The only problem I have with the 27/627 family is the number of variations. My brain gets swamped with the choices. I assume that newer versions have "the lock" so I'd have to search for a "pre-lock"... And there are so many out there; I'm afraid to buy one unless I'm holding it in my hands and my choices for that are few.
All you have to do is educate yourself. There is nothing complicated about it, and there are many books and tons of info on the internet. Aside from pre lock, there are 3 screw, 4 screw and 5 screw guns for many models, pre model number, pre war even. Its worth knowing this stuff so you get the right gun for you the first time.
If I were you, I would purchase one of Smith & Wesson's K, L, or N frame 357 revolvers. The lightest being the K frame and the heaviest the N Frame.
If you went by weight, the L frame is heaviest. N frame has larger dimensions, but if you compare the L frame with full lug (most common) vs N frame with half lug (most common) the L frame is a few oz heavier.
What's the difference between a 27 and 27-2? What about a 27 and 686?
The 27 is a descendant of the first 357 magnum, the S&W registered magnum. Its built on the large N frame, and is a deluxe S&W target revolver. For decades, it was S&W's flagship model. The -2 variant began production the 1960s and lasted until approx 1980 (off the top of my head). It was the last pinned and recessed model 27 made. For 27-3 on, the barrel pinning was dropped, followed by the cylinder recessing. The barrel pin refers to how they were installed; they were screwed on, with a hole placed in a gulley on the barrel and through the frame. The pin was placed through there. This was removed as a cost cutting measure. Some like the nolstagia of this feature, although it is not actually better IMO. The cylinder recessing refers to a small step/indentation at the rear of the cylinder which allows the cartridges to sit flush in the cylinder. In other words, if you loaded a recessed cylinder, and held it up so it was right in front of your eye, you couldn't see the shells if you looked across the rear face. That recessing of the cylinder was only on rimfires and magnum guns IE not 38 special, 32 S&W long, 45 acp, etc.
The 686 was a medium frame magnum revolver designed to replace the K frame 357 due to weight issues causing them to be shot loose (not often) and more importantly the forcing cone failures at the thinner 1800 spot. The L frame was heavier with a full width forcing cone. The K frame 357 was kind of luck putting Chevy 350 in a AMC Gremlin, if you get it in, there is just enough room. The medium K frame was designed for the 38 special and its pressure, not for the 357 magnum. It worked however, but was not as durable as the latter L frame.
No offense but judging by this thread I wouldn't recommend any older or out of production revolver. Not a slight but you simply don't know enough about them yet to understand what you are buying.
This is reasonable advice but you could instead educate yourself about all of these revolvers. Consider joining other forums, buy a few books, and talk to some people. And oh yea, ask many questions. Its not rocket science, although there is a lot of bad information floating around.
A GP 100? A 686? How mundane...Good, but oh, so ordinary. Everybody and his cousin has one of those.
I agree with this advice. Nothing wrong with those 2 models, but its like having a Winchester 30-30. They are also a little too modern for my preferences although I do have a 686-3 and a 586 no dash.
The Colt's a nickel model - neither the Diamondback nor Python were ever offered in stainless as far as I know
Both of those Colts were nicke or blue. However, the Python was offered in SS in the 1980s, with either a matte look, or the ultimate bright. SS Pythons are sought after, but really aren't rare. No Diamondbacks were made in SS as regular production models.
So, if price is no object, and the objective is to have a good, special .357 SS 4" barrel, mostly to be used at the range but also to carry about on my property (I live in the country) and sit on my bed table, what is the best choice??? Security Six, Python, other..??
I recommend a S&W 66 P&R gun. The model was discontinued, but it had a lower failure rate than the model 19 from what I read. It was a K frame, so it handles really well: nice in light, and feels great. It has adjustable sights. They are pretty sought after. I'm lucky enough to have one, and it is the best multipurpose 357 out of all of my 357s. I do really enjoy my 27-2 6in gun. Recently I took my 28-2 4in out and they are really nice too. It all depends. 357s are my favorite other than 22s and so I couldn't have just 1 or 2 or 5
