To those who chose S&W as best 357

[williamlayton]

Here is an opinion from "don't know beans".
I am getting back to DA's because of a lot of things---suffice to say I played with SA's for many years in my youth. I really didn't know beans about what I had---I was just glad I had whatever it was that I had at the time---no direction just shooting.
I have has a J frame with the locks for a number of years now. The lock is not the problem, It is the Scadium flavored .38/.357.
The J-frame has never fit my hands and I really don't enjoy shooting it all that much---but I do shoot it on a fairly regular basis, It is DAO and i don't care for that. Trigger is good but I  like DA/SA's much better and like SA's better than DAO's.
I found a 28-2 just recently- The large frame is a joy---I have always preferred large and heavy in pistols. Just steadier in MY hands.
I like the 28-2--it is a big solid handgun--it is a 1978 issue--and has no lock.
I am getting in the market for a .45ACP, looking for a used---would like a blued gun--the28 is blued---but would not objetto a shake and bake finish on a stainless.
I don't cre for the appearance of the lock---but is not a deal killer for me when i go to get it.
Blessings

[Mohawk]

Smith and Wesson still makes the finest self defense revolvers in the world. I do not like the locks, but their expertise outweights the problem. That's just me. I wish they would offer the tapered(pencil) barrel in the classic line, but that's just my preference.

[olafhardtB]

I wanted a medium powered adjustable sighted 3" kitgun The M60 fills the bill. I could stand to lose the under lug and to have a tapered bbl. I would have preferred a 38+p length chamber and frame at 20oz.

[Bob J]

I have a newer 686 and it has been a great shooter and very reliable....  Would prefer a pre lock version but have not been disappointed with this one.....