What were/are desireable N frames, 1960-1980 period?

The Gila Bender · #1 10-07-2018, 11:45 AM

I'm an N-frame accumulator, mostly pre-war and pre-model and a few S&W's spanning 1981-2008. A big gap in my collection is 1960-1980, the only examples I have are a rare Model 21 and a S-prefix 28-2, both shooters. My first thought is to add Models 25, 27-2, 29-2, and 57. What else?

daddio202 · #2 10-07-2018, 12:03 PM

Your listed models are the best examples in the 1960 to 1980 time frame. May I suggest a model 24-3? It is a little late for your time frame being reintroduced in 1983 but is an N frame I keep my eye on the lookout for.

tlawler · #3 10-07-2018, 12:05 PM

I’d add a M-58 to your list and say any of the models with S-prefix s/n in shorter barrel lengths like 2.5, 3, and 4” would be the most desirable. I’ll wait and see if the real experts agree, as I’m a bit of a novice aficionado and an expert by no means.

The Gila Bender · #4 10-07-2018, 12:28 PM

Oh yeah, daddio202, a sweet 24-3 came my way a few years ago and it's a great shooter.

The Gila Bender · #5 10-07-2018, 12:41 PM

I forgot to add that I'm kinda nuts for narrow profile barrels found on the Mountain Gun, Model 24/624, and 27/28. I think the .41 Mag grail gun from a later period is the .41 Magnum Mountain Gun, Stocking Dealer Special, 1999. An S-prefix P+R Model 57, 58, and or a 657 would make excellent additions to the collection.

jdlii · #6 10-07-2018, 12:57 PM

Any and all of them!

JP@AK · #7 10-07-2018, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdlii

Any and all of them!

I can't help but agree with this!

However, the Model 24-3 is probably the most scarce of the BP era N frames (by model, not barrel length). For some reason, I've had cause to show mine a couple times in the last few days, but I'll post the picture here once again. It is an ANIB example:

It's a sweetie. And one of my favorite N frame revolvers.

JP@AK · #8 10-07-2018, 02:04 PM

A group of BP era N frames:

Anyone care to try identifying them???

RKmesa · #9 10-07-2018, 06:41 PM

... in addition to others mentioned and with your expression of the narrow barrel, you should be considering a Model 520.

mbliss57 · #10 10-07-2018, 06:53 PM

BP era? I’m not new to these but I’m not familiar with the abbreviation.
I would likely use CE or DH era for N frames but it leaves out the 1960s.
At least for the .44 magnum anyway.

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Abbynormal · #11 10-07-2018, 07:02 PM

Bangor Punta was a conglomerate that owned S&W in the 80's until BG was acquired by Lear Siegler

Hondo44 · #12 10-07-2018, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

A group of BP era N frames:

Anyone care to try identifying them???

Presuming:
Stocks and front sights are original standard,
and Bangor Punta era -1965 to 1987.

12 o'cock - the aforementioned 24-3
3 o'clock - 29 no earlier than '79 w/6" barrel, not later than 29-3 (pre E)
6 o'clock - 27-3, maybe 57 or 57-1
9 o'clock - 28

JP@AK · #13 10-07-2018, 09:33 PM

Pretty good, Jim! Two out of four.

Here is the actual lineup (from top left, proceeding clockwise):

Model 24-3 (1983)
Model 57 (1973)
Model 29-3 (1984)
Model 28-2 (1972)

If you look very closely at the .44 Magnum, you can see the gap between the cylinder and the recoil shield. It is the only one besides the .44 Special that lacks the counter-bored charge holes.

Hondo44 · #14 10-07-2018, 10:11 PM

I should have blown 'em up more......

mbliss57 · #15 10-07-2018, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abbynormal

Bangor Punta was a conglomerate that owned S&W in the 80's until BG was acquired by Lear Siegler

Oh I did know that.. I just didn’t put the initials with it. Sr. moment! I have many of those boxes and guns. A lot of the 29s came in presentation cases which did not bear the label.
Thanks

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Hondo44 · #16 10-08-2018, 01:05 AM

I have only one gun that came with a presentation box for which I have all the packaging:

Gun came in a standard box,
case came in another box,
and they were packaged together in a standard corrugated brown box with outside label. It has gun Model, model # and serial #.

BigBill · #17 10-08-2018, 04:22 AM

Decades ago the colt, ruger, s&w used 357 revolvers were rare as hens teeth. Everyone who had them weren’t parting with them. With n frames of any caliber used forget it. Locally none to be found. Now the only way we’re seeing any if the baby boomers are thinning there collections.

One day my online dealer had two s&w m28-0 and one m28-2. Soon after he had two s&w m27-2 6” one blued and one nickel. There growing roots now.

rbmac52 · #18 10-08-2018, 10:44 AM

I'd love to have a Model 23 and a Model 26 from that era!

22hipower · #19 10-08-2018, 11:14 AM

One of the interesting examples from that period, which can be found although perhaps not easily, is the first year S sn Model 57 with Cokes. Stumbled on this one a few years ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

gwpercle · #20 10-08-2018, 11:57 AM

Model 58 , then you could join our Unoffical Club !

My model 58 is my avatar.... I joined
Gary

kscharlie · #21 10-08-2018, 01:53 PM

I know you asked specifically about 1960-1980 N frames, but it seems to me that two other post-war N frames that don't seem to get much attention are the Model 1950 and Model 1955 (pre model marked versions). Per SCSW 4th, there were approx. 2,768 1950 models made, which include 3 years worth of Model 26. Non-model marked 1955s were only made for 2 - 3 years and there would most likely be a fairly small number of these.

Realizing we all have our own personal tastes, short of a Pre-27, I don't think there is a nicer looking N frame than a 1955 .45 Target Model pre model number.

The Gila Bender · #22 10-08-2018, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwpercle

Model 58 , then you could join our Unoffical Club !

My model 58 is my avatar.... I joined
Gary

Hook me up Brother!

slight_turn_line_69 · #23 10-08-2018, 10:16 PM

I've been shopping a lot in the "-2" era lately, and this is what I've been seeing. Lot's of 25-2s, some 25-5's - mostly overpriced. A few bargains in 6" 27-2's. N-serial 29-2's are around in all barrel lengths, but the blued ones seem to be priced higher than nickel, except in 8 3/8. Go figure. Good luck and have fun!

azmick · #24 10-09-2018, 06:51 AM

About and -1 model is a great addition along with any non model marked 4 screw frame. The hunt can be as fun as the purchase.

Mike0251 · #25 10-09-2018, 07:39 AM

Sharing my N family.

The Gila Bender · #26 10-09-2018, 10:55 AM

Slight Turn Line 69 -
First, great screen name!
Yes, a "Dash 2" collection would be worthwhile. They are plentiful in the wild and fun to hunt at gun shows and pawn shops.