Best Smith & Wesson Revolvers (2026): 686, 642, 629 & More

The best Smith & Wesson revolvers have been the default American wheelgun for more than a century. The Military & Police, now the Model 10, dates to 1899. S&W’s J, K, L, and N frames still cover pocket carry, duty, home defense, and big game, and partners like Lipsey’s keep bringing back classic configurations without the internal lock.

Our writers have shot a lot of S&W revolvers. We tested a 686 Plus in .357 Magnum, a Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp, a Model 66, and a reissued Model 10. We carried a 642 Ultimate Carry and a 13 ounce .32 H&R Magnum 632, put 300 rounds through a 9mm 940, ran a 617 Mountain Gun in .22 LR, and benched a 629 Mountain Gun at 25 yards. For a wider look across brands, see our best defensive revolvers guide.

This is a lineup guide. We rank the S&W revolvers we have reviewed by what each one does best. You get what our writers saw at the range, including the problems, and what each cost when we tested it.

Not sure which Smith fits your needs? Start with the buyer’s guide. If you already know, skip to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Smith & Wesson Revolvers In 2026

S&W names its revolvers by frame size and model number. Here is how to make sense of it.

Frame Size

The small J-frame (642, 632, 940) is the classic pocket and backup gun. The medium K-frame (Model 10, 19, 66, 617) balances carry weight and shootability. The larger L-frame (686) handles a steady diet of .357 Magnum. The big N-frame (629) is the .44 Magnum woods and hunting gun. Bigger frames are easier to shoot and harder to carry.

Caliber

Choose the round for the job. .38 Special is mild and common. .357 Magnum adds power and lets you practice with .38s. .32 H&R Magnum gives six shots in a J-frame with less recoil than a light .357. 9mm uses cheap ammo but needs moon clips for best reliability. .44 Magnum is for bears and big game, and .22 LR is for practice and small game. See our best .38 Special defense ammo guide for carry loads.

The Internal Lock

Many recent S&W revolvers have a key-operated internal lock in the frame. Several of our picks, including the Model 10, 617 Mountain Gun, 629 Mountain Gun, and the Lipsey’s 632, are made without it. Many revolver fans prefer no lock, so check the model before you buy.

Triggers And Sights

Double action pulls run heavy on small guns. We measured 15 pounds on our Model 66, 11.4 on the Model 19 Carry Comp, and 9.5 on the Model 10. Sights also vary. Fixed sights work for carry, while adjustable sights on guns like the 686 and 629 help with different loads. Dry fire practice is the best way to master a revolver trigger.

Price And Value

In our reviews, S&W prices ran from an $849 MSRP for the 686 Plus in 2014 to $1,199 for the 617 and 629 Mountain Guns at the time of review. Many older S&Ws trade on GunsAmerica, where our 686 reviewer saw six-shot 686s from $550 to $900 used in 2014.

Best Smith & Wesson Revolvers Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

S&W 686 Plus: Best Overall Smith & Wesson Revolver (2026)

The S&W 686 Plus is the best overall Smith & Wesson revolver because it pairs the strong L-frame with seven rounds of .357 Magnum. Our reviewer tested the 6 inch model. It is 11.94 inches long, weighs 43.9 ounces empty, and has adjustable sights. S&W lists it for recreational shooting, home protection, and handgun hunting.

Read our full S&W 686 Plus review here.

He shot his best groups single action from 25 yards and found it dead-on accurate even in double action, though his double action groups were wider than he liked. MSRP was $849 at the time of review. For more home defense options, see our best home defense handguns guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
• Capacity: 7
• Barrel: 6 in; overall length 11.94 in
• Weight: 43.9 oz empty
• MSRP: $849 at the time of review

Pros

• Seven shots of .357
• Accurate
• Heavy frame tames magnums

Cons

• Heavy
• Too big for most carry

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W 686 on GunsAmerica

S&W Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp: Best S&W Revolver For Carry (2026)

The S&W Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp is the best S&W revolver for carry because it puts six rounds of .357 Magnum in a K-frame with a ported barrel. Our reviewer tested the 2.5 inch model, which weighs 34 ounces unloaded. A ball detent at the crane locks the cylinder up tight.

