Today, I'm seeing an almost re-birthing of interest in revolvers! I'm 71 years young and see a lot of guys my age and some young guys putting their semi-autos in the safe and going back to revolvers! In 1973 I carried a S&W Chief's Special. Now I'm looking at 3" revolvers for a daily carry. The only issue that has steered me away from S&W Quality Control! But, wheel guns won't disappear anytime soon! Nice presentation! Best to ya',,,,!
Yeah I have to agree I’m 40 years old now. But even 10 years ago I remember the day I picked up a 27-2 for a song. Actually I kinda won it in a Texas hold ‘em card game. I was kinda like what am I gonna do with this. This thing is freaking ancient. Well I ended up taking it to the range and from the second I started to load it. I fell in love…… that pistol also taught me something very useful. Almost all firearms in decent condition are useful and should be cherished.
Did you ever have a look at the revolvers Smith & Wesson made for the French police: 3" barrel (approx. - at least as long as the ejection rod) and 9 mm parabellum - with half-moon clips?
@@Johnny-jr2lq I started with revolvers and 1911's. I carried a 1911 some of the time but my revolver was carried quite often. If people give themselves a chance, quit worrying about capacity, they will enjoy revolvers a lot! One upside to revolvers is your ammo lasts a lot longer at the range. Plus, you will concentrate on shot placement more! Best to ya',,,,!
My "thing" with the older Smith & Wesson revolvers is that I wanted them so badly when I was a "kid" and couldn't afford them. Now I'm older, retired, and thankful that I can afford them. I have10 older (like me) Smith's that I drooled over in Guns And Ammo magazines until the pages wrinkled and faded. lol
Your story is the same as mine! I’m fortunate to own 12 of the ones manufactured from 1975 to 1990! They are very special to me! I have a model 17-3 that I purchased in 1976. This gun has shot more than 80,000 rounds, I’ve never had even one minor problem with it. I’ve made more good memories with this gun than I can count! It still shoots better than my aging eyes can see to shoot it. Money can not buy it t as long as I’m alive!
It's been 2 years since I post that comment. In that time I have added 12 more to the collection. I now have 11 K frames and 11 N frames. Thanks for your reply, Mike.
@@KSFWG congratulations on being able to acquire some of what I consider the best of the best! I got my first when I was 19 years old! I was hooked. I just can’t get enthused over the “plastic pistols”! I know they are very capable but they are not for me! I’ve always tried to make sure that my skill level with a handgun would keep me from needing a lot of firepower. I have 4 N frames, 7 K frames and 1 L frame. Thank Enjoy your S&W’s!
I ordered a 19 Classic, it was 22 months before it arrived at my dealer! When I took possession of it, I immediately called S&W for a return authorization! The gun had many problems that should not come with a brand new gun! It was manufactured in the third week of July, 2021. I received it during the fourth week of July! It honestly looked like something that you would find in the used gun area of a Pawn Shop. The frame and cylinder were finished in the deep rich black bluing like the guns of the 70’s, the barrel shroud appeared faded from black to gray! The cylinder had a very pronounced wear ring around it! The recoil shield had a wear groove where the cylinder strikes it when closing it! The grips did not fit together at the front of the butt, almost 1/8 inch gap, at the rear, they were fine! I returned it to S&W, they kept it 4 months! Once I finally got it back, it looks and shoots great. S&W took care of all problems! I don’t sell or trade any of my S&W revolvers but I will never have the love for this gun that I have for all my other Smiths! It should have never left the factory in that condition!
I’ve owned a S&W model 17-2 master piece 22 lr for over 40 years and have owned several handguns also but this model 17 has taught me more about handgun shooting than all the others, this gun is like an old friend to me.
I have owned dozens of Smith revolvers, but the very best of them all is a model 15, no dash, from 1957, in factory nickel with target hammer and trigger. The gun rested practically unfired in a safe for over 55 years before I got it and it has the smoothest action I have ever experienced in a Smith revolver. That smooth action was an original factory hand fitting too, not something that came at an extra charge. Yes, I shoot it, and it is a real pleasure.
Had an old one about 27 years ago when I was just married. It was the smooth and might have had an action job. One of the slickest guns I’ve owned. Let it go to buy the next toy. Kind of wish I had kept a few I got rid of that way.
I sold a model 57 about 30 yrs ago to a friend for $250 - He told me that he'd sell it back That gun was from the early 70s But he knows that it's worth about 4X what he paid me for it He doesn't handload so he still has the one box of ammo that he ever bought for it and he doesn't want to shoot it because he'll have to order more since nobody carries .41 Magnum.
@@bertkilborne6464; I'd love to find a model 57 that was reasonably priced. I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .41 mag and I have everything to handload for it. I also have a Super Blackhawk in .44 mag. My .41 mag gets used the most.
I have an old original model 27 in like new condition, 8 3/8 barrel and a Chiefs Special air weight that will be in my estate sale someday, or go to my grandson. The 27 isn't just a nice gun, it's a work of art.
My father was a Chicago Cop when I was a kid and I inherited his S&W.38 Special CTG service revolver from 1955! It has a pinned barrel and a “floating firing pin” as he called it. Adjustable rear sight and recessed cylinder. Also I have his old off duty S&W snub nose .38 Detective 5 shot revolver that he had a gun smith shave the hammer down so he could carry it in his pocket like all the old time detectives did. Also another snub nose .38 Detective air weight revolver that I swapped out the grip for Packmayre grips. I bought back my S&W Model 19 357 Mag Snub Nose revolver that I carried before converting to 9mm Glocks. All Fire beautifully. Like you said, keep them cleaned and lubbed and I can pass them down to my sons.
For future reference, Colt had the 38 Detective Special which was a six-shot snub nose. It was also sometimes chambered in 32 caliber. If you have a 5 shot snub nose it's a Smith & Wesson Chief Special, that's named for its being introduced at an International police Chiefs Association convention.
Knowledge is power. I have been looking at purchasing a revolver and the information that you provided has helped me immensely. God bless you for sharing your S&W revolver knowledge with us.
David you camera work was great, thanks for putting this Video Review together. My son and I like Smith&Wesson Revolvers very much. Respectfully, Beretta Sr.
Today's S&W revolver is only a shadow of the revolver's made 25 years ago or so. Most of the part's now are metal injection molded rather than forged. S&W intent is to have the part's drop in with little to no fitting. Fitter's ( the individual's who assembled the gun use to use a 56 point inspection sheet. The last inspection sheet I saw had 12 inspection point's. S&W went to the two piece barrel system because they lost the ability the align the barrel with the frame. (The procedure is called "clocking") Compared to the older gun's , polishing and bluing also leaves a lot to be desired. The Performance Center Gun's are not what they used to be either. Most are fitted on the regular production line. When the P.C. was a seperate production facility, the gun's were assembled and hand fitted there. A Performance Center action is no better than the action on a regular production gun. I love Smith's but only the older one's.
@cameronnorton5898 I think you're right. Having someone sitting there hand-fitting parts, making an hourly wage plus company contributed health insurance...would certainly bring the retail cost of the gun way up. I would be willing to pay the extra money for a hand-fitted gun up to a certain point. But would not pay double. A new N-frame is $1100-$1500 now where I live. I couldn't afford $2500+.
I just picked up a new 586 classic. I'm happy to say the barrel is perfect to my eye. I was seriously stressed out over the barrel issue videos. I looked it over very closely and can not ba happier. I think I want all the new prodution classic revolvers. Thanks for sharing.
Great video and what a beautiful collection of revolvers. I'm so glad to see a person that is open minded about the S&W revolvers of today. They are simply trying to give revolvers guys nice reliable guns. They are not making these because of their high profit margins. Thanks for this great video.
I dislike the fact that solid Goncalo hardwood grips are not used anymore on their models. The laminated wood grips S&W purchases from their vendor look cheap. And the beautiful high gloss nickel finish is a thing of the past.
