azmick
Member
a 4" 28-1 is at the top of my list
whats the most sought after s&w revolvers??
- Thread starter BigBill
- Start date
Most sought after? The one up there at the very top of this page. I suspect that model (and that specific specimen, to narrow the range of opportunity) is likely to be the one most seen by thousands of pairs of yearning eyes with absolutely no chance of being acquired by 99+ percent of the people whose eyes fall upon it. If that isn't a really good definition of "sought after," I'm not sure what is.
OK, there are other more serious definitions. Sales volume speaks to appeal, so the guns that S&W produced in great numbers on a non-contract basis clearly deserve consideration for the title. Can we just stipulate that the .38 M&P (eventually the Model 10 and its descendants) is a hands-down winner based on this standard?
Sometimes a lack of popularity or demand at time of production leads to a short supply after the gun comes into its own. One definition of "sought after" might involve how much time the average would-be purchaser has to devote to the hunt before finding one to take home. This approach suggests that models with production runs of 5000 or fewer are going to be sought after, and if fewer than 1200-1500 were produced they will really be sought after. Examples would be I or K frame target revolvers in .32 Long, short-run prewar specimens of guns that became more popular after the war, limited production varieties within larger contract production like the two-inch Victory, and so forth. In this group we can also add surviving military specimens from larger production runs that mostly ended up in the crusher after their service life was over.
There is a Goldilocks principle that might come into play. For most people, a lot of guns will be too small or too large, but some will be just right. Some chamberings will be too wimpy or too powerful, but one will be just right. Some sets of design features will be too simple or too busy or... and so on. On that basis, I'd have to give the nod to a .357 magnum with adjustable sights and a four-inch or shorter barrel on a K-frame. Does anyone recall if S&W ever made something like that?
Whatever answer to this question applies to any of us, it's a safe bet that some of us have no interest in guns that are items of fascination to others, and vice versa. I wouldn't have it any other way. A wise man once said something about differences of opinion and horse races, and that pretty much applies to gun desires as well.
OK, there are other more serious definitions. Sales volume speaks to appeal, so the guns that S&W produced in great numbers on a non-contract basis clearly deserve consideration for the title. Can we just stipulate that the .38 M&P (eventually the Model 10 and its descendants) is a hands-down winner based on this standard?
Sometimes a lack of popularity or demand at time of production leads to a short supply after the gun comes into its own. One definition of "sought after" might involve how much time the average would-be purchaser has to devote to the hunt before finding one to take home. This approach suggests that models with production runs of 5000 or fewer are going to be sought after, and if fewer than 1200-1500 were produced they will really be sought after. Examples would be I or K frame target revolvers in .32 Long, short-run prewar specimens of guns that became more popular after the war, limited production varieties within larger contract production like the two-inch Victory, and so forth. In this group we can also add surviving military specimens from larger production runs that mostly ended up in the crusher after their service life was over.
There is a Goldilocks principle that might come into play. For most people, a lot of guns will be too small or too large, but some will be just right. Some chamberings will be too wimpy or too powerful, but one will be just right. Some sets of design features will be too simple or too busy or... and so on. On that basis, I'd have to give the nod to a .357 magnum with adjustable sights and a four-inch or shorter barrel on a K-frame. Does anyone recall if S&W ever made something like that?
Whatever answer to this question applies to any of us, it's a safe bet that some of us have no interest in guns that are items of fascination to others, and vice versa. I wouldn't have it any other way. A wise man once said something about differences of opinion and horse races, and that pretty much applies to gun desires as well.
sqhead
US Veteran
I'm a j-frame guy so I'd include the smith models 651 .22 mag.,631 .32 mag., and the 63 .22 lr all in the snubby barrel length.
Nframecollector
Member
For me a Triplelock target model!
My list would include some mentioned and several others. I would seek them at both shooter and/or collector levels. These do not include such rarities that there is no reasonable potential to find/obtain them, and there are several in this category, i.e., K22 2" with fixed sights and the like.
