Hello all I am fairly young think early 20's and I have just recently got into firearms as a hobby in the last 5 years. Currently I have a 586 ND with a 4 inch barrel. I know it's to modern for you gentlemen. Anyway back on point I am wanting to get into older smiths blued ones as I prefer that finish. Now question what model/models should I look to acquiring first? I am a shooter foremost not a collector I like a nice finish but pristine is not a requirement for me. I like all barrel lengths ,but snubbys will always be special to me. I enjoy all calibers since I happen to be a reloader. I fear not the cost of factory ammo. Any and all help tips advise comments suggestions are much appreciated thanks for reading.

If you're a shooter rather than a collector, my strong advice is to focus on the revolver you already have -- the terrific (and not at all too new for us) 586 no dash -- and shoot it for endless range sessions and training courses until you and that revolver are one.

It will be of immense satisfaction to you, likely more than accumulating revolvers and the inherent costs and demands will be.

But if you insist, and have the time and funds, since you like snubbies I'd suggest one or both of the classics: a Model 19 2.5" or Model 27 3.5".

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 586... my 686 snubby is my go-to gun. You might enjoy a 27-2 N frame 357 or the 28 Highway patrolman Version. Another great gun is the model 19 (K frame) in the snubby 2.5" barrel. Also a nice Chief's Special (J Frame) in 38 special. Welcome... these things are addictive!

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Randy
Provenance nerd

10, 13, 19.

A gun that I bought in Sept last year may be to your liking, (not for sale) a Model 36, J frame 3" square butt. Fun to shoot, better for me than a 2". Another would be a 15, or a Model 14, which is a great target gun. If you like heft, there is the 28. I can go on & on. I have a 586 no dash from 1983. They are awesome! It needs a big brother too. Bob

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Bring money. Lots of money.

Just have fun with it! Buy whatever you want and can afford - and don't worry too much about what others think. Your 586 is a terrific gun. Certainly it's a good one to have regardless of your specific interests, which you will decide on later.

If you just want a suggestion for your next purchase, a nice Model 19 of any vintage up through and including -6 would be a good companion for your 586. Maybe a .22 (Model 17 or 18)? I could name at least a dozen other models I think you should have, but there is no point to that. Get what you want and what makes sense to you.

If you truly want to be an S&W revolver collector you first have to have a M10 M&P and a K-22. Until you do we can't show you the secret handshake.
As far as snubbies a Chief's special and a M10 will do for starters. A Combat Magnum M19 comes next, and then when you catch your breath a 3 1/2" M27.
You are now on the slippery slope.
Enjoy the ride.
Jim

I like snubbys also. Mod 10's and Mod 64's are sweet. Any J frames are terrific carry guns. My favorite is a Lew Horton 624 in .44 Spl, still looking for that perfect Mod 65 and a 629 . I prefer round butt but own both. How lucky you are that you have a lifetime of collecting ahead of you and all the choices. You made a smart move by coming to this forum as there are so many experts here and you have a real opportunity to learn. Welcome to the forum and good luck to you.

Dear Horseman,

Welcome to the fraternity of Smith & Wesson collectors. The best way to start, in my opinion, would be to buy a copy of THE STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON by Supica & Nahas. I have the 3rd edition, a little dated, but I think the most recent. The next thing to do would be to join the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association. Then there are the knowledgeable and generous people you can contact through this site for advice and assistance. Others will doubtless have more (and perhaps better) advice.

I like to collect S&W's built on the 44 Hand Ejector frame (sometimes called "N-frames"). There are lots of ways to collect, but people tend to specialize in a certain frame or caliber (or even a particular model) because S&W has produced probably thousands of models over the years and it's always good to have a theme and area of expertise.

The only thing I can say for sure from my experience is that I have always regretted selling any top condition S&W.

Everyone is different, but I'm 39 and of some means and still not ready to invest in collectible guns I can't or shouldn't shoot. All my guns are shooters.

If you're building a list of S&W shooters it's still going to be pretty pricey.

You already have the 586. A 686 with a different barrel length would be nice.

Do the same with a 19 and a 66.

N frames in any caliber/barrel length. A 627 PC 5" has been on my list for a long time. So has a 657 3". Look for deals, a fair number of the older guns are available as the original buyers are passing away/can't shoot them anymore/etc. But you're also competing with quite a few collectors. Local classifieds, forums, and gun stores with lots of used guns are good bets.

