I was wondering what was everyone's opinion on what model S&W revolvers would be good guns to start a collection. Nothing crazy price wise.

What model? I don't know exactly how many members there are on this board but you'll probably get half that many responses on what model they, ahhh you should start with. Personally, I like the big bore N frames but it would all depend on what level of shooting you're at. Give the forum some of your likes / don't likes - do you like to hunt?, target shooting?, thinking of competition?, etc.?

Collect what you like. If you like snubbies collect snubbies, if you like K frames then collect those, if you like the older top breaks then those are what you should go with. There is no point in collecting a gun that you are not interested in.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

I have few N frames a model 57in nickel, Model 29-3. I also have a model 13-2 in nickel,a model 640 and a 1956 combat masterpiece that I will pickup next week. I want to get a model 28 and maybe another older model 29 or pre 29. I was thinking a model 58 would be nice also.

It is very easy. Start collecting Military and Police models at first.
Pricewise afordable and very interesting.

Whatever you can afford.Then you can use the first few guns to trade up.You should have a better idea of what you want by that time.

Got to have a nice K-22 Masterpiece...no matter what you collect!

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Misty

Model 10s would be a great start as they are plentiful, inexpensive, and come in a variety of configurations and barrel lengths.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

.41, .44 and .357, good start. My suggestion would be to pick up a 1917, either collector grade or shooter grade. The .45 through a 1917 is entirely different than through a 1911. Also a nice k22 or kit gun would be something to snag now before they get more scarce than they are.
I have .22, .32, .38, .357, .41, .44 and .45 in Smith revolvers and my two favorite calibers are the .22s followed by the .45s. There are always one of those at least on every range trip. One of the problems with Smith revolvers is that picking one or two is almost impossible, so I collect them all.

Larry

Collecting?

Do your homework and buy right. Some are for trade and some are for keeps.

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Dum vivo cano

I am addicted to the model 27.

I agree with all the previous posters, buy what YOU like. I started a few years ago and bought what the magazines and salespeople said was cool or hot. I have since sold them and purchased what I like.

Before the Tsunomi washed away my collection I had: M10-8 HB, M19-3 4", M66-1 2 1/2", and a M547 4". And some semi-autos but I digress. It is, er I mean was an eclectric assortment but I bought as I could afford or find. I have a long list of "wants" based on pics and comments from this forum.

Good luck and enjoy the hunt and even more the find!!

I have owned many S&Ws over the years, but only decided to start "collecting" them 2 or 3 years ago. Decided to stick with 2-digit model numbers, in J & K frame. I have a Mod. 10-5, 14-3, 15-2 with TT, TH, diamond target grips with no speed loader cutout.,2 lb. 11 oz. trigger pull (my favorite), 17-2, 18-4, 19-3, 34-1, 35-1, 37, 43, 60-15, 63 & 67. I also have a .22/ .32, Heavy Target, Bekeart model (which I plan to sell) and a model 39-2 (for CC). All have boxes, manuals etc., (except the Bekeart). I'm happy with my collecting so far and look forward to continuing. Hope you find as much enjoyment as I have! (Also a great investment, as the prices just keep rising.)

K-22? They are going up every day. Get yourself a nice one if you see it.

Attached Images

K-22 022.jpg (63.2 KB, 18 views)

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Dum vivo cano

How about this?
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Or this?
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Luke 22:36

Besides 22 LR, 357 magnum, 44 magnum, and 45 ACP gets you started in calibers and guns that are easy for reloading ammunition.

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S&WHF 366

Decide what you find interesting. Then, as you are able, begin to look for and purchase revolvers in your area of interest. As you find better examples, so that you first purchased may end up as trading stock, etc. Think about what you want to accomplish with your collection, i.e., theme, etc. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.

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Thanks for all the input. Seeing some of the beautiful guns on here makes me want more and more of my own!!!

Buy another. If it's different, make a choice. Buy some more. Pretty soon you'll have a pile you like. Then you will be an accumulator. If you then have a focus and get some more, you're beyond hope like the rest of us.

