Would like to buy a "classic" S&W revolver

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Lately I have been considering buying an older S&W revolver. I already have a 4" 686 Plus that I absolutely love. It is a newer one with the lock accurate. I would like to buy an older, 1970s or 80s?, blued S&W revolver in .357 and 4" barrel to go with my 686+. This will probably be a one-time purchase. This gun will be a range/hunting sidearm and not a safe queen, but I want to buy one that is in excellent condition as I take very good care of all my firearms. My budget would be about $750 max. I would like to get some advice from The High Road S&W revolver experts on which model would be a good fit based on the guidelines I have given. Thanks!

I would like to some pics of the model you recommend if possible.
I am far from being a expert and the older I get the more I realize what little I do know! With that said I would have to admit that I own both a 686+ and a 586 that was bought new in 85 (think it's a -1, would have to go look to be sure). Like you, my guns are for shooting and although I do enjoy the pristine Smith's on the S&W Forum, can't justify owning a "look-at-it" gun!
As much as I like the 586 (I'm a sucker for blued steel and wood grips) I would have to say the 686 is getting more and more range time. Mainly because I shoot it better! Not sure if it's the round grips or because it seems to have better balance. Both display accuracy way beyond my limited skills. It's just easier to hit the plates with the 686. Most shooting is done with reloads at 38+P ratings, that way I can stay at the range longer and shoot more. Would I be willing to sell the 586? NOPE!
 
I finally have some funds with which to purchase a "classic" S&W .357 Mag revolver I inquired about when starting this thread several weeks ago. The feedback and pictures were very helpful. I think I'll go with either a Model 19 or a 28 in 4" depending on what fits my hand better and the condition. Other than going to the gun shows and hitting the pawn shops, I don't know of any sources for older S&W revolvers. Don't really want to use GunBroker, Bud's etc. since I won't be able to hold it first. Are any of you guys who have these wheel guns in the DFW metroplex looking to sell or know of anyone looking to sell one?
 
I would question why you are essentially buying what you already have? The 686 is one of the best .357s ever made. You may get a different look by buying an older blued .357, but you may find a blued finish does not hold up that well to heavy field use, and that the N-frames may be too large and heavy for practical carry in the field, or the K-frames may not be sturdy enough for a steady diet of magnums. The L-frame 686 was invented for a reason, to solve these specific problems.

Not saying don't get a M19 or M28, just that you may already have the superior tool for that purpose.
 
I would question why you are essentially buying what you already have?

You are being a real killjoy. :p Actually, a good friend of mine said the EXACT same thing today. He said the 686 Plus is the apex of the .357 Magnum revolver, and I'm not going to find a revolver that offers anything that mine does not already have in the way of quality, accuracy or features. Still, I would like to have another S&W .357 Mag revolver. Maybe I should just find a pre-lock version of my 686 plus. I also like to have redundancy in calibers so that if a particular firearm ever becomes unusable for whatever reason I will have another one to use until it is back in service.
 
It doesn't matter why you want one. The fact is you do want another one. I like the Model 28 personally and I like it because I like it. I have several .38 Special revolvers (Colt,S&W,target,snub and duty models) because I like .38 Special revolvers and I collect them. Being practical has nothing to do with it. If you want to own fifteen .357 magnum revolvers - all Model 19's- then I say go forth and have fun. People are to serious sometimes.
 
I had the chance to get a 686+, and while its pretty darn cool to have 7 rounds on tap, I felt that it was too limited in its usability in things like IDPA, where Stock Service Revolver is limited to 6 rounds. So I found me a nice 686-3 and I couldnt be happier
 
Registered Magnum. If you can find one of those with the original certificate returned from S&W you will have the crown jewel.
 
Agreed - "Registered Magnum"

That said, I carried and used an M15 for many years in the USAF...daily classes I taught, too many competitive events to remember and years of hit it the first time every time. Really a magnificent handgun. Wish I could have bought mine when I retired.

It took me years to get used to not having it...an old friend.
 
If it were me I would want a Model 19 and either a Model 28, or if I could afford it, a Model 27, to go with what I currently had. Both a K frame Model 19 and an N frame Model 28 or 27 are perfect examples of classic S&W revolvers and would complement your L frame Model 686 Plus quite nicely.
 
The only Registered Magnum I've come across was a 6.5" model and the sticker price was $2,500.00. Way beyond my financial abilities. That would have been about six years ago. I'm sure that same model would now bring $5,000.
 
You guys telling me to buy a Registered Magnum need to take up a love offering, and I will be sure to buy one. :D

Otherwise, I'll stick to a 19 or 28 if the frame size is not too big. My 686 Plus is the perfect frame size for me, so I'm not sure how a bigger gun will feel. I'll be hitting the Fort Worth Gun Show on Feb 11th and while everyone else is clamoring for the AR-15s and 5.56 ammo maybe I can sneak out with a good deal on a revolver.
 
I own a 5" model 27-2. It is THE 357 magnum. Anyone claiming to collect S&W's MUST own at least one in some barrel length. Since you are not building a collection but want a carry Smith with some range time, I would recommend a model 19, preferably a pinned & recessed model. They are substantially less to lug around than an N frame, and can handle mag loads, just don't shoot consistent diet of 125gr'rs. I always wanted one, but skipped ahead and got the 27.
 
This may not be a classic revolver, but does anyone own the Model 625 in .45 ACP? I friend of mine said I should look at that since I have the 686 Plus and he knows I'm a big .45 ACP fan.
 
I love the 625; I was lucky enough to find one a new one (4") a couple of years ago that was NOT a JM with that tattoo that I think spoils an otherwise excellent revolver. It is very accurate, smooth, and fun to shoot. For what it's worth, it also will handle 45AR without the moon clips, and with clips you can use .45 GAP loads, if that was all you could find. I was given a whole bunch of the GAP ammo, and it works quite well in it.
 
I just purchased an unfired 24-3 to add to my stable. That's a classic in my book. The big decsion will be do I fired it....I suspect I will.
 
I love the 625 as well got a 5" and 3" both prelock both are super accurate and soft shooting guns. They load super fast with the moon clips and you can really go thru the ammo.
 
I still occasionally run across Model-19s in excellent condition. I have or have had most of the guns mentioned above, but if I had to pick just one .357 revolver, it would be my -19 4". It does everything well and has no bad habits.If it was good enough for Bill Jordan, its good enough for me.
 
I have a really nice 581 no-dash that I am considering selling, if you are interested.

JIM
 
It is an "L" frame fixed sights. Ofter referred to as a "Distingushed combat Magnum. Early '80's, I think

Fort Smith, Arkansas
 
This may not be a classic revolver, but does anyone own the Model 625 in .45 ACP? I friend of mine said I should look at that since I have the 686 Plus and he knows I'm a big .45 ACP fan.

I have a 625 that I got to shoot USPSA matches with. For competitive use there is nothing faster than a 625. For any other use I would go with something else.
 
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