Collecting: The 12 most influential S&W firearms

[Rex Goliath]

Have any of the Forum members collected any or all of the following S&W firearms manufactured over the past 150 years?
1. Model 1 (1857)
2. Model 3 American (1870)
3. .38 & .32 Double-Action (1880)
4. .38 Hand Ejector (1899)
5. .44 Hand Ejector First Model (1908)
6. .22/32 Target Model (1911)
7. .357 Magnum (1935)
8. .38 Chiefs Special (1950)
9. .357 Combat Magnum (1955)
10. .44 Magnum (1956)
11. Double Action 9mm Pistol (1956)
12. Model 60 Chiefs Special Stainless (1965)
Source Attribution - Smith & Wesson's 12 Most Important Guns


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[Waywatcher]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

 

[zzzippper]

Do we have to have the exact year of release?

 

[grif684]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

I would say probably the most influential on the list, as it's continued development turned into one of the most popular family of law enforcement sidearms for nearly three decades, and hands down the most popular U.S. made semi auto family of pistols to be carried by law enforcement, up to the recent plastic pistol craze. "Copy" seems a bit strong, but influential, definately.

 

[shouldazagged]

I would have liked to see the Model 10 there, but certainly agree with the M60 and the Chief's.

 

[acco40]

.38 HE Model of 1899

I would have liked to see the Model 10 there, but certainly agree with the M60 and the Chief's.

No. 4 I believe is the precursor to the Model 10.

 

[Bekeart]

6. .22/32 Target Model (1911)

My choice for collecting.

Turned 22LR into a serious target caliber.

Bekeart

 

[Grayfox]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

It was quite influential. It was the first DA 9mm to be made by a major American manufactuer AND the first DA 9mm to be adopted by a major LE agency. The Model 39 lead the way to what became the Wonder Nine era.
I have one and its still my favorite DA 9mm.

 

[shouldazagged]

No. 4 I believe is the precursor to the Model 10.

It was, but the 10 perfected the fixed-sight design to a degree that it led to many millions sold and used, and untold numbers of copies made in several countries.

Just the opinion of a huge fan of this classic, but I see your point.

 

[fungunnin]

It was, but the 10 perfected the fixed-sight design to a degree that it led to many millions sold and used, and untold numbers of copies made in several countries.

Just the opinion of a huge fan of this classic, but I see your point.

By the time it was called the Model 10 it was outdated and had served its purpose. The Model of 1905 .... Now that is a different story.

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[Cyrano]

The only one I have is a 'pre model 39'. Great pistol and historically important. I have a 357 but it's a 27-2, a little late in the 357 history. I think the Model 41 is also significant; the premier target pistol produced in the US.

 

[shouldazagged]

By the time it was called the Model 10 it was outdated and had served its purpose. The Model of 1905 .... Now that is a different story.

Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.

Then why have something like ten million M10's been sold? And why are so many in use, and still selling, to this day?

Just asking. I'll grant you, it's very rarely seen in LEOs' holsters, if that's what you mean by "out of date".

 

[Rex Goliath]

Nice to see some debate.

Regarding #11 (M-39 9mm DA semi auto) worthwhile reading in SCSW. If you own a steel framed M39 made c. mid-1950's but not assembled nor sold... wait for it, wait for it... until c. 1966; you'd have 1 of 927 made! But wait, there's more. The alloy framed M39's were reportedly released for sale before the steel frames?

A buddy had a Browning (modern, not a FN) Hi-Power which we shot regularly.

My agency issued M39's in 1971 or '72. Many returning Vietnam vets and we trained civilian/LE combat course. A very reliable, very durable, well balanced and comfortable to carry.

I prefer the Hi-Power for capacity and their scarce target pistols for the intended duty.

The M39 has my vote for the aforementioned stated reasons.


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[Rex Goliath]

Do we have to have the exact year of release?

Triple Z, certainly okay by me. S&W made many engineering (dash model) changes. Most (not all) were improvements. Frankly, I like gas ring on cylinder because...I'm the one who has to clean it. However, there have also been changes in ammo, mostly improvements.


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[A10]

I would add the 38/44. It was the first recognition of the need for a high performance law enforcement round, and the father of the .357.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

#8 The Chief's Special? isn't that the latter issue of the I-frame Terrier, which was in 38 S&W? Ivan

 

[gjamison]

The 38/44 heavy duty & outdoorsmen as well as the k22 outdoorsmen should be on this list.

 

[mg357]

the Model 617 .22 caliber revolver should be on the list after all that S&W Model is a

10! Shot .22 revolver.

 

[ditrina]

Number 7... Shipped in 1935

Now living in the great white north..

 

[Rex Goliath]

Number 7... Shipped in 1935
Now living in the great white north..

Thank you for posting the eye candy ditrina. That is a very very nice example. Kudos


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