With so many quality S&W's out there for relatively modest prices, does S&W sell many new revolvers?

For example, if you can get a nice 27-2 for between $550 and $650, who needs a new N-Frame?

I wouldn't buy one of the current offerings if they were the same price or even less than the older guns. Smiths from the pre-Bangor Punta era are just nicer all around. They feel better and look better in my opinion. YMMV.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I bet they sell plenty of J frames at their current pricing - esp the no-lock models.

Sir.
I would think that S&W is selling many new revolvers. Lots of first time buyers. As folks get curious and start doing internet reading on their new gun they find forums and find unusual people, like us. They then start hunting for the older guns, like us.
Bill@Yuma

Thank you for your service.

I have gone that route.
Once upon a time I bought a new Ruger Mini-30.
That gun is long gone, but I still enjoy guns I own from 1919, 1927, 1956, 1957, 1972 and a soon to be acquired 27-2 from 1975.

Would have to be very special to get me to buy a new gun today.

Hundreds of thousands of new Smith & Wessons are sold every year.

I have 3 new j-frames, but all of my bigger Smith guns are older models. That said, I love all of the Night Guard series, but I think their prices are way off. If they were more affordable, I'd probably have 3.

Due to several features, Smith & Wesson does not currently make a revolver product that I am interested in acquiring.

I maintain a large interest in revolver models formerly made by the company.

My sentiments exactly.

I have no problem with the newer guns, haven't seen any problems with locks, related to me or anyone I klnow around me... I've purchased 2 SW500, M60-pro, M638, M640, TRR325. Other than the locks, I see no diff in quality or functionality from my older 629, 10, 19, 1917... I plan on buying more in the near future. Looking at a JM625, and did find some poor workmanship with the JM grips, the worst fitting grips on the frame I have ever seen.. not sure who makes them though. But then maybe it's the frame that Smith supplied..

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Jack C

I have 300+ S&W revolvers in the safes and they have 3 to 5 I wish I had money to buy. Answer is yes they sell them by the truck load (when they ship ) to new and old shooters.

Negative, for me anyways...I have a no-lock 442 (which somehow got passed S&W's excellent QC w/ a mis-fit barrel) and want a 43C...other than that, count me out of any new S&W offerings. I love the 5 pre-lock/pre-mim S&W's I have currently and plan on adding more.

I just bought a nice 629-3 and would not buy a new S&W until the do away with the lock and the MIM parts.

I've purchased three new Smith revolvers over the last 12 months and I bought my first Smith in the 60's.

No, I'm not a curious, first-time buyer. I'm just wise enough not to deny myself some fine revolvers because of a lock so easy to disable, even a caveman can do it!

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

27-2's are cool. If they held 8 shots they would be cooler. 8 shots help me make up for a lack of skill.

I think the older guns I have shot have had nicer actions than stock new guns. But I learned how to do a little trigger work from this site and some books and videos. After that, new guns feel good too.

Plus I would feel bad about not cleaning and oiling an old gun. I ride my new stuff hard and put it away wet. My guns will be the ones that make other peoples worth more money in 100 years.
Maybe by then they will figure out how to get them to tell their stories. Mine should have plenty to tell.

"Due to ONE feature, Smith & Wesson does not currently make a revolver product that I am interested in acquiring.

I maintain a large interest in revolver models formerly made by the company."

S&W 1911 stainless steel target model 45 acp is the only new S&W firearm that I bought in the last 10 years. Last year I was fortunate enough to acquire 11 used S&W revolvers without a certain feature at reasonable prices.

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S&WHF 366

While I really appreciate my older blued Smiths, I have no problems with the three stainless lock ones I own. Maybe I got lucky, but these new guns lock up tighter and have better triggers than the older ones I have (which also are wonderful). The worst trigger (single action pull) of my Smiths is on a beautiful, almost unused pre-35. The worst exterior work on a revolver I own is on a 34-1 I bought new about a million years ago. Go figure.

I’m going to keep saying this. We all need to be running out at first opportunity and buying the latest no lock releases. I’m saving up for a 642 or a 442 with no lock. If they see the uptick in sales it might just convince them to build more minus the lock. If they don’t see the sales drop and there are still the nuisance states that require the retarded lock then they will just keep building them all like that. No offence if you live in a nuisance state, it just is what it is.

I'm no first time buyer either; but I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one if I wanted it and had the cash. Couldn't care less about status on the internet.

I think the biggest problem is price; they are a bit pricey.

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SD9VE, American perfection!

I bought a NEW 60-15 with the 3 inch barrel because I could not find a used one anywhere. Never had a problem with it or the lock. I picked up an older 49 about the same time but it needed work done numerous times. Bought a NEW 2 inch 649 to replace it while it was being repaired for the 4th time. Traded it in on a 640-1. It’s also nice having an option to own a j frame that handles .357.

Yes, S&W is selling tones of revolvers. Many newer (younger) buyers don't even know that they came without the IL 10 years ago and many also don't seem to care that much.

Got this yesterday... I am one of the newbies you speak of, but not so far removed from the guns of old... just wanted this to start my revolver collection... and as you suggest, I am sure it won't be long before I search for a good oldie. In the meantime, I love this gun and couldn't be happier with my purchase.

