I just Googled the S&W catalog and got sticker shock.
Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
The 5 Edition is on Amazon and $46. I would much rather have a hard copy.

Ed
I just Googled the S&W catalog and got sticker shock.
And, I'll bet she says she was once married to a certified wingnut...I have an ex-wife who is a certified dingbat.
So does everyone here, including our resident experts. I'm sure Roy Jinks wishes he knew more...I Wish I Knew More About Old S&Ws
I’m in a similar spot after buying guns for 60 years. But being a cop I really focus on S&W and Colt revolvers (1911s too). Not so much on other brands or rifles and shotguns.… but I just didn't have the knowledge at my fingertips. I have traded guns for 60 years now, but the market is just too complex for me to keep a close handle to spot deals.
The prices that I was seeing were pushing and over $100.Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
The 5 Edition is on Amazon and $46. I would much rather have a hard copy.
Ed
That original jack of all trades and master of none was originally a compliment recognizing well rounded individuals.. Your quote is a sound bite and not complete. I forget where I read the original, but it was putting down overeducated myoptic eggheads who had no practical abilities. ie. most doctoral degree holders.I’m in a similar spot after buying guns for 60 years. But being a cop I really focus on S&W and Colt revolvers (1911s too). Not so much on other brands or rifles and shotguns.
The Jack of All Trades and Master of None principle.
Exactly.That original jack of all trades and master of none was originally a compliment recognizing well rounded individuals.. Your quote is a sound bite and not complete. I forget where I read the original, but it was putting down overeducated myoptic eggheads who had no practical abilities. ie. most doctoral degree holders.
Finding and buying is one thing. But were they good deals.18 months ago I knew very little about pre WWII S&W revolvers. I bought the Jinks book mentioned and it has been an invaluable resource. My next book with be the Standard Catalog 5th edition. This is what I have accumulated using that knowledge.
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Thanks. I ordered it.Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
The 5 Edition is on Amazon and $46. I would much rather have a hard copy.
Ed
That is the subject of this thread. You don't know a deal unless you know a deal when you see it. I want to learn. I have mostly done well over the years on just my intuition and puny knowledge. I need more than puny.Finding and buying is one thing. But were they good deals.
After a close look I seemed tight and in good mechanical condition.
Got my 5 th edition today from Amazon. Delivered on sunday. Thanks for the heads up.You need to buy a copy of the STandard Catalog of S&W, 5th Edition and study it.
What part of the country are you in?Seems I have seen most of these guns in shops in the last few weeks. I saw 3 top breaks yesterday at what seemed tobe be cheap prices, but had no way of knowing
Middle Ga. I was going to post some pictures of some of my finds in the stores, but I am having transferring pics from Iphone to computer. Both have had upgrades that make my current knowledge incompatible with my former. There are a lot out there, but not all are even considerable. I saw a mod 48 no dash 8" yesterday. It might make a shooter since it had no bluing left, and a questionable bore. The dealer wanted $999 for it with no haggle. Another was a 32 win, 6", ser #30609, but it appeared to be a replate. He wanted $499. Another shop had a 32 WCF, 6", ser#61550 with fair nickel and good grips for $245 and a couple of break top S&Ws in fair condition. I passed on all of them.What part of the country are you in?
I think I want to take a road trip.
Middle Ga. I was going to post some pictures of some of my finds in the stores, but I am having transferring pics from Iphone to computer. Both have had upgrades that make my current knowledge incompatible with my former. There are a lot out there, but not all are even considerable. I saw a mod 48 no dash 8" yesterday. It might make a shooter since it had no bluing left, and a questionable bore. The dealer wanted $999 for it with no haggle. Another was a 32 win, 6", ser #30609, but it appeared to be a replate. He wanted $499. Another shop had a 32 WCF, 6", ser#61550 with fair nickel and good grips for $245 and a couple of break top S&Ws in fair condition. I passed on all of them.