Triple Lock
357 Reg Mag or pre war non-reg mag
K22/40
K32
Any pre war non-target-specific-model with target sights
Any Post War transistional model, particularly targets
Any factory original model variant of particularly low production whether it be odd ball caliber, barrel length or something else, i.e., TL in 45 Colt, Model 24 pre-dash, post war .32 Reg Police Target, etc.
Probably left out a few.
Triple Lock
357 Reg Mag or pre war non-reg mag
K22/40
K32
Any pre war non-target-specific-model with target sights
Any Post War transistional model, particularly targets
Any factory original model variant of particularly low production whether it be odd ball caliber, barrel length or something else, i.e., TL in 45 Colt, Model 24 pre-dash, post war .32 Reg Police Target, etc.
Probably left out a few.
Fessor
Member
1. Aircrewman, Lightweight M13
2. Austin PD M27 3-1\2"
3. M625-4, 3"
2. Austin PD M27 3-1\2"
3. M625-4, 3"
Here's one I found on GB a few years ago. There may still be others out there.
Chuck
Over the few short years I have been collecting S&W revolvers my tastes have changed. This forum and the knowledgable people here have influenced my tastes greatly. I wouldn't say I desired certain models because others do, but I would say that I desire them for the same reasons others do.
Many years ago, I thought the pinnacle of revolvers was the 4" Model 66. It was a no dash that I purchased new. Although the '66 is a fine gun, my depth of knowledge was zero (I am still a rookie). In more recent years it has become a chicken and egg quandry to me. I started acquiring some facinating models that piqued my interest, so I went looking for information. That lead me here. In turn, I learned more information here that lead me to other models. It seems to me that the what the more desireable specimens are depends on the point you are in your collecting life.
I agree with nearly all the submissions above, however, at this point in my collecting life Hondo's list nails it. The only other I would add would be a "Half Target" variant of some of the prewar N Frames, which I just recently learned existed in very small numbers.
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1Aspenhill
US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
For me, there is only one model at the top-The Mighty 38/44 Heavy Duty!
Bill
Bill
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Most sought after? As in by the largest number of guys? I'd guess that if you took a poll of 100 average S&W lovers, not serious collectors with deep pockets who specialize in the rare, one of a kind, presentation, engraved, experimental etc guns I suspect the Registered Magnum would top the list. Those may be priced beyond the realistic expectations of many (or most) of our 100 subjects in the poll so maybe a Model 27 would top the list?
Seems like I see a lot of posts by members dreaming of finding a Model 28 which means the cost threshold may be even a bit lower than I thought.
As for me, I am fortunate enough to have acquired most of the guns I really want. If I'm dreaming, let's make it about a Model 45 (22 Long Rifle M&P) with a 4" barrel. I could actually buy one, but I just can't make myself pay that much for a 22 revolver. Let's not even discuss that Holland & Holland Royal Grade double in 375 H&H I also dream about.
Seems like I see a lot of posts by members dreaming of finding a Model 28 which means the cost threshold may be even a bit lower than I thought.
As for me, I am fortunate enough to have acquired most of the guns I really want. If I'm dreaming, let's make it about a Model 45 (22 Long Rifle M&P) with a 4" barrel. I could actually buy one, but I just can't make myself pay that much for a 22 revolver. Let's not even discuss that Holland & Holland Royal Grade double in 375 H&H I also dream about.
I'm looking to you s&w guys and gals for input.
Never say never that you may find a rare one. I thought I would never find an all matching numbered Swedish 6,5mm mauser and an all matching numbered Chilean 7mm mauser. I found both of these a month apart and even the serial numbers on the wood matches too. These are holy trail rifles. This is why I never say I'll never find one. You just stay looking. I found the Chilean mauser at a gun show sitting in the back behind a sellers table. I spotted the stock and bolt first. I just don't get it at gun shows. Many people walk past it but when you buy it they drool over it go figure. At a gun show ask the seller if you can hold it and if your going to purchase it never take your hands off of it. As the crowd gathers to see what your buying I trust no one from grabbing it out from under you.
Ok rare finds do show up. Have a picture in your mind of what your looking for. I been into military guns for years it's not my first rodeo.
