I've been eyeballing S&W revolvers for a couple years but never pulled the trigger on one. I just sold a rifle and am finally thinking of buying one, preferably from the 60'-70's. I was hoping I could get someone more knowledgeable with Smith's to help make sure I don't overpay or buy a ****. I've been looking at gunbroker auctions and have one I'm really looking at.

It you don't mind helping please PM me and I'll get you the auction link I'm looking at, don't wanna post for everyone as that would probably just increase my competition lol.

What do you intend to use it for? Do you need the durability of stainless steel? Any idea of caliber? What is your gun budget? What is your ammo budget?

Welcome to the forum. I sent you a PM, we can also discuss it here if you want, without a link to the auction. I can guarantee you though many of the members here are already keeping a close eye on the auctions

If target shooting wether formal on informal look no further that the K38 in 38 special. Comes with target sights and a 6" barrel. Or something with a 4' barrel look for a model 15 also in 38 special. For hunting then a model 29 in 44 magnum. Those are my choices. 38 special is fairly cheap if you don't reload but 44 magnum hunting ammo can be a bit spendy. Frank

Good points. For a first revolver I don't think anything beats a .38 (or .357 magnum). I think most people would do well with a medium (K) frame, 3" to 6" barrel. The 29 is great if you really want a .44 magnum. For someone with very small hands, a Model 60 might be easier to handle.

I realize this is the S&W forum but if the question is more first revolver from the 60s/70s then a Ruger Security Six is also a great option.

Generically, ask the seller all the questions about finish and mechanical condition along with the bore/chambers if what you see in the listing is not 100% clear or complete. Ask for more detailed or quality photos if necessary and the return policy if not stated. Even an experienced seller with lots of positive feedback may not have sold a large number of S & W revolvers, and may need prompting to get you the information you need. Happy bidding!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Start at a local gun store and see what they have and take the opportunity to hold and experience the gun. Visit several in your area and get your hands on them. There is nothing better than experiential learning. Don't get me wrong read up here and ask questions but don't forget to handle them when you find them. For an entry into SW you can't go wrong with a model 10. Good luck.

I would look for a model 15 w/4" barrel. I would also shop at a local store (my preference) so you can handle it and inspect it and the do the paperwork. It keeps the locals in business and can create a relationship. You see what you buy.
Good Luck

My first S&W revolver. Choices, choices, choices......

The iconic Model 19 would be my recommendation in 357/38 caliber. A 4" for best balance or 6" for target use. If stainless steel is your fancy, the Model 65 or 66 for fixed/adjustable sight configuration, Lastly, large hands might prefer the Model 27 N frame (28 for fixed sights). The top strap checkering is a work of art.

A first purchase is always difficult because it's almost impossible to make a mistake. But you can never go wrong with a legendary selection.

Thanks for the input guys. I am a target shooter, I shoot NRA 2700 Bullseye matches however the revolver won't be used for that, for of a fun addition to my small collection. I've been looking at the 4-6" masterpieces 14/15. I do reload as well and plan to stick with 38 special, probably full wadcutters.

Best of luck. I started a similar thread recently and got lots of good advice. Probably the best advice I got was to simply buy whatever appealed to me. So, while my original intent was to maybe start with a model 10 or something similar (and those are appealing to me) I quickly realized that the revolvers that most appealed to me were the ones with a three inch barrel. So, my current plan is to strictly keep an eye out for anything with a three inch barrel until I stumble across that "gotta have it" piece or a smoking deal.

So, in a nutshell, my advice would be to buy whatever appeals to you the most and enjoy it.

A small correction...the only difference between the Model 27 & 28 is the higher polish on the 27. My recollection is that they are identical mechanically. The Model 28 has adjustable sights.

Here is where I would start looking:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/

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Possum—The other white meat!

Yes, a nice model 10 would be a good start or model 64 (stainless version). I would suggest a .357 mag. chambered revolver, as well, as they are so much more versatile and you can shoot all the .38 SPL ammo you want in them, but still have the option of the magnum. Model 19's, 66's, 586's and 686's would fill the bill! When I saw this model 10 years ago, I had to have it. It is just like the one I carried as an Army chopper pilot in Nam:

For what it is worth. My Mother and Father gave me a Model 64 4" standard barrel for Christmas in 1974, nearly 43 years ago. It was the first centerfire handgun of my "own".

It is just as useful to me today as it was all those years ago.

Get an old police turn in model 10 or the model 64. Absolutely fabulous revolvers. You will have loads' of fun with it.
Usually have terrific triggers and accurate..

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NRA Benefactor

The model 14 or 15 which you mentioned are very hard to beat for an initial S&W revolver. Being a bullseye shooter you will appreciate the accuracy of them. If you buy a 6" Mod 14 I strongly suggest a 6" Model 17 as your 2nd revolver.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Get a Model 10 and go from there. You will not be sorry.

4 or 6 inch barrel.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Model 10-8, pinned barrel, Pachmayr, bore is clean and bright. 1978 DOM.

Attached Images

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Personally (based on a life misspent pulling triggers on all sorts of guns), I will echo some of the above. My personal preference for a "first" S&W would be as follows.

Model 19
Model 15
Model 10

I prefer the 19 for an all around handgun (it will do anything I need to do with a handgun where I live and I haven't been without on since I was old enough to own a handgun), it is without question my absolute favorite handgun of any type or caliber.

Having said that, I also own a 15-4 with a 4" barrel that is just ridiculously accurate (at least in my hands), in fact it's just a small bit more accurate than my current model 19. At the range yesterday morning, the 15-4 shot 3 consecutive, 5 round groups at 25 yards that measured 1.3", 1.4", 1.2", from a rest. These groups are NOT out of the ordinary and are in fact what I have come to expect from that particular gun with my handloaded 148gr wadcutter load.

