One in every finish in every barrel length….

[Model29-26.5]

Is this a thing that gets most of you guys?
For me it started with Model 29-2 6.5.. had to have a Dirty Harry.
Then, “Well, I always loved the 19 cops gun! Would love that.
Wow, ammo ain’t cheap except 22 LR. Better get a 22… ah. 17 will do it. Cool.
Wait.. there’s a 357 big N frame? Invented before the 19? Oh, I need one of those. Those stainless look cool too. 66 would pair up with my 19 nicely. The 5” 27 looks great though.. got to have a Nickel too. What? A model 25… ACP and 45 colt. Haven’t got a 4” yet. Gotta have this.. I’ll be needing spare grips for that.. and some presentation cases will look cool.. “
And on it goes.
Is this generally how it went with you guys?
There’s an element of OCD.. but also the investment, historical education, definitely a fascination with manufacturing. A massive rabbit hole.
Definitely started with the movies.
Actually going to the range is maybe 15% of the enjoyment for me. I’m too old to really learn new skills and can’t afford the ammo it would take. To get good… it’d take 2-3 hours a day blowing through multiple boxes of centerfield every day.
Thinking out loud and wondering about how the rest of you got into this?

 

[gmarshall99]

Same way.
Now I've filled two handgun safes, and I'm trying to decided which ones I don't like as much as I did before, in order to make room for new ones.

 

[ditrina]

It ALWAYS starts with one! 27's on parade!!

 

[flundertaker]

I started out that way but then decided I was more drawn to a certain caliber. In my case it’s .357. I sold all my .41 and most of my .44 and .45 caliber guns and now just focus on .357, both N and K frame as well is .22 lr guns.

 

[raljr1]

I started wanting one of every different model...caliber didnt really matter, I was a bargain hunter. Still am to a point. I did decide to get one each 19-3 nickel, in 2-3/4, 4 and 6 inch...then i got a second model 44 and had to find a first, third and fourth. Other than a baker's dozen of 32 S&Ws and two sets of K frame Masterpieces. The rest of my stuff looks more accumulation

 

[Model29-26.5]

It ALWAYS starts with one! 27's on parade!!

Is that your collection of 27’s?

 

[Gunhohulk]

If some of the more focused members here went through my collection they would probably alternate wondering if I was on adderol or maybe needed to be on it! Maybe one day I’ll have one of everything they ever made….

As far as getting better at shooting goes I’ve found that you don’t have to get out there every day and blow through ammo. If you take a good course from time to time and practice handling and dry fire at home you can keep your baseline skill level higher than you would think without going through all the ammo.

 

[flundertaker]

It ALWAYS starts with one! 27's on parade!!

Can you share more detail on these 3 sets of Ivory stocks? Elephant? Whale? Who made them? how old are they? They are amazing. Ive seen magnas in ivory but full presentation stocks are far rarer, at least in my limited experience. The ivory contrasts with the rich blue is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

 

[lppd4]

On a smaller scale for me. I generally stick to S&W's chambered in .38/.357's and .44 spec/.44 mag's. So as not to have to reload for any other calibers besides the many that I already load for. Not especially fond of the nickel guns either. I like blued guns with stainless a very close second. I have exactly 1 nickel plated gun, a 29-2 6.5" barrel, that was given to me by my former father in law as a Christmas present. It is now a treasured family heirloom. I also steer clear of 8 3/8" guns. just my preference not saying its wrong or right.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

When I started buying guns ~10 years ago I had ZERO interest in revolvers. Then I happened upon a 4” 19-4 that was too pretty and priced too good, so I figured “why not? I like shooting .357”

And similar to you, the more I learned about all the models, history, variations… it’s a habit that ain’t getting any better. I’ve gravitated towards Smiths but like / appreciate any well built wheel gun. I’m dangerously close to wheel guns outnumbering semi auto pistols, which I didn’t ever see coming. But hey, you like what you like. Happy hunting!

 

[Walkin Horse]

Mine started with a divorce and I was able to join the Gun a Month club. Sometimes 2 and this month 4.

 

[Oldengineer]

I’m convinced that this is a disease. The cure is to be at-ease, attainable only by purchasing yet another S&W revolver. Every thing in moderation, and then not to much……..except, well you know what.

 

[Model29-26.5]

I’m convinced that this is a disease. The cure is to be at-ease, attainable only by purchasing yet another S&W revolver. Every thing in moderation, and then not to much……..except, well you know what.

So the cure for the disease is not to admit you have the disease!!
I’m good with that

 

[Model29-26.5]

When I started buying guns ~10 years ago I had ZERO interest in revolvers. Then I happened upon a 4” 19-4 that was too pretty and priced too good, so I figured “why not? I like shooting .357”

And similar to you, the more I learned about all the models, history, variations… it’s a habit that ain’t getting any better. I’ve gravitated towards Smiths but like / appreciate any well built wheel gun. I’m dangerously close to wheel guns outnumbering semi auto pistols, which I didn’t ever see coming. But hey, you like what you like. Happy hunting!

A blued SW with a shrouded cylinder rod is a thing of beauty.
I’m sticking with Pinned and Recessed at this point but do have a couple of 25’s. Needed a 45 colt and ACP.
I’ll likely get some kind of rifle and a Colt 911 at some point. Historical classics, but SW is the focus.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

It ALWAYS starts with one! 27's on parade!!

Those white grips are a great look on your guns.

I think if I were going to collect guns it would be variations of the 686.

 

[Patrick L]

Hard to explain my tastes. I like what I like. Not just Smiths, all guns.

I will say one thing. Many of my acquisitions are the things that were popular/hot during my formative years, the 70s and 80s. My safe looks somewhat like the catalog section of Guns Illustrated ca. 1980. Sort of my own version of a midlife crisis. I'm buying the things I dreamed of owning but couldn't afford as a 15 year old, but guns instead of Corvettes!!

 

[Patrick L]

ditrina,

You have more 27s than I have handguns in total! No wonder I had such a tough time finding mine when I was looking for one.

 

[Bald1]

For me it started very young. Dads 4” 10-5 hooked me early (like 5 yrs old early). I’m more of an accumulator than collector. I like all things 44 magnum. I’m a bargain hunter. If the price is right I’ll buy most anything.

 

[lppd4]

My first pistol was a revolver a Colt Python that I bought in 1976. I have had many more guns in that time. At one time I had a bunch of semi autos including some high end custom 1911's. Now my revolver collection far outnumbers my semi's. I have mostly S&W's with a few Colts thrown in for good measure and 2 Ruger Single actions. I enjoy shooting all of them

 

[MajorD]

I guess I am a recovering addict. I used to be a “gun f the month” sort of guy in my younger years, but have scaled back quite a bit. Now interested only in those guns I will actually use, no safe queens for me. I try to seek out the more affordable finish worn examples which are getting harder to find than years ago.
I have never been interested in the L frames ( though would love to find a nice 681 or 581) and while I tried to like N fames ( multiple examples owned and sold over the years) I just prefer the lighter K’s and J’s. Always on the lookout for these, but they don’t come up for sale around here often.