Attached Files

Full page photo.pdf (123.7 KB, 437 views)

my dumb *** bought a new PC S&W. should have done research and bought an old one.

so.... care to elaborate?

That's a beautiful gun, I purchased the TRR325 myself. Love it. Other than a few guys with their pantys bunched up their crotch, complaining about a part they are too lazy to oil or some ridiculous other non issue... The new PC guns are as good as anything S&W has put out. I've purchased several PC guns, beautiful stuff.

like the song goes... " The times... they are a changin.. "

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Jack C

Can I see a pic of yours... ugh... I can see that this hobby is going to be expensive.. I considered the 325 too... it is friggin sweet. Awesome!

I don't know if many of you are involved in the stock market but a few analysts are saying now is the time to buy when swhc is just coming off its bottom. Predictions are that stock has the possibility of a huge increase through 4th quarter of 2012. After that they don't know. When they see shootings like in arizona a month or so again all gun stocks spike because more people buy in fear of laws changing. With current pontiff that is a possibility at all times. After 2012 and the chance for a changing of the guard to a more gun orientated regime that would spell trouble for stock growth. Less people would buy if they felt safe in leaderships direction regarding the laws of the land. - Heres the full take - 3 Gun Stocks: Buy, Sell or Hold? - Stockpickr! Your Source for Stock Ideas

Just checked PB for pics, only have a pic of my 945-1 PC.. maybe I can find one of my 325 online.. looks very similar to your pic.. I'll take my 945's over any Kimber with all the issue I've read about those.. heck I 'd rather have a Hi-point than a Kimber..

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Jack C

One observation I will make is that if we do not stop singing the praises of the Older Versions of Revolvers from S&W they are going to become affordable. Priced out of reach for all those of us who are not very affluent. Although I do agree I am hoping to acquire a couple more before they reach the "Too Expensive" price range!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

I never buy anything used! You have no idea how the previous owner abused it. Not cars, trucks, ATV's, motorcycles, guns.....or women!

I am a Ruger revolver/Glock auto guy. I do have several ultralight J-frames, and my NEW 329NG should be here today! Might be a 386NG in my future? The ONLY reason I ever buy ANY S&W, is that they produce ultralight scandium alloy revolvers, which make great trail guns.

Not me. S&W has not made a handgun I'd want to own in almost ten years.

I enjoy buying all the great S&W's I wanted from years ago, but couldn't afford back then. Regards 18DAI.

For me it's about features. If it's a new gun and has the features I want, I'll buy it.

On the new IL guns, I cut the nub off the locking flag. I have also bought some of the new J's without the IL.

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Watch & Pray

Sir,

While I certainly understand your sentiment, abuse of(or wear on) a used gun is relatively easy to spot. Vehicles have many hidden parts(e.g. engine and drive train) which require more expertise to evaluate. But a revolver, for instance, may be checked for push off, poor timing, endshake, bore/chamber pitting, etc. by anyone with normal eyesight and motor function. Nearly all my revolvers were used when I bought them; two of them were unsatisfactory and it was glaringly evident. One the seller took back and refunded my money; the other I sold at an auction. Ironically, the only two Smith revolvers I bought new had problems. One I sold and the other I sent back to the plant for repair.

There are a number of websites which instruct people in examining used guns before buying them. You might want to check them out and avail yourself of the many fine examples of used Smiths out there.

Respectfully,
Andy

I have been collecting and shooting Smith revolvers for years . Currently my favorite is a 686+ with a three inch barrel. It had the lock, which took about five minutes to get rid of , and the dreaded mim parts. I love it. Also have a 629 four inch with the lock (gone) and its a fine revolver too.

My first revolver and S&W product and so far it's kinda $ucked I've sent it back to the factory with a broke firing pin twice in the first month I have owned it... but S&W is making it good and I'm sure I'll buy more... got an eye on a sweet little 627 and maybe a 686 before the years out. I own a few semi-autos but no 1911's so I'm kinda looking @ S&W versions.

My latest carry weapon is a 442 with lock. Picked it up several months ago. Great gun and no issues. At the time Smith had a $50 rebate. Now the rebate offer is gone but the price on the gun dropped $50.

I still have an old S&W catalogue from 1960 or so that I used to salivate over. Life was simpler then. A kid could pick up a surplus 1917 for 29.95; now the retro one is $700 or so.

Frankly I wish I had gotten the real one back then. As to the current lineup--I really could care less.

1/2011 I purchased the S&W model 57 41mag 6" barrel in nickel brand new for $699/list is $1,161. 2/2011 I purchased the S&W model 58 41mag 4" barrel in nickel brand new for $699/list $1,161. Both have the key locks but for that price keep'em comming i'm buy them all. At this cost and savings i bought two and saved $$ were my third one is free. Thats ok withy me. I'm not following my wishlist i'm getting my gotta have guns. I'm not done with the 41mags yet. But i want the 357mags and the 44mag S&W's next. Its going to be my year of the S&W's. I just have no clue as to why i waited so long to get the S&W revolvers. But better late than never.

