The new Smiths (transfer bar, lock, MIM parts and all) are still the best revolvers in the world.
But, I like (and prefer) the older ones too.
I have a 1937 Brazilian contract Model 1917 .45 acp (made in the US, shipped to Brazil military, then imported back), and it shows hard use and wear, but the action and timing is as nice as a brand new gun... actually better with use. It was carried around a lot, but probably shot a little. (80+ years old)
You may know the story, there weren't enough 1911s to go around in WWI, so the G got Smith and Colt to build revolvers in .45acp to make up the difference. (Ergo, the Model 1917) (Pre N, N frame)
I'm a big fan of .45 acp. It's accurate, it packs a good wallop on perps and targets, but it's pretty easy to control. Remember, officer Callahan (Dirty Harry) carried a big Model 29, but he only packed .44 Specials in it. The .44 special and .45 acp are very close ballistically.
Back in the day, bulls eye competition resulted in Smith making a fine N frame Model 25 in .45acp. So I had to have a 1955 Model 25. It came in a nice walnut presentation case. 6 1/2 bbl, target hammer and trigger, patridge front sight. (64 years old)
Some years later, they came out with a stainless 625 in different barrel lengths, and I got a 4" Model of 1989. (a youngster at 31yo)
The full moon clips with 6 rounds are faster than any speed loader ever devised.
So when the big brown truck arrives with a dolly of .45 acp, it can go in autos and revolvers. Win, win.
And .45 acp comes in a wide variety of bullet weights and shapes, some with flying ashtray hollow points that can be troublesome in some autos. But revolvers don't care about that at all.