My brand new, 10 shot S&W 617 was shipped without a forcing cone cut into the barrel. It spit lead so bad it hit the guy in the next shooting bay in the cheek. Luckily he was angry at S&W and not me. Smith had to actually cut a forcing cone into the barrel as a REPAIR. Accuracy is nearly non existent of course... My Mod 17-4 from 1979 is a perfect gem and will outshoot the 617 any day of the week.
Beautiful guns, Mr. Drake. Great tutorial! I learned a great deal. I own a s&w 9mm 639 and I've been wanting a revolver for so long. Trying to learn more and make the right decision upon purchasing, for me.
I have a few S&W revolvers but my favorite is my old Model 28 Highway Patrolman (6"). The gun is just such a pleasure to shoot, and is incredibly accurate! It's my backup sidearm of choice when I hunt. Nice video David! Many thanks from South Africa.
My father had a highway patrolman I was supposed to get when he passed. I was in a different state when that happened, and when I got his guns the revolver wasn't among them. Somewhere along the route it was stolen. Pisses me off every time I think about it.
@@ericoverdorff8880I feel you man. When my dad died I too was in another state. By the time I got there all of his guns and medals from WWII were gone. Thieving crackhead cousins 😡
I entered law enforcement in the waning days of the revolver. I was issued a S&W model 67 for the basic academy, and bought 4” 686 upon graduation. They weren’t dead solid reliable. They weren’t durable. They’re actually pretty fragile. They always had problems and issues. The armorer kept loaner guns, because he couldn’t keep up with repairs as fast as they were needed. By 1990 I had dumped the revolver, and bought something reliable, durable, and could be counted on. A Sig P226. Vastly superior in all regards, as a service pistol. The current production S&W revolver, at least based on the two I have, are vastly ... and I do mean vastly... superior to anything S&W made back in the 70’s and 80’s. That era was the high water mark of nothing. I’m sure there’s some guy out there that would argue the 1982 Ford Grenada is so much better than a new Toyota Camry. That guy is a fool.
Mitchell Khan I’m not trolling, anything. That’s my genuine opinion. People forget the lack of options and the poor quality that we had to choose from in the 80s. Most departments were revolver only, and most of those were either S&W and Colt, or just S&W. Rugers weren’t widely accepted, even though they were much better than anything Colt put out. Autos were rarely approved, because most simply weren’t reliable. You couldn’t get a Government Model that would feed anything but hardball. Brownings were weird European pistols. S&W 39/59s were decent, but ammunition technologies available still made the 9mm suspect. When the wonder ones showed up in the late 80s, they were leaps forward in technology. It had little to do with capacity. There were finally reliable and durable handguns available. That’s what prompted the massive abandonment of the revolver, by people that had been carrying, and dealing with, revolvers for a living. In almost thirty years of carrying Sigs, I had a trigger return spring break on a P220 once ... that’s it. We are now in the golden age of firearms. They’ve never been better, cheaper, or more readily available than right now.
When I went thru the academy it was even money whether you were issued a S&W model 10 or a model 15. After graduation we were allowed to carry personal firearms provided they were on an approved list, but it had to be a revolver, at least until completion of probation. I reported for my first day of patrol with a 6” S&W model 66 .357 mag. And carried it for eight years only to upgrade to a 4” model 57 .41 mag. That I carried for 11 years. Eventually I was forced to switch over to a semi auto and the department did away with the approved list requiring us to carry the polymer POS they issued. I had a horizontal holster sewn over the trauma plate pouch of my vest for a 2 1/2 inch model 19 .357 mag and considered that to be my primary weapon. Maybe I was simply lucky, but I’ve never had a revolver fail to go bang so long as the hammer fell on a live round.
@@jmsmeier1113No your right , that dude is talking straight out his ass. Early 686s had some problems but him say all S&W suck just shows how little he actually knows.
I've been a smith nut all my life. I do my own trigger work and as far as the internals I don't care how the parts are made , there is no burrs , mold marks nothing. I bought a spring kit for my 60-14 & after working on the hammer & trigger & installing those springs that piece is smooth as eel poop single & double action. I do think they are made as good now as back years ago. A Ruger you can shoot forever & it never gets loose anywhere, they are tank weapons. My one regret of selling was a colt .38 super in polished stainless. It hit me for $1400 new. I'm sick for selling it.
This was interesting to me. My cousin was an engineer at S&W, in Springfield, Mass. This cousin passed away, but I’m sure he had input as to how to manufacture the products more efficiently.
Great collection! You and Hickok inspired me , and I got my first revolver, a Smith 686 plus deluxe. Absolutely love it! Not just a safe queen, carry it in the winter and bring it to the range in the summer also.
Excellent review. My preference has always been Smith & Wesson. Their lockup/timing is the best design, shown to me years ago by a gunsmith when the only semiautos out were the Beretta, Sig, and Colt. Other than the small pocket autos. Glock sells perfection as they state. S&W to me is perfection in the revolver world.
I have S&W model 57 with 6 inch barrel in presentation case. I purchased this in 1974 on the day my daughter was born. It will be passed on to her. Still looks brand new in the box. You would be shocked on what I paid for it compared to what it is worth today. Also have models 29, 28, and 19 all are pinned and recessed.
David Drake, Thank you for the very nice and informative video, I absolutely love old world craftsmanship as well as new.. There is nothing like the feel of a fine revolver in the hand, they typically shoot pretty good too.. I'm wondering if you have the same- or - close to appreciation for the Classic 1911? If so, maybe a video on them?? Well done ~Best
I've been watching your videos and they are very very awesome especially how you break the firearm down and clean it and put it back together I have not seen a video yet yours was fantastic.
Great summary video. Well done, thanks. I too have the S&W revolver addiction. For me they are part function and part artwork. I still have a bias for and look for old school ... like me. Nothing against Glock but a S&W revolver is a swiss watch ... the Glock is a hammer. Please let us know how you polish and care for your revolvers
I have a handful of pre-number, no-dash and early-dash 357's as well as a new 686 Plus Delux. The new 686 is really nice. I can't really tell the difference in quality. The crazy thing is you can get the early ones for not much more than the new ones. I still look for the pre-numbered or no dash whenever I go to a gun show. I like historical guns. I'm happy that S&W is making these new revolvers; don't want them to stop.
