i just recently got a 638 airweight for edc. it is my first smith revolver in years. i've had several in the past but like a fool i had gotten rid of all of them along the way. i got to say the little airweight has reminded me of how fun revolvers can be to shoot. so i have been bitten by the revolver bug again and plan on starting to build up my revolver collection again. i guess the question is, what would be a short list of "got to have" models that would be in any respectable s&w revolver collection?

I would have a Model 27 with 5 inch barrel, Model 14 with 6 inch barrel, Model 17 or 617 with 4 or 6 inch barrel, Model 29 or 629 in barrel length of your choice, Model 25 in 45 ACP, and a Model 10 because it's the classic S&W revolver.

Welcome to the Forum, and be prepared for a LOT of answers... .

A 4 or 6" .22, like a model 17/18 K-22 or a model 34 J frame Kit Gun, for inexpensive plinking.
A 4" model 10, tapered or heavy barrel, the classic police duty gun.
A 4" model 19/66 or 586/686, for light or frequent .357 use.
A 6 to 8 3/8" model 29, for .44 Specials to Magnums.
For historical interest, a .38 Special Victory Model from WW II, and a 1917 Army in .45 ACP.

And don't think for a moment you'll be able to stop there . Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

What I did was when ever I ran across an older smith in great shape that interested me id buy it. It may not have been the one I was looking for at the time but sometimes opportunity only knocks once.

Been looking forever for a model 16 shooter in 32 long. Shooter grades are over 2 grand. Gave Andy Horvath a 17-2 to convert o 32 long for me. Cut the bbl to 5" and a Weigand front sight base with quick change capability. I have a 5" k-38 that this gun will match. He's had it 3 1/2 months so its close. The re-borer still has the bbl. Got my Keith Brown Ropers in exhibition English walnut Sat at the NE Ohio bunch that are the grips for this gun. Always wanted a custom gun. I also found a registered magnum that I never thought I'd own. Life is good, Larry

New to the forum--first post. My list consists of S&W's I already own--along with a few I desire.

Model 66 Combat Magnum--4"
Pre-Model 10 in .38 Special--6"
Model 29--6 1/2"
Model 629--7 5/8"
A Performance Center Model in any configuration (629--2")
Model 586--4" & 6"
Model 13--6"

I'm a sucker for a revolver. S&W and Ruger's are tops. My heart belongs to the Smiths.

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Strickdaddy

I tend to gravitate to the Smith's with adjustable sights and comfortable grips, so I like the Model 17 for inexpensive .22 shooting, the Model 19, 27 and 28s for feel and magnum strength as well as the Model 29 classic .44 magnum. The jury is still out on the Model 66 and 686...I like the site picture, but they're not the gun my Model 27 is.

I have a fairly short list of few that I dont have yet, but are all fairly rare barrel lengths or models in general.

model 27 with 5" barrel
model 66 or 19 with 3" barrel
Nickel model 28
model 547
model 610
model 25 45 acp

Welcome to the forum!

a 4" 10, 64 or 67. Anything they make in .22LR.

I'm limiting my response to "must have" and "current production" - since he's new. I don't want to send him off on any wild goose chases.

IMHO....

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But then, what do I know?

4" 66

2.5" 19

3.5- 4" or 6" 27 or 28 - Everyone needs a .357 N-frame

6.5" Model 29 .44 Magnum - Need I say more?

4" 586

6" M&P

4" Model 10 Heavy Barrel - THE standard duty gun of the 60's- 90's

4" .500- Why Not?

4" 64 - Became the "standard" bread and butter service revolver, thousands were used by corrections depts., PD's and security agencies.

I won't get into the "older" vs. "newer" ones........