What's the most sought after s&w revolvers?
I'll guess a few,

S&W K22 22lr 6" barrel.
S&W K38 Combat Masterpiece 4" barrel 38 spec.
S&W K38 Target Masterpiece. 6" barrel 38 spec.
S&W M28 Highway Patrolman. 6" barrel 357 mag.
S&W M28 Highway Patrolman 4" barrel 357 mag.
S&W M58 .............................4" barrel 41 mag. Nickel
S&W M58 .............................4" barrel 41 mag. Blue
S&W M29 Dirty Harry .............6 1/2" barrel 44mag. Blue
S&W pre m27........................3 1/2" barrel 357mag.
???
????
????
????

Ok if my guess is ok what are the others?? Any rare ones??

I like your list. I only have one of them (M28-2), but I'm glad I have one from the group.

3 1/2" Pre 27's are hot.
Pinto's of any flavor

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

Registered Magnum, Model 56, and Model 19P are on my list of "love to have one but probably never will".

The one I’ve sought for years and never found, and probably never will, is the S&W Model 29-2 .44 Magnum Vietnam Tunnel Gun. I believe only 23 of these revolvers were made.

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A gun has no brain.. use yours

I am surprised that specifically the elusive 28-1 4" is not at the very top of the list. I would also have suspected that the 27-2 3.5" would make the list. Maybe all the "collectors" (no disrespect intended) already have them w/box, tools and papers. Am I wrong there?

Good topic for a thread.

You have to define your question. Sought after by whom? Collectors ? shooters? law enforcement? Concealed carry? Gun grabbing politicians? etc., etc. Each would have a different perspective on what they want. Why limit it to revolvers? Why not semi-autos, Single shots, shotguns or rifles? Personally, I would think my own choices might change frequently. I have everything on your list and more, but ask me any given day and I'll probably have a new want! Ed.

Triple Lock should be on there for sure.

Model 29 with a 5" barrel.

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"We deal in lead, friend."

Depends on if we are talking most desired or most realistically and actively sought after? I like BigBill's list because those guns are within the reach of the a lot of smith enthusiast. I find the 58 an interesting choice. Interest in this gun seems to be gaining traction. Production numbers are pretty low (little over 20K). High condition specimens are hard to find and NIB examples are rare. Have to wonder if the ugly duckling will become a swan.

My most sought after so far was found a few weeks ago. I finally found a nice Model 35 that was in great condition that I could afford.

I wasnt disappointed at the range with it either. I put a better group together with it than my K22.

Off to the gunshows again this weekend. The next ellusive one might be there!

The S&Ws that I chase after:
Any caliber Triplelock
2nd Model 44HE
Model of 1926 44 Special
Pre & Postwar 38/44 and Outdoorsman
Pre-model 27
S prefix M28

Remember I'm a noobie to s&w' s. I wanted a few in different calibers but I'm not sure which models are rare or sought after by collectors or just guys/gals who like s&w' s. Plus I'll know what I'm looking for too.

The s&w model 58 club???

The highway patrolman seems to have a growing following lately.

Is there a known cult following on any s&w revolvers besides dirty Harry's m29?

Both of my s&w m28' s have the "S" prefix what does it mean?

Should the S&W model 57 in 41mag with a 4" & 6" barrel be on e list?
What about the m24' in 44 special?

Also from what I'm reading here the first production model with no dash is desirable too?

What is a tripple lock?

What is a registered magnum?

Search feature will provide hours of interesting reading.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

I'm partial to my collection of boxed 24-3s. One of each barrel length (3, 4, and 6 1/2). The 4 inch and 6 1/2 inch are kinda hard to find at a decent price.

Can't make a list like this and leave off the K-32 Masterpiece...

Yes, the rarest post war 44 Spl is the Model 24 pre dash, it had the lowest production, and any original barrel length that's not a 6 1/2".

Triple Lock is the original N frame .44 Spl Hand Ejector-1st Model 'New Century', 1908 to 1915, c. 15000 made. Also about 6000 made in .455 for the UK for WW I including a few for the commercial market.

It had a 3rd lock between the front and back locks:

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Bill,

The 1st S&W .357 Mag revolver from 1935 was a special order N frame direct from the factory only. They were stamped in the yoke hinge on the frame side with a registration # starting with #1. The limit to what could be ordered was limited only by the 357 caliber and practically the buyer's imagination. If the buyer returned the registration request card, the gun was registered in his/her name verifying all the custom ordered features.

Only 5224 were produced and before WW II was changed to regular production status due to demand. The rarest version which are far fewer, are the non-registered 357s following the Reg version and completed before WW II.

A few illustrated posts about the Reg Mags:

My first Registered Magnum - first year production - REG 492 - lettered

Registered Magnum #2966 w/peep sight

Humpback Hammer comparison

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Jim
S&WCA #819

For me it was a pre war .357 magnum. Next in line any pre war n frames. Third on my list would be a pre 24 44 special in a five inch tube.

a 4" 28-1 is at the top of my list

Most sought after? The one up there at the very top of this page. I suspect that model (and that specific specimen, to narrow the range of opportunity) is likely to be the one most seen by thousands of pairs of yearning eyes with absolutely no chance of being acquired by 99+ percent of the people whose eyes fall upon it. If that isn't a really good definition of "sought after," I'm not sure what is.

