Hello Everyone, I'm in need of a little guidance. I'm in my fifties and have two sons (one is 13 years old, the other is 8 years old). When I was young, my father was a combat pistol instructor and I would tag along to his shooting matches. Needless to say, I have a love of revolvers from that time of my life. I'd like to purchase several vintage revolvers from the 1960's to 1980's. I would be purchasing these revolvers to shoot with my sons and eventually to pass them along to my sons when I kick the bucket.

I would like to focus on 22lr, 38 special/357 mag and 41 maginum revolvers. Barrel lengths from 4" to 6". I'm not interested in expensive limited addition revolvers. I'd like to concentrate on revolvers that have big numbers of production and lower cost of purchase.

What model of revolvers would you recommend?

Thank you for your time and help, Jim

i like the K 22, and so does my grandson, also the model 19 or 66 are great. the 686 is nice but a little heavy. 41 mag is limited to the 57 or 58, i have a blue 58 and a nickle one. all of the above have become very pricey though. i got all of mine years ago when they were cheaper.

Unless .357 is a major sticking point, the 15 and 10 are great choices imho, and usually still within reason outside of rare configurations. I believe there is a 15 in the For Sale section now, or was recently.

Good luck, it's a great hobby to share with family.

A model 10 in 38 was made in the millions and should be easy enough to find at a reasonable cost. There are some nice .22 revolvers; I was lucky to find a K-17, but it wasn't inexpensive. I can't help with a .41, but I know they weren't made in huge volumes.

I suggest following which have worked out well for sons, daughters, and now beginning grandchildren. None broke the bank and can be found in very good condition for reasonable money:

22LR Model 34 - IMO perfect 22 revolver for beginners, ladies & just plain fun for all...no recoil to speak of, excellent sights for teaching point of aim, very safe gun to handle. Known as a J Frame.

38 Spl Model 10, or Model 15..both mainstays of police departments for many years...reasonable buys in very good condition.....these are known as K frames.

.357 Magnum: Model 28 Highway Patrolman (usually less $ than Model 27). Only after good control is learned, and even then it shoots standard 38's (cheaper target ammo) but it is a N frame (larger hands, needs good grips).

I don't have any in .41, I go right to 44 Magnum (also shoots 44) in Model 29 but usually bigger bucks and is also N Frame so same as the Model 28.

Hope this helps a little and you are doing it right to familiarize them early, train them as best as you can, so that "early gun curiosity" gets satisfied and they will be comfortable for a lifetime.

A great legacy that you learned and is passable on down.

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

Welcome aboard from Wyoming, Jim.

Good on ya'.

When I was seven my grandmother taught me to shoot her S&W Model 31, .32 S&W Long. My brother got that gun, but I've found one almost identical to it (first photo).

You can find Models 17, 18, 34, 63 and others in .22 lr; lots of different .38/.357 revolvers (Models 19, 27, 28, 65, & 66, to name a few), and Models 57 & 58 in .41 mag from the era you remember. Many of these are popular and not necessarily inexpensive, but if this is any consolation they tend to hold their value as time moves along.

If you don't "have to" have target sights you might consider S&W's Model 10 M&P lineup (second photo, mine's a postwar .38 M&P -- before model #'s started in the late '50s). The company made scads of these .38s, and the prices seem a bit more down to earth than the revolvers with adjustable (target) sights.

I might suggest you take a look in the classifieds in this forum to get a feel for fair prices for some of the models I mentioned. There are also online auction sites that might offer a different view of pricing (don't pay much attention to the lofty minimum bids or BuyNow prices, and do be careful to pay close attention to condition).

Depending upon where you live you might be lucky enough to have local gun shops or pawn shops (don't snicker at this -- there are often great deals to be had at pawn shops) to check out.

Take your time and enjoy the search with your boys.

Bob

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Sorry...........forgot to add the photos of my recommendations

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

The mine field you are wishing to skip through is costly. Get your mind set on one or two variations of each caliber. You already have a barrel length preference. That said, yuo might well be missing out on the 3" barrels of some model numbers. Now comes the fun part. Shrouded ejector rod or not, round butt or square butt, blue, nickel or stainless. Not to mention the barrel question of standard or bull/heavy? Where are you going to shop and how often. Internet auction sites are a blessing or a curse. The blessing is it expands the opportunities. The curse is that it expands the potential buyer pool. The law of averages dictates that a heaven sent deal on a 4", Blue, .22 cal, shooter of any model are only going to come along every so often, as buyer you got to be there or loose. Fee's with or after purchase(shipping/FFL transfer/local registration/sales tax). A $550.00 dollar gun can easily end up at $620.00 or more. This dissertation has probably not covered everything but it is worth exactly what you paid for it. hardcase60

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You want me to do what?

