Favorite "N" frame.
- Thread starter more_bullets
- Start date
Willie Sutton
Moderator
Model 25-2 in .45 ACP, the "1955 Target".
Cheap to shoot.
Dead Accurate.
Classic.
Willie
.
Cheap to shoot.
Dead Accurate.
Classic.
Willie
.
My Dad says his favorite is the Highway Patrolman too Paw Paw. I don't see how you guys do it, pick a favorite N-frame that is. I like them all.
A down and dirty, unretouched cell phone pic of my 29-2. I've had it since 1986 and don't plan on selling anytime soon.
Another pic of my shipped in July, 1956 S&W .44 Magnum, its sweeter than bear meat.
A down and dirty, unretouched cell phone pic of my 29-2. I've had it since 1986 and don't plan on selling anytime soon.
Another pic of my shipped in July, 1956 S&W .44 Magnum, its sweeter than bear meat.
...I'm not much of an N-frame guy. I'd been shooting handguns for 24 years before I finally bought my first N-frame, a Model 625-6. That's the 5-inch .45 Auto chamber "Model of 1989" before they began to offer the 4" Jerry Miculek version.
I thought it would be a grand way to break in to the world of N-frames. Instead, we had a very short and forgettable little fling. I thought the 5" barrel would be absolutely perfect, but it didn't feel perfect -- it felt a bit light or a bit short. Cut my teeth on 6" K & L-frames, and though I think the look is "right", they feel just a tiny bit heavy. Going with a 5-incher on a larger frame gun with a big hole in that barrel just didn't feel the way I "thought" it would.
I didn't have much of a chance to see if I'd learn to shoot well with it. I put 135 rounds through it in one range trip and then I sold it 3.5 weeks after I got it for exactly what I paid for it.
Buying a handgun and then giving up on it in almost ANY amount of time is something that I'd never done before. And it wasn't even that I wanted to move on. It was a wacky situation and I found a gun that I had to own like literally one week after getting that Model 625. Given the situation I had placed myself in -- moving the 625 felt like the right thing to do. Since I could get out of it exactly what I had paid... I made the decision.
I have had regrets after selling a gun before...and believe me when I tell you that I rarely sell one, but I've had no regrets with that 625. And the gun that helped to usher it out...well, I've got no regrets on that one, but it's not a revolver.
I thought it would be a grand way to break in to the world of N-frames. Instead, we had a very short and forgettable little fling. I thought the 5" barrel would be absolutely perfect, but it didn't feel perfect -- it felt a bit light or a bit short. Cut my teeth on 6" K & L-frames, and though I think the look is "right", they feel just a tiny bit heavy. Going with a 5-incher on a larger frame gun with a big hole in that barrel just didn't feel the way I "thought" it would.
I didn't have much of a chance to see if I'd learn to shoot well with it. I put 135 rounds through it in one range trip and then I sold it 3.5 weeks after I got it for exactly what I paid for it.
Buying a handgun and then giving up on it in almost ANY amount of time is something that I'd never done before. And it wasn't even that I wanted to move on. It was a wacky situation and I found a gun that I had to own like literally one week after getting that Model 625. Given the situation I had placed myself in -- moving the 625 felt like the right thing to do. Since I could get out of it exactly what I had paid... I made the decision.
I have had regrets after selling a gun before...and believe me when I tell you that I rarely sell one, but I've had no regrets with that 625. And the gun that helped to usher it out...well, I've got no regrets on that one, but it's not a revolver.
My Favorite "N" frame. Easy the M-27, I've been lucky enough to own two of them, 5" and 6". These have always been Smith and Wesson's flagship handgun, everything on them is top notch. I also happen to believe that the .357 Magnum "platform" is the end all be all of revolvers.
Winchester_73
New member
Hard to pick a favorite
Favorite N frame? You guys might as well ask me to pick my favorite child!
MKII .455 SN 7059 with Canadian proofs (rechambered to 45 colt) which shipped July 8, 1915 (my birthday) to Remington Arms Co. Remington then distributed the finished revolvers to Canada and Great Britain. Still beautiful at 98!
