Okay, this is an unfair question to begin with, but I'd like to see what everyone thinks. I will begin the list with a few basics while leaving out some very obvious choices for you guys to fill in:

Model 10 4"
Model 19 4"
Model 27 3.5" or 5"
Model 29 4"

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Aaron Terry

625 3" or 4" in .45ACP.
686/686+/586 any barrel length.
Model 27

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"I'm just a dog chasing cars."

What no .22LR guns?
You need a 17 or 18.

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Dick

To the original list, I'd just add these:

Centennial in blue or nickle;
model 19, 2 1/2" again in blue or nickle;
model 21, 4".

That's about it.

EDITED: Wow, how could I forget the PC built 8 shot 3 1/2" M27 & K frame .38?? These two, and a PC tuned J frame Centennial are must haves. Not that I will ever have all three, but I should.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Old school Blue...
10 4"
14 6"
17 6"
19 4"
27 4" (3.5"/5")
29 6"
36 2"

Oh that's easy, You need one each model 10,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,25,27,28,29,30,31,34,35,36,37,38,42,48,51,60,63,64,65,67......You get the idea.
Oh yea, once you get up to the 940, start filling in the holes of dash numbers and barrel length combinations. :-)

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Dave

What ever turn's your crank. I like blued guns pre-war and post, and I love the stainless to go bang with. Also the low number ( amount made) stainless made will turn good money after ten years if you don't shoot it. So pick what you like and CHARGE it.

M&p .38, k22, n .357, n .44, j .38

A M696 in .44 Special, because it can do pretty much everything well. Then you'll have to get some reloading equipment to feed it, because commercial .44 Special is so expensive. Now, since you have all the .44 Special ammo you'll ever need/want, you'll want to get (in no particular order) a M624 (4" and/or 6-1/2" for hunting and target work), a M396 Mountain Lite (for woods carry), a M296 (for concealed carry), and a M24 Heritage with the color-case frame (for BBQs and such). Then when you realize how wonderful the .44 Special is, you'll need a Freedom Arms Model 97 (just because it's so darned accurate). And finally you'll want a Triple Lock, the original N Frame, so you can show people how the .44 Special began.

Oh, and a 10-shot 617 (4" and/or 6") because .22 LR is fun and cheap.

I'm still not sure if a guy can have too many .44 Specials. Regardless, that's my opinion, but I could be wrong...

What he said... hope the wife dont hang out at S&W Forum...

10
36
686

2.5" 66
5" 29
6" 25
1 7/8 36

Essential for me is a 617, 686 4" and 629.
With those you can hunt big or small game and defend yourself effectively with the more durable stainless finish.

What I think I need I have already seen listed here.

Based on the original question, then I would chose things more collectable than shootable. I would start with:
Pre 27
44 HE
K 22
38 M&P
K 38 Target Masterpiece
After these I would start adding working guns of a more modern design such as:
696
646
29 or 629
617

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NRA Life
OGCA

A nice First Model, and one of everything thereafter! But seriously, I agree with those who say "whatever blows your hair back". "Collecting" is done for the satisfaction, pride, and just plain fun that it provides. Whether it's guns, cars, coins, etc. As far as my guns, I get the most enjoyment from my old .22s. Both rifles and my K22 Masterpiece. So I would say every collection needs at least one pre 17 or 17!

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Misty

In my opinion, the only "essential" S&W would be a four inch model 10. It is the navy blue sport coat of hand guns - suitable for just about any situation and every man should own one.

Everything else is icing on top of the cake.

Here is my start. I am not finished but I think I already have some of the bases covered.

Model 10 4 inch
Model 28 4 inch
686 4 inch
66 4 inch
Pre-15 4 inch (combat masterpiece)

I probably need to look for a model 29 and either model 17, 18 or even a model 63. Its all about money.
roaddog28

Since no one else said it, I will. 1917. Probably a 39 also.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

Nickel 36 3" with Stag/Tyler grip.

Yes, the 617-1 (6-shot, all steel, non-MIM, non-IL) for small game, plinking, and target, in either 4- or 6-inch.

For house, carry, and all-around "one-gun solution," a 4-inch Model 19-4.

I am surprised that no one has mentioned a long-tube. Yes, the 6-inch 29s and 629s are great hunting revolvers, but personally, I'd choose a Model 57 with an 8-3/8ths-inch barrel for whitetail sized game.

