Alnamvet68
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Besides a Colt, is there really any other brand of Made in America handgun worth owning?
What made you a S&W fan?
- Thread starter Blackcloud2
- Start date
Tom Kent
US Veteran
Back in 1972 I began my law enforcement career and the second day in our academy we were issued Model 19s. Along with the look and feel of the gun was the realization that I was on my way to being a "cop", otherwise they wouldn't have trusted me with that firearm. During the academy it became a part of me and still is. It opened a big door to S&W that is still open.
Jayhawkhuntclub
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That's an arrogant and ignorant statement, if I've ever heard one. Let me think. Freedom Arms, Ruger, Dan Wesson, Wilson Combat, Ed Brown are all worth owning IMHO.
Handling the 627 Pro I saw in my LGS last January made me a S&W fan. I came late to the handgun arena, but I had bought my girlfriend a new LadySmith about 10 years ago. While I shot it every now & then, I wasn't all that good with it. Hated the sights, but it was a nice looking gun. She loved it, which was the whole point Then last year, I picked up a 627 Pro and it just felt right. I liked the weight, I liked the grip, I liked the look, I liked the trigger. So home it came. I surprised myself the first time at the range. I thought I was a bad shooter; the accuracy of the 627 Pro & smooth trigger immediately convinced me I was in fact a mediocre shooter. I shot 100% better right away. And there's just something about the feel of all that finely manufactured steel moving with precision. So while I may not currently own any other S&Ws, I always look at them in the trips to the LGS or other venues, waiting for the next one that won't let me leave without it.
JCS&W
US Veteran
Like many others who have replied to your question, my Dad. His passion for nickel Smiths, got me started. Still have a couple of his nickel Smiths and they will be with me until I am gone.
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Snake Plissken
Member
When the first " Dirty Harry " movie came out I went see it and from then on I was hooked.
I've posted about this fine old S&W before and am proud to do it again.
My dad purchased this Model 36 Chief's Special in 1968 for $79.50.
It was to be the protection gun for our family and was the only gun he ever purchased for himself.
Dad had a lot of Police and FBI friends due to his job. Being frugal, most of his shooting practice was with these LEO's using their ammo, most of it Plus P stuff. Thousands of rounds of Plus P.
The little Chief's would be the first gun I ever shot and was the gun I learned handgun marksmanship with. My uncle reloaded and gave my dad and I a good quantity of wadcutter ammo to allow me to learn shooting technique without undue punishment.
When I turned 21 years old, my dad gave me the gun.
It is cleaned, waxed and the pride of my S&W collection. Even after more shooting than a J frame should receive, the 1968 shipped Chief's is still well timed, and accurate. A bit of cylinder end-shake is the only clue to the number of rounds its fired.
My first S&W purchase is shown here also. Model 617 K-22 Masterpiece .22 LR CTG. 8 3/8ths inch, full target options. Still the most accurate .22 LR revolver in my safe. I've been addicted to S&W's ever since!
My dad purchased this Model 36 Chief's Special in 1968 for $79.50.
It was to be the protection gun for our family and was the only gun he ever purchased for himself.
Dad had a lot of Police and FBI friends due to his job. Being frugal, most of his shooting practice was with these LEO's using their ammo, most of it Plus P stuff. Thousands of rounds of Plus P.
The little Chief's would be the first gun I ever shot and was the gun I learned handgun marksmanship with. My uncle reloaded and gave my dad and I a good quantity of wadcutter ammo to allow me to learn shooting technique without undue punishment.
When I turned 21 years old, my dad gave me the gun.
It is cleaned, waxed and the pride of my S&W collection. Even after more shooting than a J frame should receive, the 1968 shipped Chief's is still well timed, and accurate. A bit of cylinder end-shake is the only clue to the number of rounds its fired.
My first S&W purchase is shown here also. Model 617 K-22 Masterpiece .22 LR CTG. 8 3/8ths inch, full target options. Still the most accurate .22 LR revolver in my safe. I've been addicted to S&W's ever since!
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Seeing the S&W story on the history channel. From the 1970's till 2010 i never owned a S&W revolver. In 2011 that all changed.
After having problems with three brand new colts (python/1911's) in the 70's & 80's it fueled my interest in ruger handguns for a while. But with ruger discontinuing there caliber offerings that drove me to the N frame S&W's.
After having problems with three brand new colts (python/1911's) in the 70's & 80's it fueled my interest in ruger handguns for a while. But with ruger discontinuing there caliber offerings that drove me to the N frame S&W's.
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mg357
Absent Comrade
In 1996 my uncle gave me an extra copy he had of his 1996 S&W product catalog that is what made me a S&W Fan.
Beach-Hunter
Member
My Godfather was a police officer carried a M-36 as a back up.
That started my interest in snubnose S&W's...then in 6th grade a classmates dad came to school for take your dad to school day he was a detective he had a model 66 2-1/2" bbl. He unloaded it in the class room and passed it around for all of us to hold and check out!!! Could you see that happen in these times????? lol.. I loved watching detective shows in the 70's remember Hawaii 5-O the star always had a model 36. I have had more than a few S&W revolvers but my favorites are the J-Frames...America made steel!! Nickel & wood love the look and feel! OH YA..one more reason!! "DIRTY HARRY" Clint with his "most powerful hand gun in the world" "That will blow your head clean off!!!"
That started my interest in snubnose S&W's...then in 6th grade a classmates dad came to school for take your dad to school day he was a detective he had a model 66 2-1/2" bbl. He unloaded it in the class room and passed it around for all of us to hold and check out!!! Could you see that happen in these times????? lol.. I loved watching detective shows in the 70's remember Hawaii 5-O the star always had a model 36. I have had more than a few S&W revolvers but my favorites are the J-Frames...America made steel!! Nickel & wood love the look and feel! OH YA..one more reason!! "DIRTY HARRY" Clint with his "most powerful hand gun in the world" "That will blow your head clean off!!!"
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mr-mom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
It all started many years ago when I inherited my Grandfather's S&W .38 Double Action Perfected (see avatar). This gun was used by both my Grandad and my Father, and resides today in my safe to be passed on when I tip over. I appreciate the wonderful combination of blued steel and wood, and I love the fine mechanics of that piece. It just doesn't get any better than that. I've shot it several times using an original box of ammo my Dad had. And, the fascination continues.
Dave
Dave
StatesRightist
Member
Carrying a 6906 as a duty weapon and the first time I picked up and model 19 2 1/2 did it for me. It did not hurt the 19 shot as good as it looked and felt.
I felt and still do, the 6906 is the perfect balance of capacity, size and carry-ability for most people.
I felt and still do, the 6906 is the perfect balance of capacity, size and carry-ability for most people.
retarmyaviator
US Veteran
I was issued a Victory model while in the Army and became interested in that model.
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I carried S&W revolvers in my law enforcement career (1979 to 2009, full time, reserve since then) until the advent of the "wonder 9's." Carried a 4 inch Model 19 and a 2 1/2 inch 19 as a reserve deputy sheriff in 1978/79. As a state agent I was issued a 66 2 1/2, 66 4 inch and a 3 inch model 13. Later I carried a 342 ti as a backup.
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