I've never owned a revolver before... went to my local gun store/shooting range and they had just received a new S & W Model 1917 .45 ACP reissue. Case color frame, blued cylinder & barrel, love at first sight! Bought it on the spot; to me, it's the most beautiful handgun I've ever seen. Haven't had a chance to shoot it but I sure like holding and looking at it.
I've been looking for an original model but nice one's are expensive (and need to be checked over) and I'm told that due to some of the loosey goosey tolerances from the old days the genuine's aren't the best shooters and the new ones are much better. So, for now I've got the best of both worlds - the appearance of the original (a firearm that a couple of grandparents had used) and the modernity of new production. I'm keeping my eye open for an original Colt 1917/New Service military model but until then I'm certain I'll be happy with this.