38-44 heavy duty (pre 20) S67560 post war transitional. It probably shipped between 1946 and 1948. These guns are in the post war SN range, but have pre war parts and characteristics that S&W had not used up before WWII. Per the SCSW 3rd ed, only approx 2500 were manufactured before S&W had exhausted the pre war parts on hand. S&W then assembled their revolvers with the newly designed post war parts, among making other small changes. N frame 38 specials are scarce in general. They came about when S&W realized people could load 38 specials hotter if the N frame was chambered for it. Basically, the 38-44 was forerunner to the Registered Magnum.
38-44 outdoorsman (pre 23) S71235 post war transitional which shipped in 1946 to Cleveland, OH. Same classification as the above heavy duty, just a different model. The pre war long action has an incredible feel, and with the post war sights, its a near perfect gun. All of you Python lovers should give a gun like this a spin and tell me what you think, but good luck finding one. Per Roy Jinks, this is 1 of 2326 post war transitional 38-44 outdoorsman revolvers made.
357 magnum model (pre 27) S80398 which shipped in 1951 to Stoeger in NY. I wanted one of these since I started S&W collecting. This was S&Ws flagship revolver, and many people still consider it that. The quality of these older S&Ws is superb, as many of you know. To the people who say a Python is the ultimate, this is my answer, a gun that many have no experience with. They're not rare, but aside from the internet, they're not readily available either. I was fortunate that the gun came with unrelieved target grips and a pre war registered magnum box. It was a lucky find, and my wife's Christmas present to me for 2012. I guess I better keep her!
44 magnum model (pre 29) S130937 5 screw and a first year model as well. The very first regular production 44 magnums were in the S130XXX range, and they started shipping out in Jan 1956. I am hoping this one shipped out in early 1956, which would make it more special. I bought it from the first owner, who decided he had to have one after touring the S&W factory in 1956. While on tour, he witnessed these magnificent revolvers being produced. This revolver has the "coke bottle" target grip type. Be sure to compare the checkering size to the 38-44 and the 357 above to see the difference. This N frame might be my favorite, but its hard to say. One of the most important revolvers in S&W's history.
Nate 45,
I thought I was the only one here with a first year 44 magnum! Nice gun you have there. How early is yours? Are those keith brown grips on your gun?
Favorite N frame? You guys might as well ask me to pick my favorite child!
MKII .455 SN 7059 with Canadian proofs (rechambered to 45 colt) which shipped July 8, 1915 (my birthday) to Remington Arms Co. Remington then distributed the finished revolvers to Canada and Great Britain. Still beautiful at 98!
38-44 heavy duty (pre 20) S67560 post war transitional. It probably shipped between 1946 and 1948. These guns are in the post war SN range, but have pre war parts and characteristics that S&W had not used up before WWII. Per the SCSW 3rd ed, only approx 2500 were manufactured before S&W had exhausted the pre war parts on hand. S&W then assembled their revolvers with the newly designed post war parts, among making other small changes. N frame 38 specials are scarce in general. They came about when S&W realized people could load 38 specials hotter if the N frame was chambered for it. Basically, the 38-44 was forerunner to the Registered Magnum.
38-44 outdoorsman (pre 23) S71235 post war transitional which shipped in 1946 to Cleveland, OH. Same classification as the above heavy duty, just a different model. The pre war long action has an incredible feel, and with the post war sights, its a near perfect gun. All of you Python lovers should give a gun like this a spin and tell me what you think, but good luck finding one. Per Roy Jinks, this is 1 of 2326 post war transitional 38-44 outdoorsman revolvers made.
357 magnum model (pre 27) S80398 which shipped in 1951 to Stoeger in NY. I wanted one of these since I started S&W collecting. This was S&Ws flagship revolver, and many people still consider it that. The quality of these older S&Ws is superb, as many of you know. To the people who say a Python is the ultimate, this is my answer, a gun that many have no experience with. They're not rare, but aside from the internet, they're not readily available either. I was fortunate that the gun came with unrelieved target grips and a pre war registered magnum box. It was a lucky find, and my wife's Christmas present to me for 2012. I guess I better keep her!
