[HABU]

My current firearms interest is leaning towards revolvers. I have 3 1911's and a mkII, but no revolvers. For no particular reason, S&W has my interest. I am way behind the curve as I dont know the difference between a 29-2 and a 29-3. Also there is the issue of 3 vs. 5 screw? Pinned and recessed? Some older guns are not as strong as newer ones and more stuff that I don't even know I don't know.

Is there a good publication that would be handy for the revolver challenged person, perhaps something specific to S&W?

Lets leave the boycott/politics out of it, that's been covered in great detail before. :D

BTW, how does S&W stack up against Colt, Ruger, Taurus etc.?

[Shane]

BTW, how does S&W stack up against Colt, Ruger, Taurus etc.?

I don't have much experience with Colt or Taurus. I have shot a Colt Python, and its very nice, but being a semi-custom model its not representative of the everyday Colts. I'll let the Colt and Taurus owners discuss them.


I do have experience with Rugers and S&Ws, and I own both. I like both very much, as each brand has its own advantages and disadvantages.

I don't think there is a clear cut winner, its just a matter of what fits YOU best. Both brands IMO are good quality in general.

For ME, the Ruger factory grip is much nicer than the S&W factory grips. I HATE finger grooves since none of them fit my fingers, and the Ruger GP 100 does not have them, while my 686 Plus does.

OTOH, for me the S&Ws tend to balance a little better when compared to a Ruger of the same barrel length.

Accuracy is very close IME, as is reliability.

[SDC]

All the "dash numbers" (29-2 , 29-3 , etc.) mean is that there was a minor engineering or specification change in the firearm, something like changing the threads on the ejector-rod from left-hand to right-hand (or vice-versa). One of these changes (and an easy way of telling how old a given revolver is) is how many screws are holding on the detachable sideplate of the revolver, and whether or not there is an additonal screw at the front of the frame. "Pinned and recessed" is a notation that the barrel is secured to the frame (and stopped from rotating) by threading it into the frame, then driving a pin through the frame at a spot that engages some of the threads on the barrel. A good book specific to S&W is "The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson", either the first or second edition; both of them explain these characteristics pretty thoroughly.

[jar]

Don't worry too much about the dash designations yet. Most of them were engineering changes, primarily to make it cheaper to manucature.

Pinned and recessed refers to how the barrel was helpd in place, and in a slight recesses on each chamber. Lots of Smith collectors enjoy the P&Rs but frankly, they don't shoot any better.

Colt, Smith and Dan Wessons are without a doubt the top of the heap when it comes to revolvers. The most accurate from most accurate to merely fantastic would probably be Dan Wesson 15-2, Colt Pyhon, Smith M-27. The current Smith sizes run from the small 5 shot J frames, larger K frames, about the same size but slightly beefed up L frames and the larger N frame.

The biggest difference between the Colts and the Smiths are in the feel and mechanisim of the trigger. The Smiths have a trigger that feels the same throughout its pull but I find the Colt trigger stages, gets harder to pull just before it breaks. They both work great and each person will have their own preference.

One other big difference is if you count shots. With a Smith you simply count as normal, one, two, thre... But since the Colt cylinder goes backwards you have to count down, six, five, four...

HTH.:neener:

[tomkatz]

I have five revolvers, three S&W, a 686-0 6in., a nickel 442, & a nickel mdl 38 bodyguard.....two are rugers, a 3in. gp 100 & a 2.25 in sp101.
I like em all better than the colts and taurus I have owned. I haven't owned a python though, so I had best leave the colt opinions to others with more knowledge of them.
The rugers are really overbuilt little beasts, the smiths seem smoother in finish and trigger pull. Mine all have a fair amount of rounds through them and I'd trust my life to any of them
As always YMMV.......tom

[Standing Wolf]

I'll let the Colt and Taurus owners discuss them.

Current production Colt Pythons are a waste of money. They're poorly made and finished, and are in no way superior to garden variety Smith & Wessons, Rugers, or anything else on the market. Older Pythons are another story altogether.

[Majic]

One other big difference is if you count shots. With a Smith you simply count as normal, one, two, thre... But since the Colt cylinder goes backwards you have to count down, six, five, four...