Read our full S&W Model 19 Carry Comp review here.

He measured 11.4 pounds double action and 6 pounds single action. His best 15 yard group was 1.66 inches with Aguila .357 Magnum and 0.98 inch with Blazer .38 Special +P. He found recoil manageable with magnums and pleasant with .38s. See our best snub nose revolvers guide for more.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 2.5 in (3 in offered), ported
• Weight: 34 oz unloaded
• Trigger: 11.4 lb DA, 6 lb SA

Pros

• Ported for less muzzle flip
• Accurate
• Tight lockup

Cons

• Heavy double action
• Ported barrel adds flash

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W Model 19 Carry Comp on GunsAmerica

S&W Model 66: Best Stainless K-Frame .357 (2026)

The S&W Model 66 is the best stainless K-frame .357 because it keeps the classic Combat Magnum balance in a modern build. Our reviewer tested the Model 66-8 with a 2.75 inch barrel, six rounds, rubber stocks, and an adjustable rear sight. Like the Model 19, it locks the cylinder with a ball detent at the crane.

Read our full S&W Model 66 review here.

His best 5-shot group at 15 yards was 1.02 inches with Federal Hydra-Shok .357 Magnum. The double action pull was a heavy 15 pounds. He calls the K-frame a near-perfect balance of power, weight, and accuracy.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 2.75 in (4 in offered)
• Sights: adjustable rear
• Trigger: 15 lb DA measured

Pros

• Classic K-frame balance
• Accurate
• Stainless finish

Cons

• Heavy double action pull
• Short barrel adds blast

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W Model 66 on GunsAmerica

S&W 642 Ultimate Carry: Best Lightweight S&W Carry Revolver (2026)

The S&W 642 Ultimate Carry is the best lightweight S&W carry revolver because it upgrades the classic Airweight J-frame with real sights and better grips. Our reviewer carries one when he needs discreet carry. His weighed 19.47 ounces loaded with Pachmayr grips, a touch more than his 442. The UC is regulated for Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P and 148 grain wadcutters at 15 yards.

Read our full S&W 642 Ultimate Carry review here.

At first his Gold Dot loads printed high. His results improved once he stopped shooting from a rest and focused on his trigger press. He warns that lightweight J-frames recoil hard and suit shooters with some experience. See our best ankle carry handguns guide for more.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 5
• Weight: 19.47 oz loaded with Pachmayr grips
• Grips: VZ boot grips (factory)
• Regulation: Gold Dot 135 gr +P and 148 gr wadcutters

Pros

• Light enough for pocket carry
• Real sights
• Enclosed hammer

Cons

• Sharp recoil
• Not for beginners

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W 642 on GunsAmerica

S&W 632: Best S&W Revolver For Pocket Carry (2026)

The S&W 632 is the best S&W revolver for pocket carry because the Lipsey’s model puts six rounds of .32 H&R Magnum in a J-frame that weighs about 13 ounces unloaded. It has a 1.8 inch barrel, an XS front sight, an enclosed hammer, and no lock.

Read our full S&W 632 review here.

Our reviewer shot 1.0 to 1.4 inch best groups at 10 yards with .32 Special, .32 H&R Magnum, and hot Buffalo Bore loads. Recoil is tamer than a lightweight .357. The short ejector rod does not fully eject cases, and some Buffalo Bore cases stuck. See our best .32 Magnum revolvers guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum (.32 S&W Long)
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 1.8 in
• Weight: about 13 oz unloaded
• Lock: none

Pros

• Six shots in a J-frame
• Very light
• Manageable recoil

Cons

• Short ejector rod
• Uncommon ammo

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W 632 on GunsAmerica

S&W 940: Best S&W 9mm Revolver (2026)

The S&W 940 is the best S&W 9mm revolver because it lets you carry a J-frame that shares ammo with your pistol. It is double action only with a 2 1/4 inch fluted barrel, moon clips, and VZ stocks. Our reviewer put 300 rounds through it.

Read our full S&W 940 review here.