Having said all of THAT, in my opinion you can never go wrong with a Model 10. It is THE smith revolver. I can't live without one of them either.

Since you mentioned that you're a bullseye/2700 shooter, I guess my bottom line recommendation would be the 15 (or a 14/Masterpiece).

TRE

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Fine guns and fine smokes.

You really can't go wrong with either one.Pick the length that balances best for you.

If you have big hands, a model 28 is a great way to go.

If that one is too big for you, a model 19 or a model 66 is a great option.

Model 28


Model 19

I'd buy a K frame (medium size, basically) with some use on it so that it costs between $300 - $400. That kind of money should get you something that's presentable, but not a safe queen. Look for moderately good cylinder lock up with the hammer cocked, but it doesn't have to be immovable rock solid tight. Make sure there's no rust or pitting in the bore...then go for it.

Forget looking for pristine examples...unless you should find one in the price range I mentioned above. You really risk getting taken at typical pristine gun prices unless you know what you're looking for. It sure ain't rocket science, but there's too much info to give for encapsulating knowledge in the scope of one thread. Some of the near pristine guns I've purchased had problems in other ways.

So start out modest with a K frame...probably in .38 Special. Then learn by experience rather than expensive trial and error. Model 10's or 64's are a very good place to start. Have fun!

Oh, and buy the "Standard Catalog" co-authored by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas. Every collector starting out (including me several years ago) thinks it's a waste of $40, but believe me it isn't. (I'm trying to save you work, money and heartache here. )

I don't think I would buy my first Smith online. Scan your local papers, local online classifieds ,pawn shops, etc... for a while and I bet you will find a few. Take pics and post those here with asking prices and I bet you will be happier.

This is good advice. I wouldn't be scared of a 2" 'er either if one came along.

If you get a chance to get a 581 or a 586, don't let one pass you by.

They are a lot less common than their Stainless Brethren, the 681 and 686 respectively.

They were introduced in 1980, so they are not as vintage a Model 10, 15 or 19, but they are one of the best 357 Magnum Revolvers ever made.

The bluing on early 586's is impeccable.

I will agree with Tom R.....the 586 is my first ever wheel gun. Can't go wrong with that one either. But you will stand a better chance of seeing a model 10 in your local shop.

Definitely buy local. Also, don't listen to those who say get a model 10 or any gun chambered in .38 special with those lousy fixed sights. Because they're iconic and every true smith collector must have one. Yeah right. They're low end. Bottom shelf. Dull, bland, and boring.
Get yourself a magnum caliber revolver with a four or six inch barrel. Live happily ever after. Good luck.

The magnums with adj. sights are more popular and more expensive. Actually they are MUCH more expensive.

Then he shouldn't come to a forum full of strangers and ask their advice, because telling a first time buyer to start out cautious is going to be a pretty common response. The mistakes I made in buying my first vintage S&W had negligible if any consequences because I bought a model 10 for not much money.

Since you posted that you are an experienced bullseye shooter then you will most definitely appreciate the model 14 that you mentioned you were interested in. Everything about that gun was made for target shooting accuracy and maximum fun doing it. Of course, you
couldn't go wrong with the Model 15 either.

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I reckon so

A Model 64 was my first revolver, my only regret is not buying more at that price.

If anyone is curious what I ended up with, I got a 19-3 in really nice shape on Gunbroker.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/658158109

I didn't steal it but feel I got a decent deal for the condition, its about in line with the value in the standard catalog I bought. I can't wait to get it. My shooting buddy has a copy of Jerry Miculek's 110 minute DVD for S&W trigger jobs. I'm going to watch it and if I feel up to it I'm going to do a trigger job on it. If not I'll send it to a revolver smith. I plan on using for the occasional bullseye match.

SWEEeeeeet.......

If you haven't done a trigger job before..... I'd go with a gunsmith...... whatever you do make sure you use the right screwdrivers....... don't 'bugger" the screws.

I was going to recommend a 4" 686 ......IMHO if you only have one..... it's the best all around/utility revolver you can get......I like the early no- to -4s myself.

You will enjoy that one................................ good luck!!!!

That's a beauty, and a fair price. I bought a 4" 19-3 recently, but mine's not in that kind of condition. I've tried shooting my bullseye targets with revolvers, but I find the rapid fires to be difficult. I know it can be done, but I feel rushed at 5 shots in 10 seconds. With my Volquartsen Scorpion, I feel like I've got all the time in the world on rapid fires.

You did awesome, That's a great choice of gun for your intended purpose. Glad you didn't get suckered into a model 10 or 64. Hard to top the 19 with 6" barrel. That's one of the best revolvers ever made IMO. Looks like you did good on price too. Congratulations.

If target shooting with wad cutters is your goal, as mentioned above, a 6" or even better an 8 3/8' K38 or Model 14. That what they were designed for.

Very wise advice...

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NRA Benefactor

You really can't go wrong with a S&W model 19.

Before trying to do a trigger job, I would shoot it a thousand rounds or so and see what it feels like. It looks new and will be tight. If you are only shooting single action at bullseye targets, you really don't need a trigger job right now as the trigger should break at around 3.5 pounds plus or minus from the factory. Shooting will wear it in and smooth it up on its own and probably reduce the single action pull somewhat.
There are some parts that are real particular about being messed with and the single action engagement is one of those.

Very nice find!!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

NICE 28! Real nice looking stocks you have there! Bob