I just realized I've never even held a N frame.....

[ABPOS]

I recall that time - far, far, away in a time long ago... But it was an easy remedy. Three numbers and a click on GB and this Highway Patrolman was on its way to the AZ.





... and that started a slippery slope that has resulted in the flight of many N-Frames to the AZ...

That is a particularly good looking revolver

 

[Bacon]

A sleeping Model 27

 

[Muley Gil]

What's crazy for me, is the only revolver I've shot that wasn't an N frame was a Blackhawk.

That's OK. The first firearm I ever fired was a .45 Colt Bisley, at age 5. My first centerfire revolver was an Old Model Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt.

My first S&W was a 1917 and I carried it as a reserve deputy sheriff.

 

[ABPOS]

Did the 1917 handle well for you? I've heard the DA can be heavy on those.

 

[Muley Gil]

Did the 1917 handle well for you? I've heard the DA can be heavy on those.

It did fine. I don't have that one any more, but I did buy a couple of stripped 1917 frames a dozen years ago. I rebuilt both of them and still have one. It resides on top of the refrigerator.

 

[one eye joe]

I've shot a Super Redhawk before. LOL. Now that's a big gun. I've even shot a Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum. Which was easy to handle. But I've never shot an N frame.

I can't recall if anyone has ever offered and I declined or not..... I'm not a big .44 magnum junkie like some people. I find it irritating when dudes give a .44 Magnum to some girl or teenager and laugh when they just about lose it. Or knock their heads. I'm like, that's just not a good way to introduce new shooters. Or get them to like shooting. So I may have shied away from someone like that. I can almost for certain say I've never even seen an M1917 in real life. And .44 special is an anomaly. Not many Hand Ejectors floating around at my range.

You know how it is, a lot of people are all about the Glocks and be like, you're gonna die if you don't learn how to run a Glock and carry a G19 all the time. Blaaaaaa. I'm not saying Glocks are bad guns, I'm just saying revolvers work better for me and my lifestyle. But I digress.....

AS A CERTIFIED NRA INSTRUCTOR FOR DECADES---VERY LITTLE ANGERS ME MORE THAN THE SCENARIO YOU DESCRIBE, WHERIN SOME BUFFOON PLACES A VIOLENTLY RECOILING WEAPON, IN THE HANDS OF A NOVICE, FOR THEIR OWN IMMATURE AMUSEMENT ! ! !

THAT IS JUST SO WRONG, FROM EVERY PERSPECTIVE. IN THE CURRENT POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, IT WOULD BEHOOVE EVERY ONE OF US, TO TRY TO WIN OVER NEW PEOPLE TO THE SHOOTING SPORTS, OR AT LEAST IMBUE IN THEM A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT FIREARMS, AND THE PEOPLE THAT OWN THEM.......

THE VERY PEOPLE THAT ARE SO BADLY TREATED BY THESE IGNORANT CLOWNS, WILL REMEMBER THESE INCIDENTS, WHEN IT COMES TIME TO VOTE ON GUN LEGISLATION ! ! !

 

[tenntex32]

The only problem with buying a Model 1917 is this...…..


There are early feature M1917 examples with concentric grooved hammers and "scalloped" top plain walnut stocks with superimposed GHS initials on the frame.



There are also slightly later feature M1917 examples with plain "ungrooved" hammers but still having scalloped plain walnut stocks and superimposed GHS initials on the frame.



There are also even later feature M1917 examples with plain ungrooved hammers and plain walnut stocks without scallops.....yet still having superimposed GHS initials on the frame.



There are also the latest featured examples with plain ungrooved hammers, unscalloped stocks, and a flaming ordnance bomb stamp instead of the superimposed GHS initials found on earlier examples.


There are also the various post WWI to post WWII timeframe arsenal reworked examples exhibiting a more crude parkerized looking appearance.


