What is the Best Double Action Revolver of All Time?

[gcrank1]

Way back I liked my Horton 629 3"(?) but my all time fav big bore was the 624 4" based on 'Skeeter's recommendation'; shoulda kept it...... . I put on the diamond service grips as the big target grips were fine in summer but bulked up too much with gloves. I think those early reintro of the 24 in 624's were fitting room guns; anyway mine was premo and a hot loaded 44Spl is almost a mag in a short barrel iffn ya need the beans. Remember where Elmer did his load development.

[mantihunter]

Hands down, the Colt Python. Think about it, if someone were to offer you any double action revolver, free of charge, just for the asking, would you really choose a Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Dan Wesson or anything else over the Colt??? Not me.

[Drilling Man]

Hands down, the Colt Python. Think about it, if someone were to offer you any double action revolver, free of charge, just for the asking, would you really choose a Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Dan Wesson or anything else over the Colt??? Not me.

  ABSOLUTELY!  I'd choose a S&W registered magnum!
 
  I've had 3 pythons, there's no doubt in my mind that the registered magnum is a better made, smoother gun!
 
  DM

[jcn59]

An early .44 mag.  Mountain Gun !

[rio grande]

IMHO a very early S&W model 58, great trigger, very usefull and I let it get away         Doug

I carried one briefly in Colorado's mountains. Briefly. Too heavy.

[rio grande]

I can't see how one can improve on the Python.  Although I like my model 19 a lot too, and wouldn't complain about owning a model 15 or a model 10.

No front lockup. No thanks.

[rio grande]

Can't beat the Ruger securty six !

I think I can.
My ported 3" 629 w/ Crimson Trace grips.

Try field stripping your Smith after you fall in the mud during a cold wet day in the woods.
You'll wish you had the Security Six, which is a stronger revolver anyway.

[45-70.gov]

Can't beat the Ruger securty six !

I think I can.
My ported 3" 629 w/ Crimson Trace grips.

Try field stripping your Smith after you fall in the mud during a cold wet day in the woods.
You'll wish you had the Security Six, which is a stronger revolver anyway.

what  if you have mud or lead fowling or something  stuck in one of those ports


you have to fire in emergency....with out safety glasses


can the crud  in the port  put out your eye???


did  i mention  i hate ports

[wolverine_1]

Lots of good revolvers have been discussed, but IMHO the Colt Officers Model in either .38 Special or in .22 LR are the best of the revolvers I have owned or tried.  gene

[keith44]

Hands down, the Colt Python. Think about it, if someone were to offer you any double action revolver, free of charge, just for the asking, would you really choose a Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Dan Wesson or anything else over the Colt??? Not me.

I'm with you, I know what a Python is, and what a Smith is, the Colt is a better built piece

[Drilling Man]

Hands down, the Colt Python. Think about it, if someone were to offer you any double action revolver, free of charge, just for the asking, would you really choose a Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Dan Wesson or anything else over the Colt??? Not me.

I'm with you, I know what a Python is, and what a Smith is, the Colt is a better built piece

  SO, you've owned and lived with a S&W  "Registered Magnum??"
 
  DM

[Ladobe]

What is "best" is personal choice for the intended uses.   I had a lot of "best for's" over the years that sometimes changed as new to me models were acquired.

[45-70.gov]

''best''


that would need to be  in  context
i am changeing my  pick


''best'' would be  my daily carry gun
if  not   why not carry the best every day


i carrya  ruger LCR  every day

[spacer]

I noticed my Dan Wesson binding a bit when it got hot, but when I measured the barrel-cylinder gap, I noticed it was a bit tight. After I adjusted it to fit snugly against the factory .006 gauge, it's performed flawlessly.

[gr8ful]

Easy, S&W M57 4" 41 Rem Mag, hands down.
 

[1911crazy]

update;
Lastyear i purchased my first S&W a k22 in 22lr.  What a sweet action it is.
So whats the best revolver?
The older S&W revolvers have an awesome action like the S&W combat masterpiece in 38 special & the S&W target masterpiece in 38 special too besides the older K22.
Ruger security & police service sixes are very rugged and excellent preformers and the redhawks too. (357mag & 44mag)
taurus m94 in 22lr.   I purchased this for my misses and never expected it to be this good she loves it i never shot it yet.
The older hopkins & allen  and the older H&R revolvers don't underestimate them because of there price there great little plinkers in 22cal too.
I can't judge who is the best but i like them all.  I just haven't gotten to the others yet.

[Larry L]

 

SO, you've owned and lived with a S&W  "Registered Magnum??

I have. I had an early RM in 38 Special. It was made in 1936 or at least the receipt that the lady gave me when I bought it from her had a 1936 date. Her husband had bought it and she never wanted a gun in the house. He never shot the gun. It had a 3 1/2" barrel on it and was as smooth as any Colt made....and I have Pythons that have been back to the custom shop for triggers. Unfortunately it walked in a burglary years back. Would I trade a Python for one? No. Would I pay the current price for one, about 2 grand, no. But I sure did like that pistol. I also had a Smith 19-3 that was equally as smooth with the 3Ts with a 1 1/2" barrel. Carried it for years too. I got dumb and traded it for a Colt Trooper 8". Miss that pistol too and have been looking for one but they are a tough find around here. They're either beat to pieces or 6" barrel. I'm looking for a shoulder gun. Otherwise, I'm a firm believer that overall, the Python is the best out there. But there are a few out there that are pretty darn close to being as good.