When it comes to smith & wesson , older pistols are typically leaps and bounds better than “newer production “ pistols .. I own 5 screw 32-20 , that cycles like glass , smoother than a colt python .. The type of craftsmanship that went into those old guns unfortunately is to never be seen again from Smith & Wesson …
Watching this video inspired me to grab a few of my S&W revolvers to "examine along with." Growing up S&W revolvers were too pricey for my family, so we contented ourselves with those single and double-action revolvers from an upstart company called Ruger! My brother somehow managed to afford an original Model 19 nickel plated 4" which was stunningly beautiful and the holy grail of what a .357 magnum should aspire to be! At the time, the "best" I could do was purchase an "inferior" Dan Wesson .357 from Walmart for $150...it lacked the sleek looks and smooth action of the Smith, but it was a big step up from my Ruger Blackhawk .357 that cost $114 at the time! Times have changed and I can afford "better" and now I have better, though many in the fickle world of gun snobs may not agree. Having become somewhat of an "expert" in my own right, my gun buying choices are quite eclectic with no slavish devotion to any particular brand or genre. Thus I happen to own a beautiful Model 25-15 "New Classic" in .45 Colt! The gun is of course dark blue-black with high polish, with what I consider to be BETTER stocks than those awful Goncalo Alves of 40 years ago! The new 25-15 has a 6.5" tapered barrel and tips the scales at a svelt 42 ounces as the .45 Colt isn't a particularly recoil intensive load unless one is hand loading for it. On the new gun, the DA trigger pull is somewhat heavy, yet quite smooth, and the SA let off is a glass rod break! It does have the IL but I don't mind. I personally LIKE the new hammer and transfer bar system because it IS a genuine step BETTER than the old timey firing pin in hammer. S&W developed the transfer bar system when they developed the X-frame series because they needed the BEST engineering to handle a cartridge that operates at 50,000 psi! I also happen to have a few X-frames which I have studied at great length to suss out whatever metallurgical magic S&W invented to create such a beast in a PRACTICAL platform that to this very day stands alone, unchallenged, just as did the M 29 50 years ago when the ONLY DA .44 magnum carried the S&W logo! It's EASY to build a single-action "pattern" revolver to handle big cartridges, with little, or less regard for carry and practicality, but it's something else to build a freaking .500 magnum in a 57 ounce package that can be belt carried, yet deliver 2,000 lb-ft of energy per shot! Anyway, I digress. The sating finish stocks on the new classics are more attractive than the originals, and the "faux" case hardening on the hammer and trigger looks identical to the originals, while the part itself is of superior steel, through hardened. What is forgotten by those crying over lost times is that case hardening is a process applied to low-carbon steel to create a hard surface because the alloy cannot be through hardened. Case hardening is ideal for moving parts such as triggers and hammers, but not at all suitable for cylinders and barrels, and modern frames. This Mod 25 is every bit as "good" as was the old version...and will last longer without issues. Then comes my M69 .44 magnum. Stainless steel, L frame, 5-shot, two-piece sleeved barrel which is FAR superior to screwed on barrels, pinned or otherwise. Since S&W can't admit they made a mistake, and change cylinder rotation to clockwise (like Colt), the M69 has improvements in lock-up to stay closed when firing full power loads in a 36 ounce .44 magnum. It even has an Orwellian ball-detent lock at the front of the crane that indexes into the barrel shroud! Since the L-frame basically has a K-frame grip, the revolver fits the hand well, though DA pull is quite stout, yet SA let off is typically S&W glass rod break. For anyone who ever wished he could have a more compact M29 in 4", the M69 is the answer! Very sleek, compact, and far stronger than any original! Then comes my two Model 500s...a 4" and the 6.5"! The huge X-frame with K-frame grip which results in a revolver that fits the average hand BETTER than the N-frame! The ultimate in power - even the 4" model can deliver double to energy of a .44 magnum, and the 6.5" can eek out 2,500 lb-ft from top loads, though very few factory loads are anywhere near maximum because the round is just that powerful! I can fire my M500 4" DA, unloading all five shots into a small paper plate at 15 feet in just over 2 seconds, pop the cylinder and SPEED reload using billet aluminum 5-star speed loaders and be right back into action! My own hand load of 380 grain hard cast at over 1,600 fpe is serious business. I also have the .460 XVR 8-3/8" which allows virtually ANY .45 caliber load to be fired! The .460 can accept .45 ACP if cut for Moon clips, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W. Recoil is mild from the long barrel with muzzle brake. Launching a 200 grain .454" slug at 2,200 fps is nothing to sneeze at! To date, NOBODY has challenged S&W by building an entire line of DA revolvers in a reasonable sized package! They NEVER built these "like they used too" quite because they could not have done so back in the "good old days" of old-man gun snobbery. Here I would like to point out that Ruger thinks they're fooling people - and certainly they ARE fooling many, in chambering a Redhawk in .454 Casull, but that's just smoke and mirrors. To build a .500 Ruger would have to develop a new frame size, and apparently they just aren't up to it! I've also got an assortment of J-frames...nobody has ever built a better pocket-sized snubby than S&W!
I started in law enforcement in the early 1980s. I was initially issued what turned out to be a pre modal 10 revolver with the 5 screw frame. That was replaced by the department with the modal 13. For off duty I had a modal 36, later replaced with a modal 60 due to being bordered on 3 sides by salt water and perspiration issues. Later we got modal 67s before the agency went to 9mm and later .40 Glocks. I managed to keep all my revolvers when the agency traded them, because the gun shops really didn’t want a lot of used revolvers. Three of the revolvers I got issued were new when I got them so I really have been the only owner/user of them. All have the case color hardened, hammer mounted firing pins and no “Hillary hole” lock. They will all go to my son and grandchildren and make them excellent home defense guns. I figure they will only go up in value as the classic guns become older and fewer on the market. You did a good job making it simple and easy for mew shooters to identify the major changes in Smith revolvers.
I may have missed it, but the new Smiths have a shrouded, or 2 piece barrel. Some claim the new methods produce a revolver of equal or better quality of the old. Me, I like them all.
Very nice review. Very difficult to qualify quality. In my opinion, fit and finish of models prior to ~ 1980 was superior to what is available today but hand fitment was required for that "breaking glass" trigger. However, the metallurgy and material processing of today is leaps and bounds ahead of the past. Many of my mim S&W revolvers have triggers equal to the older models. My complaint is quality control. I've never seen a canted barrel except on the internet, but I did witness a M686 barrel launch itself downrange several years ago.
I have a mid-70s Model 25-2 that looks gorgeous outside. However, the machining marks inside made me think some guy who got laid off from the Pinto production line finished it up on a Friday afternoon. Also the cylinder bores are .456-.457 instead of the .454” they should be. A couple of early 1990s S&W revolvers were finished much better inside. An early 2000s 642 was nice and tight, while 15 years later and M&P 340 needed some serious work to smooth out the action.
I bought my first 44 at a gun show. It has a four inch barrel. I liked it so much. I got myself a five inch barrel. Both are stainless steel version. Also, when i first got both of them. I cant rememner the grain. But it did or state that it was 1600 feet per second. Yes, it had a nice little snap to it.
When I hit the streets-1986, we were issued model 10 heavy barrel w/grip extender. All of us rookies after graduation ran to the gun store to replace the wood grips with Pacmier Grips.
Recessed cylinder is mainly for aesthetics and can reduce ease of extraction of a spent case caught under extractor star during a panic reload in a shootout.
I appreciate well made firearms but I’m not a connoisseur of Smith & Wesson revolvers. I’m perfectly happy with my not pinned, not recessed, MIM, Hillary hole 586-8. My main complaint is that I had to turn down 3 examples of this revolver to finally get one that didn’t have a canted barrel. I’m Just glad my LGS was willing to work with me to get one with a properly aligned barrel. But anyway, the finish is great to look at, it’s properly timed (except for drag marks), it locks up tight and has a sweet trigger. It’s not a cheap revolver by any means but the quality really stands out when compared to most anything else on the new gun market.
Thanks super video, a new performance center is the best Smith & Wesson revolver, indside firingpin, parts precise fit, single action trigger and the finish.
Thank you for this video. What wonderful pieces of art and engineering. I agree that any of these revolvers should bring great pride to the owner. $1000 is a lot of money to me and now that I’ve saved enough I’m polarized as to which 629 or 29 I want to purchase. It sounds like you can’t go wrong however. And then there is that beautiful 586… Thank you!
I still love S&W Revolvers regardless of the changes. They are well built, durable, accurate and in some ways better than the old guns, albeit not in all ways of course. I plan on getting a new Model 19 classic series in 4” or 586 classic in 4”. I already own a model 29-10 classic 50th Anniversary Model 6.5” and its great gun. Very accurate and well built.
I bought a 1989 686, 4 inch, SS, full lug, 357 12 years ago off of Gun Broker. The weapon came from Detroit and was in excellent condition. I had a 6 inch but condition and handling was less desirable so I sold it. The 4 inch is still my carry weapon in the woods hunting and the only change I’ve made was a Hogue grip for the wood grips which I still hold on to. The pink wedge in the front sight is faded but original. It’s a wheel gun that was built to last and has served me well.
Nice collection! The new Smith and Wessons shoot great - especially the new classics - my biggest issue with the newer guns are the MIM parts (and the inconsistent quality control). I cracked my MIM trigger on my 640 Pro, but I haven't had any problems with non-MIM parts on any other guns. I love wheel guns and have a number of older S&Ws and a couple of Colts as well as several new S&Ws. The blue finish on the new S&W classics is very good. That being said, it's really hard to beat an old pinned and recessed revolver! Smith and Wessons are my favorites, but Ruger makes some nice wheelguns too. They just don't feel as good as a great S&W. My favorite shooting revolver is a 70's S&W 19-4 4" that was specially made for the anniversary of the California Highway Patrol. (evidently they did this with lots of PD at the time) It was obviously given a lot more attention than their regular Model 19s, and shoots DA like the smoothest Python!