There are also the true M1917 examples sent back to S&W at a later time for factory rework, and marked as such if you know what to look for. (Possibly updated with new parts, new/different finish, repair work, sight modifications, etc...)


Then there are the fine post war true commercial models offered up from the 1920's, 1930's, up till the 1950's...…..which can turn into a boxed 1970's era 25-2 if you aren't too careful. (And of course the "newer" .45acp revolver offerings can be addictive to some folks) Some early commercial models made using leftover/spare M1917 parts and some later commercial models using newly made commercial frames/parts just slightly different than the original military frames/parts guns.


There are also the Brazilian Model 1937 examples from a couple of contract dates built on both commercial post war frames as well as spare WWI frames/parts. You will require an example of each of course.


And last, but not least there are the enigmas. Those are the examples that have folks scratching their heads as to just how it came about. They are out there...……….


I might have actually left out a few others, such as a fantasy "Fitz" style conversion, in which I have seen a few built using the S&W M1917 examples...….but an original would most likely be a Colt and dang near unobtanium as a true Fitz built original. (Doesn't mean I don't want one of each built on a Colt and S&W M1917 though, and would only do so with examples already butchered by someone else to the point of not being restorable.)


(While we are at it let's not fail to mention needing all the Colt M1917 varieties as well.)


If I were you I would stay completely clear of Model 1917 examples...…….unless you want to resort to sneaking guns into the house in the dead of the night, or when the wife is not home. It's just safer not to ever get addicted.


But then again it is fun to whip out an old .45acp wheelgun when everyone else is banging away with their 1911 contraptions.


Dale

 

[Thinnes]

SE Wisconsin—- NE Iowa?

We can't be too far away. Where are you at? How about we get together and shoot the snot out of my N frames? 44s, a 45, many 357s, ODs, HDs,...? How is your health? Dave

 

[ABPOS]

tenntex32, I see your dilemma. But you could do that with a lot of models. I mean I'd have a bunch of J frames if I had my druthers. Or I'd at LEAST like to try more than just the one I have. I've never even shot a steel J frame. This is the problem with being an upstart with not a lot of money and at this point energy. I don't shoot as much as I want to so I don't get to try other peoples guns out. But having said that, even when I did shoot a lot, there were not a lot of dudes with smith and wesson revolvers. I think we're kind of a dying breed.

Thinnnes. That would be really cool. Maybe one day. I've been battling lyme disease and I don't travel that much. This year was particularly bad, although I've been doing better in the 2nd half. But I was kind of laid up in the first part of the year for quite a while. Not like bed ridden but just struggling with not much energy. Usually just doing getting the mundane things done is all I have. I typically used to shoot once a month for the last several years but that stopped this year. I'm hoping to get back to it very soon. My revolvers are tired of just being dry fired at home. LOL.

But you can pray I get better and one day a meet up would be awesome. And that is super duper overly kind of you to offer. If you have any .45's I have about 600 rounds just sitting here. LOL.

 

[one eye joe]

The only problem with buying a Model 1917 is this...…..


There are early feature M1917 examples with concentric grooved hammers and "scalloped" top plain walnut stocks with superimposed GHS initials on the frame.



There are also slightly later feature M1917 examples with plain "ungrooved" hammers but still having scalloped plain walnut stocks and superimposed GHS initials on the frame.



There are also even later feature M1917 examples with plain ungrooved hammers and plain walnut stocks without scallops.....yet still having superimposed GHS initials on the frame.



There are also the latest featured examples with plain ungrooved hammers, unscalloped stocks, and a flaming ordnance bomb stamp instead of the superimposed GHS initials found on earlier examples.


There are also the various post WWI to post WWII timeframe arsenal reworked examples exhibiting a more crude parkerized looking appearance.


There are also the true M1917 examples sent back to S&W at a later time for factory rework, and marked as such if you know what to look for. (Possibly updated with new parts, new/different finish, repair work, sight modifications, etc...)