OK, there are other more serious definitions. Sales volume speaks to appeal, so the guns that S&W produced in great numbers on a non-contract basis clearly deserve consideration for the title. Can we just stipulate that the .38 M&P (eventually the Model 10 and its descendants) is a hands-down winner based on this standard?

Sometimes a lack of popularity or demand at time of production leads to a short supply after the gun comes into its own. One definition of "sought after" might involve how much time the average would-be purchaser has to devote to the hunt before finding one to take home. This approach suggests that models with production runs of 5000 or fewer are going to be sought after, and if fewer than 1200-1500 were produced they will really be sought after. Examples would be I or K frame target revolvers in .32 Long, short-run prewar specimens of guns that became more popular after the war, limited production varieties within larger contract production like the two-inch Victory, and so forth. In this group we can also add surviving military specimens from larger production runs that mostly ended up in the crusher after their service life was over.

There is a Goldilocks principle that might come into play. For most people, a lot of guns will be too small or too large, but some will be just right. Some chamberings will be too wimpy or too powerful, but one will be just right. Some sets of design features will be too simple or too busy or... and so on. On that basis, I'd have to give the nod to a .357 magnum with adjustable sights and a four-inch or shorter barrel on a K-frame. Does anyone recall if S&W ever made something like that?

Whatever answer to this question applies to any of us, it's a safe bet that some of us have no interest in guns that are items of fascination to others, and vice versa. I wouldn't have it any other way. A wise man once said something about differences of opinion and horse races, and that pretty much applies to gun desires as well.

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David Wilson

I'm a j-frame guy so I'd include the smith models 651 .22 mag.,631 .32 mag., and the 63 .22 lr all in the snubby barrel length.

For me a Triplelock target model!

My list would include some mentioned and several others. I would seek them at both shooter and/or collector levels. These do not include such rarities that there is no reasonable potential to find/obtain them, and there are several in this category, i.e., K22 2" with fixed sights and the like.

Triple Lock
357 Reg Mag or pre war non-reg mag
K22/40
K32
Any pre war non-target-specific-model with target sights
Any Post War transistional model, particularly targets
Any factory original model variant of particularly low production whether it be odd ball caliber, barrel length or something else, i.e., TL in 45 Colt, Model 24 pre-dash, post war .32 Reg Police Target, etc.

Probably left out a few.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

1. Aircrewman, Lightweight M13
2. Austin PD M27 3-1\2"
3. M625-4, 3"

Here's one I found on GB a few years ago. There may still be others out there.
Chuck

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SWCA1517 SWHF256
Rangers LTW!

Over the few short years I have been collecting S&W revolvers my tastes have changed. This forum and the knowledgable people here have influenced my tastes greatly. I wouldn't say I desired certain models because others do, but I would say that I desire them for the same reasons others do.
Many years ago, I thought the pinnacle of revolvers was the 4" Model 66. It was a no dash that I purchased new. Although the '66 is a fine gun, my depth of knowledge was zero (I am still a rookie). In more recent years it has become a chicken and egg quandry to me. I started acquiring some facinating models that piqued my interest, so I went looking for information. That lead me here. In turn, I learned more information here that lead me to other models. It seems to me that the what the more desireable specimens are depends on the point you are in your collecting life.
I agree with nearly all the submissions above, however, at this point in my collecting life Hondo's list nails it. The only other I would add would be a "Half Target" variant of some of the prewar N Frames, which I just recently learned existed in very small numbers.

For me, there is only one model at the top-The Mighty 38/44 Heavy Duty!
Bill

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38-44heavyduty.com

Most sought after? As in by the largest number of guys? I'd guess that if you took a poll of 100 average S&W lovers, not serious collectors with deep pockets who specialize in the rare, one of a kind, presentation, engraved, experimental etc guns I suspect the Registered Magnum would top the list. Those may be priced beyond the realistic expectations of many (or most) of our 100 subjects in the poll so maybe a Model 27 would top the list?

Seems like I see a lot of posts by members dreaming of finding a Model 28 which means the cost threshold may be even a bit lower than I thought.

As for me, I am fortunate enough to have acquired most of the guns I really want. If I'm dreaming, let's make it about a Model 45 (22 Long Rifle M&P) with a 4" barrel. I could actually buy one, but I just can't make myself pay that much for a 22 revolver. Let's not even discuss that Holland & Holland Royal Grade double in 375 H&H I also dream about.

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No life story has happy end.

I'm looking to you s&w guys and gals for input.

Never say never that you may find a rare one. I thought I would never find an all matching numbered Swedish 6,5mm mauser and an all matching numbered Chilean 7mm mauser. I found both of these a month apart and even the serial numbers on the wood matches too. These are holy trail rifles. This is why I never say I'll never find one. You just stay looking. I found the Chilean mauser at a gun show sitting in the back behind a sellers table. I spotted the stock and bolt first. I just don't get it at gun shows. Many people walk past it but when you buy it they drool over it go figure. At a gun show ask the seller if you can hold it and if your going to purchase it never take your hands off of it. As the crowd gathers to see what your buying I trust no one from grabbing it out from under you.

