Question for the more experts about S&W revolvers

[browningautorifle]

There's my M29 on the bottom. Since that pic, I have changed the barrel for a 5". They're more sellable hereabouts after I don't need it.

[Ovidio]

Nice trio!

[browningautorifle]

From top, model 18 in .22, model 19 in .357 mag, model 29 in .44 mag.

[Colonel Enfield]

Just to throw something else in the mix, albeit late - how about a Model 27 or a Model 28 Highway Patrolman? They're basically identical to the Model 29 but chambered for .357 Magnum, which means they're going to be easier on your hand and your wallet to shoot

[philb]

ive had before stupid laws.......models 52, 686, 645, 17, ....good value , and better than most makers

[Ovidio]

Today I had a great day at the small range close to home.
I went for pistol shooting, bringing my Bernardelli P-One in 9x21 and Walther PP-Sport in .22 cal.
Friends of mine came with a CZ, a P38, a S&W 686 6” barrel and a Ruger GP100, also with 6” barrel.
I shot them all, but my main interest was for the two revolvers.
I’ve been really astonished by the S&W. A great trigger, perfect mechanics, fabulous looks with wooden grips. Also the Ruger was very nice to shoot, due to a more fitting grip and great sights. All in all, two wonderful handguns, but the S&W has really conquered me.
The cylinder spins without the slightest friction, the trigger is fabulous and the “personality”...
There was also an older shooter, who we usually see with a Pardini semiauto, who today came with a wonderful S&W revolver, blued, 6” barrel and .45 Long Colt caliber. Early 60’s.
I haven’t been able to find out the model, since he’s a fairly particular guy, but I really loved that piece.
Well, now I’m absolutely sure that I need a revolver from S&W. .357 or .44 or even .45LC, doesn’t matter!
Please Santa, come soon!

[Bruce_in_Oz]

If you plan to do serious shooting, the S&W 586 or stainless 686 with the 6 inch barrel is a nice compromise:

Larger than a K frame model 19 and smaller than the big "N" frame Model 27 / 28.

There is also NOTHING wrong with the Ruger revolvers; very reliable and handle nicely. A friend shoots a stainless steel one in "service" match and keeps everyone with the "fancy" guns in line and on their toes.

The beauty of a revolver is that you can practice a complex shoot that involves many reloads in the safety of your back yard, if you are prepared to have a good (at least 90) DUMMY rounds and at least eight speed-loaders.

Like any other good revolver, the Ruger action can be "tuned" so that in double action, you can rotate the cylinder to the next chamber using the trigger, stopping JUST short of firing, and then release the shot at the perfect time with just a little additional trigger pressure. This is where the dummy cartridges come in. The gun will have the same starting weight as the real thing at the start of a "string".

COUNT your shots and reload and repeat as many times as you have speed-loaders filled with dummy cartridges. Using your computer, you can even print "miniature" targets on A4 paper, to develop "target acquisition" and sight-picture, during these "home-training" sessions.

With a revolver, it is also easier to find your fired cases on the range. Many revolver shooters carry a little plastic bucket to each firing point and dump the empties, (and the "expended" speed-loader) into it as they do each reload. If the match is a bit more "lively", at least you can drop the cases at your feet, before moving to the next firing point.

Those of us with 1911 and other "autos", have to dig around in the grass for our fired cases. This is another very good reason to keep your brass clean and SHINY.

Keep us posted on your progress!!

[RCS]

Ovidio, The 45 Colt in the large N frame S&W is the Model 25 (mine is in the photo) very accurate cartridge and can still be used with lighter loads too. One disadvantage is that sometimes the small diameter rim of this cartridge will sometimes hang-up in the extractor,
that is easy to clear but still a small nuisance. The original design of the 45 Colt was for the Colt single action which used the ejector rod to push out each cartridge so the small rim did not matter.

When the US Army purchased the Colt Model 1909 revolver with the swing-out cylinder, a new variation of the 45 Colt with a larger rim was used to improve extraction. Later during WW1 all these revolvers were in 45 ACP

Attachment 88092

[Ovidio]

Very interesting and, I must admit, extremely beautiful gun.
I really liked it Saturday!
Now, since everybody seems to be tempting me, yesterday a guy in Trieste put a Model 27, 6" barrel, early 70ies on sale.
Perfect conditions, since it was never fired.
Counterbored cylinder, barrel with cross pin (I can't remember the correct definition), hammer with firing pin, old style front sights.......
I called and asked him to wait for me on Saturday, when I'll be back from Germany.
He could not promise, but I'm still hoping.
Then another one in Treviso, 40 km from me, put a Model 29-5 on sale. 6" barrel.
I'm really losing my determination to wait for Santa, that lazy guy!

[Woodsy]

Ovidio, that M27 6" with the pinned barrel would be a good investment in its unfired condition as they are a high quality revolver. I would still recommend the L frame m586/686 revolvers as much better all-round shooters.