Plenty of the newer guns are headed to collector territory and some have enough bumps and bruises to be shooters. 327JM, the Night Guards, the PD guns, 637, etc.

Shoot an alloy frame J-frame before you decide to get one. If you like them, heck collect the whole set.

Run!!! Run away as fast as you can. These fellers will lead you down the merry path to addiction.

I was perfectly happy with one S&W for over 40 years. Then I found this place and now own more than 20.
I would agree with 44R. Buy the Bible and at least have a starting knowledge of the various era's, styles, P&Rs, pre-models and models before you wade in too deep.
Don't say you ain't been warned.

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Eccentric old coot

Oh ok I have the lock in mine but it is quickly becoming the go to and range gun, That is why I bought a new one. Great gun something about the full lug blued gun.

My input you have to mix in a model 10 or 15 in there also , at least one or 5 0r 6 of them-lol

Enjoy them
Pete

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The gun is older than you are.

Welcome to the cult - drink the kool-aide and enjoy.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

You have a 4" 586, a great, great gun.

You could consider two other frame sizes:

The K frame, which would include many fine Smiths in clouding the model 13, the model 19 and the Model 66.

The 13, the 19 and the 66 are all chambered in .357 magnum, and can shoot .38 special as well, like your 586.

You also have the N Frame available to you as well, and there are several great offerings.

In .357 magnum you have the 27 and the 28. The model 27 is considered a holy grail Smith and Wesson as it is very well finished and a beautiful gun. The 28 is the budget version of the 27 and is a great gun in its own right. It has everything you need, and nothing you don't.

In .44 magnum the 29, and the 629 are great options as well.

The Model 19:


The Model 27-2:


The Model 28-2:


The Model 629 (No Dash):


The 629-1:


Maybe these will offer you some inspiration.

Any one of these, and several others are a Great Choice as well including the Model 13, the Model 66, the Model 57, the 657.

There are also several Non-Magnum Candidates including the Model 10, the Model 15 and the Model 25.

I'm partial to the N frame revolvers myself, but the L and K frame guns are good choices too. If you are looking for a quality 357 Mag, the 4" Model 28 or 3 1/2 or 4" Model 27 are the way to go for N frames. If you want a 44 Mag, then a nice Model 29 will be your gun of choice since you like a blued finish. And if you get a 44 Mag, I would suggest you start off with one that has a 5 to 6 1/2" barrel for your first one, as recoil from full-bore 44 Mag rounds can be a little awe-inspiring to say the least, and the longer barrel takes some of the recoil bite out of it. Then, if you find the recoil not too objectionable you can go for a 3 to 4" 29. In K frames, I am partial to the model 19 myself. And don't turn your nose up at a nickel gun with a nice finish on it. They are bright, but are also a lot more tolerant of handling and shooting without losing finish too. I personally love a nickel finish and have a 27-2 that I've owned for 41 years and the nickel has held up very well over the years.

horsemen61, YOU MADE A GREAT CHOICE---YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC GUN ! ! ! THE 4" 586 / 686 IS ARGUABLY THE MOST VERSATILE WEAPON IN THE S&W ARSENAL. BEFORE YOU LOOK FOR ANOTHE CENTERFIRE REVOLVER (ESPECIALLY ANOTHER .357 MAG OR .38 SPL) I WOULD SUGGEST YOU SEARCH FOR A BLUED .22 LR REVOLVER, IN A LENGTH THAT YOU LIKE. A 4" MODEL 17 COMES TO MIND, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL MORE. DO A SEARCH FOR S&W REVOLVERS IN .22LR ON GUNBROKER, TO GET AN IDEA AS TO WHAT'S OUT THERE. MEANWHILE, ENJOY YOUR 586…...

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Model 10 in 2,3,4inch Model 13 in 3,and 4in, Model 65 in 3,and 4inch, Model 66 in 6,4 and 2.5 inch(3 Inch to hard to find), Model 19 in 6in,4in and 2.5 inch(3 Inch hard to find) for starters. Lol Enjoy and happy hunting!

Typo; you mean K-frame.

S/W 1905 HE in .32 S/W long."I" frame. Factory repair in 9-15 according to date stamped on frame and star after SN.

Yes indeed I did.

I corrected my post, thank you!

I agree on the model 19, every good S&W collection should have either a model 19 or a 66.

