I have started my Smith and Wesson collection with a 1960's era Highway Patrolman. I may have another trade lined up for a model 19 from that era. If I wanted to build a collection of revolvers from the 60's and 70's, all quality guns but nothing rare or hard to acquire, which models should I start with? I want to start with entry level guns and work my way up from there. 38 special, 357mag and 44mag are my preferred calibers.

I already have my eyes peeled for a 6" barrel 28-2 to partner with my 4" model. I just bought the Smith and Wesson history and price guide, so I have access to model information. Then I can start building a list to take with me to gun shows with current prices so I know what I can afford to pay for a gun without getting ripped off.

Model 19 357 mag model 686 44 mag ,how bout antiques 32/38 new departure saftey hammerless, 32/38 hand ejector collect them all..........oh yeah

The 66 is the stainless version of the 19, and the 65 is the stainless version of the 13, the fixed-sight models of the .357s. The K-frame .38s are 10 & 64 and the 15 & 67. The first two are fixed-sight and the latter are adjustable-sight. IIRC the 14 is like the 15, but with a 6" barrel. That would be a fair start; I only have two of them: 66 & 67 but...

Any such collection could benefit from at least one Model 10, preferably one with the standard barrel like my four-inch 10-5. Or maybe one in every barrel length, five, four, three and two!

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Oh well, what the hell.

I'm more of an accumulator rather than a collector. I've only bought guns that've been fired so far and I'm not too concerned about boxes, papers, etc. I simply get what I like.
That said, there are several ways to go to make it fun. All stainless models, all nickel, all K-frames, all variations of one model (such as the 19, 19-1, 19-2, etc.) you're only limited by your imagination and your wallet. I don't really have a suggestion as to where to start, although with an N-frame and possibly a K, you already have a starting point in several directions. I will say look carefully at condition and function unless you like something that looks well-used. If you buy from an internet auction site (I have several from these) watch for the usual auction red flags, like number of transactions, etc. and you can always ask about prices here. Personally, I've had great success getting what I want on GunBroker and GunAuction. If nothing else, those sites will give you a good place to browse, to see what appeals to you.
Good luck and above all have fun!

If you are looking at 60s and 70s era guns, I'd strongly consider a 27, a 29, a 36 or 60, a 19 or 66, a 14, a 10 or 64, and, just take my word on this - even if you may not think so, you NEED a 17. A K22 of any era is just lots of inexpensive fun.

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Peter
S&WCA #2620

You have started with a great revolver!

I would suggest the following;

K-22/Model 17 ----You wont have as much fun with any other revolver as you will with a K22.

Model 19----in a sense, its basically a K frame version of your Highway Patrolman

Model 29----.44 Magnum. iconic S&W

Model 14/K38----fun target gun.



Those should get you started

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

Wow, lots of great suggestions so far. I am making a list of model numbers so tonight as I am leafing through the S&W guide I can start flagging pages. Then I can set up some auction watch lists to get a feel for pricing, and have a solid idea of what going rates are. Then hopefully I will land some great finds at pawn shops and gun shows once the craziness goes away.

Another one to add would be one of my favorites:

A Model 63 j frame 22lr kit gun.

The 63 is stainless, and I think it came out near the end of the 1970's.

There is also a blue model, the 34.

But I like the stainless version best for a camping gun like this.

I have a 4" model with no dash I bought in the early 80's -- probably just before the -1's were released.

Dave

I started my collection about 18 months ago after joining the forum. The progression so far on "targets of opportunity" has been:
30-1 4" Blue
19-4 2.5" Nickel
34-1 4" Nickel
19-3 2.5" Blue
65-2 4" stainless
Pre-28, 5 screw, S serial #,6" blue
27-2 3.5" , S serial #, Nickel
14-2 6" Blue
Bought and sold a 547.
And the beat goes on. Enjoy the journey

I find a lot of price guides on the low side for my area. IMHO every S&W collection needs at leat 1 "centennial" series (40 or 640) and an old Hand Ejectir for perspective (1917, Victory, 38/44, etc). Enjoy the chase!

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I think a 10-5 in 4 inch barrel would enhance your collection as would a Model 27-2 357 magnum in 3.5 inch or 5 inch barrel. I say that because the Model 10-5 is the flagship of S&W because it's the most produced revolver and they are great revolvers. The 27-2 is certainly the best looking and distintive revolver with it's checkered steel top strap that they made in terms of looks.
The 4 inch 10-5

The 3.5 inch 27-2

IMO, best answer here. I don't think I've ever bought a gun that I didn't think was a neat gun that I had a use for. A few times I have sold guns that I had no use for. That was usually OK. Several times I have sold a gun to buy another one, and that was virtually always a mistake.

I truly believe that if you have to ask, you don't need the gun, and actually shouldn't buy it unless you think you can make money from it.

YOUR reasons are the ones that count.

Models 10, 66, 27 (You already have the 28 but the 27 is so darn fine)

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27-2, 66-1, 640 Pro, 10-5

Good list - it kind of follows what I am doing. I not any real collector but I would like to have representative models of the line - and shoot them too.

One thing I said when I sold my Colts in November and December last year and started on the S&Ws was that I was going to shoot them more. The Colts got so they were safe dwellers. While the sales worked out good and boosted me on my S&W way, I also have any eye to shoot and enjoy the S&Ws in their native habitat .