You have 1 more than I do sir that new 586 now you got me thinking. I sold mine mid 90's always regretted it cause it tuned it really well the bluing is beautiful. That series have proven itself every decade age
I had to send a Performance Center Model 945 back. A defective sear caused the hammer to intermittently decock and follow the slide down when cycled. Now that it's fixed, it's pretty sweet, though.
My friend got his brand new Model 637 airweight 3 weeks ago (almost $800 out the door) and was a little disappointed because it took quite an effort to open the cylinder. I never have a problem with my old Model 60 which I bought ages ago for $350.
My experience has been those old finishes looked good but they did tend to develop rust getting in and out of a squad car back in the 70's. Air conditioning, humidity, snow, rain made constant maintenance a real necessity certainly not like the Glock I carried later. Maybe the new Smiths do to, I don’t know. Best way to defeat rust on revolvers we found was frequent use of a hard automobile paste wax.
I really enjoyed your video and have carried Smiths for many years. I would recommend viewing any video by Gunblu 490 on Smith and wessons. He was a factory trained Smith armorer trained at.the Smith factory in the 70’s and learned how to hand fit parts for the early Smiths. He disassembles an N frame blue smith in detail and covers factory known potential problems. He also does a video when he was trying to find an old Model 19 and expresses his opinion on the new Model 19 in comparison. Very interesting and informative. Thank you for taking the time to compile your video. I subscribed to your site.
Great video I like old and new Smith and Wesson revolvers are my favorite guns N Frame and L frame K frame I'm on the fence 66 are cool 19s interest just a bit. Nothing beats a 28-2 4 or 6inch barrel in the hand what a monster handgun.
I’ve had problems with one new 686, and I just went and looked at a couple -3 and -2 revolvers. They were in nice shape visually but the cylinders were extremely loose compared to even “used” newer guns.
~I bought my new 4 inch 586 in 2016 and I like it much. Mine is an accurate shooter so I assume the barrel is straight. It looks straight to my eyes as well, so I'm good. Yes, it's Blued Finish reminds me a lot of my Python's Blueing; just not as deep. That's what caught my eyes when I was visiting my LGS. ~The 586 is my first L-Frame S&W Revolver with my other two being a J-Frame. ~I switched from being an avid Colt Revolver Fan to an avid S&W Revolver Fan when I ran out of Colt Revolvers I wanted to buy. I no longer shoot any of my Snake Guns. ~I personally like the Mat Finish on the K-Comp you have. It may end up on my Want-List. ~I do not shoot .357 Magnum rounds through my 586.
Hello, new subscriber here, just started collecting revolvers again. Partial to the pre lock models. Not knocking the NEW ones because they have some needed improvements. Great videos, keep em coming
First grab in a fight is S&W. Old or new because when I'm out of ammo, I can use it as a club if needed. And have no problem knowing it will work in the next fight.
I’ve been buying S&Ws since the mid 60s. I have over 20. Most are pre 75, but some of the newer like the da/sa semis like the 5906 and a .380 Bodyguard all are keepers. I have a 6” mod. 19 from 1970 that I shot weekly in competition for the last 49 years it has over a 150,000 rounds through it and has yet to malfunction. I sent it back to Smith just to have them check that the metal was still safe after 125,000 and told them not to change any parts or springs. They gave it a clean bill of health and I still shoot it regularly. I bought a 6” 66 to take some of the pressure off in 1990, but the 19 is still unmatched. I have yet to send any of my guns back for a repair in over 50 years. That says it all!!
I have what I consider an oddball a Model 19-4. Recessed cylinder, hammer mounted firing pin but it does not have a pinned barrel. I suspect it was some kind of a transition model. A few years ago I saw another 19-4 on a gun show table and it had a pinned barrel with service grips. My 19-4 has a serrated trigger and target hammer and the original factory installed target grips. I got it in an even swap for my 4” 28-2.
I have a s&w model 10 i bought for my dad in 1976 we took it out and fired it 5 times thats it. Now she is in the beautyshop getting a make over new barrel 2 inch to 4inch ported new trigger and hammer and grips gonna be interesting.
I notice a lot of revolvers have sleeved barrels instead of one piece barrel like the Python . I heard it is done for manufacturing to speed up assembly and set the gap. I prefer solid one piece barrel.
Nice guns! A lot of people forget, that the solid piece of metal that parts are forged from, was once melted and poured into a bar from iron ore and other additives. Now a days, with modern metallurgy knowledge, and advanced technology, there is absolutely nothing wrong, with some parts being MIM! Older model 19, were not advised to feed a constant diet of .357, as now you safely can shoot them all day long!
Kinda late seeing this video, but I have the latest version of the model 29 and I love it and yes, I carry it. Shoulder holster fits nicely under a sport coat or any other jacket, in warm weather under a Hawaiian shirt. Had to squirrel away money in order to buy it
I love my Smith, my old service rev. when I was a cop in the 70's. Mod 19 made in the 50's. I sent it off the S&W and had it nickel plated in 1974. cost a whopping 44.00 dollars.
Развлечения
Today, I'm seeing an almost re-birthing of interest in revolvers! I'm 71 years young and see a lot of guys my age and some young guys putting their semi-autos in the safe and going back to revolvers! In 1973 I carried a S&W Chief's Special. Now I'm looking at 3" revolvers for a daily carry. The only issue that has steered me away from S&W Quality Control!
But, wheel guns won't disappear anytime soon!
Nice presentation!
Best to ya',,,,!
Yeah I have to agree I’m 40 years old now. But even 10 years ago I remember the day I picked up a 27-2 for a song. Actually I kinda won it in a Texas hold ‘em card game. I was kinda like what am I gonna do with this. This thing is freaking ancient. Well I ended up taking it to the range and from the second I started to load it. I fell in love…… that pistol also taught me something very useful. Almost all firearms in decent condition are useful and should be cherished.
Did you ever have a look at the revolvers Smith & Wesson made for the French police: 3" barrel (approx. - at least as long as the ejection rod) and 9 mm parabellum - with half-moon clips?
@@Johnny-jr2lq I started with revolvers and 1911's. I carried a 1911 some of the time but my revolver was carried quite often. If people give themselves a chance, quit worrying about capacity, they will enjoy revolvers a lot! One upside to revolvers is your ammo lasts a lot longer at the range. Plus, you will concentrate on shot placement more!
Best to ya',,,,!
My "thing" with the older Smith & Wesson revolvers is that I wanted them so badly when I was a "kid" and couldn't afford them. Now I'm older, retired, and thankful that I can afford them. I have10 older (like me) Smith's that I drooled over in Guns And Ammo magazines until the pages wrinkled and faded. lol
Now I’m young and drool over them. But my Glock will have to do for now. Lol.
Me, too !!
Your story is the same as mine! I’m fortunate to own 12 of the ones manufactured from 1975 to 1990! They are very special to me! I have a model 17-3 that I purchased in 1976. This gun has shot more than 80,000 rounds, I’ve never had even one minor problem with it. I’ve made more good memories with this gun than I can count! It still shoots better than my aging eyes can see to shoot it. Money can not buy it t as long as I’m alive!
It's been 2 years since I post that comment. In that time I have added 12 more to the collection. I now have 11 K frames and 11 N frames. Thanks for your reply, Mike.
@@KSFWG congratulations on being able to acquire some of what I consider the best of the best! I got my first when I was 19 years old! I was hooked. I just can’t get enthused over the “plastic pistols”! I know they are very capable but they are not for me! I’ve always tried to make sure that my skill level with a handgun would keep me from needing a lot of firepower. I have 4 N frames, 7 K frames and 1 L frame. Thank Enjoy your S&W’s!
