So if you were starting to collect S&W revolvers today what would be the first four handguns you would buy and why?
Just curious to see if I am started in the "right" direction
Thanks

I'd start with the classic 44 magnum,a 4" 29-2 or earlier.Then you need a K frame and I'd get a pair of combat masterpieces,one in 38spl and one in 22 lr.The fourth needs to be a J frame and the chief is a nice one.
As long as we're spending your money,they all should be 50s era guns and in 98% condition

Model 15
Model 19
Model 36 (or60)
Model 17

All pinned and (in case of magnum and .22) recessed.

All are relatively affordable. Each of these represents
good S&W quality and workmanship. All are excellent
shooters.

Disclaimer: most people will include an N-frame. I'm
just not an N-frame guy. They are great guns, though.

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Georgia On My Mind

Model 10 standard-barrel.

Model 15.

Model 36.

Model K32.

Honorable Mention:

Model 40.

Model K22.

Model 24.

Why? Just classics, only two of which (10 and 15) I've owned.

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Oh well, what the hell.

M18,19,27,36.....Larry

Models
10
19
27
29
The earlier the better.

Mod 17 (K22), Mod 15, Mod 27, Mod 34/63.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Early M-29 6 1/2" blued
4" M-19/M66
6" K22 or K38
2" M-36 or Chiefs Special

Great and interesting advise. I think I might be headed in the right direction and look forward to finding those pieces that will make a fine collection. Much of my thinking was validated by wiser heads than mine on this forum. I am new at this and there are many snares and pitfalls one can get into.
Thanks again!

Try to resist the temptation to get "that gun" at all costs. There are a lot of fine revolvers out there, and if you take your time and carefully select the best gun that you can afford, you will be happier than a lot of us who snap up every 'good deal' we stumble across. I personally like honest condition guns that I can occasionally shoot. My collection consists entirely of K frames. Some people would be bored by such a limited assortment.

One collection that I find absolutely dazzling is that put together by member SixgunStrumpet. Search his posts, and you'll see an incredible collection. There are others that are just as mind-boggling. Search this forum. you'll be amazed.

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Why, I aughta.....

2" 34, 2" 36 (or 60), Model 18, Model 19; if'n I had to get rid of all but 4. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

First, 4" M-19 either dash 3 or dash 4. Second, 2 1/2" M-19 either dash 3 or dash 4. Third 2 1/2" M 66-1. Fourth, 3 1/2" M 27.

M10 4"
M22 6"
M27 any length
M29 5"
M58 4"
M60 snub

Sorry, I listed 6...you can whittle it down to 4 anyway you see fit!

__________________
paws for friendship

357 revolvers, particularly the 686+ (and 686 variants), 586, M&P R8, Model 27, Model 28 and MP340PD to mention a few...

Start with the classic "target guns";

M17 K22 or pre M17
M14 K38 or the pre M14
M41
M52

Once you have experienced the quality & performance of those 4, You will understand what "smith'en" is all about. They are the standards all the rest are judged by

Blued. The older the better.

1. REG MAG or pre war.

2. K 22 Masterpiece.

2. S&W Model of 1950 in 357 mag which became the 27 5 or 3.5" bbl's or one of each.

3. Model 29-2 or earlier.

4. Early or pre 19 in 4" and it's brother the 15. The pre 15-19's model designation starts with Combat. Nice ring to it.

5. N frame in 45 acp, 44 special, 45 colt. Pre-numbered models designation.