I have been fortunate to acquire some nice S&Ws over the past 6 months. Most of them are 1950s, 1960s, and more 1970s era but I even bought one new production S&W 642 revolver. But nothing compared to these guys !

One thing you might look at is joing the the S&W Historical Foundation. Good stuff and not very expensive. I did .

Congrats on your revolver and enjoy .

You HAD to put those beauties up there !

Just when I am trying to save money - or at least save it for the nickel S&W revolvers. Then I have to look at those. That is not helping .

Great S&Ws and pics too as always.

I am with those that recommend a k22. You MUST have a k22. But for my money I would add something along the lines of a 624 or 24-3. Shooting the 44 special is really good fun. It's one of those 100 year old cartridges like the 7x57 or the 30-06 that just has the right stuff.

You need to throw a model 18 in there too. And everyone needs a model 15, or two! Nickel and blue.


Or a very little used Model 19?

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Get off my lawn!

For .38 Specials of the 1960s and 1970s, I think the K-38 Models 14 and 15 are an excellent value that will continue to be very collectable. They are also a joy to shoot.

The stainless steel models 64 and 67 are extremely nice too, and still affordable.

The J-frame Model 60 Chief Special is a stone cold classic. Look for a M60 No Dash with the pinned barrel. In blue it's the Model 36.

I haven't picked up a gun (so far) with the intent of parting with it later. Some guys buy "trade material." I don't. I get what I really like and wait for something better to come along in a particular model rather than settle for a gun that's immediately available but may not suit me...

Not sure which models, but I would say; "save up your money" because they are ADDICTIVE!!!

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But then, what do I know?

N frames that are pinned and recessed. Once you get one of each, I'll give you next assignment

They are only going up and hold their value well.

I'm almost exclusively an N frame guy. Got 3 different K frames for PPC and a J frame for a BUG and that's it.

19's have got hot lately, even before the latest hoarding rush. They are only gonna go up....especially nice ones. Haven't seen too many 19's that haven't been shot a lot and/or have the box and all the goodies.

Friends speculate 36's and 60's are gonna get hot as well as L frames. Try to find an early 2.5'' 686....not too many out there.

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

In my opinion, you need one that shoots .45 ACP. Be it a 1917 or a 625. You decide. But I like the one poster who said "buy what you like, not what I like". Great advice.

Starting with your 28, work your way backward, then forward through the model numbers.......

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Even older, even crankier....

I give my votes to the Model 10 and Model 15 and Model 36.

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I type. Therefore I am.

Well, how about these to go with your Model 28:

Model 15 - 4 inch
Model 17 - 6 inch
Model 18 - 4 inch
Model 19 - 4 inch
Model 27 - 3.5 inch
Model 29 - 6.5 inch
Model 57 - 4 inch
Model 58 - 4 inch
Model 10 - 2, 3 and 4 inch
Model 64 - 4 inch standard and heavy
Model 13 - 3 and 4 inch
Model 65 - 3 and 4 inch
Model 66 - 3 and 4 inch
Model 67 - 4 inch
Model 68 (yes, there is a Model 68) - 6 inch
Model 36 - 2 inch
Model 60 - 2 inch
Model 49 - 2 inch
Model 38 - 2 inch

Seems like most guns mentioned are short barrels -- most 4" or less.

I may be the only one left who likes them, but I think at least one 8 3/8" barrel gun should be in a collection.

Dave

Don't ask us........ buy what YOU like!!!!!!!!!

MY suggestion is to get the Standard Catalog of S&W...... and READ IT COVER TO COVER........ go through the picture threads here and find what you like.........

I bought 3 3inch model 66s in the 1980s because "I liked them"......at the time no one wanted them ......6rds vs 15 in a "Wonder 9". Flip ahead 25 years everyone seems to want a 3" K-frame.

BUY/COLLECT WHAT YOU LIKE........long barrels..... short barrels.......38s....357s...41s....44s.......but don't ever forget the lowly .22!!!!!!......... P&R.....fixed sights...adjustable sights................... WHAT DO YOU LIKE!!!!!!!!!

Also be ready to"get lucky".........

a RM for $500 or a 3.5inch 27 for $600...a K-22 for $350 ...a buddy at work needs cash and has "this old gun"........ even a C---, Co----Col--Colt if one comes along at the right price...................... then trade "your luck" for something you want.........

Collecting Smiths.. is about having fun..................if you want investments just "buy low and sell high" LOL

I finished working my way through the post war hand ejectors chapter of the Guide to Smith and Wesson. I am sick in the worst way, and the only cure is more blued steel.

I have decided to look for pinned and recessed blued guns of the 60's and 70's era. This is what my short list looks like so far, but I will keep my eye out for any Smith from now on...

10 - 2,3,4
14-2
15-2 or 15-3
17-2 or 17-3
18-2 or 18-3
19-2 or 19-3
27-2
28-2 / 6"
29-2

If I can find all of these with excellent bluing and original grips, boxes unimportant to me, I will be one happy camper.

Good list ..... good luck Zero... the fun is in the quest!!!!!!!!

Get ready to say goodbye to all your spare money.
It never ends.