I'm a revolver guy too. My EDC is the 340PD but also have a Model 10 in 2", 4" Model 64, Model 38, 6" Model 19, Model 63 4", Model 37 I'll pick up on Wednesday and a Colt Cobra from 1968. All of them get range time w/my favorite being the Model 19.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Model 28 would be top of the list. Model 10, or an M&P would be a good, common, cheap 38 special.

i bought model 18's for me and my two boys. i also have a 2.5" 19, a 2.5" 66 and a 3.5" 27-2. i have others but those are the ones i plan on passing on. i want to find a couple of nice 15's as well for passing on.

Jim, glad to see they're goin' shootin' with dad!....These guys know a lot more than me, but from my experience, don't think you could go wrong with a model 17 or 18 in .22, and for sure a model 15 or the 10 in .38spl....just great ,great revolvers....good luck

Model 14's seem to be in good condition and fairly cheap when I find them. They are the 6 inch barreled version of the 38 special. They are very accurate as well. If you come across one at a good price I would not hesitate. I never do and own 5 now, all are great!

So many great responses already, thanks guys! I will respond to specific posts.

A couple of small details I forgot to include...

I already have a S&W Model 63 and model 617 4". I bought the 63 first, just so my wife and then 12 year old son could shoot. The 617 followed and of course, it's my oldest sons favorite. I wanted to buy the modern SS versions first, just to have a couple of work horses in the stable.

I'm 6'6" and have big, but not huge hands. A K frame is the smallest frame size I would purchase. However, I'd also like to have a couple of the large frame handguns. For obvious reasons.

Regarding cost, a workable price range is in the $350 to $650 range. I always prefer used guns with blemishes and holster ware. That way I don't mind if a mishap happens with wife and kids.

.22 K -22 either Model 17 or mo money Model 18 CM
.38 Model 15 or m-14
.357 Model 19 or 28, mo money model 27
.41Mag Model 57, 58s are hard to find mo money no sight adj.
. 29-2 or earlier of course.
Prefer adjustable sights and pinned barrels

The first three guns I owned, all gifts from my Dad when I was still in high school, were S&W revolvers. I started off with a 6" Model 28-2, then added a 6" K-22, and later a police trade in 4" Model 10-5. They were my only revolvers for several years, until I was in a position to buy more on my own. I learned to shoot with those three revolvers, and had a great time doing it.

My recommendations would be the Model 17/K-22, the Model 10/64 (or 15/67 if you prefer adjustable sights), and the Model 28. The Model 19/66 is also a great choice if you want the .357 option in the K frame. I've never owned a .41, but I think I'd get a Model 58. You can find all those guns, except the Model 58, for $650 or less.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

I picked up a well used model 19-3 for $450 that had some minor issues. Light primer strikes which was fixed with a new main spring and it has some finish wear. Other wise it is a great shooter and the action is fantastic. I intend to take it to a gunsmith to have it torn down, inspected and refinished. I am 27 and one day hope to get a pristine 66 but you don't necessarily have to spend big money to get a great classic revolver that will put a smile on your face.

Model 14 is a good choice for a reasonably priced good shooting revolver in my book. Bought my -3, 3 years ago for $410, shipped. (money well spent) Of course there are other excellent choices. Bob

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Can't go wrong with Model 17 6" on 22 cal. Only problem with M17 is getting bored ripping center of targets apart. I'm personally fond of the Model 15 4" for the 38 cal. Because you mentioned having larger hands, you may want to consider target hammer, trigger, and grips for yourself. Both revolvers should be reasonably priced because you are willing to accept exterior wear. $400 to $500 range in my neck of the woods. Recently got the attached M15 for $500 with 3 T's.
Good Luck!

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You can find what you are looking for...just need to be a regular at the local shops and spend some time on internet sites. I have a couple of Smiths on the shelf that are on the high side of what you are looking to spend...and a Model 10 heavy bbl that is less than $400. It is a shooter with rubber grips but is in very decent shape...gun only. It is not going on Gunbroker, but you should be able to find something similar easily.

Well, I bought my first vintage S&W today! I was playing around on Gun Broker and won an auction on a Pre-lock Model 15, 5 screw. The revolver wasn't on my original list. But, what the hell...lol. My cherry has been popped and looks like I'm on the hunt for my 2nd vintage S&W.

I also bought a S&W reference book to help educate myself.

