If only five, what would they be

[SgtDog0311]

Background: I own just a handful of S&W revolvers. Nothing like many of you. Been a long time Vintage Marlin Lever enthusiast and BPCR competitor. But my eyes went south so last four years I turned to handguns some, since I can still shoot for fun.

While I was taking stock of holsters today when I took this picture I got to thinking, if I had collected the four S&W Revolvers I have now with more knowledge, which models would I have considered iconic S&Ws.

I figure I’ll likely pick up a few more before passing my collection on, so your input regarding your top five revolvers might help me fill some holes. Either Rimfire or Centerfire, although I already want a 617 and a 63.

 

[erikpolcrack]

Right now I would say my five favorite S&Ws are (no particular order):
469
1955
28
57
58

I could have just as easily said:
439
14
15
66
60 (Jovino 3-inch Sq Butt)

 

[SgtDog0311]

BTW, the Four S&W are:
S&W Model 586 M Stamp (1981)
S&W K38 Pre-Model 14 5-screw (1952)
S&W K38 Model 14-4 3-Screw (78-79)
S&W Mod 28-2 Highway Patrolman (72-74)

The others are:
Ruger SP-101 (2001)
Ruger SP-101 Hammerless (2001)
Colt detective Special (1973)
Belgian-made Top-Break folding trigger

 

[SgtDog0311]

Thanks. Had to look up the 1955.

Of course I’ll undoubtedly have to look up others.

 

[MP-5]

686
696
629
645
15

 

[DARE]

I would do it by caliber. I think everyone needs a .22LR, a .38 Special, a .44 Special, a .357 Magnum and a .44 Magnum.
I have a K-22 Outdoorsman from 1937, a .38 M&P Target from 1913, a Triple-Lock from 1916, a 1st year .357 Magnum (1935) and a 1st year .44 Magnum (1956).
What do y'all think about that five?

 

[Frailer]

With all due respect to those who collect early S&Ws (and S&W semiautomatics), I’ll limit my selections to the 20th century revolvers.

I think few would argue that these revolvers would qualify as iconic:

- 38 Military and Police - *the* quintessential S&W

- 357 Magnum - the first magnum

- Model 60 - the first all-stainless handgun

As a bonus, these also cover the primary frame sizes (J, K, and N). After those three, “iconic” becomes more subjective and we begin veering into personal preferences. Some possibilities:

Triple Lock
Model 1917
Victory Model
Chief’s Special
Centennial
Model 19
Model 29
K22/K32/K/38
…etc.

 

[Model29-26.5]

29-2 6.5”
27-2 5”
25-5 4”
19-3 4”
53 6”

 

[.38SuperMan]

Of the ones I own I’d say:

M29 4”
M14 8-3/8”
Pre M17 6”
M63 4”
M66 2.5”

Hard to narrow these down. An additional 5:

M28 4”
M625-2 4”
M30 2”
Pre 10 HE 2” RB
M15 4”

And 5 more:

M34 4”
M34 2”
M32 2” Terrier
M10 2”
M40 2”
I guess that’s the order I’d say are most important but it’s tough thinking I could only have 5.

 

[Gun Relics]

Here are my favorites:

Model 27 or pre-model 27, 3 1/2"
Model 29 4", 4 or 5 screw with black case.
Model of 1950 .44 or .45, they're both amazing.
Pre-model 19 Combat Magnum, first year preferred or Model 19.
Model 57 first year with Cokes, any length, any color, with velvet case.

I have now focused my collecting on these models. They can be very difficult to find and afford. I seem to prefer the highly polished blue finish over the satin finish.

 

[Gun Relics]

I would do it by caliber. I think everyone needs a .22LR, a .38 Special, a .44 Special, a .357 Magnum and a .44 Magnum.
I have a K-22 Outdoorsman from 1937, a .38 M&P Target from 1913, a Triple-Lock from 1916, a 1st year .357 Magnum (1935) and a 1st year .44 Magnum (1956).
What do y'all think about that five?

Great, and Combat Magnum ????

 

[Cotis]

Model 36 .38 special 2” barrel
Model 63 stainless .22lr 4” barrel
Model 686 .357 mag 4” barrel
Model 27 .357 mag 5” barrel
Model 29 .44 mag ? Barrel

 

[BarryinIN]

My favorites:

-27 5”
-18/K-22 4”
-442/642
-39
-12 2” RB
If this is meant to be revolver-only, I’ll substitute the Model 15 4” for the 39.

 

[decuerno]

3” mod 36 cal .38 spcl sq butt blue
4” mod ? J-frame stainless .22 LR
4” mod 66 cal .357 (got this on a police discount in the late ‘70s for $150)
2” mod 60? stainless .357 round butt/rubber
6” mod 29 blued

In the mid-80’s I had a matched pair of J-frame, stainless 4” sq butt revolvers, w/adjust-sights, one in .22LR and one in .22WMR …and in sadder/slender times sold the magnum…. wish I could find another…anyway… what model would that be?

 

[DARE]

Great, and Combat Magnum ????

Well, that would add up to six. Actually I have a 1st year .357 Combat Magnum (1956) also. Could drop the 1st year .357 Magnum and add the Combat Magnum.

 

[Imissedagain]

Dog sized Toddlers for sure.

 

[lightstar_actual]

K22 Masterpiece
Model 19 Combat Magnum
Model 57
Model 29 (1955)
Model 27 Registered Magnum

 

[glenwolde]

Model 14
Model 17
Model 63
Model 657
Model 66

 

[Hawg Rider]

This is a tough one...if just considering the S&W revolvers that are currently in my modest collection:

.357 Magnum (6-1/2"), 1955
4-screw .44 Magnum (6-1/2"), 1957-1958
First year 4" Highway Patrolman, 1954
1973 Texas Ranger Commemorative set (Model 19-3)
Model 27-2, 3-1/2"

Honorable mention: .44HE W&K (4" nickel, 1927); 2" Model 15-2 (1962/1964); 4" nickel Model 57 (1981)

 

[K Harris]

K-22, K-38, M&P 4 or 5", Chief Special, 357 Magnum 3 1/2 or 4". All made from the end of WWII to the day they started the numbering system. One honorable mention from and earlier era would be a 1917 or possibly a Heavy Duty.