LEO spring. There’s magic in wheel guns. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

February 2, 2024, 10:05 PM	#2
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 433	Pinned barrel nickel 4” M27.

February 2, 2024, 11:24 PM	#3
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	Probably my 19-4, pinned barrel model. K frames fit my hand so well, my nickel 29-3 is a close second!

February 3, 2024, 04:31 AM	#4
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	Any dash 2 or older, Model 29, 6 1/2 inch barrel. Second choice, Model 66, 2 1/2 inch.

February 3, 2024, 05:43 AM	#5
105kw Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2017 Location: Columbia Basin Washington Posts: 415	It's kind of a toss up. 1st, is my favorite K frame, a Model 67, stainless steel Combat Masterpiece. 2nd, a 3 1/2 inch Model 1950 .357. An old 5 screw gun.

February 3, 2024, 07:29 AM	#6
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,184	My 4” Model 57 no dash.

February 3, 2024, 05:33 PM	#10
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	Best shooting, by a small margin, is my 5" Model 27-2. Best looking by a country mile is my 3 1/2" .357 Magnum (Pre-Model 27).

February 5, 2024, 07:16 AM	#12
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,768	These two are pretty hard to beat. Not a matched set, but both are from the 51-52 time period. Top is an M&P 38, 6" barrel. Bottom is a K-22, 6" barrel. I don't shoot them any worse than I do my other guns. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

February 6, 2024, 02:28 PM	#13
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,318	3" The best looking S&W to me is the 3" M27, now long out of production. Something about that ejector shroud sweeping up to the muzzle....they look beautiful........and sinister in the same glance. Thing is, I've never handled one, and not sure if I've ever seen one in the flesh. But I'd gladly trade my 4" M28 no dash on one if I ever came across it.

February 6, 2024, 02:34 PM	#14
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,318	?????? OK, it may be 3.5" instead of 3".

February 6, 2024, 04:25 PM	#15
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	The best S&W model 57 (41 mag) with an armoloy finish. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

February 9, 2024, 02:40 AM	#16
radom Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2000 Posts: 1,358	Here I have a old 57 no dash I really really like but best has to be my wifes M&P that was her granddads. 1921 date and well broke in on the trigger now.

February 9, 2024, 12:46 PM	#17
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	629-4 Classic 6½" Super accurate and has the Endurance Package.

February 10, 2024, 11:45 AM	#18
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	S&W Model 19 4". The single best alignment of handling, ergonomics, reliability, portability, and power ever conceived as far as I'm concerned. Closely followed by my Model 25-5 4" in .45 Long Colt. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 11, 2024, 10:47 AM	#19
PzGren Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2001 Posts: 1,260	I had bought my 14-2 pre-owned in Chicago in 1985 and have shot it a lot since then. On top of the rounds I have fired, a good friend had borrowed it for a couple of years and many state and national UIT events. It is hard to beat the practical accuracy. I somehow gravitate to a 1971 Korth Sport in .357 lately that has grown dear to me, the double action is on a roller and if it is properly set up, the post - 1969 Korths are unbeatable. The fact that the rollers can be changed to have more or less stacking, is another advantage.

February 11, 2024, 11:33 AM	#20
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,334	@PzGren….thanks for sharing such nice guns! @Black Mamba…..Can you share what the Endurance Package is? Great 629!

February 11, 2024, 12:56 PM	#21
PzGren Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2001 Posts: 1,260	My 29-2 does not have the endurance package but even if it had it, I would not dare to shoot the reloads I made specially for my Ruger SRH through it. I kind of inherited the gun from the estate of a friend and that friend had shot thousands of .44 Special loads through it. IMHO it is a beast of beauty.

February 11, 2024, 01:19 PM	#22
PzGren Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2001 Posts: 1,260	Nathan, I object somewhat to calling something the best of the best, whether it is a revolver or a car. Many objects are purpose built, and the S&W 14 would be poorly suited for concealed carry purposes, while the S&W 19 with the 2 1/2" barrel is a better choice for concealed carry, most shooters will not do so well with the short sight radius. For me it is the Korth revolver because I am quality conscient and put my guns to hard use. A rimfire Korth's trigger characteristics are feeling fantastic, ejecting brass is super easy because Willi Korth had driven a ball bearing through the chamber to end up with a super smooth surface. The standard sights of the Korth Sport work well for me, too. It is hard to find another revolver that is finished that well inside and out and I consider them in the same class of high end guns like the Freedom Arms revolvers, Swiss SIG P210, Sphinx 2000s, and the American semi custom 1911s. I compare my Korth to my Nowlin Challenger, built by Mr. Nowlin Sr. after he turned management of Nowlin over to his son.

February 11, 2024, 11:23 PM	#24
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	The Endurance Package of 1990 included strengthening the retention system on the crane and cylinder notches were made longer to prevent the bolt from jumping out of the cylinder upon recoil.

February 12, 2024, 02:04 AM	#25
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Don’t know if it’s the “best” but it makes me smile a lot. This is a custom PPC gun built by the great Travis Strahan on a S&W Model 64. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.