Looking for a Smith

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MoreIsLess

MoreIsLess

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All of the guns in my collection are semi automatics, except for a Ruger Security 6, so I am thinking of getting a revolver for a change of pace. I want a Smith and Wesson and prefer something with a 5-6 in barrel, .38spl or .357 magnum. I also want something that would be considered a "classic" revolver. Not sure if I care if it's stainless or blued, probably prefer blued but it doesn't have to be.

I am pretty knowledgeable about the semi automatic market but not so much with revolvers.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
If you want new, about the only S&W's available today are in their Classic line. There is the Model 586 (L frame), the Model 27 (N frame), and maybe the Model 10 (K frame) available if I remember correctly.

Used S&W revolvers open up a whole new world. In 357 Magnum, there is the Model 19 (K frame), Model 13 (K frame), Model 586 (L frame), Model 27 and 28 (N frame) and there pre-model equivalents.

In 38 Special, there is the Model 10 (K frame), the Model 14 (K frame), and the Model 15 (K frame). There is an N frame 38 Special that pre dates the Model number system. The post Model number 38 Special N frames are few and far between.

There are some other blued 357 Magnum/38 Special S&W revolvers that were not made in significant numbers . The one's I mentioned are generally the most common found.

There are also 38 Special/.357 Magnum J frames but these are small. five shot revolvers and did not fit your criteria.

N frame revolvers are the largest revolver S&W offered in 38 caliber. The L frame and K frame are medium sized revolvers, the L frame is a bit larger, and stronger, than the K frame.

I'm sure some folks will chime in and fill in any gaps that I have left. Hope this helps.
 
cfullgraf said:
If you want new, about the only S&W's available today are in their Classic line. There is the Model 586 (L frame), the Model 27 (N frame), and maybe the Model 10 (K frame) available if I remember correctly.

Used S&W revolvers open up a whole new world. In 357 Magnum, there is the Model 19 (K frame), Model 13 (K frame), Model 586 (L frame), Model 27 and 28 (N frame) and there pre-model equivalents.

In 38 Special, there is the Model 10 (K frame), the Model 14 (K frame), and the Model 15 (K frame). There is an N frame 38 Special that pre dates the Model number system. The post Model number 38 Special N frames are few and far between.

There are some other blued 357 Magnum/38 Special S&W revolvers that were not made in significant numbers . The one's I mentioned are generally the most common found.

There are also 38 Special/.357 Magnum J frames but these are small. five shot revolvers and did not fit your criteria.

N frame revolvers are the largest revolver S&W offered in 38 caliber. The L frame and K frame are medium sized revolvers, the L frame is a bit larger, and stronger, than the K frame.

I'm sure some folks will chime in and fill in any gaps that I have left. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

This is very good information to have, thx
 
A good choice to look for a Smith revolver. There are classics, then there are "Classics", as in the Classic Series - later revolvers that have the modern S&W construction characteristics, but are reincarnations of the cool old guns. Both the more modern Classic Series and the old school guns have their pluses and minuses. The old guns cost more than a comparably configured Classic Series revolver, at least when the CS gun is used. Many or most of the Classic series guns have the lock on them that some people don't like. (Doesn't bother me, though.) As guns either would be a good choice. I have a 586 Classic Series that is an exceptional revolver, but I bought it used so it was a better price than the old school 586's.

Old Smiths that that are dedicated .38 Special are lower in cost than .357's that will also shoot the .38 Special. An old model 14 is an outstanding .38 Special that will be exceptionally accurate for target use, in most cases. The prices are going up on them, but it will still be a lot less money than any comparable model 19 with a 6" barrel. 6" barrels were standard on the 14, not on the 19's, adding to the price differential. Both of them are K frames.

I would look at the slightly larger L frames (586, 686) if you're decide to go with .357. Some K frame .357's that have been shot with hot .357 loads over long periods have a reputation for not handling the stress quite as well as L frames. The 686 is just a stainless version of the 586 so it costs a bit more, but worth it if you don't want to deal with finish issues.

When all is said and done, I'd look for an old school model 14 for .38 Special or a newer (but used) 586 Classic Series for .357. If money is less of an object, you could look at an old school 586 or even an N frame model 27, but the N frames are (IMO) just big and bulky enough to keep them from being much fun to carry around or shoot. They are nice guns, though.
 
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You might want to have a look at the Smith and Wesson forum. Use the search for the models mentioned. Many for sale and lots of pics and opinions.
Personally I buy the older Smiths without the Hillary hole.
For carry a 4", and 6" for range. K and L frames are great, and an N frame for a lots o'steel.
Many ranges have a bunch to rent to see what you'd like.
 
I would love to find an older model 27 or even a 19. 586's are nice too. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
 
A 4 inch model 19 is for the guy that can only have one pistol. It is a .357 but will shoot loose
if you shoot a real lot of magnums out of it. It will shoot .38 specials until the cows come home.
One of the finest carry revolvers ever made. Don't know why Smith don't make them anymore.

Zeke
 
zb338 said:
Don't know why Smith don't make them anymore.
Click to expand...

S&W still makes the Model 66, which is the stainless version of the Model 19. The current production of the Model 66 has fixed many of the weaknesses of the Model 19.

Unfortunately, the current Model 66 is not made in the number of variations as the Model 19.
 
I don't know enough about them to recommend a specific model (although I imagine you couldn't go wrong with any of them), but I would highly recommend getting a .357 and not even giving a .38 a second thought. When you're talking about a full size wheelgun, there's just no advantage going with .38, even if that's what you will be shooting 100% of the time. A .357 won't be appreciably any heavier or bulkier, and you will always have the option of going with .357 if the mood strikes you, and I think it will. .357 is a superstar when you get in the 6'' range.
 
Cycletroll said:
There are still S&W Model 28 Highway Patrol's to be found for mid $500ish. I picked up one (4") P&R a few years ago for $500. You can't beat these for quality for the money.
Click to expand...
My dad carried one as a deputy game warden in the 80's. Great gun, would love to find one
 
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