Wheelgun Wednesday: Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum
Wheelgun Wednesday: Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum - Davidson’s Exclusive
We’re back for another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday, and this week we are taking a look at a likely overlooked distributor exclusive offering from Smith & Wesson in the “N” frame Model 20. Currently, Smith & Wesson offers 18 unique revolvers via their Classic series with rich, deep bluing and gorgeous wood grips. This includes 2 different Model 20 wheelguns, and we’ll eventually get to both today, but our main focus is going to be on the 6” barreled revolver. Both of the Model 20 revolvers that Smith & Wesson is manufacturing are only available through Davidson’s as an Exclusive offering to dealers; thus, the general public. So, we are going to take a look at this heavy duty “N” frame Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum today to see what makes it special. Let’s dive in!
Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:
Specifications: Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum - Davidson’s Exclusive
The MSRP for the Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum with a 6” barrel is set at $1,549. Not cheap by any means, but this is a gorgeous, classical wheelgun that you’ll never find on the used market from days of old. So, the new offering is the way to go if you are in pursuit of a revolver like this.
- Width, Length, Height: 1.71” | 11.25” | 5.25”
- Weight: 39 Ounces
- Cartridge: .357 Magnum / .38 Special + P
- Cylinder: Blued Steel, 6 Rounds, Fluted
- Action: Single-Action (SA) / Double-Action (DA)
- Barrel: 6” Blued Steel with 1 in 18.75” Twist Rate
- Grips: Checkered Rosewood
- Sights: Fixed Blade Front & Rear Notch
- State Compliance: CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, NJ, NY, RI, VT, WA
- Frame: Blued Steel, Large “N” Size
- Trigger: 10 Lb
What’s the Upsell? Why Should You Buy a Smith & Wesson Model 20?
A lot of people might ask, “What’s the upsell? What’s the 30-second elevator pitch?” For most people, it should be apparent. In a world of rubber grips and shiny stainless revolvers, this is a throwback to how revolvers “used to be made.” For some people, blued metal coupled with a nice piece of wood is the only way to go (“some people” is me… I’m “some people”).
- Classic Aesthetic - Classic features and a streamlined look pay homage to the old-world manufacturing style of revolvers
- Premium Wood Grips - Beautiful rosewood grips give a nice contrast against the blued frame
- Smooth Trigger - A very smooth action makes shooting this revolver a pleasant experience
A Word from Smith & Wesson on the NEW Davidson’s Exclusive Model 20 .357 Magnum
So, what does Smith & Wesson have to say about this revolver? Over the years, Smith & Wesson has crafted countless models and variations of wheelguns and this is yet another classic that they are bringing back to life and into our gun safes.
“Resurrecting the 20th-century legacy of the N-frame revolver in the classic blued configuration, Smith & Wesson is excited to announce the Smith & Wesson Heavy-Duty 357 revolver. This newly imagined N-frame revolver is unique in that it embodies the original features of the Heavy-Duty/Model 20, while being chambered in .357 magnum.”
What Other Model 20 Revolvers are Currently Available
The Model 20 - both the one we are extensively covering today and the one we are about to discuss in a second - are from what Smith & Wesson calls an SMU series (“Special Make Up”). This essentially means that these Model 20 revolvers with a classical aesthetic are not a year-round, cataloged model. Rather, they are a limited or short-run offering, and in this instance, only available via Davidson’s for dealers to purchase and retail to the public.
Departing Thoughts
So, what are my final thoughts on the Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum?... For me, this revolver checks a lot of boxes. The “N” frame is probably my favorite frame size from Smith & Wesson because it is substantial enough to have good control of the revolver yet lean enough where it does not feel bulky or heavy. Secondly, it's chambered in the ultra-versatile and common .357 Magnum cartridge (you can’t go wrong there). Finally, this revolver has all of the beautiful lines, appearance, and aesthetic that we desire in a nostalgic wheelgun. This looks like it was made in the 1970s with impeccable craftsmanship.
For anyone who doesn’t own a classic yet from Smith & Wesson, this would be a great starting point. It simply depends on if you want to eat that $1,549 MSRP or not. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Smith & Wesson and the Model 20 .357 Magnum in the comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
Editor | AllOutdoor.comWriter | OutdoorHub.comWriter | TheArmoryLife.comWriter | Tyrant CNCWriter | MDT Chassis SystemsSmith & Wesson Certified ArmorerGlock Certified ArmorerFirefighter/EMSCity CouncilmanInstagram: strength_in_arms
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Fixed and useless sights. Nostalgia is overrated. Just because you used to do it that way doesn't mean it isn't incredibly stupid.
There's nothing wrong with fixed sights.
Revolvers, and handguns in general, are not meant to be used at long range. That's rifle work. Handguns are meant to be handy and deliver adequate firepower at relatively close range.