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Bob in Indy

If you are looking for a less expensive place to start, I like the suggestion of the M&P/Model 10. They are more common so less expensive, but there are plenty of interesting variants. BTW, the closest I have to one is a Model 19, an interesting gun, great to carry and accurate as all gitout! My real passion is the Nframe, particularly the .357 models, and particularly the Highway Patrolman and its predecessors. But I'll take any interesting or nice Smith that is in great shape. I own a couple off brands as well, but those can wait for another day.....

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Even older, even crankier....

I'd start with a good prop rod.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I used to have a good prop rod......I was younger then.

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Even older, even crankier....

Some guns are for shooting and others are for just keeping. All of my guns are shooters. I'm not a 'collector'. And it depends on what else, if anything that you want to use the gun for. Range, home defense, hunting, carry, or just collecting. That said, the model 10 and its predecessors are probably the most popular revolver ever made. I wish I still had mine. I like older guns and some people on this sight like MUCH older guns.

17 years ago I bought a S&W model 10 heavy barreled revolver. Then for many years did nothing. I really don't consider myself a collector. Merely an accumulator. Since about two years ago have aquired a 624 44 special, 24-3 3" bbld 44 special, and a 24-3 4"bbld 44 special. And a model 36 for ccw. Think I'm more inclined that I'm a accumulator of 44 specials rather than collector of S&W's. Too each his own. But beware of the dreaded S&W bug. One is never enough and soon you will find yourself on the slippery slope to aquiring more of them. And there isn't a cure. Frank

With any investment, buy the rarest and best condition pieces you can find. Avoid the trap of trying to accumulate volume.

Beyond that piece of advice, buy what you like. Do you like snubbies, ex police guns, Big frames, whatever you like.

Personally, I was influenced by the movie Dirty Harry. When I decided to hunt Pennsylvania whitetails with a handgun I wanted a Model 29. I found a model 27 instead (above). I now own two model 29s.

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Luke 22:36

What do you like? Go from there. It's your collection-you don't have to make anyone happy but you.

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Forum consigliere

I started with N frames and when I had a few of them switched over to snubbies. Find what interests you and stay open minded to others too and you'll have fun. It doesn't take long to have a nice collection.
I got rid of safe queens I had as I found myself more an accumulator than collector. I like nice guns but I want to be able to shoot them too.

The only advice I give you is to collect whatever you like. Not what other people like or thing might go up in value. One thing I've learned is to be freaking patient... Good luck and have fun

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Jorge

There is no wrong answer here.
The point is....to start.
It depends on your wallet......because
the guns are still available.
A Model 10 is a great start. There are 1000's
around at good prices, they shoot great, and they
are very easy to load for.
There are lots of Model 36's in my area at good prices.
I even lucked up on a pristine K-22 last year for $400
because he didn't even know what model it was.[Estate sale]

I would start with a S&W Model 617 .22 caliber revolver. Ammunition is cheap and the recoil is very low and its one of my favorite's also you should definitely have a S&W model 10 .38 caliber revolver used one's are inexpensive compared to a new one and they a wonderful revolver and they have been around for a long time.

Yep. Buy what you like. Buy at a fair price today and you can always sell it for a profit in a couple of years if your interests change. My "collection" (more of an accumulation) is mostly K frames and mostly .38/.357, but I'm always on the lookout for a deal, so that could change in the future.

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Insert short witty words here

As most have said buy what you like.......otherwise why bother!!!!!

As for value...... who knows..... I bought 2 k-frames at the beginning of the "Wonder-9 craze" in the mid 80s......

just because I liked them... and no one else seemed to want them........

I have about $550 in a pair of 3 inch model 66s. Picked up a third about 5-6years ago for $325. Who knows what will be the "hot gun" in 20 years.

One thing I will say is I doubt you can go wrong with any nice P&R Smith.

For the most part guns are not the best investment, the past couple of years notwithstanding, but we have 3-4 old 35mm cameras that represented a couple of grand new...... today..... not so much!!!!!!

The fun is in the hunt or just getting a "gun shop save".

But before you start I would tell you to buy the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson"....... mine is right between my copy of "Blacks Law Dictionary" and the Bible!

I'm gonna go against the crowd...instead of collecting what YOU like, collect what I like...then when you realize you don't like them, you can trade them to ME!!