44 magnum model (pre 29) S130937 5 screw and a first year model as well. The very first regular production 44 magnums were in the S130XXX range, and they started shipping out in Jan 1956. I am hoping this one shipped out in early 1956, which would make it more special. I bought it from the first owner, who decided he had to have one after touring the S&W factory in 1956. While on tour, he witnessed these magnificent revolvers being produced. This revolver has the "coke bottle" target grip type. Be sure to compare the checkering size to the 38-44 and the 357 above to see the difference. This N frame might be my favorite, but its hard to say. One of the most important revolvers in S&W's history.
Nate 45,
I thought I was the only one here with a first year 44 magnum! Nice gun you have there. How early is yours? Are those keith brown grips on your gun?
Last edited:
Winchester_73
New member
44 special target model of 1950 (pre 24) SN S127XXX which probably shipped in the 1954/55 time frame. I always wanted a 44 special, but I wanted a 5 screw version. I found this one online, and the rest is history. I added the grips from my S&W grip box. It has a few marks on it, but like many other S&W N frames, its a stunning revolver. 1 of only 5050 post war 1950 44 spl targets made.
44 magnum model (pre 29) 4 screw S177602 which shipped in 1958 to Pittsburgh PA. I actually bought this one in my state as well. I was later fortunate enough to find a correct sight tool and an original black presentation case which was the case used on 44 magnums prior to 1960. For me to get this gun, I had to have my friend over to help my wife while she recovered from surgery from a C section for my son. I drove several hours to get it, and the guy didn't want to sell, only trade, so I traded some guns off to get this one. I also had to cough up my half of $725 of gift cards me and my wife had saved to coerce her into my friend spending the day with her. At the time, they didn't get along. The previous owner of this 44 knew it was early and a special gun, but he was a military rifle guy, and simply didn't care. All is well that ends well, and this gun found a good home.
27-2 8 3/8 N36234 (top). That gun I actually decided to sell. It had some pitting, I needed some money, so I let it go. 27s with 8 in barrels are pretty uncommon since many people got shorter barrel guns to carry. Below that (middle) is a 27-2 6in N628195. This gun is special to me because it was my first model 27. It has a partridge sight, with the 3Ts, which was standard on the 27-2 after 1975. The gun above it has a standard trigger and hammer. On the bottom is a 28-2 Highway Patrolman 4in, N297959. A year or two ago, I met up with a guy to see some Colts he had for sale, and when he pulled this gun out, I had to have it. All original standard features (on many 28s, the hammer trigger and grips were upgraded later) and its in beautiful shape.
27-2 3.5 N434746. This 27 is in the sought after 3.5 barrel length. While the 3.5 in 27s are far from rare, just like many other guns, they are in high demand. Some #$%@head polished the hammer and trigger but other than that, this is beautiful revolver. I'd like to get a 5 screw 3.5in gun, but I don't want to pay a fortune just to have one.
29-2 N863864 6in. This was my first N frame. Its well kept and I was fortunate enough to get a presentation case for it. I nearly sold it not long after I first got it, but I'm glad I never did. This one I've shot quite a bit, along with its twin, the nickel 27-2.
In conclusion, one could not ask for a better revolver than a N frame S&W...
44 magnum model (pre 29) 4 screw S177602 which shipped in 1958 to Pittsburgh PA. I actually bought this one in my state as well. I was later fortunate enough to find a correct sight tool and an original black presentation case which was the case used on 44 magnums prior to 1960. For me to get this gun, I had to have my friend over to help my wife while she recovered from surgery from a C section for my son. I drove several hours to get it, and the guy didn't want to sell, only trade, so I traded some guns off to get this one. I also had to cough up my half of $725 of gift cards me and my wife had saved to coerce her into my friend spending the day with her. At the time, they didn't get along. The previous owner of this 44 knew it was early and a special gun, but he was a military rifle guy, and simply didn't care. All is well that ends well, and this gun found a good home.
27-2 8 3/8 N36234 (top). That gun I actually decided to sell. It had some pitting, I needed some money, so I let it go. 27s with 8 in barrels are pretty uncommon since many people got shorter barrel guns to carry. Below that (middle) is a 27-2 6in N628195. This gun is special to me because it was my first model 27. It has a partridge sight, with the 3Ts, which was standard on the 27-2 after 1975. The gun above it has a standard trigger and hammer. On the bottom is a 28-2 Highway Patrolman 4in, N297959. A year or two ago, I met up with a guy to see some Colts he had for sale, and when he pulled this gun out, I had to have it. All original standard features (on many 28s, the hammer trigger and grips were upgraded later) and its in beautiful shape.
