Smith and Wesson have been a popular name that plenty of gun owners and enthusiasts have spoken highly about. With a handful of revolvers on the market, we understand that finding the best Smith and Wesson revolver may not be an easy feat.
To make things easier for you, we will be discussing the best Smith and Wesson revolvers available on the market now. Rest assured, you will surely be able to find one of these revolver models appealing for your personal use.
| Revolvers | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Smith and Wesson 629 | Most Recommended Option 1. It fires of .44 caliber shots | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith and Wesson 686 | 1. Good amount of power in every shot 2. Can fire off both the .357 Magnum and the lighter .38 Special 3. Comes with adjustable sights, a satin finish, and a choice of six or seven round cylinder | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith and Wesson 586 .357 Magnum | 1. High-quality material 2. Able to deliver some serious firing power since it’s a .357 caliber revolver 3. Concealable for EDC carry | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 | 1. High ammo capacity polymer frame pistol 2. Low bore axis that works to reduce muzzle climb 3. The pistol is available in 9 mm and .40 Smith & Wesson cartridges | 8.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith and Wesson Model 442 Pro Series | 1. One of the smallest of them all 2. Can also handle the more powerful, higher pressure +P rounds 3. One of the best EDC carry pistols | 7.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Smith and Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp | 1. Smoother trigger pull 2. Does not require people to manipulate a safety 3. Rounded and smoothened wood grips | 7.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Smith and Wesson Model 29 | 1. Chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum round 2. Features a wooden boot grip and a classic style 3. Barrel lengths ranging from four to ten inches long | 7.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Smith and Wesson 1911A1 | 1. Durable barrels, skeletonized hammer, and even an accessory rail 2. Make both the full-size 5-inch barrel length and 1 ¼ inch handgun option 3. Includes a shorter slide with bobtail mainspring housings and aggressive checkering | 7.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
The Benefits of a Top Smith & Wesson Revolver
Here are a few benefits you get to enjoy when you invest in a quality Smith and Wesson revolver:
Diversified Caliber
The best Smith and Wesson revolvers are created to suit all kinds of shotgun shells – whichever is the best gun for your intended use. Whether you need something that will do serious damage or something that can hit hard and give you tight shooting groups, the Smith and Wesson revolver comes in various cartridges to fit you.
Superior Reliability
The one thing Smith and Wesson revolvers are known for is their reliability. You can certainly trust that this revolver will come through for the course when the time calls for it.
Built to Last
If you’re one of shooters who needs a revolver that is solid and durable, then the Smith and Wesson revolvers are worth considering. All the revolvers they made by the company are made from high-quality materials to last you many years.
Factors to Consider when Picking The Best S&W Revolver
Finding the right Smith and Wesson revolver for yourself involves plenty of things that you need to take into consideration. Knowing what to look out for will help you distinguish a good revolver from one that isn’t as reliable. Here are a few characteristics and features that you can look out for while on the hunt:
Affordability
Price tag may be a very important factor for budget shoppers, however, cost shouldn’t be the only reason to pick out a Smith & Wesson model. Even if you’re on a budget, you should consider stretching the range a little bit more to get one with the best quality and performance that you can afford. This means you get to get something of value instead of wasting money on a flimsy and unreliable handgun.
Quality
The quality of your revolver will depend on the materials it’s made from. Steel and polymer are two proven materials on the market that offer better grip and overall durability. Despite their high-quality construction, you should also make sure to maintain and clean your revolver on a regular basis to protect them from rust.
Capacity
Not every revolver will have the same number of shots in its cylinder. Some may have five, six, or even eight rounds of shots. The handgun capacity will be more of personal preference, but it can also depend on the application you intend to use your revolver for. A larger capacity is good for those who intend to use their revolver for casual or competitive target shooting purposes.
The Best Smith and Wesson Revolvers Ever Made Review – Analyzed
The following list is some of the best Smith and Wesson revolver models that you can get your hands on.
1. Smith and Wesson 586 .357 Magnum – The Best Overall
If you’re looking for a revolver that is the epitome of perfection, then the Model 586 may just be it. Made with the right kind of high-quality material and at the perfect size, this is a revolver that will last you a long time and help you handle high-stress situations like self or home defense. Built like a tank and at a size to fit in almost any holster, this revolver is also able to deliver some serious firing power since it’s a .357 caliber revolver.
This model is not only excellent for concealed carry purposes but it will also serve you well for target shooting, practice, and even backyard plinking. No matter what you plan to do with it, this revolver is built for the long-term and will offer reliable performance in a moment’s notice.