Congrats Jim!!! If you gotta lose your virginity, the Pre-15 is a great start and will keep you satisfied for awhile. Can't wait to hear about your future finds. Books are great but information from the super knowledgeable folks on this forum will be more helpful than anything in that book. Welcome to the S&W revolver Club!
Ray

Lots of good suggestions on here. I have found that children greatly prefer a magna/service grip size with a T-Grip vs. target or combat grips. Those are just too big.

I decided to take a lot of time and hunt down those rarer models, but if you're not going to do that, it's pretty cut and dry.

17, 18, or 617 .22LR
17, 18, 67 .38 Special
57, 58, 657 .41 Magnum

I find this set of posts to be helpful as a quick guide when searching model # info: How to Identify/Date a S&W

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Psalm 27:2

I have been listing a pistol that might be just what you are looking for. It is a Mod. 34, excellent condition in .22 with a 4" barrel. I have the original box, marked to the pistols ser. no. I have dropped the price to $500 but that still might be more than you were contemplating.
Just thought I 'd toss it out. Sure like to see a guy get what he's looking for. Best of luck.

As several others have mentioned you can't beat a model 28 Highway Patrolman. As your size is large your sons will probably follow suit and you will all enjoy the N frame.
I bought a 28 in 1968 for full retail of $98.00 and it is still among my favorites. I mention the price as a Model 27 was $125.00 but might as well been a thousand as it was way out of my reach. Around 30 years later I did buy a Model 27 for way more and it sure is pretty but it sits in the safe while I enjoy the 28.
Good luck on your hunt.

I love all of my Smith's but by far my favorite is my 617.
If you love shooting 22's, and larger K frame revolvers the 617 is perfect. I would reccomend a pre lock version. The 6" barrel is the most common. Comes in 6 or 10 shot versions. 4" and 8" barrels are also out there for a little bit more.
Other good picks for 22. Any of the older 17 or K22's are great guns. Gotta get a 686, or an old 27 (357, 38s). An if you want some 44 action get either a 29 or 629.
Always try to go pre lock if you can. Nothing truely wrong with the lock, I just dont like seeing the hole.

Good luck, an have fun,
Josh

Smith & Wesson makes the best revolvers out there and they have for some time.

There are dozens of models to choose from.

A .357 Magnum is a great place to start any collection and there are several excellent optione to you.
The Model 19, 66, 27, 28, 581, 586, 681 and 686 are all top notch options. They are all available in different barrel lengths as well. A 4" revolver in any of those guns is a great cornerstone for your collection.

Start off looking for one of those. Any of those guns can also chamber 38 special rounds which can be shot all day.

In 41 Magnum the model 57 and the 657 are the Cadillacs, and the model 58 is a Military & Police service revolver with a cult following. If you reload a 41 Magnum is a great revolver. If you do not reload, look for a 44 Magnum.

Yea, as others have mentioned, the 686 is a great option, and a great starting point for a solid revolver with some heft to minimize kick. If you go with the 4" barrel it keeps the weight reasonable, and there are lots of grips to chose from . There are so many you can always find a good looking shooter at a very reasonable price.

I've been watching and occasionally cherry-picking S&W firearms from the auction sites and now and then from gun shows for a couple of decades now, and I have to say you've picked a bad time to start. For some reason, S&W revolvers, particularly the mid and large frames with adjustable sights, are fetching eye-watering prices at the moment. These things seem to go in cycles, and right now they're up. 2nd and 3rd Generation S&W autoloaders are a drug on the market right now; you can pick up a 469 or 669 in decent shape for under $400 almost anywhere.
There are a couple of revolver types that still look like bargains, at least for now. The fixed-sight K-frames, particularly the .38 Special guns like the Model 10, aren't fetching the prices that the Model 19s and 66s are. They are excellent guns with lockwork and finish generally identical to their pricier brethren and they usually make exceptional shooters. The fixed sights are large, sharp and easy to pick up, and they never break or get out of adjustment. I'll admit I tend to go for the adjustable sight models, but honestly, how often do you actually move those fancy sights?
The other segment that's got some bargains now is the J-frame guns. There are several reasons. Lots of people are trading them off for the new mini-9mm autos. Also, there are lots of folks who buy them and find that they are nasty little beasts to fire with full-house loads and rather demanding of the shooter. That's partly the fault of S&W for marketing them as the LadySmith to women shooters. Most women (and a lot of men) new to shooting take an instant dislike to them after one range session. They bark and they bite and they are not user-friendly. They're what I, as former law enforcement and as a firearms instructor, would class as an expert's weapon. That said, they're well worth getting to know. They're h--l-for-stout rugged, incredibly reliable, extremely concealable, and in experienced hands as deadly as anything out there. Put one in a Ransom rest and the accuracy will astound most folks who think of them as a belly gun for close work only. They're also currently a bargain. I picked up a 1955 pre-Model 36, all original, for just under $300 very recently. With midrange wadcutters or light-recoil self defense rounds and a decent set of grips, they're not unpleasant to shoot and practice with.
On another subject, don't be a snob about eye appeal, particularly if you're looking for shooters. Lots of these old guns have traveled far and not been gently handled and may show scratches or mild rust or scuffing. Police trade-ins will usually have significant holster wear. None of that makes a bit of difference to the accuracy or generally the reliability, unless the former owner has been using it as a hammer. It takes real talent and perseverance to damage a Smith & Wesson revolver, and a decent gunsmith can usually set right anything short of a cracked frame. I've got more than one of every modern frame size, and the smoothest action of any is on a 4-screw 6" Model 14 that I picked up for $140 on an auction site. I put in a lowball bid, not expecting to win, but everybody else saw nothing but the fact that the idiot first owner had used an electric pencil to scratch his name on it. He'd also apparently dropped it and bent the ejector rod slightly. That cost me about ten bucks for a replacement, plus a few more for a Power Custom spring set, and it's now as close to perfection as they get. I keep thinking about polishing off that name and getting it re-blued, and then I think that the name of anybody stupid enough to do that to such a gun should live in infamy. Someday...