27-2 3.5 N434746. This 27 is in the sought after 3.5 barrel length. While the 3.5 in 27s are far from rare, just like many other guns, they are in high demand. Some #$%@head polished the hammer and trigger but other than that, this is beautiful revolver. I'd like to get a 5 screw 3.5in gun, but I don't want to pay a fortune just to have one.
29-2 N863864 6in. This was my first N frame. Its well kept and I was fortunate enough to get a presentation case for it. I nearly sold it not long after I first got it, but I'm glad I never did. This one I've shot quite a bit, along with its twin, the nickel 27-2.
In conclusion, one could not ask for a better revolver than a N frame S&W...
My S&W .44 Magnum was shipped from the factory on July 9, 1956 and delivered to Sutcliffe Hardware Co, Louisville, KY.
I have the blue case, all tools and registration card.
Here it is lying on top of Elmer Keith's 1957 review of the then new .44 Magnum, which appeared in the 1958 Gun Digest.
Yes, they are Keith Brown Roper's. Mine are exhibition grade walnut, with elephant ivory diamond inlays. I got them mainly to protect my original, pristine and beautiful, Gancalo Alves target grips. Plus they look good too!
They're All Good
I really can't define my favorite because they are all such good revolvers-I have 5 of them-a pre-28 HP 4";a 29-2 6";a 22-4 4";a 27(no dash) 6.5",and a 28-2 6".The last one has custom sights-white outline rear and red ramp-all bought used except for the 22-4.The 22-4 is an early one and the front sight is set too high so I correct for that when shooting and put some Pachmayr grips on in place of the Thunder Ranch grips-those were too skimpy and uncomfortable to shoot with.Shooting full house 357's in an N frame is not the least upleasant-about similar to a GP100 except much better design esthetics
I really can't define my favorite because they are all such good revolvers-I have 5 of them-a pre-28 HP 4";a 29-2 6";a 22-4 4";a 27(no dash) 6.5",and a 28-2 6".The last one has custom sights-white outline rear and red ramp-all bought used except for the 22-4.The 22-4 is an early one and the front sight is set too high so I correct for that when shooting and put some Pachmayr grips on in place of the Thunder Ranch grips-those were too skimpy and uncomfortable to shoot with.Shooting full house 357's in an N frame is not the least upleasant-about similar to a GP100 except much better design esthetics
Deaf Smith
New member
Favorite N frames...
629-2 'Mountain Gun' and 625-3 .45 ACP snub.
These definitely are my two!
But in the woods I tend to use my 4 inch 629-3 (plain jane.) .44 Magnum with a 240gr SWC at 1000 fps.
Deaf
629-2 'Mountain Gun' and 625-3 .45 ACP snub.
These definitely are my two!
But in the woods I tend to use my 4 inch 629-3 (plain jane.) .44 Magnum with a 240gr SWC at 1000 fps.
Deaf
Tom Servo
That Highway Patrolman is nice, but the 3.5 inch Model 27/Model of 1950 is one of the meanest/scariest looking handguns ever. The barrel profile combined with frame size and cylinder wall thickness, just give it that je ne sais quoi.
I took this pic with my lap top cam back in 2008 for a thread about what the scariest/most intimidating handgun was. Its my nickel 3.5" S&W Model of 1950 .357 Magnum. If it doesn't intimidate ones adversary, its got six .357 Magnums ready to do its talking for it.
Look how thick those cylinder walls are, no worries about shooting the most powerful loads in there.
That Highway Patrolman is nice, but the 3.5 inch Model 27/Model of 1950 is one of the meanest/scariest looking handguns ever. The barrel profile combined with frame size and cylinder wall thickness, just give it that je ne sais quoi.
I took this pic with my lap top cam back in 2008 for a thread about what the scariest/most intimidating handgun was. Its my nickel 3.5" S&W Model of 1950 .357 Magnum. If it doesn't intimidate ones adversary, its got six .357 Magnums ready to do its talking for it.
Look how thick those cylinder walls are, no worries about shooting the most powerful loads in there.