Then there are the fine post war true commercial models offered up from the 1920's, 1930's, up till the 1950's...…..which can turn into a boxed 1970's era 25-2 if you aren't too careful. (And of course the "newer" .45acp revolver offerings can be addictive to some folks) Some early commercial models made using leftover/spare M1917 parts and some later commercial models using newly made commercial frames/parts just slightly different than the original military frames/parts guns.


There are also the Brazilian Model 1937 examples from a couple of contract dates built on both commercial post war frames as well as spare WWI frames/parts. You will require an example of each of course.


And last, but not least there are the enigmas. Those are the examples that have folks scratching their heads as to just how it came about. They are out there...……….


I might have actually left out a few others, such as a fantasy "Fitz" style conversion, in which I have seen a few built using the S&W M1917 examples...….but an original would most likely be a Colt and dang near unobtanium as a true Fitz built original. (Doesn't mean I don't want one of each built on a Colt and S&W M1917 though, and would only do so with examples already butchered by someone else to the point of not being restorable.)


(While we are at it let's not fail to mention needing all the Colt M1917 varieties as well.)


If I were you I would stay completely clear of Model 1917 examples...…….unless you want to resort to sneaking guns into the house in the dead of the night, or when the wife is not home. It's just safer not to ever get addicted.


But then again it is fun to whip out an old .45acp wheelgun when everyone else is banging away with their 1911 contraptions.


Dale

YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.....

OBVIOUSLY, COLLECTING ONE OF EACH, WOULD BE A LIFE LONG TASK, REQUIRING A LARGE WALK IN SAFE FOR STORAGE, AND A VAST AMOUNT OF MONEY......

IT WOULD BE A NICE THING, IF THE AVERAGE GUY COULD SETTLE ON JUST ONE VARIATION, PICK UP A DECENT SPECIMEN, AND BE SATISFIED OWNING AND SHOOTING A SINGLE SMALL PIECE OF HISTORY. A SHOOTER/ACCUMULATOR OF S&Ws, LIKE MYSELF COULD DO IT---BUT MANY TRUE COLLECTORS WOULD DRIVE THEMSELVES CRAZY AND BROKE.....

BACK IN THE 1980s, WHEN I WAS SHOOTING COLT DA REVOLVERS EXCLUSIVELY, I TOOK A WELL USED, PARKERIZED, S&W VICTORY MODEL. COMPLETE WITH LANYARD RING, AND AN OD KNOTTED LANYARD. IT LOOKED LIKE SOMETHING A BRIT MIGHT HAVE CARRIED IN WW II, THROUGH THE LEND LEASE PROGRAM. I ACCEPTED IT AS A SMALL PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR A PYTHON, I WAS SELLING......

BEING ACCUSTOMED TO SMOOTH CRISP PYTHON TRIGGERS, I COULD FIND NOTHING REDEEMING ABOUT THIS REVOLVER, AS A SHOOTER. IN FACT IT REPEATEDLY RAPPED ONE OF MY KNUCKLES WITH THE TRIGGER GUARD, SHOOTING STANDARD PRESSURE, FACTORY .38 SPL AMMO.....

I SOLD IT IN SHORT ORDER, FOR DOUBLE THE AMOUNT I ALLOWED FOR IT ON THE TRADE, TO A STARRY EYED WW II BUFF, AT THE VERY NEXT GUNSHOW.......

I OCCASIONALLY HAVE FLASHBACKS ACCOMPANIED WITH SELLERS REMORSE, SINCE I BECAME INTERESTED IN S&W REVOLVERS---ESPECIALLY WHEN I READ POSTS LIKE THIS.......

 

[one eye joe]

tenntex32, I see your dilemma. But you could do that with a lot of models. I mean I'd have a bunch of J frames if I had my druthers. Or I'd at LEAST like to try more than just the one I have. I've never even shot a steel J frame. This is the problem with being an upstart with not a lot of money and at this point energy. I don't shoot as much as I want to so I don't get to try other peoples guns out. But having said that, even when I did shoot a lot, there were not a lot of dudes with smith and wesson revolvers. I think we're kind of a dying breed.