I ordered a 19 Classic, it was 22 months before it arrived at my dealer! When I took possession of it, I immediately called S&W for a return authorization! The gun had many problems that should not come with a brand new gun! It was manufactured in the third week of July, 2021. I received it during the fourth week of July! It honestly looked like something that you would find in the used gun area of a Pawn Shop. The frame and cylinder were finished in the deep rich black bluing like the guns of the 70’s, the barrel shroud appeared faded from black to gray! The cylinder had a very pronounced wear ring around it! The recoil shield had a wear groove where the cylinder strikes it when closing it! The grips did not fit together at the front of the butt, almost 1/8 inch gap, at the rear, they were fine! I returned it to S&W, they kept it 4 months! Once I finally got it back, it looks and shoots great. S&W took care of all problems! I don’t sell or trade any of my S&W revolvers but I will never have the love for this gun that I have for all my other Smiths! It should have never left the factory in that condition!
I’ve owned a S&W model 17-2 master piece 22 lr for over 40 years and have owned several handguns also but this model 17 has taught me more about handgun shooting than all the others, this gun is like an old friend to me.
Have the model 18-2. Amazing gun. Nothing made today can hold a candle to it!
I have owned dozens of Smith revolvers, but the very best of them all is a model 15, no dash, from 1957, in factory nickel with target hammer and trigger. The gun rested practically unfired in a safe for over 55 years before I got it and it has the smoothest action I have ever experienced in a Smith revolver. That smooth action was an original factory hand fitting too, not something that came at an extra charge. Yes, I shoot it, and it is a real pleasure.
Had an old one about 27 years ago when I was just married. It was the smooth and might have had an action job. One of the slickest guns I’ve owned. Let it go to buy the next toy. Kind of wish I had kept a few I got rid of that way.
I sold a model 57 about 30 yrs ago to a friend for $250 - He told me that he'd sell it back
That gun was from the early 70s
But he knows that it's worth about 4X what he paid me for it
He doesn't handload so he still has the one box of ammo that he ever bought for it and he doesn't want to shoot it because he'll have to order more since nobody carries .41 Magnum.
@@jimmorrison306 I see..... um is that really true?🦖
@@wolverines_boneclaws5362 ?
@@bertkilborne6464; I'd love to find a model 57 that was reasonably priced. I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .41 mag and I have everything to handload for it. I also have a Super Blackhawk in .44 mag. My .41 mag gets used the most.
What a beautiful collection of revolvers! Thank you!
I have an old original model 27 in like new condition, 8 3/8 barrel and a Chiefs Special air weight that will be in my estate sale someday, or go to my grandson. The 27 isn't just a nice gun, it's a work of art.
My father was a Chicago Cop when I was a kid and I inherited his S&W.38 Special CTG service revolver from 1955! It has a pinned barrel and a “floating firing pin” as he called it. Adjustable rear sight and recessed cylinder. Also I have his old off duty S&W snub nose .38 Detective 5 shot revolver that he had a gun smith shave the hammer down so he could carry it in his pocket like all the old time detectives did. Also another snub nose .38 Detective air weight revolver that I swapped out the grip for Packmayre grips. I bought back my S&W Model 19 357 Mag Snub Nose revolver that I carried before converting to 9mm Glocks. All Fire beautifully.
Like you said, keep them cleaned and lubbed and I can pass them down to my sons.
The CTG that you are referring to is an abbreviation for cartridge.
For future reference, Colt had the 38 Detective Special which was a six-shot snub nose. It was also sometimes chambered in 32 caliber. If you have a 5 shot snub nose it's a Smith & Wesson Chief Special, that's named for its being introduced at an International police Chiefs Association convention.
Knowledge is power. I have been looking at purchasing a revolver and the information that you provided has helped me immensely. God bless you for sharing your S&W revolver knowledge with us.
David you camera work was great, thanks for putting this Video Review together. My son and I like Smith&Wesson Revolvers very much.
Respectfully, Beretta Sr.
Love your channel as well. Keep the classics coming guys. Thank you for all you do! 😊
They sound so clicky and are beautiful! Love em all...
I also love the clicky sound on wheel guns.
Today's S&W revolver is only a shadow of the revolver's made 25 years ago
or so. Most of the part's now are metal injection molded rather than forged.
S&W intent is to have the part's drop in with little to no fitting. Fitter's ( the
individual's who assembled the gun use to use a 56 point inspection sheet.
The last inspection sheet I saw had 12 inspection point's. S&W went to
the two piece barrel system because they lost the ability the align the barrel with the frame. (The procedure is called "clocking") Compared to the older gun's , polishing and bluing also leaves a lot to be desired. The Performance Center Gun's are not what they used to be
either. Most are fitted on the regular production line. When the P.C. was a seperate
production facility, the gun's were assembled and hand fitted there. A Performance
Center action is no better than the action on a regular production gun. I love Smith's
but only the older one's.
If S&W were to produce guns in that manner now days they would have to charge 3-5 thousand dollars for them.
@cameronnorton5898 I think you're right. Having someone sitting there hand-fitting parts, making an hourly wage plus company contributed health insurance...would certainly bring the retail cost of the gun way up. I would be willing to pay the extra money for a hand-fitted gun up to a certain point. But would not pay double. A new N-frame is $1100-$1500 now where I live. I couldn't afford $2500+.
They are not the same, but I wouldn't call them a shadow of what they were.
I love all of your videos Sir. I grew shooting revolvers and have recently gotten back into them. Thanks for all of your videos!
I think this collection of Smiths is great and would love to have the lot of em. All of them finished nicely!!!
I have a collection of firearms but I always love my S&W revolvers, 64-1,36 no dash,combat masterpiece 15-3 and 686 357 magnum.
It looks like you have the same issue I do... There is no such thing as too many wheelguns. I also feel that they are all good firearms..
I just picked up a new 586 classic. I'm happy to say the barrel is perfect to my eye. I was seriously stressed out over the barrel issue videos. I looked it over very closely and can not ba happier. I think I want all the new prodution classic revolvers. Thanks for sharing.
David-----as usual, great learning video. I always come away with more knowledge then I had.........thanks buddy
I recently acquired a S&W 65-3 and came across this video. Really enjoyed it and subscribed. Will be checking out your other work too. Great job!
Great video and what a beautiful collection of revolvers. I'm so glad to see a person that is open minded about the S&W revolvers of today. They are simply trying to give revolvers guys nice reliable guns. They are not making these because of their high profit margins. Thanks for this great video.
I dislike the fact that solid Goncalo hardwood grips are not used anymore on their models. The laminated wood grips S&W purchases from
their vendor look cheap. And the beautiful high gloss nickel finish is a thing of the past.
My brand new, 10 shot S&W 617 was shipped without a forcing cone cut into the barrel. It spit lead so bad it hit the guy in the next shooting bay in the cheek. Luckily he was angry at S&W and not me. Smith had to actually cut a forcing cone into the barrel as a REPAIR. Accuracy is nearly non existent of course... My Mod 17-4 from 1979 is a perfect gem and will outshoot the 617 any day of the week.
I love S&W Revolvers.
Beautiful guns, Mr. Drake. Great tutorial! I learned a great deal. I own a s&w 9mm 639 and I've been wanting a revolver for so long. Trying to learn more and make the right decision upon purchasing, for me.
I have a few S&W revolvers but my favorite is my old Model 28 Highway Patrolman (6"). The gun is just such a pleasure to shoot, and is incredibly accurate! It's my backup sidearm of choice when I hunt. Nice video David! Many thanks from South Africa.
Hold onto your guns down there in SA, Neville! God bless.
@@nt6351 Thank you NT - certainly will do! 👍😊
My father had a highway patrolman I was supposed to get when he passed. I was in a different state when that happened, and when I got his guns the revolver wasn't among them. Somewhere along the route it was stolen. Pisses me off every time I think about it.