Among a list of things that the Model 586 is able to do includes easy loading, fast and smooth shooting, and concealable for EDC carry. Some have even noted that this is the perfect revolver for personal needs and preferences.
All in all, the Smith and Wesson Centerfire .357 Revolver offers plenty and has proven worthy of the top spot. This is a concealed carry user’s dream come true with good reliability, accuracy, and quality.
2. S&W 629 – The Best Smith and Wesson Revolver for Home Defense
The Smith and Wesson 629 is one of the larger models that gives a bit more “oomph” in the firing side as it fires .44 caliber shots. These are one of the best choices for homeowners who really need to do some damage to an attacker that dares to threaten your life. However, one downside of this American beauty is that it can get quite loud and powerful for a newbie.
As discussed above, it’s not the best for newbies, it is great for those with some experience. Regardless, this is a powerful revolver that can stop an attacker right in their tracks. Not only is this a great revolver for home defense, but many customers have even tested it out at the range and were happy to find that they could accurately hit their targets from 30 yards out.
The bottom line is that the 629 is perhaps one of the best revolvers for home defense as it’s quite powerful and is nice to have around your property. With this on hand, home invaders and prowlers will certainly think twice before hurting your family.
3. Smith and Wesson 686 – The Best Smith & Wesson Magnum Revolver
Known for its ability to deliver serious damage, you should also not expect the .357 round to get extremely messy when you shoot a target. However, if you want a revolver with a good amount of power in every shot, then the Model 686 is the one to go.
Set in the middle between small and large-caliber guns, the L Frame Smith & Wesson 686 .357 Magnum model is a capable revolver that can fire off both the .357 Magnum and the lighter .38 Special ammunition.
The Model 686 comes with a 4-inch barrel length with an overall length of 9.6 inches and 2.5 lbs in weight. Other than that, the revolver also comes with adjustable sights, a satin finish, and a choice of six or seven round cylinders.
With the Smith & Wesson 686 revolver, shooters get to have the option to train with the lighter loads. Once they’ve familiarized themselves with the ins and outs of the revolver, then they could step up to the more lethal .357 Magnum.
This S&W model is a good choice for seasoned concealed carry shooters. Although it allows you to fire off the .38 cartridges, it is not the best newbie-friendly option as the recoil can be a little too much for some.
Many shooters loved that they could count on this gun to help them stay safe when encountered with a dangerous attacker or when there are small critters causing damage to their properties. Customers noted that this is a very powerful revolver and they could even feel it in every shot. So much so that it would make for a good hunting weapon as well.
Overall, the S&W 686 Centerfire Revolver is definitely a force to be reckoned with. No attacker or varmint will be able to stand in the way of this powerful handgun. For those who dare, this revolver is sure to deliver a stopping power like no other.
4. Smith&Wesson Model 442 Pro Series – The Best Smith & Wesson for Concealed Carry
Based on Smith & Wesson’s lettering system, their smallest revolvers are built with a “J-Frame” model, and one of the smallest of them all is the Smith & Wesson Model 442 Pro Series. The Model 442 is designed as the best concealed carry revolver and is chambered in .38 Special cartridges but can also handle the more powerful, higher pressure +P rounds.
The Smith & Wesson revolver is made with an aluminum alloy frame and carbon steel cylinder to ensure durability and reduced overall weight. The Model 442 is able to hold up to five rounds and comes with a narrower aesthetics to make the pistol much easier for concealed carry purposes.
Other than the fact that it is designed to be seriously durable, the Model 442 is able to take on high-stress situations such as self-defense purposes. This is probably one of the best EDC carry pistols for you to take along with you all day every day to ensure you’re well prepared for a life-threatening situation.
Since the revolver is double action only, a single action trigger pull will work to advance the cylinder to a fresh cartridge and release the firing pin. On top of that, the hammerless design of the Model 442 allows for a smoother draw from under your clothes.
The 442 model is a perfectly newbie-friendly revolver who has never used a revolver before or are just starting out with concealed carry. Not only is it in the right size to be concealed discreetly and not attract unwanted attention, but it can also deliver some serious damage. Hence, this is one of the best smith and Wesson revolvers for concealed carry moments.
Many recent customers managed to keep their Model 442 nice and safe in their OWB and IWB holsters without experiencing any snagging issue. On top of that, they were also pretty satisfied with the revolver’s accuracy as they managed to hit targets from distances ranging from 25 to 25 yards out.
Overall, the 442 J-Frame Centerfire is a great conceal carry weapon that will prepare you for any dangerous situations. It is both concealable and ready to use anytime you need it to.
5. S&W Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp
Originally termed as the Combat Magnum, the Performance Center Model 18 quickly rose in popularity as a reliable defensive gun and police duty sidearm. With a 4-inch stainless steel barrel length and adjustable rear sights, the performance center model 19 became a favorite among cops who needed a smoother trigger pull.