Winchester 147 grain JHP was the most accurate load at 947 feet per second. The run was not a clean sweep, but he found the positives outweighed the negatives, and best reliability requires moon clips. Compare it with others in our best 9mm revolvers guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 5
• Barrel: 2 1/4 in fluted
• Action: DAO, enclosed hammer
• Reloads: moon clips

Pros

• Real sights for a snub
• Controllable for 9mm
• Fast moon clip reloads

Cons

• Heavier than alloy snubs
• Stout DAO trigger
• Needs moon clips

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W 940 on GunsAmerica

S&W Model 10: Best Classic S&W .38 (2026)

The S&W Model 10 is the best classic S&W .38 because the gun that began as the 1899 Military & Police is back in its classic form without the key lock. Our reviewer collects S&W M&P revolvers. The reissue has a 4 inch barrel, a 9 inch overall length, and weighs 34 ounces loaded.

Read our full S&W Model 10 review here.

He measured 9 1/2 pounds double action and 4 1/4 pounds single action. He fired six-round groups with defensive loads including Federal Hydra-Shok and Hornady Critical Defense to see where the fixed sights hit. It is a handsome, simple service revolver.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .38 Special
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 4 in; overall length 9 in
• Weight: 34 oz loaded
• Trigger: 9.5 lb DA, 4.25 lb SA

Pros

• Classic no-lock build
• Good trigger
• Simple and durable

Cons

• Fixed sights
• Only .38 Special

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W Model 10 on GunsAmerica

S&W 629 Mountain Gun: Best S&W Revolver For The Woods (2026)

The S&W 629 Mountain Gun is the best S&W revolver for the woods because it puts .44 Magnum in a lighter, tapered 4 inch barrel. The Lipsey’s model adds a gold bead Patridge front sight, Tyler Bear Hug stocks, and no internal lock. MSRP was $1,199 at the time of review, $100 more than a standard 629.

Read our full S&W 629 Mountain Gun review here.

Our reviewer measured about 9 pounds double action and an even 4 pounds single action. It was accurate with .44 Special loads from 25 yards and rang steel at 50 yards. Full-power magnums slow recovery. See our bear country sidearms guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .44 Magnum/.44 Special
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 4 in tapered
• Trigger: about 9 lb DA, 4 lb SA
• MSRP: $1,199 at the time of review

Pros

• Lighter carry .44
• Great gold bead sight
• No internal lock

Cons

• Stout magnum recoil
• Limited availability at launch

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W 629 Mountain Gun on GunsAmerica

S&W 617 Mountain Gun: Best S&W .22 Revolver (2026)

The S&W 617 Mountain Gun is the best S&W .22 revolver for the trail, with a caveat. It is a K-frame with a ten-round cylinder, a 4.1 inch half-lug barrel, Bear Hug walnut grips, and no lock. It weighs 2 pounds 4.5 ounces loaded. Initial MSRP was $1,199 at the time of review.

Read our full S&W 617 Mountain Gun review here.

Our reviewer found strong 25 yard accuracy with the right ammo and an excellent single action trigger. But his gun had light strikes and an early trigger reset issue. Warranty work fixed the reliability, though not a forcing cone that was not square to the cylinder. Inspect any example before you buy. For cheaper .22s, see our best .22 LR pistols guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capacity: 10
• Barrel: 4.1 in half lug
• Weight: 2 lb 4.5 oz loaded
• MSRP: $1,199 initial at the time of review

Pros

• Ten shots
• Accurate at 25 yards
• Excellent single action

Cons

• Light strikes on our sample
• QC issue at the forcing cone
• Premium price

🛒 Check Current Price for S&W 617 on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best Smith & Wesson Revolvers Of 2026

The best Smith & Wesson revolver for most shooters is the 686 Plus. It is accurate, strong, and holds seven rounds of .357 Magnum. The Model 19 Carry Comp is the carry gun, the Model 66 is the stainless K-frame, the 642 UC is the lightweight snub, and the 632 is the pocket gun. The 940 is the 9mm, the Model 10 is the classic .38, the 629 Mountain Gun is the woods gun, and the 617 is the .22, once you check it over.

Related reading: see our guides to the best Colt revolvers and best handguns.

For more choices, see our best defensive revolvers and best top break revolvers guides. Train hard, shoot straight, and stay dangerous. Shop Smith & Wesson revolvers on GunsAmerica.com.