Which model S&W revolvers are MUST HAVES?

[Bullseye Smith]

I did, its a "L" frame .

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

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]

All of them in 10mm.

Tom

 

[tenntucker]

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]

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]

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]

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]

model 686
model 29
model 17

 

[smithman 10]

Must haves

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]

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.

 

[Marshall 357]

686 and a 29 both 4''

 

[Lee Jones]

My Standard Catalog of S&W says "over 770 models", so most of us won't ever have 'em all. Being of the opinion that all S&Ws and all Colts are "classiics" just because they are. And I have been a student of firearms all my life and I learn something new everyday. Many rewards,
shooting not the least. And by the way, I own and shoot 2 IL S&Ws and they are great guns. One day, "first model with IL" will be in for sale ads, wait and see.

There are two types of men: those with guns, and those at their mercy.

 

[David1958]

M36
M38/49
M10, 4" or 5"
M15, 2"
M19, All
M28, 4"
M29, 6/6.5"
M24/624, 3"
M586/686, 2.5/4"
M18 or any .22
M625, 3"

Top "3" if I had to pick right now instinctively: M36, M19 4", M29.

 

[ladder13]

One of my must haves, a 342 Ti.

 

[PMRet]

Everybody has their favorites, and here are my "must haves": 686-0, 617-0, and 640-0. Like you, I prefer stainless guns with shorter barrels.

 

[mkk41]

Oh , just start with a Model 10 and go forth numerically.

 

[SWID]

I would say the ones that appeal to you. If you see a picture or see a gun in a shop or at a show and it calls to you than it's (for you at least) a "must have."

Unless you have very deep pockets buying guns just because they are on somebody's list can deplete your ability to get the one you want. The thing about guns is that the "must haves" come along sometimes when you least expect it, and if your loot is all tied up in safe iron and have to pass it up it may never come again.

But that's just me.

 

[C.S.63]

great thread well my thought is at least one good .22lr
and then at least two .38/.357s, and then a .44 spl or Mag

Model 17,617 !!!!
model 10 or 64 preferably a 64 NY-1 rb !!!
and any good 24,624 or like 29, 629 !!!
and a 2" J frame 60,36 !!!
Carl

 

[MSB21]

I'll throw in.
A Model 13 nickel, 3 or 4 inch. I saw one in the dealers case maybe 20 years ago (4-inch). I passed. Youthful ignorance (stupidity). By the time I caught the bug for these, they were all gone.
I guess I can always hope for a Like-new to Never-fired specimen to show up for sale. I won't hold my breath, though.

 

[kpm]

Masterpiece(s)

The name says it all for me.