Which model S&W revolvers are MUST HAVES?

frogger · #1 10-08-2009, 11:34 PM

I have gotten bit by the bug to want to start collecting S&W Revolvers. I've always been into short to medium length barrels and prefer stainless to blued. Also, I HATE the IL.

Currently, I have a No Lock 642 and a 2.5" 686-4. I do plan to add a 4" 617 in the future and I'd love a 3 - 4" 629. I also have a sentimental reason to want a 6" 657 (I think that is the model #, it's the N Frame .41 Magnum) at some point.

What models do you guys consider MUST HAVES for a good S&W wheel gun collection?

pred · #2 10-09-2009, 01:11 AM

Models
36
10
17
19
27 or 28
29 or 629
And then all the numbers in between!

borntoraisehogs · #3 10-09-2009, 01:24 AM

17,19,27,57,29 . 15 is one of the best buys since ,shooting mags is not always what everyone wants to do a lot or even needs .

peyton · #4 10-09-2009, 01:33 AM

Also this depends how much money you have??? I am in my 50's and have the disposable income to acquire them. In my 20's I was busy spending all my money on raising the kids!!!

manny25 · #5 10-09-2009, 02:04 AM

617 610 625 60

Penquin · #6 10-09-2009, 02:09 AM

Even though I don't shoot .357's through it much, there is just something about the balance and feel of the M66 in 4". PEN

rollin_hot · #7 10-09-2009, 02:13 AM

A 625 in 3".

CapnHawk · #8 10-09-2009, 02:23 AM

I prefer blue over stainless. My choices, based on my bias, would be as follows:

Model 10
Model 19
Model 23
Model 27/28
Model 29
Model 36
Model 38
Model 58
Model 544
Model 547

DougDubya1970 · #9 10-09-2009, 02:26 AM

I'd be delighted with a Model 15 in all its barrel lengths. Throw in the Model 14 as well.

I also like the 686... and I dare to call it "Smython."

NE450No2 · #10 10-09-2009, 02:34 AM

The ones I use the most are a 38 Bodyguard, I have had this gun for over 35 years... I carry it daily...

A 4" 44 Mag I have had a Mod 29 for over 35 years, but I carry a newer Mountain Gun quite a bit.... Whenever I am in the field....

And a 325 with the IL removed... As I am also a 1911 45 ACP user as well, this little light weight 45ACP revolver is very handy....
It is under my pillow EVERY night...

I would want a 6 or a 6.5" 44 Mag for a hunting field gun as well...

Larf · #11 10-09-2009, 09:53 AM

Must have a 686 and a 629, pretty obvious.

18DAI · #12 10-09-2009, 09:57 AM

Model 10, pencil barrel or heavy barrel.

Model 19, nuff said.

Model 66, preferably a 3". 2.5" will suffice.

At least one Performance Center revolver, pre lock of course. Regards 18DAI.

pred · #13 10-09-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18DAI

Model 10, pencil barrel or heavy barrel.

Model 19, nuff said.

Model 66, preferably a 3". 2.5" will suffice.

At least one Performance Center revolver, pre lock of course. Regards 18DAI.

BUT everyone NEEDS a .22 revolver as well!!!!
Peter

44wheelman · #14 10-09-2009, 10:07 AM

67, 610, 627, 625, 547, & 58, & 460

CAJUNLAWYER · #15 10-09-2009, 10:17 AM

My collection started off small, I had a 4" 63 for dogs years and then I bought a 629-4 mountain gun cause I liked the contour of the barrel. In between I bought and traded just about everything from 27's to 520's to 66's to diamondback-whatever floated my boat at the time.. I then decided I wanted a 4" barrel in all frame sizes and wound up with a 686-4 and a 617-4 both in 4" length. I had 4 stainless 4" barreled S&W's in each frame size-thought this is cool I have a nice representative collection that is also very practical. I was at just these four handguns (well plus the Berretta but tat doesn't count).
Well, things happen

Let's just say that I have a bunch more than I need or can shoot right now.

617fan · #16 10-09-2009, 11:05 AM

Since you prefer stainless and 4" barrels; I would start searching for a 617, and Mountain guns in of each "4" calibers. You will have plenty of company as even for shooter grades the 617 and Mountain guns seem to be in high demand right now.

lanceman193 · #17 10-09-2009, 11:20 AM

60,63,638 or 642,649,650,60-10 3 inch(adj sight .357),940,66,617,686,696,624,625,629.The 66 probably should be a -1pinned and recessed,unless it's a 3 inch, and either or both the 624 and 625 should be 3 inches.The 940 should be a dash 1 and the 696 a no dash.All pre-lock of course !

roaddog28 · #18 10-09-2009, 11:35 AM

My wish list included a 66,686 and a N frame revolver. I just completed the list with a 66-4 4", 686-3 4" and a 28-2 4" revolver. I like 357 magnums and I actually shoot 357s and not just 38 specials. I do have a model 10-14 4 inch and a old combat masterpiece 4 inch. I would say all of those revolvers on the above list plus maybe a model 57 and a model 629. I would think that would just about cover medium to large frame revolvers. I am not a small frame revolver person.