I do like it when folks refer to Colts like that, but it makes me wonder if they learned to tell time before the digital clock face was invented. :neener:

[Cactus]

Go to this forum. They can answer your questions regarding S&W.

Smith & Wesson Forum (http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro)

[jar]

I do like it when folks refer to Colts like that, but it makes me wonder if they learned to tell time before the digital clock face was invented.

Actually...I, II, III, IV...:D

[Sean Smith]

Older Pythons are both superior to, and often much cheaper than, the current Python Elites. At least the ones I've seen. I've never seen a new-production Python Elite for under $1,000. I picked up a super-nice blued Python made around 1971 for about $300 less.

S&W is probably the best all-around choice for the most people. Good triggers, fairly simple to get a very good trigger with, and strong enough for most purposes. Rugers are the best choice for people who plan to punish the hell out of their magnums, triggers tend not to be as nice as S&W however. Colt Pythons are just cool, but are a funky design.

[RWK]

Habu,

Nice handle; I spent two decades as a Naval officer (principally intelligence) and 15 years with Lockheed Martin Aero, so it means quite a bit to me.

Welcome to the WONDERFUL world of revolvers. In my opinion – and NOT intended to institute a conflict – the ideal handgun for most non-law enforcement uses. Top-quality (Smiths, Rugers, older Colts) revolvers are generally extremely reliable, VERY accurate, multiple-lifetimes durable, and “bet your life” dependable.

You have many excellent options available to procure high quality, multiple use revolvers inexpensively. I would like to offer three alternatives for your consideration as an initial wheelgun (the next paragraph appliers) . All are .357 magnum/.38 Specials, since this combination of rounds provides an almost unlimited variety of outstanding ammunition alternatives; for example:
a) 130 grain .38 Specials (Winchester USA, S&B, Federal America Eagle, among others) for decent quality, economical target and plinking;
b) 125 or 158 grain .357 magnum rounds (from any of the top-quality manufacturers) for superior personal defense (I prefer Gold Dots from Speer, Georgia Arms and Black Hills, but CorBons, HydraShok, Golden Sabers and Silver Tips are excellent as is the “old reliable – 158 grain LSWCHPs);
c) Approximately 190 grain cast-cost lead bullets for hunting.

I respectfully suggest you consider a four inch barrel for first revolver, small enough for concealment, large enough for general use, and an excellent overall platform for almost every handgun application. I offer the following suggestions, with the understanding that there are MANY other equally superb choices, both new and used (see Jim March’s brilliant evaluation treatise at the top of THR’s Revolver page):
a) The Ruger GP100 series (both blue ordnance steel and stainless in current manufacture) is a STRONG, durable, reliable, and accurate alternative. I own two and have been entirely satisfied with both. You will find the double action trigger becomes decidedly smoother with use. These are excellent handguns and true “best values”, both new and used.
b) Smith’s 586/581 and 686/681 series (L frame) is essentially the same category as the GP100. The “5” series are blue ordnance steel and the “6” series is stainless. Similarly, the “86” series has an adjustable rear sight, while the “81” series has fixed sights. L frame S&Ws are somewhat “stouter” than their K frame predecessors, but may not be quite as robust or durable as the GP100 (although, for all practical purposes, both the L frame and the GP100 will certainly last a lifetime of normal use). I have found the L frames to INITIALLY have a slightly smoother action (especially in double action) than their GP100 counterparts.
c) My last recommendation is a Smith N frame (Models 27, 28 and 627). Only the 627 remains in generally available current production, but there are MANY excellent used 27s/28s available. These can be found in three, four, and five inch barrel lengths and their quality (especially in the early-‘70s and before) is superb. N frames are larger and stronger than L frames, but are still concealable; you will find that MANY “revolver people” here on THR are devoted to the N frame and carry it daily.

Enjoy your first wheelgun and best regards.

[Majic]

Actually...I, II, III, IV...

Which reads in the same direction that a Colt turns. :rolleyes:

[HABU]

I went to Tacoma today and bought a copy of Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. I'm looking forward to getting into it.

Thanks for all the input!

[Thirties]

Habu, that book will tell you everything you need to know about Smiths.

But it will not cover the other side of the revolver world which you may be missing out on: single action revolvers.

