Stainless low prod. question - post 1979

[ghp45]

Forgive me if I am covering old ground, and if so, maybe I can be directed to a previous thread. But as someone that finds the stainless guns quite attractive, I am curious as which of the post-1979 revolvers are the most difficult to come across, and why. Some of the "no-dash" guns appear to be the leaders in this catagory, but I'm not sure that is always the case. Perhaps we could get a list of the top five (or six) most difficult to find stainless guns (and it may come down to barrel lengths within a model). I think most can agree that the Model 629 4" is one of them, but perhaps not the most obscure. Also, it would be helpful if the list offered is supported by some background info.

[AKAOV1MAN]

Just a guess, but I would put the 627-0 in that catagory.

[murphydog]

Many of the low production number Performance Center specials fall into this category, but if you are referring to standard production guns the first two that come to mind for me are the 3" 66 (about 5000 made) and the 2" 60 Target (660 made). They are more difficult to find due to fairly low production and demand; other stainless guns may have been produced in similar or smaller numbers but interest isn't as high.

[jcelect]

Hey Mr eye
murphydog's post was about special ordered guns by Ashland Shooters Supply, Ashland , Ohio. If your quest is for standard production guns you will be looking for the early 629s soon!
The 629 was introduced in 1979 in 6" with the first production guns being serial numbered with a "N629xxx number. Most of these were test guns and sent to gun writers with some being sent to GT Dist. The first group manufactured for public sales in Mar 1980 were 350 guns in serial numbers N748564-N748913. In 1981 the 4" & 8 3/8" guns were introduced with the -1 change being made in 1982. Also about the same time the "ABCxxxx" numbering system was implemented. That means the 4" & 8 3/8" guns with an N serial prefix were made for 1 year or less!




jcelect SWCA#LM723

[Torakan]

I would also add the 696 is fairly hard to find.

[Robinett_11B]

2" M63...one of the 'top of the list' guns for me right now :'(

[Shooting4life]

Someone mentioned the 627-0 above. It is hard to find sometimes but not rare. The 627 no dash is rare as less than 300 were made before the change to -0. Also I would add the original run of 627pc "blood work" guns. 300 were made and I have serial number 0007, a grail gun for a good portion of members here. I lucked into mine. Never thought I would own one.
The 610 no dash in 5 inch barrels are also in demand. What makes most of these valuable is low production numbers with high demand. S&w made a lot of different revolvers with low production numbers. Some are very reasonable, some were very reasonable and others are crazy expensive. Just depends on what the masses are looking for at the time.

[wantmoresmiths]

Another low production stainless gun is the non-performance center model 646 revolver. Approximately 300 were produced in 2003. I believe there were approximately 2000 of the performance center version produced at a later date. The 646 is an L frame, chambered for the .40 S&W, with a 4" barrel and a titanium cylinder. I know someone who owns 3 of the non PC version. He is quick to point out that he owns 1 percent of the total production.

[Nframe357]

The CS-1 would probably fit into this category.

[Bullseye Smith]

Here is the 646 of only 300 made:



696-0



629-1



627-3

[pinkymingeo]

625-7 3" 45Colt. 103 made.