If you could only have one revolver...and it had to be new

One of the smith with a 8 round cylinder in 4" 357 mag.

If the revolver had to be a .357, then I'd also choose the 8-shot 627, but with a 5" barrel.

If it didn't have to be a .357, then either a .44 magnum S&W 629 six inch, or a .22 rimfire S&W 63 or Ruger SP-101

S&w m&p r8.

A Smith 686 or a Ruger GP-100. Before the S&W M19/66s and Ruger Security Sixes were discontinued those were the right answer.

S&W 686 with 6" barrel.

Since you're limited to a single revolver, versatility is key, and it doesn't get much more versatile than a 4" serviced-sized .357mag. My choice would be a 4" S&W 686 or Ruger GP-100.

A Dan Wesson 715 is definitely worth a look, though. Interchangeable (by the shooter) barrels (from 2.5” to 10”) are available, increasing the versatility even more. DWs have always had a reputation for their accuracy, btw.

Well, a lot would depend on what revolvers you already have.

From my side of the 'net where I'm already sitting on a goodly number of .38/.357 S&W's in various models and a couple of .44Magnums in single and double action I think if I were to start looking at a brand new toy it would be a 625JM or perhaps a PC 4 inch barrel 625 with that funky looking underlug setup. The point being that I could take advantage of the full moon clip loading option with .45acp rounds. Now THAT would be a nice revolver.

While I hate to be the first one on the band wagon, but the "new only" stipulation is gonna make me say GP100. They will do all you want to do and do it well. Sure, they are ugly compared to some other guns, but they really are fine pieces.

GP100 or a 686, 4" or 6" barrel, whichever balances best for you.

Now. What is this strange thing you speak of, only one? Is that even legal?

The ever so ugly, futuristic, Chiappa Rhino, 6in

Now. What is this strange thing you speak of, only one? Is that even legal?

Click to expand...

I kinda miss the good old days when I only had one to shoot. I shot it, shot it alot, and was a pretty fair shot. Getting to shoot that one gun was exciting. Fast forward 20+ years and I still have that gun. If I had to sell them all off, but one she would be the keep even though others are flashier, more valuable, or may not have as much wear on them if you judge that by the number or rounds it's shot.

4" Ruger GP100

I like the good ol' S&W Model 10

Gotta go with the GP100, 6 inch barrel, stainless of course ..

This is an old question on this forum, but my answer is always the same.......a Ruger Blackhawk in .38/.357/9mm. With it's adjustable sights, ability to handle the hottest ammo and 3 different calibers, it's the perfect multi-tasker.

LD45

.357 would be the Ruger GP-100 4"
.44 would be the S&W 629 5" Classic

Gp100-4"

Magnum Research BFR in 45-70 Government. 10" barrel. Just because. So there.

357 mag in either Smith 686 or Ruger GP-100, whichever trigger you personally prefer best, most probably w/ 4" barrel

but if 'full size' strikes you as unhandy, then 357 in either a S&W 3" model 60 Pro or a 3" Ruger SP101

runner up honors go to the larger/heavier 44 special/44 mag DAs, 6" barrel, brand flavor of choice, but most probably a S&W N-frame.. 44 mag in the woods, 44 special for 'at home'

"Before the S&W M19/66s and Ruger Security Sixes were discontinued those were the right answer." Yes, that, best of all answers, other than not being currently manufactured, although I suppose you could look at S&W 'new Classic' lineup.. don't hear much about them because the old models still are not all that hard to find, of course...
(for us, how we do it, his-n-hers, a matched pair of 'old model' 6" k-66s.. and a couple of 357 carbines to-go-with)

PS
you could hunt NIB/LNIB on-line for those "old" models you know

Ruger GP100 with 4" barrel. Very versatile. Terrific for most revolver duties and good for everything.

Why not go all the way and purchase a 4 or 6inch SS Colt Python. In my opinion, the Python is the finest handgun made today. My opinion Guys, please don't crucify me for my choice.

Smith and Wesson 686p 4 inch barrel. Don't buy a colt overpriced and overrated. Plus Colt isn't making revolvers anymore, parts, warranty etc. Would be a concern.

S&W 627 Pro

Dan Wesson 715.

Versatility is unmatched when you have different barrels and can swap them in minutes while sitting in your truck or easy chair. You can literally take it from being a silhouette/hunting weapon to a short barreled carry weapon in no time.

I have one of the older Monson models and it's a tackdriver. I know a lot of people say that about guns, but with this one it's very true.

One gun that does a lot of things and uses one of the most versatile calibers in use today. Hard to beat.
I would also suggest something very cool like a USFA replica of the old Colt Single Action, such as the Gunslinger model.
If you're doing target and secondary hunting stuff, then a single action is not a bad choice. They're classy. They're of a uniquely American styling and ethos, being faithful copies of the old Colt products. And, they're made very well.
You can order an extremely nice top-shelf revolver from USFA with whatever options you'd like. If I only had room for one, and I were buying a new one, I'd buy an heirloom quality firearm and maintain it fastidiously while using it regularly.

My suggestions are pricey, but you made no mention of budget. This is the internet, after all. We posters are good at spending the cash of others without regard for much more than desire and some academic reasoning that barely stands on its own.
So, if you have a budget, please say so.