And a 1-7/8ths-inch barreled Model 10 square butt, if I needed a smaller carry revolver.

Do you guys think the Model 19/66 is a better all-around gun than a 686?

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Aaron Terry

What's essential? For me, that's a no-brainer. It's any gun that I happen to be owning at the moment the question is asked.

Count me in the school of one each of each model, finish, barrel length, and model change.

Yep that ought to pretty well cover it.

I have a ways to go, but the joy is in the quest.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

I have both a 66 and 686. The 66 is better balanced and feels better in my hand. But, to tell you the truth, my model 10 is still my best shooting revolver and the revolver I am most accurate with. There is something about "old reliable".

roaddog28

For a "shooter" collection

In J frame - a 4" Kit gun in .22lr.
In K frame - a 2 1/2" Mod. 19/66
In L frame - a 6" Mod. 686
In N frame - a 5 or 6" Mod.25/625 29/629
In X frame - an 8 3/8" Mod. 500

For a "hunter" collection

In J frame - a 4" Kit gun in .22lr.
In K frame - a 6" Mod. 19 or 66
In L frame - a 6 or 8 3/8" Mod. 686
In N frame - a 6, 7 1/2 or 8 3/8" Mod. 57/657 or 29/629
In X frame - a 6 1/2" Mod. 500

I know... that's too many. But ya gotta have at least one of each frame... couldn't thin it any less than this..

Anything with "Highway Patrolman" on the barrel

29, 27, 25, 19, 10

But don't forget the m57!

My answer would be that it depends upon the focus of the collection. For example, if it is defense:

J frame, such as 642
K frame, such as 64
N frame, such as 27

If it is pre-war, then:

M&P
Triple Lock
Heavy Duty
Outdoorsman
Magnum

So, it is a difficult question to answer unless you know the focus of the collection.

Well, that's a good question. I mean, after all, there's so many to choose from... You have you're antiques, your prewar, your M&Ps, pre-lock, pre-mims, blued, stainless, brush stainless... .22, .32, .38, .357, .41mag, .44 Special, 44 mag, 460s, 500s... Not to mention barrel lengths; 2", 2 1/8th, 2.5", 3", 3.5", the ubiquitous 4 inchers, 5"s, 6"s, a seven or two?, 8 3/8ths... Yep, there's lots to choose from. Of course THE revolver you must have in your collection is that extra special one, yea, that one.

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But then, what do I know?

I don't have the funds nor the spousal consent to have one of everything, so I have to make do. I have:

Model 60 no dash 2"
Model 19-4 4"
Model 686-6+ PC in 6"

My final acquisition will be a Model 29-2 in 6 1/2" in blue. Then, I will consider myself a lucky man.

Since I have only a Model 13-3 I think that will be the first one to get. Ya just got to start with a K frame 357 for a carry. All after that is just icing on the cake.

You need one of each. That's the only way you're going to know what you need two of!

What! No love for the 24? Model 24 4" - must have.

Model 10 4in.
Model 36


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My question for you is, "Are you building a collection for investment, or an arsenal for shooting use?" My answer to you would be totally different depending on which of these you are working at.

If you are going for investment grade stuff, you'll want to look for the rare and highly sought after models (read highest priced) and keep them in perfect condition, fondling them gently while wearing white cotton gloves, and storing them in a climate controlled safe. Some suggestions would be high grade examples of Registered Magnum, very early 44 Magnum, a K-32, a Bekeart Model 22, etc.

If on the other hand, you want a working group of guns, you should go for calibers and frame sizes that suit your type and style of shooting. In my case, that would involve a good 22 (like a Model 34 or a Model 17) a 38 (preferably with 357 capability) like a Model 19, 66, 586 or 686 in a barrel length suitable to its purpose, and a big bore N-frame like a 44 or 45. My personal preference would also include a 32 as well... I favor the K-frame, but you might settle for a J-frame. Then as you see the need for other guns to suit other jobs, well, just drag out the wallet and have at it!

Froggie

Well, I have a 1985(ish) 6" 629, a new 5" 686 Pro Series & a 642.

I don't see the need for any others (today).

Tired to scroll through and I see no mention of a snub 19/66.