What makes the Smith & Wesson Model 21-4 so special is how much you can tinker with it. The design came from a time period where form took a back seat to function, so it isn’t uncommon for owners of the gun today to play around with components and loads.
Recently I reviewed the Smith &Wesson Classics Series Model 25, a polished blued steel and walnut revolver with the look and feel of an old Model 1950 Target, but chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge. I pretty much figured that reviewing that sixgun would suffice as good enough to familiarize our readers with the new Classic series handguns. However, a couple of days later, Boge bought this new Model 21 Classic, and it is enough different to warrant a review of its own. While the Model 25 is of the target style, this Model 21 .44 Special is built with features reminiscent of the old 1st Model Hand Ejector. The Model 21 has the round, pinned blade front sight with square-notch rear, and the timeless and beautiful diamond checkered walnut stocks.