@@ericoverdorff8880I feel you man. When my dad died I too was in another state. By the time I got there all of his guns and medals from WWII were gone. Thieving crackhead cousins 😡
My Model 28 is the smoothest S&W I own. It's just amazing, even for an older Smith. It was made in 1969.
Super collection my old 38 J frame Chiefs Special never lets me down
I entered law enforcement in the waning days of the revolver. I was issued a S&W model 67 for the basic academy, and bought 4” 686 upon graduation. They weren’t dead solid reliable. They weren’t durable. They’re actually pretty fragile. They always had problems and issues. The armorer kept loaner guns, because he couldn’t keep up with repairs as fast as they were needed. By 1990 I had dumped the revolver, and bought something reliable, durable, and could be counted on. A Sig P226. Vastly superior in all regards, as a service pistol. The current production S&W revolver, at least based on the two I have, are vastly ... and I do mean vastly... superior to anything S&W made back in the 70’s and 80’s. That era was the high water mark of nothing. I’m sure there’s some guy out there that would argue the 1982 Ford Grenada is so much better than a new Toyota Camry. That guy is a fool.
Troll of the day goes to this guy!^^^
Mitchell Khan I’m not trolling, anything. That’s my genuine opinion. People forget the lack of options and the poor quality that we had to choose from in the 80s. Most departments were revolver only, and most of those were either S&W and Colt, or just S&W. Rugers weren’t widely accepted, even though they were much better than anything Colt put out. Autos were rarely approved, because most simply weren’t reliable. You couldn’t get a Government Model that would feed anything but hardball. Brownings were weird European pistols. S&W 39/59s were decent, but ammunition technologies available still made the 9mm suspect. When the wonder ones showed up in the late 80s, they were leaps forward in technology. It had little to do with capacity. There were finally reliable and durable handguns available. That’s what prompted the massive abandonment of the revolver, by people that had been carrying, and dealing with, revolvers for a living. In almost thirty years of carrying Sigs, I had a trigger return spring break on a P220 once ... that’s it. We are now in the golden age of firearms. They’ve never been better, cheaper, or more readily available than right now.
When I went thru the academy it was even money whether you were issued a S&W model 10 or a model 15. After graduation we were allowed to carry personal firearms provided they were on an approved list, but it had to be a revolver, at least until completion of probation.
I reported for my first day of patrol with a 6” S&W model 66 .357 mag. And carried it for eight years only to upgrade to a 4” model 57 .41 mag. That I carried for 11 years. Eventually I was forced to switch over to a semi auto and the department did away with the approved list requiring us to carry the polymer POS they issued. I had a horizontal holster sewn over the trauma plate pouch of my vest for a 2 1/2 inch model 19 .357 mag and considered that to be my primary weapon. Maybe I was simply lucky, but I’ve never had a revolver fail to go bang so long as the hammer fell on a live round.
The early 686s definitely had problems , but to say current production S&W are vastly superior to any S&W from the 70s and 80s is a but much.
@@jmsmeier1113No your right , that dude is talking straight out his ass. Early 686s had some problems but him say all S&W suck just shows how little he actually knows.
I like them all as well, but the old ones are in my opinion better.
Very nice collection, I also collect S+W but I only have prelock models. The price of the new ones are nuts, hunt down the old ones!
No doubt!
I've been a smith nut all my life. I do my own trigger work and as far as the internals I don't care how the parts are made , there is no burrs , mold marks nothing. I bought a spring kit for my 60-14 & after working on the hammer & trigger & installing those springs that piece is smooth as eel poop single & double action. I do think they are made as good now as back years ago. A Ruger you can shoot forever & it never gets loose anywhere, they are tank weapons. My one regret of selling was a colt .38 super in polished stainless. It hit me for $1400 new. I'm sick for selling it.
Thank you for your wonderful video! And for teaching me about Altamomt grips-I had not heard of them.
This was interesting to me. My cousin was an engineer at S&W, in Springfield, Mass. This cousin passed away, but I’m sure he had input as to how to manufacture the products more efficiently.
Love the honest, no nonsense commentary. Just got my first 686!
Great collection! You and Hickok inspired me , and I got my first revolver, a Smith 686 plus deluxe. Absolutely love it! Not just a safe queen, carry it in the winter and bring it to the range in the summer also.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy your Smith
Great video old timer i learned alot and truly appreciate videos like this. Salute to u
Excellent review. My preference has always been Smith & Wesson. Their lockup/timing is the best design, shown to me years ago by a gunsmith when the only semiautos out were the Beretta, Sig, and Colt. Other than the small pocket autos. Glock sells perfection as they state. S&W to me is perfection in the revolver world.
Very nice collection young have.
Thanks for the video.
What a well made video, your knowledge and ability to explain is incredible! I love revolvers, keeping an eye out for an old Model 57.
.41 mag! had a 657 lost in a divorce.Thought about a getting the classic, might but like you, if I can find a nice older one that is preferable
I have S&W model 57 with 6 inch barrel in presentation case. I purchased this in 1974 on the day my daughter was born. It will be passed on to her. Still looks brand new in the box. You would be shocked on what I paid for it compared to what it is worth today. Also have models 29, 28, and 19 all are pinned and recessed.
David Drake, Thank you for the very nice and informative video, I absolutely love old world craftsmanship as well as new.. There is nothing like the feel of a fine revolver in the hand, they typically shoot pretty good too.. I'm wondering if you have the same- or - close to appreciation for the Classic 1911? If so, maybe a video on them??
Well done ~Best
I've been watching your videos and they are very very awesome especially how you break the firearm down and clean it and put it back together I have not seen a video yet yours was fantastic.
Love your content, especially the Smith wheel guns 👍🏼
Great summary video. Well done, thanks. I too have the S&W revolver addiction. For me they are part function and part artwork. I still have a bias for and look for old school ... like me. Nothing against Glock but a S&W revolver is a swiss watch ... the Glock is a hammer. Please let us know how you polish and care for your revolvers
Thanks for the great video. Your knowledge and humility is what we need more of these days.
I have a handful of pre-number, no-dash and early-dash 357's as well as a new 686 Plus Delux. The new 686 is really nice. I can't really tell the difference in quality. The crazy thing is you can get the early ones for not much more than the new ones. I still look for the pre-numbered or no dash whenever I go to a gun show. I like historical guns. I'm happy that S&W is making these new revolvers; don't want them to stop.
When it comes to smith & wesson , older pistols are typically leaps and bounds better than “newer production “ pistols .. I own 5 screw 32-20 , that cycles like glass , smoother than a colt python .. The type of craftsmanship that went into those old guns unfortunately is to never be seen again from Smith & Wesson …
I love my 29-3 works very well even to this day. Accurate, smooth and will throw .44 mags like nobody's business.
What a beautiful collection you have there
I have older version model 15-4 made in 82 with firing pin on hammer and newer model 60-14 snub nose with firing pin inside. Both shoot very well.
Watching this video inspired me to grab a few of my S&W revolvers to "examine along with." Growing up S&W revolvers were too pricey for my family, so we contented ourselves with those single and double-action revolvers from an upstart company called Ruger! My brother somehow managed to afford an original Model 19 nickel plated 4" which was stunningly beautiful and the holy grail of what a .357 magnum should aspire to be! At the time, the "best" I could do was purchase an "inferior" Dan Wesson .357 from Walmart for $150...it lacked the sleek looks and smooth action of the Smith, but it was a big step up from my Ruger Blackhawk .357 that cost $114 at the time!