Your first purchase should be either a Model 15 or 67 38 special. I know, it's not a Magnum. However the old tapered barrel 4 inch 38 specials have the finest balance in the hand of any handgun ever made. BTW, while a 4 inch model 19 has decent balance that "heavy" barrel profile does impede transitioning between targets enough to be noticed and the full lug model 686 is a bit like swinging a truck in comparison to the original Combat Masterpiece.

The next option is a 3 inch model 686 because by giving up 1 inch in barrel length you get close to the near perfect balance of the Combat Masterpiece.

Then there is the 2 1/2 inch model 19, while it's a bit "twitchy" like a go cart they can be a real joy to shoot and if you pay very close attention to your sight picture the accuracy you can achieve is rather stunning. The only downside is that you do have to be a bit cautious with ammo selection for 357 Magnum and only purchase versions with 158 grain bullets.

As for the 41 Magnums, forgetaboutit. Ammo is VERY difficult to find in local shops and the recoil of a full house 41 Magnum is nearly the same as the 44 Magnum so do yourself and your wallet a favor and go straight for Dirty Harry's choice, the 44 magnum.

For 22LR go withthe 4 inch model 18 22 Combat Masterpiece. While the smaller bore means that it is heavier than either the 15 or 67 it is a well balanced revolver that is a fantastic platform for training new shooters and it's just plain fun to shoot. BTW, I have a 6 inch model 617 6 shot version and it's actually heavier than a 6 inch model 29 44 Magnum. Those itty bitty bores mean more steel in the cylinder and barrel and as a result most 22 caliber 22 revolvers will be heavier than you might expect.

Good suggestions all.
Here is my short list, of should have Smith and Wesson revolvers.
Model 18.
Model 19, 4" barrel.
Model 66, 4" barrel.
Model 28, either 4" or 6" barrel.

Others you may well want

Model 10, 4" barrel
Model 36, 2" barrel
Model 19/66, 2 1/2" barrel

Whatever you decide to do have fun doing it.

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Always Stay Strong!

Love the old K frames. I learned to shoot years ago in High School. Shot a lot of my step dad's Model 17 in 22LR, and then bought a Model 19 4in. 375 that I carried with me horseback in Colorado growing up 35 years later its still my favorite pistol and my most accurate.

I still love the Model 19, (66 in stainless) but recently picked up a model 17 6in. 22 of my own. Love to use it for novice shooters and would highly recommend it. The K frame is good size, smaller than the old N frame on the Model 28 and 29, though I also love my "Dirty Harry" model 29 6in. 44 mag.

I tell people:

The Model 17 22 is a "target killer"
The Model 19 357 is a "Burglar Killer"
and the Model 29 44 Mag is a "Zombie Killer" LOL.

Dangerous move by purchasing the 15. K frames have a tendency to multiply. Enjoy your quest, but don't forget to do plenty of shooting with your new toys. Have fun and be safe.

Definitely the Model 17 and Model 18 are the classic blued .22 target revolvers, so one of those is essentially a requirement.

It also sounds like an N-frame in .357 Magnum would be a great fit, so the Model 27 (fancy deep blue or nickel) or Model 28 (matte finish workhorse) are the answers there.