Horseman,

Take a look at this site. http://www.dcarroll.net Very expensive stuff, but it'll give you an idea of what's out there.

Buy the book. You'll be glad you did. You'll see.

Oh, yes!
To paraphrase the T-shirt

Come to the Dark Side

We have WHEELGUNS!

Well, I find them almost as addictive as cookies...(chocolate chip)

I would like to suggest a K38 Masterpiece or Combat Masterpiece, Models 14, 15, or 67. They are sweet-shooting and well balanced.

As many have noted get yourself a copy of the SCSW. At the very least you will go into your next purchase better informed.
Look at, handle and shoot as many different Smiths as you can before settling on the next purchase.

To begin with, I don't recommend buying any S&W pieces that have the external lock in the side - I won't. Besides, there are still many fine models out there without that dang hole!

I suggest a .22 LR, for example, a Model 17/617, with the 6 shot variety being my favorite versions. If you reload, the Model 58 in .41 Magnum is a great piece, though spendy and rare in original form. In general, I find the .41 Magnum much more fun to shoot than .357, with much less recoil than the .44 Magnum dishes out. A Model 57 in .41 Magnum and a 610 (10 mm) are my two favorite shooters. For carry work, I have a Model 60, .357 Magnum, with 2⅛" barrel. I'm sure you'll find others along the way that will tickle your fancy - Enjoy!

I just look for ones that have diamonds on the stocks. The rest I'll consider(and do own a few) if the deal is right.

One thing I learned is the 686 models (after about the year 2000) went to round butts vs the square. So if the grip makes a difference to you then you'll have that info -- I sold a newer 686-6 after I discovered the round vs square and ended up w/a 686-3. Luckily, S&W has a nice pleathora of models to choose from ... Nice pics Tom R. ....

I wish I would have been hit by the S&W bug much sooner so I would have more time to find the right pieces. I started with a M66 and love it. Next was a M19 shooter which by now you know they are the k frames. Also picked up a M67 which is 38 special. Would really like a M27 but they bring a premium. For me, I had to decide if I wanted shooters, safe queens or something in between. I have a combination. I shoot them all except the 67 which may never have been shot. I am not a big bore guy although the 41 intrigues me. Decide on a caliber, hard to go wrong with 38/357, then find your best deal. Be patient and build from there. Have fun, I have.

Horseman my only suggestion is whatever lights your fire buy the best condition you can afford. Can't go wrong doing that and don't fret over $50.00 because better to have than have not:-)
Mark

Most of best buys have been the ones I just stumbled into. Maybe looking for something else, or just found something that appealed to me. Sometimes it was not even something I was looking for, but knew it was a valuable piece and it was priced right. Some I bought just because it was there and I was there, even though it was priced higher than I would have liked, I just wanted it at the moment. My tastes are to N frames, target sighted and with the barrel lug, so I kinda know what appeals to me and what catches my eye. Diamond stocks catch my eye pretty quickly! Sometimes you just go with the flow, shoot what you have, until you know where your preferences are. That will narrow things down somewhat, but won't constrain you. Good hunting!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Just came across your post, as I came home from work today I got to thinking about the 40+ S&W's in the safe. Your 586 is a great start. When I go to the range it always is the first in the range bag. You may want to look into N frame revolver models 25 or 29 are fun to shoot, both just helped get some milk jugs ready for recycling. Enjoy

Welcome to the forum!

As my famous saying goes: If it floats, flys or....ahem....shoots, RENT IT!

Rent, rent, rent...borrow, borrow, borrow and shoot, shoot, shoot them all BEFORE YOU BUY.

It'll save you tons of cash and frustration.

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But then, what do I know?

You are several years late to the starting gate. It seems prices now are double of a few years ago.

There are bargains out there.

I bought a 6.5" pre 27, N frame in 357, for $550 this past weekend.

These guns later became the 27. I do like the 27, it is a work of art.

One might look at and handle several models to see what feels good in the hand.

While you are looking you might prepare a list of ones you want so if you find one you already know, no thinking just buy it.

I think a well rounded shooting group would include a 22 LR, either a 4" model 18 or a 6" model 17. Ones made before model designations are preferred.

Did I mention model 27's. Look for a 3.5" and a 5".

A larger N frame in 44 special, 45 acp or 45 colt would be nice.Since you like shorter bbls Focus on one in 4".