Times have changed and I can afford "better" and now I have better, though many in the fickle world of gun snobs may not agree. Having become somewhat of an "expert" in my own right, my gun buying choices are quite eclectic with no slavish devotion to any particular brand or genre. Thus I happen to own a beautiful Model 25-15 "New Classic" in .45 Colt! The gun is of course dark blue-black with high polish, with what I consider to be BETTER stocks than those awful Goncalo Alves of 40 years ago! The new 25-15 has a 6.5" tapered barrel and tips the scales at a svelt 42 ounces as the .45 Colt isn't a particularly recoil intensive load unless one is hand loading for it. On the new gun, the DA trigger pull is somewhat heavy, yet quite smooth, and the SA let off is a glass rod break! It does have the IL but I don't mind. I personally LIKE the new hammer and transfer bar system because it IS a genuine step BETTER than the old timey firing pin in hammer. S&W developed the transfer bar system when they developed the X-frame series because they needed the BEST engineering to handle a cartridge that operates at 50,000 psi! I also happen to have a few X-frames which I have studied at great length to suss out whatever metallurgical magic S&W invented to create such a beast in a PRACTICAL platform that to this very day stands alone, unchallenged, just as did the M 29 50 years ago when the ONLY DA .44 magnum carried the S&W logo! It's EASY to build a single-action "pattern" revolver to handle big cartridges, with little, or less regard for carry and practicality, but it's something else to build a freaking .500 magnum in a 57 ounce package that can be belt carried, yet deliver 2,000 lb-ft of energy per shot! Anyway, I digress.
The sating finish stocks on the new classics are more attractive than the originals, and the "faux" case hardening on the hammer and trigger looks identical to the originals, while the part itself is of superior steel, through hardened. What is forgotten by those crying over lost times is that case hardening is a process applied to low-carbon steel to create a hard surface because the alloy cannot be through hardened. Case hardening is ideal for moving parts such as triggers and hammers, but not at all suitable for cylinders and barrels, and modern frames. This Mod 25 is every bit as "good" as was the old version...and will last longer without issues.
Then comes my M69 .44 magnum. Stainless steel, L frame, 5-shot, two-piece sleeved barrel which is FAR superior to screwed on barrels, pinned or otherwise. Since S&W can't admit they made a mistake, and change cylinder rotation to clockwise (like Colt), the M69 has improvements in lock-up to stay closed when firing full power loads in a 36 ounce .44 magnum. It even has an Orwellian ball-detent lock at the front of the crane that indexes into the barrel shroud! Since the L-frame basically has a K-frame grip, the revolver fits the hand well, though DA pull is quite stout, yet SA let off is typically S&W glass rod break. For anyone who ever wished he could have a more compact M29 in 4", the M69 is the answer! Very sleek, compact, and far stronger than any original!
Then comes my two Model 500s...a 4" and the 6.5"! The huge X-frame with K-frame grip which results in a revolver that fits the average hand BETTER than the N-frame! The ultimate in power - even the 4" model can deliver double to energy of a .44 magnum, and the 6.5" can eek out 2,500 lb-ft from top loads, though very few factory loads are anywhere near maximum because the round is just that powerful! I can fire my M500 4" DA, unloading all five shots into a small paper plate at 15 feet in just over 2 seconds, pop the cylinder and SPEED reload using billet aluminum 5-star speed loaders and be right back into action! My own hand load of 380 grain hard cast at over 1,600 fpe is serious business.
I also have the .460 XVR 8-3/8" which allows virtually ANY .45 caliber load to be fired! The .460 can accept .45 ACP if cut for Moon clips, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W. Recoil is mild from the long barrel with muzzle brake. Launching a 200 grain .454" slug at 2,200 fps is nothing to sneeze at! To date, NOBODY has challenged S&W by building an entire line of DA revolvers in a reasonable sized package! They NEVER built these "like they used too" quite because they could not have done so back in the "good old days" of old-man gun snobbery.
Here I would like to point out that Ruger thinks they're fooling people - and certainly they ARE fooling many, in chambering a Redhawk in .454 Casull, but that's just smoke and mirrors. To build a .500 Ruger would have to develop a new frame size, and apparently they just aren't up to it!
I've also got an assortment of J-frames...nobody has ever built a better pocket-sized snubby than S&W!
What's wrong with the 454 Ruger? They're supposed to be one of the toughest guns around.
I’ll take all your goncalo alves grips since you think they’re awful.
One thing you missed are the sights. Round end vs square end. Also screw size are different. Thank you. I have some.
I started in law enforcement in the early 1980s. I was initially issued what turned out to be a pre modal 10 revolver with the 5 screw frame. That was replaced by the department with the modal 13. For off duty I had a modal 36, later replaced with a modal 60 due to being bordered on 3 sides by salt water and perspiration issues. Later we got modal 67s before the agency went to 9mm and later .40 Glocks. I managed to keep all my revolvers when the agency traded them, because the gun shops really didn’t want a lot of used revolvers. Three of the revolvers I got issued were new when I got them so I really have been the only owner/user of them. All have the case color hardened, hammer mounted firing pins and no “Hillary hole” lock. They will all go to my son and grandchildren and make them excellent home defense guns. I figure they will only go up in value as the classic guns become older and fewer on the market. You did a good job making it simple and easy for mew shooters to identify the major changes in Smith revolvers.
I may have missed it, but the new Smiths have a shrouded, or 2 piece barrel. Some claim the new methods produce a revolver of equal or better quality of the old. Me, I like them all.
Those are all beautiful pieces. It is so hard to get them in CA...but I'm still looking and won't give up.
Very nice review. Very difficult to qualify quality. In my opinion, fit and finish of models prior to ~ 1980 was superior to what is available today but hand fitment was required for that "breaking glass" trigger. However, the metallurgy and material processing of today is leaps and bounds ahead of the past. Many of my mim S&W revolvers have triggers equal to the older models. My complaint is quality control. I've never seen a canted barrel except on the internet, but I did witness a M686 barrel launch itself downrange several years ago.
I have a mid-70s Model 25-2 that looks gorgeous outside. However, the machining marks inside made me think some guy who got laid off from the Pinto production line finished it up on a Friday afternoon. Also the cylinder bores are .456-.457 instead of the .454” they should be. A couple of early 1990s S&W revolvers were finished much better inside. An early 2000s 642 was nice and tight, while 15 years later and M&P 340 needed some serious work to smooth out the action.
I acquired a 629-4. Love it. It’s got a hammer mounted firing pin.
Nicely done and very informative. Thanks!
I bought my first 44 at a gun show. It has a four inch barrel. I liked it so much. I got myself a five inch barrel. Both are stainless steel version. Also, when i first got both of them. I cant rememner the grain. But it did or state that it was 1600 feet per second. Yes, it had a nice little snap to it.
When I hit the streets-1986, we were issued model 10 heavy barrel w/grip extender. All of us rookies after graduation ran to the gun store to replace the wood grips with Pacmier Grips.
Recessed cylinder is mainly for aesthetics and can reduce ease of extraction of a spent case caught under extractor star during a panic reload in a shootout.
I appreciate well made firearms but I’m not a connoisseur of Smith & Wesson revolvers. I’m perfectly happy with my not pinned, not recessed, MIM, Hillary hole 586-8. My main complaint is that I had to turn down 3 examples of this revolver to finally get one that didn’t have a canted barrel. I’m
Just glad my LGS was willing to work with me to get one with a properly aligned barrel.
But anyway, the finish is great to look at, it’s properly timed (except for drag marks), it locks up tight and has a sweet trigger. It’s not a cheap revolver by any means but the quality really stands out when compared to most anything else on the new gun market.
Thanks super video, a new performance center is the best Smith & Wesson revolver, indside firingpin, parts precise fit, single action trigger and the finish.
unfortunately not so, these days are over....PC does not perform as we think...lots of lemons leave this department every day!!
Thank you for this video. What wonderful pieces of art and engineering. I agree that any of these revolvers should bring great pride to the owner. $1000 is a lot of money to me and now that I’ve saved enough I’m polarized as to which 629 or 29 I want to purchase. It sounds like you can’t go wrong however. And then there is that beautiful 586… Thank you!
I still love S&W Revolvers regardless of the changes. They are well built, durable, accurate and in some ways better than the old guns, albeit not in all ways of course. I plan on getting a new Model 19 classic series in 4” or 586 classic in 4”. I already own a model 29-10 classic 50th Anniversary Model 6.5” and its great gun. Very accurate and well built.