I'm just new to s&w.
Never say never that you may find a rare one. I thought I would never find an all matching numbered Swedish 6,5mm mauser and an all matching numbered Chilean 7mm mauser. I found both of these a month apart and even the serial numbers on the wood matches too. These are holy trail rifles. This is why I never say I'll never find one. You just stay looking. I found the Chilean mauser at a gun show sitting in the back behind a sellers table. I spotted the stock and bolt first. I just don't get it at gun shows. Many people walk past it but when you buy it they drool over it go figure. At a gun show ask the seller if you can hold it and if your going to purchase it never take your hands off of it. As the crowd gathers to see what your buying I trust no one from grabbing it out from under you.
Ok rare finds do show up. Have a picture in your mind of what your looking for. I been into military guns for years it's not my first rodeo.
I'm just new to s&w.
Green Frog
Member
Big Bill, you have asked a question that each of us must answer for himself, and probably which will change for many of us as time passes, but "fools rush in" so here I go...
My number one of all times no holds barred Smith would be a Triple Lock Target in 44 S&W Special... one of a tiny number but what a glorious example of the gunmaker's art!
Only slightly lower in the stratosphere is a K-32 from the immediate post-War Period (before about 1950 or '52) because not only were they produced in fairly tiny numbers, but a K-frame 32 is (for me at least) almost sensual to shoot.
The Registered Magnum finishes a weak third, although it has the most likelihood of being found, I guess. However it just doesn't move me like the two previously mentioned.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Froggie
PS Tom32, if I were to limit myself to only one S&W from now until forever, that Model 66 or a 66-1 would probably be what I would pick, so as Brother David says, it takes all kinds and what is perfect for one person is totally wrong for another.
My number one of all times no holds barred Smith would be a Triple Lock Target in 44 S&W Special... one of a tiny number but what a glorious example of the gunmaker's art!
Only slightly lower in the stratosphere is a K-32 from the immediate post-War Period (before about 1950 or '52) because not only were they produced in fairly tiny numbers, but a K-frame 32 is (for me at least) almost sensual to shoot.
The Registered Magnum finishes a weak third, although it has the most likelihood of being found, I guess. However it just doesn't move me like the two previously mentioned.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Froggie
PS Tom32, if I were to limit myself to only one S&W from now until forever, that Model 66 or a 66-1 would probably be what I would pick, so as Brother David says, it takes all kinds and what is perfect for one person is totally wrong for another.
Smith357
US Veteran
I'm willing to bet everyone here is searching for that $350 Reg Mag. 
DWalt
Member
How about a postwar K-frame Mexican Model?
hektormorigan
Member
Model 66 with a 3 inch barrel.
For one reason or another these are very sought after in my neck of the woods.
For one reason or another these are very sought after in my neck of the woods.
Modified
Member
The correct answer is: Anything Mike Priwer owns.
Frank46
US Veteran
Any of the 24-3's in 44 special and the 624's in the same caliber. Frank
Without a doubt, after reviewing various posts over the years, the Triple Lock has unparalleled popularity.
I acquired a .22 Ladysmith Hand Ejector First Model revolver last year and this will never achieve the popularity of its 'big bore' cousin, but never discount this one as once you have one in your hands, it is a marvel in its diminutive size.
I think Schofields are probably quite popular, although earlier than some of the stuff on this side of the forum (I tend to post more to the 'Antiques' section).
Although not strictly a revolver, in my opinion, the Smith and Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle is really neat!!! I don't own one, have never seen or held one, but I know I want to acquire one of these some day.
I acquired a .22 Ladysmith Hand Ejector First Model revolver last year and this will never achieve the popularity of its 'big bore' cousin, but never discount this one as once you have one in your hands, it is a marvel in its diminutive size.
I think Schofields are probably quite popular, although earlier than some of the stuff on this side of the forum (I tend to post more to the 'Antiques' section).
Although not strictly a revolver, in my opinion, the Smith and Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle is really neat!!! I don't own one, have never seen or held one, but I know I want to acquire one of these some day.
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