Thinnnes. That would be really cool. Maybe one day. I've been battling lyme disease and I don't travel that much. This year was particularly bad, although I've been doing better in the 2nd half. But I was kind of laid up in the first part of the year for quite a while. Not like bed ridden but just struggling with not much energy. Usually just doing getting the mundane things done is all I have. I typically used to shoot once a month for the last several years but that stopped this year. I'm hoping to get back to it very soon. My revolvers are tired of just being dry fired at home. LOL.

But you can pray I get better and one day a meet up would be awesome. And that is super duper overly kind of you to offer. If you have any .45's I have about 600 rounds just sitting here. LOL.

I HEAR YOU, ABPOS. MY GENERAL HEALTH AND MOBILITY CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE OVER TIME, DUE TO MY HEAVY EXPOSURE TO THE EXTREMELY TOXIC HERBICIDE, "AGENT ORANGE" IN VIETNAM, 50 YEARS AGO. THERE ARE MANY ACTIVITIES THAT I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO GIVE UP......

I AM EXTREMELY THANKFUL TO THE GOOD LORD, FOR THE MANY QUALITY YEARS OF LIFE THAT HE BLESSED ME WITH. AT THIS POINT IN TIME, LIKE MANY OF MY BROTHERS THAT I SOLDIERED WITH, WE ARE DEAD MEN STILL WALKING......

MY BEST WISHES GO OUT TO YOU, FOR A COMPLETE AND SPEEDY RECOVERY, AND A RETURN TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, ASAP.....

 

[tenntex32]

one eye,

I guess being an old jarhead gave me an affinity, maybe even a soft heart, for the U.S. wartime revolvers. Thus far I have been able to remained somewhat focused on the .45acp and .38spl examples.

I may eventually get into the military pre-WWI and post WWII military revolvers, but for some reason I just seem content with M1917, Victory, and Commando examples for now......with the occasional related commercial and M1937 models in the fray.

Now my military rifle collection, which I started first a number of years ago, is all over the map. Collection would be a stretch, and accumulation would be more exact with regards to it.

But with regards to the OP never even holding an N-Frame...…...well it was kinda like love at first grope for me.

Dale

 

[Narragansett]

I think you need an M28! Semi affordable (if you hurry) and just pure fun to shoot even with 357 mag. Go git you one!

I agree. Get yourself a M28 and do it now. I am not sure if the true value has moved but the asking price has. There are several on the want to sell forum right now. 650 to 750 should get you a nice clean example that you will never wear out. Lots of nice shooter grades out there

 

[Chubbo]

Options

ABPOS;
You have two, very enjoyable options. One of them is, to try every type of N Mod. that S&W has made. The other option, is to, "Hop To The Top Of The Crop", and buy the "Ultimate" Revolver that S&W has ever made, unquestionably the S&W Mod. 27 3.5" equipped with "Coke Bottle" grips, or even better, a set of Keith Brown's version of "Coke Bottle" grips. You could get'er done, in one fell swoop, that way, but would loose a lifetime of enjoyment, of doing it the other way. Here is a picture of my "Ultimate N ". This is just my 2¢ worth.
Chubbo

 

[ABPOS]

I HEAR YOU, ABPOS. MY GENERAL HEALTH AND MOBILITY CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE OVER TIME, DUE TO MY HEAVY EXPOSURE TO THE EXTREMELY TOXIC HERBICIDE, "AGENT ORANGE" IN VIETNAM, 50 YEARS AGO. THERE ARE MANY ACTIVITIES THAT I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO GIVE UP......

