heeter3
Member
I really,really like my model 14 and I agree with rwsmith on a model 10.
If you could only pick 2 ultimate classics
- Thread starter Wfevans4
- Start date
Your injected rule DOES Not Apply to anyone. Is just a game...Why not 7 or 13 or 23?
31FordA
Member
Picking from 70’s/80’s era guns I’d say the Model 10/64. Lot’s of barrel lengths to choose from, round or square butt. It’s the classic cop gun. If you would rather have .357 you can go with the 13/65 or 19/66.
My other choice would be the Model 28-2. Another all around great revolver. If you want to pick from the 1990’s then I’d go with 625. The 625 gives you a wide range of choices, including two Mountain Guns.
I can personally vouch for all the guns I listed, owning multiples of each.
My other choice would be the Model 28-2. Another all around great revolver. If you want to pick from the 1990’s then I’d go with 625. The 625 gives you a wide range of choices, including two Mountain Guns.
I can personally vouch for all the guns I listed, owning multiples of each.
Thanks TheTinMan, I really appreciate that gun too. But , apparently I cheated, because I didn’t pay close enough attention to the dates of this section. I saw folks mentioning registered magnums, vintage K22’s, pre-29s, etc. I’m old, so don’t really consider guns newer than 1980 as classics, but if I stick to that constraint, I will say my 1982 transitional Model 66-2.
Larry
Attachments
Given my profession, it will come as no surprise that my two choices are .38/357 caliber. Each I list I own, so I will add my reasons and circumstances of ownership.
The first is a Model 27-2 with the 3.5" bbl. It was my last duty revolver bought in the early '70s before my department switched to the Model 66, which became mandatory carry.
While I could have bought another Model 28 as I had previously owned, I simply wanted the nicest iteration despite no functional advantage. Despite its classic appearance, I ended up stocking it with Rogers grips because they fit my hand so well. As it turned out, it was only a short time until we went to the Model 66, so the 27-2 did not get carried much. It is in pristine condition.
My second choice is a 586 no dash with the 6" bbl.
From the time of its introduction I considered the L frames to be the ideal .38/357 duty sized revolver frame.
Our department had had a lot of problems with the Model 66s. About a year after the introduction of the L frames, Bill Davis made an offer to exchange our 66s for 4" 686s, and we would pay just the sales tax. I was able to make this happen for my patrol division (I was the division commander by then, and I was committed to getting my troops the very best equipment). With the departure of the 66s so departed the functional reliability problems. These 686s were our last duty revolvers until we went to semi-auto revolvers. They performed admirably.
As much as I like(d) the L frames I wanted one for me. I wanted a 6" 686 with the tall Patridge front sight for use in PPC leg gun matches so I could use a neck hold. But this configuration was thin on the ground. Finally a 6" 586 with that front sight became available, so I grabbed it. Since I wanted something that would replicate the stainless finish wear and rust resistance, I had the revolver electroless nickel plated. Next I had a gunsmith do a competition action job.
Next I had a brlliant idea, or so I thought. Wichita Arms at the time manufactured a stainless steel heavy weight barrel sleeve with an integral recoil compensator. I reasoned that this would convert the revolver to an ideal PPC competition gun for both regular PPC match use, then remove the sleeve via its hex head mounting screw for leg match use. Wichita recommended purchasers have them do the install since they were set up for it.
Upon its return I loved the considerably additional muzzle weight. On the range firing .38 wadcutters felt like firing .22 rimfires. This was one steady and slick revolver. Then I went to do some testing without the sleeve, in leg match configuration. There was however, one slight problem. That sleeve was not coming off. I figured that the very slight additional material on the barrel from the electroless nickel plating had resulted in the sleeve being so snugged to the barrel that no hand pressure would loosen it.
There went the bright idea of one revolver for both matches. I just continued using my PPC customized Ruger Six series for the regular matches and my 6" Python for the leg matches, since I was well satisfied with this combination. I still own both. Both too good to let go.
It was not too long after this that I quit competitive shooting. Command management responsibilities and college and academy teaching were taking up so much time that something had to go, and competition was it.
Given that I will not let a good gun go, I still have that 586. And with that wonderful weight forward balance and smooth action it is a great shooter.
Thus, my two selections along with far more information than anyone could ever want to know.
One poster had added the Colt SAA simply because it should be there. I second the motion.
The first is a Model 27-2 with the 3.5" bbl. It was my last duty revolver bought in the early '70s before my department switched to the Model 66, which became mandatory carry.
While I could have bought another Model 28 as I had previously owned, I simply wanted the nicest iteration despite no functional advantage. Despite its classic appearance, I ended up stocking it with Rogers grips because they fit my hand so well. As it turned out, it was only a short time until we went to the Model 66, so the 27-2 did not get carried much. It is in pristine condition.
My second choice is a 586 no dash with the 6" bbl.
From the time of its introduction I considered the L frames to be the ideal .38/357 duty sized revolver frame.
Our department had had a lot of problems with the Model 66s. About a year after the introduction of the L frames, Bill Davis made an offer to exchange our 66s for 4" 686s, and we would pay just the sales tax. I was able to make this happen for my patrol division (I was the division commander by then, and I was committed to getting my troops the very best equipment). With the departure of the 66s so departed the functional reliability problems. These 686s were our last duty revolvers until we went to semi-auto revolvers. They performed admirably.