Ok rare finds do show up. Have a picture in your mind of what your looking for. I been into military guns for years it's not my first rodeo.
I'm just new to s&w.

Big Bill, you have asked a question that each of us must answer for himself, and probably which will change for many of us as time passes, but "fools rush in" so here I go...

My number one of all times no holds barred Smith would be a Triple Lock Target in 44 S&W Special... one of a tiny number but what a glorious example of the gunmaker's art!

Only slightly lower in the stratosphere is a K-32 from the immediate post-War Period (before about 1950 or '52) because not only were they produced in fairly tiny numbers, but a K-frame 32 is (for me at least) almost sensual to shoot.

The Registered Magnum finishes a weak third, although it has the most likelihood of being found, I guess. However it just doesn't move me like the two previously mentioned.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Froggie

PS Tom32, if I were to limit myself to only one S&W from now until forever, that Model 66 or a 66-1 would probably be what I would pick, so as Brother David says, it takes all kinds and what is perfect for one person is totally wrong for another.

I'm willing to bet everyone here is searching for that $350 Reg Mag.

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Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

How about a postwar K-frame Mexican Model?

Model 66 with a 3 inch barrel.
For one reason or another these are very sought after in my neck of the woods.

The correct answer is: Anything Mike Priwer owns.

Any of the 24-3's in 44 special and the 624's in the same caliber. Frank

Without a doubt, after reviewing various posts over the years, the Triple Lock has unparalleled popularity.

I acquired a .22 Ladysmith Hand Ejector First Model revolver last year and this will never achieve the popularity of its 'big bore' cousin, but never discount this one as once you have one in your hands, it is a marvel in its diminutive size.

I think Schofields are probably quite popular, although earlier than some of the stuff on this side of the forum (I tend to post more to the 'Antiques' section).

Although not strictly a revolver, in my opinion, the Smith and Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle is really neat!!! I don't own one, have never seen or held one, but I know I want to acquire one of these some day.

I realize what section we are in, but images that are among my most sought after can be found below. After all, they are revolvers too!

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	Nodel 1 1st Issue.jpg (6.1 KB, 33 views)
	320 Revolving Rifle.jpg (9.5 KB, 36 views)

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Yes, that would be it, Gary. The venerable and revered 320...

You can have one today. All you have to do is mortgage your house .

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Sorry it was found in Pittsburgh........ 2007!

My older brother would borrow his buddies dog and go to central park in NYC to pick up babes. I just noticed that the Smith & Wesson nickel finish N frame revolvers attracts women too. My wife's girlfriend loves the nickel finished revolvers. Just a hint there babe magnets.

Seen a lot of posts.
Every time I go to the range.
Pull out my Pre-lock, model 66 snub nose, and my four inch model 19.
People always gather around!

Other than a Sousa grade Parker 28 gauge double I guess my personal S&W "want" is a 32 Regulation Police "Target".

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Lots of good post in this thread. I think most sought after is too wide a definition. By me it would be: (As in I have not found or felt I wanted to pay the piper for them...)

1. Pre-war Reg magnum
2. 1st year Baby Chief Special
3. 1956 5 screw .44 magnum
4. All of Tom H's J frame collection!

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

A check of the Cabela's Libraries will take care of most of these real quick!

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Good shooting.

How about the M650? -- fixed sight, 22 mag.

Attached Images

650.jpg (55.7 KB, 791 views)

I am partial to all things .44 Special - Triplelock, 2nd Model, 1926 (3rd) Model, 1950 Model, the extremely rare Model 21, and the 24-3. I'm also fond of the 1980's-1990's era N-frame Classic models, the blue 29 Classic in particular.

The 38/44 Outdoorsman -- Pre-war, Transitional, and 1950 Model -- are particularly attractive. I think the 38/44 OD represents the gun-making craft and Smith and Wesson quite well, and are still affordable. If one can't afford a Registered Magnum then a 38/44 OD from the 1930's will do in a pinch, especially for collectors on a budget.

I'm a sucker for 1930's N-frames with number-matching Magnas, those 1/2" medallions really catch the eye. And, Transitional (1946-49) N-frames with matching Magnas are rare...in any condition.

Gila's Model 21.jpg SW 44 Military Model of 1950 Model 21 S192567 June 14 1961.jpg
The elusive Model 21

61406.jpg
Big beautiful Magnas on a pre-war 38/44 Heavy Duty...with humpback hammer!

Transition OD left.jpg
Transitional 38/44 Outdoorsman with matching Magnas. Sorry about the lousy photo.

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

I didn't know Parker made a Sousa grade, thought that was Ithaca. Parker's, I thought, went;.Trojan - A-1 Special, then Invincible. LeFever = Optimus, LC Smith = Deluxe & Fox = F grade. Is there a Sousa Parker I don't know about? Sousa was a Ithaca trap shooter.

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Jeb