On top of that, the Performance Center Model 19 does not require people to manipulate a safety, making this one of the best revolvers you can trust your life on. The Performance Center revamped the classic Model 19 to create a custom revolver right out of the box.
Made with a blued carbon-steel frame, the Performance Center Model 19 had a bead-blasted finish instead of polished like the original model. Other than that, the Carry Comp also sports a beautiful, checkered custom wood grips which are rounded and smoothened to ensure the revolver does not snag on your clothes.
Overall, the Model 19 Carry Comp is an excellent revolver for personal or home defense as it strikes the right balance between concealability and shootability. The PowerPort vented barrel also works to reduce muzzle flip to allow for better control while the tritium front sights let the homeowner take aim in total darkness.
6. Smith&Wesson M&P 2.0
The M&P 2.0 is Smith & Wesson’s successful “wonder nine” pistol after it has followed in the footsteps of the Glock 19 to produce a high ammo capacity polymer frame pistol that is also highly effective.
The Military & Police (M&P) Model 2.0 comes with a low bore axis that works to reduce muzzle climb and help shooters get sights back on their target faster. The M&P revolver also comes in a 5-inch barrel length with an overall length of 8 inches. The pistol is available in 9 mm and .40 Smith & Wesson cartridges with the 9mm version sporting a 17+1 round magazine.
In addition, the M&P pistol also comes with an optionally loaded chamber indicator and thumb safety, This pistol also comes with four different palmswell grips insert to ensure maximum ergonomic comfort. Overall, the M&P weapon offers great ergonomics and reliability.
7. Smith and Wesson Model 29
Chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum round, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a blued, six-cylinder revolver that features a wooden boot grip and a classic style. This revolver model quickly became popular after featuring in the “Dirty Harry” TV series.
Made with a durable construction, this handgun comes with a heft to soak up the punishing level of recoil when firing off a shot as powerful as the .44 Magnum. Not only that, but the Model 29 also offers barrel lengths ranging from four to ten inches long.
The powerful cartridge is particularly popular among gun enthusiasts and hunters who enjoy stalking dangerous prey. Although Smith and Wesson discontinued production in 1999, the Model 29 revolver was recently put back into production not long ago.
8. S&W 1911A1
Since the expiry of John Moses Browning’s 1911 handgun design patent, many gun companies now manufacture their own version of the iconic gun and Smith & Wesson is no exception. The S&W 1911 E-Series pistols come with durable barrels, skeletonized hammer, and even an accessory rail in some models for shooters to mount lights and lasers.
Smith and Wesson make both the full-size 5-inch Government barrel length and the slightly shorter 1 ¼ inch Commander handgun option. Aside from the barrel length, the Commander version also includes a slightly shorter slide with bobtail mainspring housings and aggressive checkering to help shooters keep an eye on their target.
Overall, the 1911 E-Series is a generally true enough form to satisfy most 1911 purists.
Conclusion – Popular Smith and Wesson Pistols
Figuring out which Smith and Wesson revolver will suit you best may require some times and research. The Smith and Wesson guns are best known for their functionality, effectiveness, and ease of concealment. As you’re on the hunt, keep in mind to find a special gun that will fit your needs and preferences. Once you’ve made the final decision on a model, you’ll surely be satisfied with what a great firearm it is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all Smith and Wesson revolvers the same?
No, not all Smith and Wesson revolvers are the same as they will differ in shot counts. Some may also have grips made of wood while others are constructed with synthetic materials. It all boils down to the detail and distinction to prove that not every Smith and Wesson revolver is the same, so it’d be good to spend some time to understand the variants or versions to know which is the best Smith and Wesson for you..
Where are the Smith and Wesson Revolvers made?
Smith and Wesson firearms are made in their HQ in Springfield, Massachusetts. However, there are several models that are also made in some parts of the United States.
What is the smallest Smith and Wesson revolver?
The smallest Smith and Wesson revolver is the 442 J-Frame Centerfire with two inches of barrel length. At such a compact size, the Model 442 is one of the best Smith and Wesson revolvers in terms of its ability to be easily concealed.
What Is The Best Smith And Wesson Revolver For Home Defense?
The best Smith Wesson for home defense is the Smith and Wesson 629 because it is extremely powerful as it can fire .44 caliber shots. Besides that, this Smith Wesson 629 can accurately shoot up to 30 yards which is more than sufficient to face home intruders at close proximity. Besides that, you can even bring your Smith Wesson 629 to target shooting hence, this pistol is definitely a versatile piece.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.