Word of warning voice of experience. I wanted a model 25, 45 Colt. Found a nice looking 4" one. There is a chamber to bbl mismatch that can leave accuracy wanting. Study this one closely, research it right here under search.

I have a 629-8 in 4". It makes purists gag a little due to MIM parts and a lock. Research both items.

I did not buy it as a premo collector piece. It is a hunting back up, truck gun at times and endures weather better than a 29. LGS's, local gun shops, must be over the MIM/Lock thing. All I see thee now are priced pretty high.

Several mentioned getting the Smith book. Don't think about it, just get one.

Handle a few.

Make a list of ones you want and happy hunting.

Thank you for all of the replies gentlemen. I did own a model 69 for a few months so I have experience with new smith and wesson products. I know what MIM and the lock are. Here is a quick list of what I am thinking my collection will need

1. Model 19 snub and 4 inch barrel
2. Combat masterpiece 6 inch love shooting wadcutters
3. Model 10 snubby just need one
4.model 36 pocket gun
5. Model 25 I think? 45 acp revolver
6. Model 57/58 4 inch at least maybe more than one
7. Maybe a model 27 if not then a 28

So what do y'all think of my list????

You have a good start with making a list. You need the book mentioned above before you buy anything. I am not an expert, the following is just how I think, I'm sure some will disagree. When I started I went with a 29-2 because I wanted a 44mag. I did not know it at the time but it was a good starting point for the following reasons. In general here are the basics for the ones I look for. N frames cost more, shorter barrels cost more. The model 10 is common and lowest price. It took me almost 10 years before I got my first Mod 10 because I was looking for the harder ones. The 57/58 should be near the top of your list . The 58 is very hard to find. Mod 19 snub is reaching crazy levels price wise, I need another one of those. If you find a nice one that is at a price that is below average but it is at the bottom of your list you should consider getting it even though it is at the bottom. It can take a lot of looking and luck to find one that is lower that average price. Anything in 45acp is expensive. The big bore N frames are expensive but in in a few years it will be even more expensive.
Price varies from region to region. I like to look at the for sale board here to get an idea of price and number of times a given model comes up for sale. This forum can be very hard on your wallet. You may think you know what you want then you see a member's new revolver and you find out you need one of those too. Buy what you have fun shooting. I like shooting my big bore N frames the most. Good luck!

Enviable list horseman! No S&W collection is complete without a model 29..consider one for your list.

This^ would be my advice as well.

If I had a collecting time machine I would tell myself to spend the extra $50, $100, $200 on high condition w/ box. Once the Kool-Aid takes hold this stuff starts to matter. I was just a shooter at first too.

An excellent list to be sure. One question on the Model 57 and 58. Do you handload, or will you handload .41Magnum?

If you Handload then a .41 Magnum is a must. If you do not, get others on the list first, unless you come across a 57 or a 58 that you just can't resist.

It's hard to improve on your list. But here some comments and suggestions:

1. Model 19 snub and 4 inch barrel
Yes, one of each is definitely in order in any collection.
You may also consider a Model 13 3" heavy barrel round butt .357. These are great CCW guns. I prefer the balance of the 3" HB to the 2-1/2" standard barrel .357 K-frames

2. Combat masterpiece 6 inch love shooting wad cutters
Definitely.

3. Model 10 snubby just need one
Or, a Model 15 snubbie with Target Sights. I love the look.

4. Model 36 pocket gun
For pocket carry my preference would go to the M-49 Bodyguard with the integral hammer shroud (or M-38 aluminum frame version.)

5. Model 25 I think? 45 acp revolver
Nope! DO NOT buy a 45 ACP revolver unless you are willing to risk addiction to them. :-)

6. Model 57/58 4 inch at least maybe more than one
The M-58 is one of the most business looking revolvers ever produced.

7. Maybe a model 27 if not then a 28.
The 5" M-27 is well balanced to both the hand and the eye.

I must note that your list is incomplete without a M29 .44 mag and without a K22/M17/M18. You are definitely on track. Carry on.

Regards,
MB

Tom yes I reload for the 41 magnum and now I'm kicking myself for letting that model 19 get away because it was missing a lot of bluing for the 500 they were asking I should have grabbed it 4 inch barrel to boot ahh well live and learn I guess

a brand new 6" 586 was my first s&w in 1982 and i still have it and love it. it has multiplied significantly over the years.