First DA Suggestions

My model 25-5 was my first introduction into DA revolver's. I discovered that the N-frame fits my hands like it was made for me. Just picked up a nice 4inch model 28 three days ago for 550.

murf said:

a pre-lock 5/686. i prefer the six inch barrel for a range toy.

Click to expand...

Any pre-lock S&W K, L or N frame is going to be a good investment.

I've got:

• pre-model # M&P in .38 Special
• Model 14-2 in .38 Special
• 3" Model 65
• 3 1/2" Model 27-2
• 6" Model 27-2

That M&P has large areas of NO finish, but it shoots as well as or better than anything coming out of S&W or Ruger these days. I bought it to practice double action revolver shooting per the McGivern book.

Deanimator said:

Any pre-lock S&W K, L or N frame is going to be a good investment.

Click to expand...

Not necessarily, within the past two months I acquired a very nice condition 686 no dash with very nice custom combat grips for less than a new gun goes for. Alot of them were listed closer to the 1k mark though.

This thread desperately needs more pictures.

A great choice for a range toy, a 686


A great choice if you already stock 45acp would be a 625


A classic 38 special only model 64 is no nonsense and hard to beat


My personal favorites though are the M19 357's

gotboostvr said:

Not necessarily, within the past two months I acquired a very nice condition 686 no dash with very nice custom combat grips for less than a new gun goes for. Alot of them were listed closer to the 1k mark though.

Click to expand...

I didn't mean a strictly monetary investment. I meant that it was worth the money as a tool.

BTW - Isn't there a safety recall on the 5/686 "no-dashes"?

Deanimator said:

I didn't mean a strictly monetary investment. I meant that it was worth the money as a tool.

BTW - Isn't there a safety recall on the 5/686 "no-dashes"?

Click to expand...

Sorry, I misread that. In my mind I read it as "big investment". I was trying to point out that decent buys are still out there for nice pre-lock guns.

Not a safety recall. It was for the firing pin bushing. S&W will still honor any problem guns out there. Mine has already had the upgrade and is subsequently stamped with a "M"

K66, Security/Speed 6, GP100, L686, K19... I really like the 4.2" SP101 as well, although it's a "J & 1/2" frame, rather than a full size K or L. I like stainless revolvers, so I favor the K66 over the 19.

If this will be primarily a range gun I would buy either a M586 (blue) or a M686 (stainless) revolver with a 6" barrel. The longer barrel aids is accuracy and the L frame will stand up to as many full power .357 Magnum rounds as you choose to shoot.

I am with TallBall (though you are getting lots of great advice from all the others as well).

A nicely-made DA 22LR would make a perfect revolver addition to your collection, and talk about inexpensive to shoot...It does not get cheaper than 22LR.

But I am also going to suggest you broaden your search to include Smith's even-smaller J-Frame, and the best of the best, in my opinion, is the 8-shot stainless model 63. It is just about as sweet-shooting a gun as you will find.

BOARHUNTER