[onebilly43]

I have been wondering about the best double action revolver and wanted to get feedback on what you thought.

What is the best double action revolver of all time?
I would have to say the Colt Python

Thanks
Doug

[gandog56]

Eh, I'm not restricted to just one barrel size. I have the standard 2.5, 4. 6. and 8"barrels, looking to get the optional 10, 12, and 15"barrels.

[GrassLakeRon]

GP100.

Ron

[saltydog]

I noticed my Dan Wesson binding a bit when it got hot, but when I measured the barrel-cylinder gap, I noticed it was a bit tight. After I adjusted it to fit snugly against the factory .006 gauge, it's performed flawlessly.

What does DW comment have to do with the topic ?


Hard decision between a N frame S&W or a K22 that has been through the performance shop and a Python or Diamonback. It is great we have nice da's to choose from.

[SHOOTALL]

I noticed my Dan Wesson binding a bit when it got hot, but when I measured the barrel-cylinder gap, I noticed it was a bit tight. After I adjusted it to fit snugly against the factory .006 gauge, it's performed flawlessly.

What does DW comment have to do with the topic ?


Hard decision between a N frame S&W or a K22 that has been through the performance shop and a Python or Diamonback. It is great we have nice da's to choose from.

It's not the BEST 

[skit]

well, since I just got this one, I am going to say, nickel n frame 25-5 , 6 inch, 45 colt, smith and Wesson. and if it ever quits snowing up here I might get out to fire it. sure is pretty though. cheers jim

[Lpete]

Here's my 2 cents worth..


Any K-frame Smith and Wesson, with my personal preference of the Model 15/67. I shoot mine regularly, which includes a Pre-15 born in 1952 (Dad's gun) and a later made M-67.  I consider them the "perfect" handgun.

[SharonAnne]

I had a buddy who started USPSA/IPSC with a 6" Python. He had the action tuned by Magna Port Arms in MI. Although I am a dyed-in-the-wool 1911/45 shooter I would on occasion challenge His buddy in a match of 7 yd 3 target 2 rd on each reload and 2 round on each. His buddy had the idea he was the second best revolver shooter in our club. Even though I would not have touched the Python since the last time I gave him a sound thrashing I would always beat him. 

Later I bought a 6" L-frame in .357 S&W Magnum.  Box stock it has a much smoother action than the tuned Python.  Technology marches on. What was once great is now average.

I select my 357 6" L-frame over the Python any day.

As a close second I like the 5.5" Redhawk in .44 Remington Magnum.

[1911crazy]

Now with a little more handling experience under my belt i have to say my S&W K38 Combat Masterpiece in 38 special w/4" barrel and my S&W k38 Target Masterpiece in 38 special w/6" barrel are as good as it gets revolver wise, just handling them there works of gunsmith art. The actions were built and assembled by the old world S&W craftsman and the workmanship shows that.


I do like my rugers for having no screws to come loose. The mack truck built quality of the rugers is hard to match.  While they don't have the history of colt or s&w the rugers can hold there own. The security six 357mag and the redhawks are unmatched for ruggedness.


I still like my S&W N Frame revolvers. I give them the nod because there still offered in that world famous nickel finish too.

[Three44s]

It's been four years or so since I made an endorsement ....... back then, I posted that I thought the best all around DA revolver was the pre-29 Smith.


I still stand on that ........ I don't own one ......... I do own a 629 MG and from that experience and the CLASS ACT of the pre-29's .... it's just a no brainer for me.


Each to their own!  Viva Choice!!!


Now, the MG is not my only revo ........ not by a long shot ......... I have not owned a Python or Colt of any sort and I sure don't have anything against them so you have to take what I post for what it's worth.


I have a Redhawk, a SRH traded for another ..... a .480 now sits in our safe ....... numerous Smiths and two Dan's ..... yes, Dans .... both Monson guns to boot!


At the time I first posted my Dan in .41 was giving me trouble in SA .... with some Gun Scrubber ....... that went away and it's SA is absolutely superb!!! ...... better than a gun ought to be!!!


But I boil it all down ............ and I still come back to my Smith MG ........ and by extension ........... the pre-29 Smith .... more class than my MG will ever have .....


You pack the 629 because it don't wear on the finnish ..... you cheerish the pre-29!!


Wish I could afford the pre-29 ........


........... I'll just rely on petting one every now and then!!!


Got a pre-28 .......... I just squint and come close?


Three 44s

[gandog56]

Can't beat the Ruger securty six !

I think I can.
My ported 3" 629 w/ Crimson Trace grips.

Try field stripping your Smith after you fall in the mud during a cold wet day in the woods.
You'll wish you had the Security Six, which is a stronger revolver anyway.

what  if you have mud or lead fowling or something  stuck in one of those ports


you have to fire in emergency....with out safety glasses


can the crud  in the port  put out your eye???


did  i mention  i hate ports

I would think any crud would go UP, not back towards your face. I mean who in their right mind would direct hot muzzle gasses at a shooter's face?

[gandog56]

My favorite. Dan Wesson pistol pack 15-2V with four different length barrels. But I've always wanted a Cplt Python and Anaconda!