I AM EXTREMELY THANKFUL TO THE GOOD LORD, FOR THE MANY QUALITY YEARS OF LIFE THAT HE BLESSED ME WITH. AT THIS POINT IN TIME, LIKE MANY OF MY BROTHERS THAT I SOLDIERED WITH, WE ARE DEAD MEN STILL WALKING......

MY BEST WISHES GO OUT TO YOU, FOR A COMPLETE AND SPEEDY RECOVERY, AND A RETURN TO AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE, ASAP.....

I'm so sorry! Thank you for paying that price for your country. We are indebted to you. Mine was from a stupid camping trip. Although admittedly, it was almost worth it. I had a great time. My son was like 3 years old and I paddled him around in a canoe one night. It was almost magical. We slept in my cousins camper.

Anyways... was the last camping trip I took... Oh well. That's the way the cookie crumbles. Your camping trip to the other side of the world was probably not nearly as fun. And you still paid a huge price with your health. Thank you.

 

[ABPOS]

ABPOS;
You have two, very enjoyable options. One of them is, to try every type of N Mod. that S&W has made. The other option, is to, "Hop To The Top Of The Crop", and buy the "Ultimate" Revolver that S&W has ever made, unquestionably the S&W Mod. 27 3.5" equipped with "Coke Bottle" grips, or even better, a set of Keith Brown's version of "Coke Bottle" grips. You could get'er done, in one fell swoop, that way, but would loose a lifetime of enjoyment, of doing it the other way. Here is a picture of my "Ultimate N ". This is just my 2¢ worth.
Chubbo

The big question is if I did the second, would I be doing myself a disservice of not going through all the other models first. LOL. Probably.

I can see your reasoning though. They are quite nice looking. I like the looks of the shorter barreled bigger frames.

 

[runscott]

OP-given our discussion of Model 28's in the other thread, I just searched to see if you had one, and found this thread.

I will second what others have said, and tell you to try an N-frame. Most ranges can loan you a 686 I would think. I do not have the strongest hands, and I own two N-frames - they are fine. Worst case is you shoot a lot of .38 specials single-action and enjoy the .357 cartridges every now and then.

Given your interest in older models, I would suggest a nice 1950's Highway Patrolman in whatever barrel length you like. They are less expensive than a Model 27 for all the reasons discussed here, but are functionally the same gun (that's my understanding, anyway). I personally think the more subdued finish is beautiful. The 6" barrel weights it down nicely at the end, and is conveniently priced lower than shorter barrels.

Good luck - I'll be curious to hear what you think of the N-frame, given that you enjoy shooting the Model 19.

 

[ABPOS]

I do like shooting that model 19. I kind of don't like it just fondling it. It's so front heavy. But I feel like it's like a laser when I shoot it. Especially when I'm just plinking. I feel like I can hit small pieces of clay on the berm at the 25 meter range with a good amount of consistency. When I do that. But it does seem to favor PMC 130 fmj's. I don't think it like the 158 LRN's as much. At least the Federal.

We'll see if I ever get an N frame. I'm in the mode of only getting what I need right now from Bills. And I'll be doing good if I make it through this next year without selling anything else. But in about a year and a half things should start to loosen up if all goes right. And I might start looking then. But then I kind of think I should try a steel J frame or a snubby K frame first.... My 442 is nice but I always wonder if there is something just a bit better for carry. Well, shooting and carrying.

 

[BC38]

OP-given our discussion of Model 28's in the other thread, I just searched to see if you had one, and found this thread.

I will second what others have said, and tell you to try an N-frame. Most ranges can loan you a 686 I would think...

While a lot of ranges may be able to rent you a 686, unfortunately that won't satisfy your curiosity about the N-frames, because the 686 is an L-frame.

 

[mr-mom]

One more old guy recommending you look at a Model 28. It is without a doubt one of the very best shooting, hard working, guns you will ever wrap your hands around. Get one and shoot the dickens out of it. You won't be sorry. Below is a picture of my every day truck, woods, horseback, working Model 28-2.
Dave
SWCA #2778