As much as I like(d) the L frames I wanted one for me. I wanted a 6" 686 with the tall Patridge front sight for use in PPC leg gun matches so I could use a neck hold. But this configuration was thin on the ground. Finally a 6" 586 with that front sight became available, so I grabbed it. Since I wanted something that would replicate the stainless finish wear and rust resistance, I had the revolver electroless nickel plated. Next I had a gunsmith do a competition action job.
Next I had a brlliant idea, or so I thought. Wichita Arms at the time manufactured a stainless steel heavy weight barrel sleeve with an integral recoil compensator. I reasoned that this would convert the revolver to an ideal PPC competition gun for both regular PPC match use, then remove the sleeve via its hex head mounting screw for leg match use. Wichita recommended purchasers have them do the install since they were set up for it.
Upon its return I loved the considerably additional muzzle weight. On the range firing .38 wadcutters felt like firing .22 rimfires. This was one steady and slick revolver. Then I went to do some testing without the sleeve, in leg match configuration. There was however, one slight problem. That sleeve was not coming off. I figured that the very slight additional material on the barrel from the electroless nickel plating had resulted in the sleeve being so snugged to the barrel that no hand pressure would loosen it.
There went the bright idea of one revolver for both matches. I just continued using my PPC customized Ruger Six series for the regular matches and my 6" Python for the leg matches, since I was well satisfied with this combination. I still own both. Both too good to let go.
It was not too long after this that I quit competitive shooting. Command management responsibilities and college and academy teaching were taking up so much time that something had to go, and competition was it.
Given that I will not let a good gun go, I still have that 586. And with that wonderful weight forward balance and smooth action it is a great shooter.
Thus, my two selections along with far more information than anyone could ever want to know.
One poster had added the Colt SAA simply because it should be there. I second the motion.
My choices would be a 6” 17 and a 6” 57. I have the following models to choose from: 63, 2-17’s, 2 -19’s, 66,2 686’s, 28, 627, 2 57’s, 25,629
Mine would be a first year Model 53 in the box with all the accessories and a fitted 22LR cylinder. Next would be a first year pre-29 or a first year model 57 with an 8 3/8 barrel.
For ranch work , I would pick MODEL 27-2 5" and Model 29-2 4".
But right now all I carry is Mod 57. 4”. Of course it helps to be a reloader. Then you can have full house magnums and specials.
But right now all I carry is Mod 57. 4”. Of course it helps to be a reloader. Then you can have full house magnums and specials.
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Someone already had those with pictures, but in terms of classic and pretty:
1. 29-2 in 6.5 inch (Dirty Harry Classic)
2. 27-2 in 3.5 inch (Prettiest Classic)
3. K22 in 6 inch (Classic Classic)
If you are longing a 4th one - 19-3 or 19-4 in 2 3/4. (The sister of the Prettiest Classic)
If you want to go a little newer (80s), consider a 3 inch with Lew Horton combat grips - 66-3, 657, 629-1. 3 inch N frames with round butt are just on another level - Big Snubby Classics...
1. 29-2 in 6.5 inch (Dirty Harry Classic)
2. 27-2 in 3.5 inch (Prettiest Classic)
3. K22 in 6 inch (Classic Classic)
If you are longing a 4th one - 19-3 or 19-4 in 2 3/4. (The sister of the Prettiest Classic)
If you want to go a little newer (80s), consider a 3 inch with Lew Horton combat grips - 66-3, 657, 629-1. 3 inch N frames with round butt are just on another level - Big Snubby Classics...
xtrtsqrt11
Member
The two I would like most would be:
1- P & R 3" M13 and
2- 3" 547 9mm
1- P & R 3" M13 and
2- 3" 547 9mm
My choices would be K22 (14) and a 27.
That's a tough choice. A 3 1/2" 357 and a 6 1/2" 44 Mag. No, no...a 5" 357 (The 357) and a 44 HE 4th Model Target (AKA Model of 1950 44 Target). No, no...a Model 58 and a K38 Combat Masterpiece. No, no...a..see, I told you it's a tough choice.
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mikeruns
Member
For me, probably a model 686 4” bbl .357 and, a model 18”. That’s two. I can go on and on about other combo pairs all day probably go insane so this is a very practical choice for me and my experiences with both revolvers to know that they can cover all my wants and I could probably do almost everything needed with either. I could be equally served by a 4” model 28 and a 6” model 17.
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I concur with dave1918a2, a Model 53 .22 Remington Jet is one I’d hunt down. A nice one won’t be cheap, ranging from $1500 for a 6” to $2500-$3000 for a 4” and an 8 3/8”. I agree with dave’s recommendation on holding out for the box, cylinder inserts and cleaning kit. Inasmuch as they are no longer in production, their value is increasing every day (the first one I bought in 1971 was $120, box and inserts included!).
Just my 2c worth. Good luck in the hunt; I feel the search is half the fun of collecting.
Just my 2c worth. Good luck in the hunt; I feel the search is half the fun of collecting.
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Sure, I'll pick two. I'll pick two of each one.
Sure, I'll pick two. I'll pick two of each one.
Noah? Is that you, Noah?
I have two revolver choices: the Model 19 (any dash) and the 686. Both of them pretty much define an era of S&W revolver.
And the one S&W that is iconic to me is a semi-auto: the Model 39. It has been my go-to for years, and it was the first domestic semi-auto to offer double action fire on the first shot.
And the one S&W that is iconic to me is a semi-auto: the Model 39. It has been my go-to for years, and it was the first domestic semi-auto to offer double action fire on the first shot.
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