I'm not going to dwell on the key safety if it saves one childs life its worth having it. You can't put a price on any life let alone a kids life. Anyhoo the key safety doesn't bother me. Its still a brand new S&W to me. Something i can still enjoy and shoot too. Bill

Lifes too short to worry about the key safety. There are many other things to worry about in life never sweat the small stuff.

Remember gun safety never sleeps or takes a vacation for its always there and in your face. Practice good gun safety, remember teaching good gun safety to our childern starts at home too. So use the key safety if you have it or lock your guns up. Keep them away from the childern. godbless.

I have 3 IL equipped S&W's, I bought 2 before I knew better and recently aquired 1 for my wife. The bulk of my modest collection are pre-lock models and the focus of my collecting will continue to be pre-lock revolvers.

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"Shall not be infringed"

I don't mind the IL, though it is unsightly.

Throw in a .22 of some vintage, and I try to balance it out.

I just completed my bucket list guns in my future, and many I would rather own new.

Model 686+ snub
Model 627
Model 327 snub
Model M+P R8
Model 617
Model 43
Model 34
Model 13
Model 625JM
Model 41
Model 63
Ruger Mk III

Maybe I'll be completed by 2020

OK boys, as I have always said, the internet is great for opinions, perceived as facts.
Here are some facts, the S&W ATF Data for 2009 revolver production:
1. .22 cal, 6,558
2. .32 cal, 1,020
3. .357mag, 43,173
4. .38 cal, 154,465
5. .44 cal, 9,192
6. .45-.50cal, 7,487

Total Revolvers for 2009 = 221,895

Someone must be buying them, eh?

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SD9VE, American perfection!

I've been buying guns since 1984, when I was in the Air Force and could afford my first one. The first couple weren't S&Ws, but what did I know, it was all new to me. I stumbled onto several Smiths over the years, old and new, and have enjoyed them all. After a few more I was hooked. I'm not a MIMaphobic, and have never seen an MIM part explode, disintegrate, or do any of the other bad things they're supposed to do. I don't like the looks of the lock...... But I, nor anyone I know or know of, has ever experienced the much feared "lock failure" so it isn't an operational issue to me.

I recently purchased a new revolver by another well known company. The fit and finish is behind S&W, by a long ways. Sharp edges, rough finish, loose fit, not impressed. This is true of those I've recently handled in gun stores also.

I'll continue to buy new S&W revolvers, and older ones that interest me, as long as we're free to do so. Where else are we going to find those beautiful 8 shot .357 N frames. (putting my pom-poms down now....)

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

I guess I took it as more of a rhetorical question. With the higher than ever pricing, certain undesirable features, and the fact that there are other US made firearms at equal quality and better pricing I can see where the OP was headed with this. Clearly they are selling or we would be reading about them closing doors, not starting new models. But I'm curious how many of them are the Sigmas, airweights, and M&P's vs. the rest. With the abundance of low cost bread and butter sales I wonder how often they think of dropping certain models that while they still make money the volume isn't near as much. The 686 still sells but not like those aluminum and plastic guns. And aluminum and plastic cost them a lot less overhead. GMROI can be a hell of an arm twister to the best company.

In the past 2 years I've purchased a new 620 and a 6 1/2 inch 610 and don't have one single complaint about either. I also am currently looking for a 4 inch 610 and don't care a bit about when it was made.

The lock doesn't bother me a bit, it's very easy to remove.

As for the MIM parts, having tuned both forged and MIM guns I find the MIM guns much easier to get good results with. I'm also confident that the MIM parts produced by S&W are in a completely different class than the early MIM parts that caused so many issues in the 1911 platform. Quite simply when done properly MIM parts can be both stronger than forged and have more wear resistance because the process allows a fully Engineered material down to microscopic levels. Since in all my time on this forum I've only seen one single post about an MIM part that failed, I am confident that S&W has taken the time to Engineer the materials and process for optimum lifespan. BTW, that one single failure was a hammer spur that sheared off and the individual who posted admitted the gun had many thousands of dry fire cycles without the use of snap caps to cushion the hammer fall.

I bought a 642-2 recently. It handles well enough with either hand. It hides easily. I'm satisfied.

I have a 617-6 and a 638 both have locks and worke just fine I personally do not see the big deal with the lock other than the appearance of the guns, am I missing something?

I posted this reply to another question on the forum. I hope it helps. It sums up what I think about the new versus old S&Ws.

The Classic S&W Model 27 Four Inch

I can't see the lock when I'm shooting. Hard to find a nicer action than on my 629 that has MIM and lock. It's better than on my 66 or 15. Maybe it's so smooth because it gets shot so much. A 357 Mtn. Gun is nice too. They're all great, new and old. If I was a collector and was interested in certain specs then that's what I'd buy. But for shooting the new ones are terrific. Recently I bought a Ruger SRH 44mag. The good scope mounting arrangement and the ability to handle some heavier hunting loads on a regular basis were the reasons. The gun is fine and with some springs and lots of shooting it will probably get smoother. But I wouldn't trade 3 of them for any one of my Smiths, old or new.
Bob

+1............