Good luck

roaddog28

Bullseye Smith · #19 10-09-2009, 12:17 PM

Start reading and fine the ones that the least was made and shop for them, then if you find one better than you have buy it and sell the other. There is alot of S&W guns out there that people don't know what they have and willing to sale, I have got many 900 buck guns for 500 bucks. People buy them and don't know what they have. I don't try to beat them down, I pay them what they want and go from there. If I buy a 900 buck gun for sale and they want 500 for it I will give them 600 for it then sale it for 850 to 900. Collecting is fun, but don't rip someone to do it. Just a old mans 2 cents.

4inch357 · #20 10-09-2009, 12:20 PM

For me the 19 & 27 are my favorites; however I'd put the 25, 57, and 29 on the as well.

681ismyfavorite · #21 10-09-2009, 12:21 PM

im partial to the stainless steel guns so i will say the 2" model 60, the 2" or 4" model 64, the 4" model 66, the 4" model 681, and the 2" or 4" model 63.

these are what i would call the basics of the stainless family, all else just gets redundant with adj. sights being about the only differences on some.....of course this list did not include hunting guns.

Stainz · #22 10-09-2009, 12:30 PM

Self protection: 642/442
Home protection: 4" Model 10 or 64
.22 Plinker: 4"/6" 17/617
Medium Bore Plinker: 4" 686+/627 Pro
Big Bore Plinker: 4" 625 (.45 ACP)

Hunter: 6" 629 (.44 M)

Nostalgia: 625MG (.45 Colt)

The first five are in order of importance - the last two are just not 'required'.

Stainz

RidgwayCO · #23 10-09-2009, 12:32 PM

I like my S&W's in stainless steel, so let's say:

1) 617 4" or 6" (.22LR)
2) 686+ 4" (.357 Magnum)
3) 629 4" (.44 Magnum)

If you can only afford one (or can afford more than three), then a 396 Mountain Lite or 696 in .44 Special is your choice. If you can afford five, then add a 638 in .38 Special +P.

Don't worry, you can thank me later...

Bob D · #24 10-09-2009, 02:37 PM

.22 M34 kit gun 4"
.38 M64 General fun gun, or M15 w/adj sights, both 4"
.357 Carry gun is a 1-7/8" M60
.357 M66 4" Always carry with my rifle while whitetail watching, er hunting.
.44 Mag for deer, M29 or 629, mine is the M29 Classic with 6-1/2" bbl.

Five pistols which are the only ones you ever really need, if
you must reduce to 1, then it's the 4" M66.

stevieboy · #25 10-09-2009, 02:54 PM

All of mine are must haves!

JSR III · #26 10-09-2009, 03:02 PM

Any 2 digit model.

cjcutter1 · #27 10-09-2009, 03:59 PM

Any you like, want, and can afford are must haves. They all have their rightful place for something useful.

17/617
686/586
629/29
57

Take it easy.

1066 · #28 10-09-2009, 04:07 PM

If you like short barrel in stainless, you must have the original stainless revolver - the S&W Model 60.

.460V & XVR Magnum Man · #29 10-09-2009, 04:32 PM

All the no IL guns are great, so just get one of each and problem will be solved!!!!!!!

Wayne M · #30 10-09-2009, 04:40 PM

If by must have you mean for SHTF then I'd say a 617(you pick the barrel), 686 four inch(six or seven shot) and 629 between five" and
6 1/2." However if you mean which S&W's should I HAVE(!) I'd agree with everyone else and also say the limit is your imagination!

Sportsterguy · #31 10-09-2009, 04:40 PM

Here's mine:

17
36 or 60
19 or 66 2.5 or 3"
586 or 686
27 any length but I love my 3.5"
57 or 657
29 or 629

All pre lock.

153 · #32 10-09-2009, 05:19 PM

A 4", .357, stainless, adjustable sight 686 or 66 at minimum.

After that any preferably pre-lock/no lock revolver.

Best Looking 29 6 1/2", Best Period 27 5", Most useful 42 2"

jeremyws1 · #33 10-09-2009, 05:32 PM

17 - medium .22 LR
19 - medium .38 Special and .357 Magnum
27 - large .38 Special and .357 Magnum
29 - large .44 Special and .44 Magnum

frogger · #34 10-09-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullseye Smith

I don't try to jew them down

I have to say, as a Jew I find the use of the name of my religion as a synonym for the word cheat to be EXTREMELY offensive. I don't think that using the N-word here would be allowed and what you just said is just as bad. Perhaps you should think before you type.

To everyone else, thanks for all the great feedback so far.