These are not self defense guns, but they are real fun to shoot and load for. If your sole purpose in owning guns is self-defense, then the single action revolvers are not for you. But if you are investigating revolvers for the fun of it, take a look at the single action Rugers. You won't regret it.

[Majic]

Well somebody has to say it. Colt has built more than just the Python. The Troopers have been fine handguns, especially the MkIII. The latest version, the King Cobra, is also a strong revolver and the Magnum Carry is a snub 6 shot revolver. For big bores Colt has the Anaconda in .44mag and .45 Colt.

[Round Gun Shooter]

but as far as books, it depends on what you are looking for. Many use the book you purchased as a bible. Nothing in S&W is cast in stone so be careful how you use the information.

As far as books on S&W I would suggest you find a copy of The History of Smith and Wesson by Roy Jinks. Mr Jinks is the S&W Historian.

For general revolver, my first read was "No Second Place Winners" by Bill Jordan.

For revolver information, you will get more here in the revolver forum than the other mentioned forum. I spent a lot of time there and left for good reasons. The information given here allows comparison from well rounded people in an atmosphere where free speech is allowed. A little too much censorship takes place on that other forum so you do not always read what was actually posted by the member.

Regards,

[Lone Star]

Habu-

Did you choose your name after the snake, an Oriental pit viper? There are several versions, native to Okinawa, Japan, and the Asian mainland.

Looks as if you need to get by the library and begin reading the basic gun books.

You should have a few at home. Chief among these should be Elmer Keith's, "Sixguns", and Geoffrey Boothroyd's, "The Handgun". I think both are out of print, but Amazon.com probably has used copies. You sometimes also find them at used book stores. They only go into the 1960's, but you need that historical basis.

A good general book is any of the later editions of, "Small Arms of the World", by Smith and Smith.

I have used about all common revolvers, and feel that Smith & Wesson is the best. The cylinder timing wears too fast in Colts, and Rugers have relatively poor trigger pulls and are overall less refined, although very strong.

If I could have only one handgun, it would be a S&W M66 .357 with four-inch barrel. Terrific all-round gun, but shouldn't be shot continually with full Magnum loads, if you shoot a lot. If you must have Magnum power most of the time, step up to the heavier M686, which is beefier, but harder to conceal, if that's a factor. The M66 also handles a little better in most people's hands; it's trimmer.

Lone Star

[HABU]

Did you choose your name after the snake, an Oriental pit viper?
Lone Star
Indirectly. I chose it after the now retired SR-71 Blackbird, which was named after the snake.:D IMO, the baddest plane to ever grace the skies.

[Z_Infidel]

I recently picked up a brand new copy of "Sixguns" so it must still be in print.

[caz223]

I recently purchased a new copy of sixguns right from dillon, so they are definately still available new.

[Stainz]

Okay, you've bought the S&W 'Bible'... now for a revolver.

A great first revolver would be a police-trade-in S&W Model 10, old 'M&P', in .38 Special - 2"-4" barrel. Try your local gun stores - and pawn shops. I recently bought a new 2" from a closeout dealer for $280 + S/H + FFL - great purchase. I have seen highly serviceable 10's from $150-$225 in local stores - more at shows. Great house gun - with 158gr LSWC. Some, like my new one, are +P rated.

My path to revolvers from my G21 and AMT Backups was through that 'common' ammo - .45ACP, perhaps a consideration for you. I bought a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible (single action) in .45ACP & .45 Colt. Great buy, even now at ~$370, blued and either 4.625" & 5.5" barrels. Watch out for those .45 Colts, however... they are an addiction! Another great purchase would be a S&W 625 - new ~$570 - currently in both 4" & 5" barrels. A tad heavy, they are essentially recoil-less with standard .45 ACP ball ammo - and frugal, too. My wife loves shooting mine!

About forums... this one is great - and full of fine folk. The S&W one is as well. My only experience with 'closed threads' was for moving them to the appropriate sub-forum (Yes, they have enough choices, for sure!), hardly a problem. Nice folk there as well - and, of course, at the Ruger forum, too. My revolvers are all either S&W or Ruger, so I spend time on those forums as well. Welcome to the world of revolvers... soon you will rid yourself of the evil-bottom-feeders... except the Ruger MKII .22, probably the most fun one can have with $1 worth of ammo in a handgun!

Stainz