I love my 586.. I changed to a burgundy/maroon colored grip that looks good on blued gun
You have quite an ART collection!! I am blessed w/ two model 19s, a four inch and a two inch.
I love the old stuff I have a 10-5, 49 bodyguard and a vintage 36 looking to get a model 37 and a 4" 29 next
Love em all but do love the older black mirror finish
I bought a 1989 686, 4 inch, SS, full lug, 357 12 years ago off of Gun Broker. The weapon came from Detroit and was in excellent condition. I had a 6 inch but condition and handling was less desirable so I sold it. The 4 inch is still my carry weapon in the woods hunting and the only change I’ve made was a Hogue grip for the wood grips which I still hold on to. The pink wedge in the front sight is faded but original. It’s a wheel gun that was built to last and has served me well.
I think they’re all great the only reason I’d want some of the older ones more is for the nostalgia.
So , you don't understand WHY the older models are of superior quality ? You need to read more and comment less .
Great video, great descriptions. Love your face reflection @ 10:26
Nice collection! The new Smith and Wessons shoot great - especially the new classics - my biggest issue with the newer guns are the MIM parts (and the inconsistent quality control). I cracked my MIM trigger on my 640 Pro, but I haven't had any problems with non-MIM parts on any other guns. I love wheel guns and have a number of older S&Ws and a couple of Colts as well as several new S&Ws. The blue finish on the new S&W classics is very good. That being said, it's really hard to beat an old pinned and recessed revolver! Smith and Wessons are my favorites, but Ruger makes some nice wheelguns too. They just don't feel as good as a great S&W.
My favorite shooting revolver is a 70's S&W 19-4 4" that was specially made for the anniversary of the California Highway Patrol. (evidently they did this with lots of PD at the time) It was obviously given a lot more attention than their regular Model 19s, and shoots DA like the smoothest Python!
You have 1 more than I do sir that new 586 now you got me thinking. I sold mine mid 90's always regretted it cause it tuned it really well the bluing is beautiful. That series have proven itself every decade age
Thank you I've learned a lot, a beautiful collection.
I had to send a Performance Center Model 945 back. A defective sear caused the hammer to intermittently decock and follow the slide down when cycled. Now that it's fixed, it's pretty sweet, though.
I'm a die hard Smithy fan. Whether I'm looking for a wonder nine or a classic roscoe, I'm going with their products.
I have 3 S&W's a model 38 airweight bodyguard, a model 39-2, and a M&P 45 Shield. I consider all of them fine weapons.
They are all stunning wish our nanny state(UK) would let s have even just one
most of my S&W revolvers are between 1960-1970 and only have 1 with lock "66" not my favorite but definitely strong and well made
My friend got his brand new Model 637 airweight 3 weeks ago (almost $800 out the door) and was a little disappointed because it took quite an effort to open the cylinder.
I never have a problem with my old Model 60 which I bought ages ago for $350.
My experience has been those old finishes looked good but they did tend to develop rust getting in and out of a squad car back in the 70's. Air conditioning, humidity, snow, rain made constant maintenance a real necessity certainly not like the Glock I carried later. Maybe the new Smiths do to, I don’t know. Best way to defeat rust on revolvers we found was frequent use of a hard automobile paste wax.
I really enjoyed your video and have carried Smiths for many years. I would recommend viewing any video by Gunblu 490 on Smith and wessons. He was a factory trained Smith armorer trained at.the Smith factory in the 70’s and learned how to hand fit parts for the early Smiths. He disassembles an N frame blue smith in detail and covers factory known potential problems. He also does a video when he was trying to find an old Model 19 and expresses his opinion on the new Model 19 in comparison. Very interesting and informative. Thank you for taking the time to compile your video. I subscribed to your site.
Great video I like old and new Smith and Wesson revolvers are my favorite guns N Frame and L frame K frame I'm on the fence 66 are cool 19s interest just a bit. Nothing beats a 28-2 4 or 6inch barrel in the hand what a monster handgun.
I have s 4” 686 no dash, s model 10 3” barrel round but . Love my Smith and Wessons
I have a 25-5 in 45 colt, and a 610 both with 4 " barrels, both great guns.
My model 13-2 has the pinned barrel and is counter sunk cylinders. Beautiful weapon! 😊
i already love this video before it was finished.
I’ve had problems with one new 686, and I just went and looked at a couple -3 and -2 revolvers. They were in nice shape visually but the cylinders were extremely loose compared to even “used” newer guns.
Interestingly enough, my well-worn model 1917 is still very smooth DA and still locks up tightly.
~I bought my new 4 inch 586 in 2016 and I like it much. Mine is an accurate shooter so I assume the barrel is straight. It looks straight to my eyes as well, so I'm good. Yes, it's Blued Finish reminds me a lot of my Python's Blueing; just not as deep. That's what caught my eyes when I was visiting my LGS.
~The 586 is my first L-Frame S&W Revolver with my other two being a J-Frame.
~I switched from being an avid Colt Revolver Fan to an avid S&W Revolver Fan when I ran out of Colt Revolvers I wanted to buy. I no longer shoot any of my Snake Guns.
~I personally like the Mat Finish on the K-Comp you have. It may end up on my Want-List.
~I do not shoot .357 Magnum rounds through my 586.
Hello, new subscriber here, just started collecting revolvers again. Partial to the pre lock models. Not knocking the NEW ones because they have some needed improvements. Great videos, keep em coming
First grab in a fight is S&W. Old or new because when I'm out of ammo, I can use it as a club if needed. And have no problem knowing it will work in the next fight.
I’ve been buying S&Ws since the mid 60s. I have over 20. Most are pre 75, but some of the newer like the da/sa semis like the 5906 and a .380 Bodyguard all are keepers. I have a 6” mod. 19 from 1970 that I shot weekly in competition for the last 49 years it has over a 150,000 rounds through it and has yet to malfunction. I sent it back to Smith just to have them check that the metal was still safe after 125,000 and told them not to change any parts or springs. They gave it a clean bill of health and I still shoot it regularly. I bought a 6” 66 to take some of the pressure off in 1990, but the 19 is still unmatched. I have yet to send any of my guns back for a repair in over 50 years. That says it all!!
Thanks. Enjoyed this video immensely!
I have what I consider an oddball a Model 19-4. Recessed cylinder, hammer mounted firing pin but it does not have a pinned barrel. I suspect it was some kind of a transition model. A few years ago I saw another 19-4 on a gun show table and it had a pinned barrel with service grips. My 19-4 has a serrated trigger and target hammer and the original factory installed target grips. I got it in an even swap for my 4” 28-2.
I have a s&w model 10 i bought for my dad in 1976 we took it out and fired it 5 times thats it. Now she is in the beautyshop getting a make over new barrel 2 inch to 4inch ported new trigger and hammer and grips gonna be interesting.
I notice a lot of revolvers have sleeved barrels instead of one piece barrel like the Python . I heard it is done for manufacturing to speed up assembly and set the gap. I prefer solid one piece barrel.
Cada uma mais linda que a outra, quero uma.😁🤩👍👍
I've got two new sw 44 and 22 wheel gun's very accurate and smooth like them both
Nice guns! A lot of people forget, that the solid piece of metal that parts are forged from, was once melted and poured into a bar from iron ore and other additives. Now a days, with modern metallurgy knowledge, and advanced technology, there is absolutely nothing wrong, with some parts being MIM! Older model 19, were not advised to feed a constant diet of .357, as now you safely can shoot them all day long!
Kinda late seeing this video, but I have the latest version of the model 29 and I love it and yes, I carry it. Shoulder holster fits nicely under a sport coat or any other jacket, in warm weather under a Hawaiian shirt. Had to squirrel away money in order to buy it
Thanks DD. Great job. Good info.
I love my Smith, my old service rev. when I was a cop in the 70's. Mod 19 made in the 50's. I sent it off the S&W and had it nickel plated in 1974. cost a whopping 44.00 dollars.