Once the mainstay of both law enforcement service and many shooting competitions, the mighty revolver has taken a backseat to high-capacity semi-automatic pistols in recent decades. However, revolvers remain formidable tools in the right hands for both competitive and law enforcement duties.
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Smith & Wesson manufactures a wide range of firearms, but it has never left the wheelgun behind. From quality standard models to highly specialized tools, the company offers a number of exceptional revolvers.
There are two lines of S&W revolvers of particular note: the Pro Series and those from the Performance Center. Performance Center guns are highly specialized guns tuned by some of the best gunsmiths in the business. Typical Performance Center revolvers feature tuned actions, target crowns and cylinders cut or chamfered for faster reloads.
Pro Series guns are still considered stock revolvers for competition divisions, but they are a step closer to Performance Center upgrades from the standard models. Pro Series models commonly come equipped with high-visibility sights, improved grips and other small upgrades that can enhance a shooter’s performance on the range or street.
While many law enforcement officers carry a revolver as a backup or off-duty gun, many are used by members of tactical teams. When making a high-risk entry into a building, an officer holding a ballistic shield will often lead the way. A shield can induce a malfunction in a semi-automatic pistol if it interferes with the slide. Additionally, some semi-automatic pistols can malfunction when held at odd angles or with a less-than-perfect grip. For an entry team attempting to rescue hostages, the stakes are never higher and the reliability of a revolver helps ensure that the good guys go home alive.
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Here is a sampling of the specialized revolvers currently available from Smith & Wesson. From race guns to defensive models, there is one here for you.
For more, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.
M&P R8
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
- Barrel: 5 inches
- OA Length: 10.5 inches
- Weight: 36.3 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Synthetic
- Sights: Front post, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Matte black
- Capacity: 8
- MSRP: $1,329
Model 60
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
- Barrel: 3 inches
- OA Length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 23.2 ounces (empty)
- Grips: Wood
- Sights: Night front, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Matte stainless
- Capacity: 5
- MSRP: $799
Model 625
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel: 4 inches
- OA Length: 10.5 inches
- Weight: 42 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Altamont laminate
- Sights: Gold bead front, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Satin stainless
- Capacity: 6
- MSRP: $1,079
Model 627
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
- Barrel: 4 inches
- OA Length: 9.75 inches
- Weight: 41.2 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Synthetic
- Sights: Interchangeable front, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Matte stainless
- Capacity: 8
- MSRP: $999
Model 627 V-Comp
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
- Barrel: 5 inches
- OA Length: 11 inches
- Weight: 47 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Synthetic
- Sights: Adjustable
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Two-tone
- Capacity: 8
- MSRP: $1,559
Model 629 Competitor
- Caliber: .44 Magnum/.44 Special
- Barrel: 6 inches
- OA Length: 11.25 inches
- Weight: 57.7 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Hogue synthetic
- Sights: Adjustable
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Glass bead
- Capacity: 6
- MSRP: $1,549
Model 629 V-Comp
- Caliber: .44 Magnum/.44 Special
- Barrel: 4 inches
- OA Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 44.1 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Synthetic
- Sights: Adjustable
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Matte stainless
- Capacity: 6
- MSRP: $1,559
Model 686 Competitor
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
- Barrel: 6 inches
- OA Length: 11.5 inches
- Weight: 53 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Hogue synthetic
- Sights: Patridge front, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Glass bead
- Capacity: 6
- MSRP: $1,439
Model 686 SSR
- Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
- Barrel: 4 inches
- OA Length: 9.5 inches
- Weight: 38.3 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Wood
- Sights: Interchangeable front, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Satin stainless
- Capacity: 6
- MSRP: $999
Model 929
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 6.5 inches
- OA Length: 12.25 inches
- Weight: 44.2 ounces (empty)
- Grip: Synthetic
- Sights: Patridge front, adjustable rear
- Action: DA/SA
- Finish: Glass bead
- Capacity: 8
- MSRP: $1,189