in the new classic series. Have to give background: I have a Smith Model 10 and some other guns and basically inexperienced having just got back into guns 2 years ago. I just go to the outdoor range and shoot targets and plink. No CCW, no home defense wishes, no competitive shooting. I am 65 and want to shoot and have some nice quality, attractive guns for the next few years. Anyway, in the 2008 SW catalog I first learned about the classic series and saw that they will be selling a Model 25 in 45 Colt this year. I set my heart on one in nickel. I had also seen that in the 2008 catalog they have introduced a Model 24 in 6.5" barrel in 44 Special. I sort of wanted that because it is a different caliber gun I do not have. Haven't seen these two yet but told they will be available before the end of the year if in catalog, which they are. So, I was pricing them, etc and waiting for this certain dealer to possibly get one or the other when they are available. (I know I am wordy, bear with me.) So, here in Iowa I happened to go in a sporting goods store today and the dealer has a SW Classic Series Model 21 in nickel for $599 plus the Iowa 7% tax. The tag has this listed as "AS NEW." I think with this dealer that means it is not new from SW but someone sold it to them as an unfired gun. The box, etc all comes with it. So, I got home and checked on this and it is only listed as NEW Product in 2007 catalog and is no longer available from the company. It has a 4" barrel and seems to be a bit heavy in the cylinder area but I am used to my Ruger New Vaquero with a 7" barrel. Now, I think this gun is a pretty good price because the SW 2007 catalog MSRP is $972. I have never had a 44 special gun before so how does that compare to 45 colt which I dearly love. I also love my 4" Model 10 in 38 Special from 1976. What reason would I not buy this gun in favor of waiting for a Classic Model 25 in 45 Colt or a Classic Model 24 in 44 Special. Both of the latter guns, 25 and 24 have 6.5" barrels. So, tell me any and all you want about the caliber, the barrel length, the balance issues, the price of the gun. Thanks so much for letting me go on and on. I think I have to move fast on this because I do not think that gun will be there long.
Questions about buying SW 21 Classic
- Thread starter moewadle
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Brian Dale
Member
I haven't shot the 21, the 24 or the 25, so I'm no help there.
I bought a four-inch Smith Model 22-4 (another N-frame in .45 ACP) a year and a half ago. There was a 4" Model 21 next to it in the case. I handled both and decided to go with this one because I liked the idea of .45 ACP and moon clips.
I've shot .45 Colt, but only out of Rugers; I like that caliber a lot. I don't know enough about .44 Specials to offer advice about the caliber, but a lot of smart people love 'em. What I can tell you is this:
1) I like the balance of this revolver with its 4" barrel.
2) It's hefty, but that means that it soaks up recoil very nicely.
You might ask your dealer what they mean by "As New." Be sure that it comes with a full warranty and so forth. Mine had a turn line beginning to develop on the cylinder and I think that they called it a "salesman's sample." As far as I'm concerned, that just meant that somebody else had started the process of firing it a lot to make it nice and smooth.
If you want a new Smith & Wesson revolver, I can't think of anything bad to say about that 4", nickeled Model 21. They won't get any cheaper.
I bought a four-inch Smith Model 22-4 (another N-frame in .45 ACP) a year and a half ago. There was a 4" Model 21 next to it in the case. I handled both and decided to go with this one because I liked the idea of .45 ACP and moon clips.
I've shot .45 Colt, but only out of Rugers; I like that caliber a lot. I don't know enough about .44 Specials to offer advice about the caliber, but a lot of smart people love 'em. What I can tell you is this:
1) I like the balance of this revolver with its 4" barrel.
2) It's hefty, but that means that it soaks up recoil very nicely.
You might ask your dealer what they mean by "As New." Be sure that it comes with a full warranty and so forth. Mine had a turn line beginning to develop on the cylinder and I think that they called it a "salesman's sample." As far as I'm concerned, that just meant that somebody else had started the process of firing it a lot to make it nice and smooth.
If you want a new Smith & Wesson revolver, I can't think of anything bad to say about that 4", nickeled Model 21. They won't get any cheaper.
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mossy141701
Member
moewadle, I have a model 21 classic, a chistmas gift from the wife, I really like it and it seems to have about the same energy as a 45 colt or acp.The 44special is a lot easier to shoot than the magnum, I have both, the ammo is a little pricey. the difference between the 21 and the 24 is ajustable sights. the ammo for a 22 or 25 would probably be cheaper. but if you want a 44 it is a nice gun. Just wish it didn't have that ugly lock.
Redhawk 44
Member
The 44 Spl shines as a reloader's gun. In the factory persuasion of ammo the Speer Gold Dot 200grainers are a top notch load. This round is also made in Blazer for those who don't reload. 44 Spl with a 240gr slug at 850 is a marvelous thing to use. The caliber is extremely accurate and adequately powerful. I have owned several (8) S&W 44 SPLs and loved them all. The price is a good one for that weapon. ENJOY
Thank you for the detailed answers
and encouragement. Today I made the drive back to Des Moines to Scheels and put the gun on layaway. It is a very nice looking piece with all the papers, box, etc. I am anxious to shoot it. FYI I checked the internet today and saw like three NIB for sale at set prices. One was $575, the cheapest, one was around $750, and I cannot remember the price on the other. Thanks again, I know I will love it. By the way, in support of my belief that nice guns at reasonable prices do not stay around long....the sales person said it had just come into the store two days ago. If you see something you like don't wait too long.
and encouragement. Today I made the drive back to Des Moines to Scheels and put the gun on layaway. It is a very nice looking piece with all the papers, box, etc. I am anxious to shoot it. FYI I checked the internet today and saw like three NIB for sale at set prices. One was $575, the cheapest, one was around $750, and I cannot remember the price on the other. Thanks again, I know I will love it. By the way, in support of my belief that nice guns at reasonable prices do not stay around long....the sales person said it had just come into the store two days ago. If you see something you like don't wait too long.
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