Other than the sought after Colt Python, what is another must have revolver to own -- to shoot -- not just to admire, although there's nothing wrong with beauty. Centerfire only, DA or SA, smooth action, accurate, 4-8" barrel, a pleasure to shoot, well, like the Colt Python. And to top it off, something that might even appreciate in value.............................ck
Must have revolver..........
- Thread starter clayking
- Start date
Taurus_9mm
New member
Colt Anaconda in .45 Colt. 
RevolverLover
New member
Don't forget S&W.
22-rimfire
New member
Tops on my list are the 4" 22 Colt Diamondback and the Model 17 or 18 Smith (K-22 -22LR also).
Making this a bit more generic, I think every shooter who likes revolvers should own a quality 22 revolver. There is no substitute. And I don't mean buy a Ruger Single Six. They're okay but not tops on the list.
Since we now have factory revolvers to 500 S&W, the 357 mag seems a bit tame these days. Revolver shooters should own a quality 357 revolver. You take your pick from the Colt, Smith, and Ruger lines.
Making this a bit more generic, I think every shooter who likes revolvers should own a quality 22 revolver. There is no substitute. And I don't mean buy a Ruger Single Six. They're okay but not tops on the list.
Since we now have factory revolvers to 500 S&W, the 357 mag seems a bit tame these days. Revolver shooters should own a quality 357 revolver. You take your pick from the Colt, Smith, and Ruger lines.
oldironman
New member
Ok boys and girls, as much as I might agree with you're selections, he did say centerfire - not rimfire.
I vote for the S&W 686 and the model 66.
I vote for the S&W 686 and the model 66.
Based on your criteria...
Smith & Wesson model 27 with 3.5 inch barrel.
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 4 inch barrel.
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 2.5 inch barrel.
(All these would be the old style, pinned barrel and recessed chambers type.)
Colt Single Action Army in .45 Colt.
Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk, preferably a flat top. I'd prefer the .44 caliber, but I just found and bought a .357.
The Ruger 'small' .44 Magnum - without the dragoon trigger guard.
Good replica of Colt SAA in .45 Colt. (I've seen the Beretta Stampede and it looks really nice.)
All these have classy lines; all are good shooters and fun to shoot - as long as you don't feel the need to constantly shoot earthquake loads - and they will all appreciate in value if you keep them up.
My choices would be, in order of preference:
Smith & Wesson model 27 with 3.5 inch barrel.
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 4 inch barrel.
Smith & Wesson model 19 with 2.5 inch barrel.
(All these would be the old style, pinned barrel and recessed chambers type.)
Colt Single Action Army in .45 Colt.
Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk, preferably a flat top. I'd prefer the .44 caliber, but I just found and bought a .357.
The Ruger 'small' .44 Magnum - without the dragoon trigger guard.
Good replica of Colt SAA in .45 Colt. (I've seen the Beretta Stampede and it looks really nice.)
All these have classy lines; all are good shooters and fun to shoot - as long as you don't feel the need to constantly shoot earthquake loads - and they will all appreciate in value if you keep them up.
Hi
In a center fire revolver I would have to say an -N- Frame S&W is hard to beat and so is a K-Frame. Let's face it they were the ones that came out first with the .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum and the .44 Magnum ahead of all the rest. They are well known for accuracy, smooth actions and durabilty. Let's start out small in caliber and work our way up since you did not say what Caliber you desired. I would have to have all the Ones shown if I didn't all ready have them..Hammer It.
The S&W Model 16-4 In .32 H&R Magnum Caliber. These are hard to find and a Ball to shoot.
The S&W Model 19-4 in .357 MagumThe Last of the Pinned and recessed series
The Model 27 with a 5" Barrel. This is the Grandson of the original Registered Magum that changed center Bore History back in 1936.
The Model 57 in .41 Magnum that came out in 1964 also as the First .41 Magnum in a revolver
The Model 29 in .44 Magnum that S&W Introduced back in 1956
The S&W Model 25-5 in .45 Colt Caliber
In a center fire revolver I would have to say an -N- Frame S&W is hard to beat and so is a K-Frame. Let's face it they were the ones that came out first with the .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum and the .44 Magnum ahead of all the rest. They are well known for accuracy, smooth actions and durabilty. Let's start out small in caliber and work our way up since you did not say what Caliber you desired. I would have to have all the Ones shown if I didn't all ready have them..Hammer It.
The S&W Model 16-4 In .32 H&R Magnum Caliber. These are hard to find and a Ball to shoot.
The S&W Model 19-4 in .357 MagumThe Last of the Pinned and recessed series
The Model 27 with a 5" Barrel. This is the Grandson of the original Registered Magum that changed center Bore History back in 1936.
The Model 57 in .41 Magnum that came out in 1964 also as the First .41 Magnum in a revolver
The Model 29 in .44 Magnum that S&W Introduced back in 1956
The S&W Model 25-5 in .45 Colt Caliber
Hi
I have never owned a 686 so can't speak for them, But I did own a model 629-3 and it shot Loose within a Year and less than 500 Magnum Loads through it.
I have a friend who had the same experience with his which is a Dash-4 series. I Prefer older Vintage guns in Carbon steel form as they seem to Handle long term durability better than my stainless one did. After this series I have heard S&W came out with an Endurance Package for the 629's. One was enough for me and I shoot all I own, I do not have any safe queens, I just take care of what I have since it Can't be bought anymore. Hammer ItBaba Louie
New member
Since you state centerfire only, how about another Colt, like a Diamondback? I haven't seen their prices go down lately (nor do I expect to). If you like Colt, there's always the P series SAA's, maybe a Gen 2 in .357? Everyone needs a Detective Special. (try to find a 3")
Obviously the pre war or post war P&R S&W's as others have suggested, but might I suggest a Model 10 in 2-1/2" or 3" just due to the scarcity (but the 10 is soooo common, values probably won't go up until S&W decide to drop new ones from their factory lineup and even then it'll be awhile). Or any N-Frame pre-lock in 3" or 5" bbl length (again, scant production runs in those sizes) for that matter.
The choices are mind boggling. But don't overlook .22's. Cheaper to feed, fun to shoot, the good older ones ain't exactly cheap and are only increasing in value.
Obviously the pre war or post war P&R S&W's as others have suggested, but might I suggest a Model 10 in 2-1/2" or 3" just due to the scarcity (but the 10 is soooo common, values probably won't go up until S&W decide to drop new ones from their factory lineup and even then it'll be awhile). Or any N-Frame pre-lock in 3" or 5" bbl length (again, scant production runs in those sizes) for that matter.
The choices are mind boggling. But don't overlook .22's. Cheaper to feed, fun to shoot, the good older ones ain't exactly cheap and are only increasing in value.