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. Smith & Wesson manufactures a wide range of firearms, but it has never left the revolver behind. From quality standard models to highly specialized tools, Smith & Wesson revolvers prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Pro Series & Performance Center

There are two lines of Smith & Wesson 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.

• RELATED STORY: 10 Reasons Why You Should Own a Revolver

Here is a sampling of the specialized revolvers currently available from Smith & Wesson. For more, visit smith-wesson.com.

Top 10 Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Performance Center Model M&P R8

In the era of modern pistols that hold more than a dozen cartridges in each magazine, a revolver in the hands of a police officer seems archaic. However, many SWAT officers know that a revolver can fill an important role during tactical operations, especially for the lead officer on an entry. The Performance Center Model M&P R8 is a purpose-built, full-sized revolver with a 5-inch barrel and an eight-round cylinder. Even with its large size, Smith & Wesson was able to keep the weight down to almost 36 ounces through the use of a scandium alloy frame. The underside of the barrel has an accessory rail for adding a light or laser, and a matte black finish helps reduce glare.

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P
• Barrel: 5 inches
• OA Length: 10.5 inches
• Weight: 35.8 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Interchangeable front, adjustable V-notch rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Matte black
• Capacity: 8

Model 60

An excellent choice for concealed carry, the 3-inch-barreled Model 60 revolver also makes for a good competition gun in CCW matches. Fitted with synthetic grips that force a high hold on the gun, the revolver has a black blade front sight for quick target acquisitions and fast follow-up shots. The rear sight is adjustable so the shooter can dial in his or her ammunition for precise shots in either a competition or self-defense situation. The satin stainless steel finish looks good and resists corrosion. And here’s a little gun history for you: the Smith & Wesson Model 60 is the world’s first stainless steel revolver!

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P
• Barrel: 3 inches
• OA Length: 7.5 inches
• Weight: 23.2 ounces (empty)
• Grips: Synthetic
• Sights: Black blade front, adjustable rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Satin stainless
• Capacity: 5

Model 25

Of course, we had to put an old-timer on this list! The classic six-shooter Model 25 revolver harkens back to the days of the Old West. Here shooters get the best of both worlds – legendary performance paired with present-day enhancements. The sleek blue finish paired with a walnut grip makes for a head-turning addition to your firearm collection. 

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Barrel: 6.5 inches
• OA Length: 12 inches
• Weight: 42 .5 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Checkered square butt walnut
• Sights: Pinned partridge front, micro-adjustable rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Blue
• Capacity: 6

Performance Center Pro Series Model 627

Part of the Performance Center Pro Series, the Model 627 is an eight-shot revolver that offers chamberings in .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P. Like other members of the Pro Series, the gun has enhancements that make it faster and more accurate than a standard production gun. Smith & Wesson uses a tapered 4-inch barrel that has a recessed crown for increased precision while protecting the crown. A bossed mainspring is used for a lighter, smoother trigger pull that will still provide reliable ignition of the rounds. For easier reloads, the Model 627 has chamfered charge holes in the cylinder.

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P
• Barrel: 4 inches
• OA Length: 9.8 inches
• Weight: 41.4 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Interchangeable front, adjustable rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Matte silver
• Capacity: 8

Performance Center Pro Series Model 640

In 1995, Smith & Wesson made history when they debuted the Model 640, the world’s first J-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. The 640 is an excellent choice for a concealed carry revolver thanks to its compact size that doesn’t scrimp on power. Shooters gain quick target acquisition thanks to the front and rear dovetail tritium night sights and the synthetic grip provides a secure hold.

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P
• Barrel: 2.125 inches
• OA Length: 6.6 inches
• Weight: 22.2 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Dovetail tritium night sights
• Action: DA
• Finish: Satin stainless
• Capacity: 5

Model 69 Combat Magnum

Smith & Wesson continues its streak of being the first to offer a new spin on revolvers. In the case of the Model 69 Combat Magnum, it is the first L-frame revolver chambered in .44 magnum. This sturdy five-shooter is a trusty companion to handgun hunters and members of law enforcement alike.

• Caliber: .44 Magnum
• Barrel: 2.75 inches
• OA Length: 7.8 inches
• Weight: 34.4 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Red ramp front, adjustable black blade rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 5

Model 629 

The large N-frame Smith & Wesson Model 69 is an excellent choice for handgun hunters and competitive shooters thanks to its rugged synthetic grip, strong stainless steel finish, and powerful .44 Magnum chambering. Operators of the Model 69 will appreciate the red ramp front sight and adjustable white outline rear sight for the sake of obtaining quick target acquisition.

• Caliber: .44 Magnum
• Barrel: 4 inches
• OA Length: 9.63 inches
• Weight: 41.5 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Red ramp front, adjustable white outline rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 6

Model 686 Competitor

Another competition gun, the Model 686 Competitor is fitted with a weighted barrel to help control muzzle flip during recoil. The included barrel weights are adjustable so the shooter can tune the gun to the precise amount of muzzle flip reduction required. Additionally, the 6-inch barrel has an accessory rail along its top for the addition of a competition optic. The Performance Center tunes the gun for a smooth action and installs a trigger with a stop. Both the trigger and the hammer are chromed while the rest of the gun enjoys a matte silver finish. Hogue synthetic grips are used to cushion the hand and provide the shooter with increased control of the gun during recoil.

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P
• Barrel: 6 inches
• OA Length: 11.5 inches
• Weight: 55.3 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Hogue synthetic
• Sights: Patridge dovetail front, adjustable rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Matte silver
• Capacity: 6

Performance Center Model 986

When you combine an old-world-style design with modern-day augmentations you get the Performance Center Model 986. 9mm fans will appreciate this seven-shooter revolver with smooth operation in both double- and single-action. The stainless steel frame dampens recoil and the compact size makes it R an excellent choice as a concealed-carry sidearm.

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 2.5 inches
• OA Length: 7.5 inches
• Weight: 31.4 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Custom wood
• Sights: Red ramp front, adjustable rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 7

Performance Center Model 929

Signed by revolver master Jerry Miculek, the Model 929 is an excellent choice when competing in ICORE and other revolver matches where speed and accuracy are so important. Built on the N-Frame, this Performance-Center-enhanced revolver is fitted with a titanium cylinder that holds eight 9mm rounds. The cylinder is properly cut for the use of full moon clips to give the shooter a smooth, fumble-free reload. The 6.5-inch barrel has a removable compensator. A chrome teardrop hammer and chrome trigger contrast the gray cylinder for a nice visual effect. Finally, the Model 929’s frame and barrel have a high-quality, matte silver finish for an extra touch of class.

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 6.5 inches
• OA Length: 12.3 inches
• Weight: 44.3 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Patridge dovetail front, adjustable rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Matte silver
• Capacity: 8