[Terry_P]

Reviewed by Gun Blast.

http://www.gunblast.com/SW-21Classic.htm

I love the caliber and the BBL length but that case hardening has to be the worst I have seen and too tell the truth I'd rather see it in stainless so I guess I'm not a traditionalist. They do offer in nickel.

 

[Johngoboom]

That really isn't my cup of tee eitehr...I like case hardening for accents, not for a full finish.

 

[Bountyhunter]

The CCH is just on the frame and grip frame area. Not the cylinder or barrel. It looks like a lot of area because the grip frame and frame are one piece I think. I think it looks alright. I'm just not a huge S&W fan because they are so expensive.

 

[gunman42782]

They make a target version reviewed in the latest Guns Magazine that I would own in a heartbeat IF it did not have that damned lock on it. They make one in both .44 Special and .45 Colt. The .45 was reviewed by John Taffin, the .44 by Mike Venturino, and the .45 was actually way more accurate! But, I have always wanted a .44 Special.

 

[Terry_P]

The lock is something I can ignore the price tag however isn't. If I buy a Smith it's got to be used.

 

[sheepdog]

OK, it wouldn't be me if I didn't say that I'm waitin' for a 3" round butt stainless model.....

 

[Johngoboom]

As far as the lock goes...Well, before I bought that model 18, I did a search for them on the S&W forum. As I was looking around they have a huge string of people who had failures with the lock. It was really eye-opening.

Some of the problems were caused by shooting +P ammo, and one I read was from the gun getting dropped (which could happen in a shoot-out fairly easily). They have figured out though how to disable the lock so it could never be a problem.

 

[sheepdog]

Locks are for doors...we need a lock on a wristwatch more than we need it on a gun, which by it's very purpose must be instantly, always, ready for use.....

 

[velvalco]

never been a fan of the case hardening, and i have to agree i'll probably never own another smith unless i can find it at a more reasonable price.

 

[sheepdog]

They are overpriced, but I'd love three of the new Night Guards, and a 4" .38 and 4" .44Spl...might find some of them used,...might just have to work a little harder...sure are some nice revolvers....