I know nothing about the .41 Magnum, but it sounds expensive.

Good luck!

UPDATE: I've purchased two more revolvers that were recommended on this thread by multiple people.

I have a model 10 & 64 in route to me as I write this post. The model 10 has some cosmetic issues that need to be improved upon and the model 64 looks to be extremely awesome!

Congratulations!! Your journey down the slippery slope has begun. Buy them, clean them up as best you can, feed, shoot, enjoy, then repeat. Now to find the "N" frames. While your large hands might not find the "J" frame 30 or 31 to your likes, the wife and son will love them. Go ahead and start looking for that bigger safe. The affection will only end when you run out of air. hardcase60

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You want me to do what?

That 5-screw pre-15 is a great introduction to the K-frame Masterpiece series. I started with a 1954 5-screw and was amazed at the fantastic trigger and the accuracy. Then I found a Model 17-3 6" in .22lr and it will go to my grandson when I'm gone. He took his first shot at age 8 with that gun and hit dead center bullseye.

For large hands and .357 Magnum the Model 28 is a workhorse that will never wear out.

Lol...I've been busy this weekend...I just added a Model 10-5, with a 4" pencil barrel to the growing collection. Now it's time to do more research and see what's next on the list! Thanks for all the help!

I know you asked specifically about Smiths but another option for revolvers in 22lr is the High Standard Sentinel. Alloy frame, 9 shot, double action. It’s an ingenious design done by the same guy who did the rotary mags in the Ruger 10/22. The only screw in it is the grip screw. I found mine for $175 in a pawn shop. It’s not as refined as a Smith but try finding a 22 Smith for 175.

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I know that this is a S&W forum but don't overlook older breaktop H&R, High Standard and Iver Johnson .22's. A 50-90 year old example in good condition can be had for under 25% of a K-22. Kind of a mini Schofield.

You are to be admired for introducing your sons to shooting sports as your dad did for you.

I have two adult children that I taught to shoot from a very early age, both were gifted a handgun on their 21s birthdays. My son received a model 66 with a 3 inch barrel new in box, my daughter went with a 4 inch nickel Diamondback that I had for awhile I think they both made good choices.

I’ve been hard at work adding to my collection! Revolvers added since my last post...M10 subnose, M15 subnose, M27 8 3/8”, M17 8 3/8” and also a M57. I’m also in the process of looking for a M18 currently...lol. Thanks again guys for all the help!!!

Well, Jim, you're moving along at a good clip.

Have you and your sons had any of this new iron to the range yet?

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

This is an illness that I hope there is no cure for, love blued revolvers!!!

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Bob P.

I would be interested to know if you were able to stay within your self imposed price range of $350-$650 or how close you came to staying on budget.

90% of the time I stayed on budget. But, I’m a sucker for a well used working gun. The only revolver that went over $650, was the M17. But, the finish on that revolver and the general overall condition is much better that most of my new acquisitions. That one I paid $900. Low was $229 and the highest was $650. The M27 was $650 and I thought I was getting a deal on that one. Most of them were bought through GB and only one of the revolvers had to be sent to a gunsmith for a little fixing.

Yep, we sure have! My oldest shot his first 357 magnum round on his 14 birthday and our youngest just got access to a Ruger Bearcat. The wife has been giving it a go as well.

I think my next acquisitions will be, M14 6”, M17 6”, M13 and a M18. I’m an opportunist, then something pops up on my list at a good price, I snatch it up if I can.

LOL....old thread and sounds like you've come a long way over the past year.

But the 60-80s as "vintage" ..... really........IMO vintage Smiths are pre-WWII

I've also got two boys currently 18 and 20...... (I'm 64) so we've got something in common....... college tuition in our 60s......

I worked to accumulate several nice Smiths in my 50s to pass on to the boys in a few more years....... including guns in .22lr (17s and 18s) and .357/38 ( I've gone with 19,66 and 686s for versatility) .

FWIW take a look at CZ rifles ......their rimfire and center-fire guns are great bang for the buck.

My oldest is a Junior at the U of Pitt..... any time he's home for more than a few hours we try to hit the club for at least a little .22 fun.

Have Mercy!
Jim...You are really headed down a new road with the Snubbies. I have found them to be more addictive than trying to eat just one Potato Chip. If you get a chance, please post some pictures. Here are a few Snubs that ended up in my possession. The trio are Model 15,s and the 1951 (my birth year) Blue Pre-10 is latest addition purchased last week.
Really...Enjoy the hunt and the family range time.
You are an inspiration to the Forum.
Ray

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