HAWKEYE10 · #35 10-09-2009, 06:35 PM

One would be a nice model 19. Some think it's
one of the best looking revolvers S&W makes. Don

6gunSam · #36 10-09-2009, 09:40 PM

I simply limit myself to 4" and under and mine must be useable. Right now I am working to make a 4" & snubnose matching set of all model numbers. so far I have accumulate

M10 Tapered SB DAO 4in
M10 Tapered RB 4in
M19 4in SB
M19 2.5in RB
M19 2.5in RB DAO
M22-4 TR
M49
M18 4in
M64 Tapered SB 4in
M686 4in Sb
M686 2.5 RB
M10 HB 3in RB
M65 HB 3in RB
M65 HB 4in SB incoming
M12 4in SB

625smith · #37 10-09-2009, 09:49 PM

66,617,648,686.
610,625,627,629,657.
460,500.

If your are going to wish go big!!

Bullseye Smith · #38 10-10-2009, 12:28 AM

Frogger if you just collect the "L" frame you will have a big job on your hands. The 686 Mountain gun is a good one hunt down, I been looking for a few years and got tired so I built one

. If you get all of them you will have a safe full. Like I said before, sorry about the words I used.

The Clever Set · #39 10-10-2009, 12:28 AM

My must have is the four inch 500 magnum. Nobody else makes one and it's totally unique. The 460V and 460XVR are also pretty interesting revolvers.

Revolver King · #40 10-10-2009, 02:30 AM

I can't believe that know one mentioned the 242.

Bullseye Smith · #41 10-10-2009, 02:32 AM

I did, its a "L" frame

.

500 Magnum Nut · #42 10-10-2009, 06:01 AM

I limit myself to storage space, as this hobby is quite addicting.

Now, how much are you willing to spend?

Collect whatever you like, if size matters go that route, or movie guns or historical guns, or carry guns etc.

Personally, I'm sliding towards the 44 & 45 caliber guns currently, slowly selling the small calibers away. All pre lock of course. As you shoot them, the holes are bigger down range. Who like using binoculars at the range...

9146gt · #43 10-10-2009, 08:47 AM

All of them in 10mm.

Tom

tenntucker · #44 10-10-2009, 10:39 AM

2" J frame (I have the 342PD)
617
2-1/2" M66 (or 19)
M15 (M10 wil do)
686
629 (or 29)
625 (or 25)
500 (mine's a 4"er)

scooter123 · #45 10-10-2009, 05:05 PM

IMO, there are only two revolvers that are true must haves and both are variants of the same gun. Those are the model 19 in blued steel and the model 66 in stainless steel, both with 4 inch barrels. They represent the final evolution of the original M&P and IMO feature the best mix of Size, Accuracy, Weight, and Power for a Combat Revolver. In addition I don't think that it's possible to find a better handgun for training a new shooter than a K frame loaded with a moderate recoiling round.

BTW, at this point I don't own either, I was a bit late to the party. However, I do have a 4 inch model 67 that I purchased used and it's so well balanced that it's easy to shoot well with. Someday I plan on getting both a model 19 and model 66 when the budget and availability permits, however right now the 67 is a real sweet shooting wheelgun I will never sell.

Poohgyrr · #46 10-10-2009, 06:32 PM

For myself, any .38 (2" J frame Centennial type or 2" - 4" square butt K/N frame), .357 (2" - 4" square butt), or 3" - 4" .44 Special.

A square butt modern 38/44 L frame, tapered barrel, would probably be lots of fun too. Maybe an eight shot moon clipped N frame too... Gold bead. Spegel grips. Hmmmmmm.....

I forget the model #, but a 4" .32 Magnum K frame is high on my need to have fun list as well.

LOBO · #47 10-10-2009, 07:07 PM

In whatever barrel length you prefer,

10 heavy barrel
14
15
18
19/66
27
28
29
64 NY-1
65
442
520
625
686

bigt5150 · #48 10-10-2009, 08:05 PM

model 686
model 29
model 17

smithman 10 · #49 10-10-2009, 11:50 PM

First of all a Model 10 4" standard barrel.

Then:

Model 15 or 67 4"

Model 36 or 60 2"

Model 17 or 18 (.22)

A 2" K frame snubby - Model 10, 12, 15, or 64

Model 14 old style - no heavy underlug.

No .357s really needed, but if you like, a nice Model 13 or 65 in 3" barrel would top off the collection real well.

DC7 · #50 10-11-2009, 06:40 AM

Since you prefer stainless steel, I'd say your first "must have" would be the very first stainless model ever produced--the Model 60, preferably the original no-dash version. You can still find some in NIB condition, and occasionally you'll even see one of the earliest for sale--those built around 1965-66, with serial numbers in the four hundred thousand range (no "R" prefix).

I'd also suggest a 640--the stainless revolver that reintroduced the Centennial frame style after it had been out of production for many years. Again, I'd go with the original no-dash version.

A couple other stainless classics would be the 2.5" Model 66, and of course the 629.