Hello,

I am in my mid 40s. When I was a young man in my 20s, Glock, et al, were cool and revolvers were strictly for old guys.

Nowadays I have rejected modern semi autos (I now feel they are so soulless) and am going through a revolver renaissance.

I bought a GP100 and very recently bought a brand new 686+ 3".

I have a fondness for S&W because my Dad had loved them all his life.

My next gun will be a 642 and then next hopefully a 29 Classic.

It got me thinking of getting a real old Smith.

Have no idea what to get.

I have a very young son so I'm sure most here appreciate they are money vacuums.

Would like something that is well thought of but common enough to not be too pricey.

Any ideas on vintage Smiths would be welcome.

My thanks.

Get a decent M1917 revolver while they're still somewhat affordable. Large frame, historical significance, .45 acp... what's not to love!

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"I also cook."

I recently bought an older 19 and 629. Like the older ones much better than the newer models. In regard to collecting. Two years ago I was where you are right now. Stop now while you still can. I am addicted and can't stop. It is however a very enjoyable habit.

Good luck.

Pre model 10. Available, cheap and sweet

I would start with tip-ups and top breaks in the various models. They will increase in price and they are so cool to feel and handle a bit of history. I have a letter from Roy on each of my Smith antiques. I purchase what is affordable and won't send me to the poor house. Sometimes, the seller will be willing to streach the payments over two or three months. But before you commit, make sure the seller is reputable and has a history of A plus in previous transaction such as Gunbroker, Gun Auction or some other reputable Gun web site. I have had good luck it doing that if the seller is willing to accomadate my request. Sometimes, the seller will list the gun with a layaway with 30 or 40 percent down. Enjoy your collecting and start wisely.

Nick

Pick one type to collect and stick with it. There is a huge difference between being a collector and an accumulator.

This is very good advise. You might consider collecting a specific frame size, such as "K" frames or maybe a caliber such as .22. If money is a concern, you might collect revolvers make in the '70s.

Enjoy.

you will get as many answers as there are opinions.

my thought is to start with a K22 (pre models or 17s/18s). they are one of SW finest ever, can still be purchased at a reasonable price, and are inexpensive and fun to take to the range.

Second on the list would be a model 27 (or pre-model variation) simply because it is the flagship of the older SW line. You can still find a nice 27-2 for under $750 of you look carefully.

The third SW i would target would be a K38 (pre-model or the model 14 or 15). There are plenty of these on the market in the $450-550 range in like-new condition and are really fun guns to shoot.

If you are looking to collect a few purely for value and appreciation (safe queens that are never shot) then you may want to target other models that are more expensive on the front end but are likely to see a higher rate of appreciation over the next decade (pre and post war heavy duties, pre-war K22s, pre-model (pre 1957) .357's, .44 Mags, etc...).

I will caution, you are about to step on a very slippery slope. Eighteen months ago i didn't own one SW revolver.... at last count I have over 50...

Just pick one to start with. All of the others will follow in due time. Thats just my take on it.

OMG! You just scared the hell out of me!

I'd say find a theme,and concentrate on that (not that you'll likely be able to exclude acquiring other S&W's that pop up).

Some suggestions:

1) Pick a frame size - J or K would be typical choices.

2) Martials and/or law enforcment marked.

3) Nickeled.

4) Snubnosed.

5) An era - prewar, or postwar pre-model marked.

6) A particular caliber

Or whatever else strikes your fancy.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Try and decide on 2 or 3 different models and stick with those. It's easy to get caught up with the "I've got to have everything" thinking. And when you buy, buy the best you can find, even if it means passing over some good guns. I've never been a fan of buying a gun and immediately trying to trade or buy up to the gun I really wanted. Just my opinion.
David

Invictus357, You are already half way there. You have decided to collect Smith & Wesson's and your participating on this forum. Now you need to buy yourself the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, look through it, and decide what turns you on. Collect what you like and what appeals to you. If you buy guns in high condition and take care of them, selling or trading them won't be an issue if your interest change to a different frame size or configuration. Once again....buy what you want and enjoy.

Chad Gripp

Very sound advise from Gripper!

All good choices. My suggestion, however, is make the first one a .22 kit gun, preferably a pre-model 34 4". They are still reasonably priced and it is a perfect first handgun to get your son started.

Bob

Get a K22 Masterpiece or K22 Combat Masterpiece. Pair it up with a model 67 (stainless .38 special). These are great shooters and a joy to own. You won't be sorry.

With a young son, you'll want a 22lr for sure. I learned how to shoot a handgun with my dad's K-22 (more years ago than I care to mention), can't imagine a better all a round platform to own. And best of all, you'll still be able to afford to shoot it.

Another vote for a K22 or K22CM. Alternative would be 34 or 63 for beginning guns so you may enjoy them with your son, but which when properly used and cared for will continue to grow in value. If financially you can, a couple of the older N Frames in "collector" condition to salt away as they seem to grow faster in cost that your salary grows. The sooner you get them the greater your investment grows, and the longer you can enjoy them.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

You've been a busy man sir...
Good advise from Timberpigeon.
I would simply add to collect what you LIKE.
It will be a much more enjoyable experience.
And i would also recommend to keep an open mind
and a little extra money around if possible for the
unexpected "Nice" example that pops up every now
and then. If i go to a gunshow i am looking for what
i generally collect but if a pristine model so and so
shows itself for a great price i'll jump on it.
Collect the books before you collect the guns is sound
advise. Then when a screaming hot deal presents itself
you'll know it.

Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

If you like to shoot, get a model 17 or pre 17. There is nothing better for your (or your son's) shooting skills than a straight shooting 22.

As Chad mentioned, read up on the topic and see what strikes your fancy. Be sure to add S & W 1857-1945 and History of S & W to your library also. Many of the founders of S & W collecting frequent this site and are also a great resource.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I've been asked that question by several young men wanting to get into collecting most of whom are on pretty tight budgets.

In Smith & Wessons, suggest they start by looking at revolvers that are pinned and/or recessed. As the 4 and 5 screws continue to go up in value, I think and pinned and/or recessed revolver become more sought after.

Good advice from Chuck about collecting what you like... but the again, I am an accumulator rather than a collector, I suppose. I would suggest going to a few gun shows if possible and holding some older Smiths. There will be one that you just can't put down. That is where you start. Enjoy

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I've been a C&R military surplus collector for decades now. With the new grandson i started picking up the older 22cap single shot/pump rifles from the late 1890's to the early 1900's. Then i got my first 22cal revolver a S&W K22 masterpiece so i collected a few 22cal revolvers and now i'm into the S&W & Colt Police 38 spec. I would say to start with the 22's first. I'm into the N frames too. My point is if you collect your going to end up with all the different ones anyway. You just need to know where to start off.

Tight budget? Get your C&RFFL03 collectors license and start off with the surplus military guns and the older modern guns at discount prices. You get discounts on ammo, reloading supplies and on accessories too. The surplus military guns and ammo are still affordable somewhat and a hoot to shoot too.

My kids are grown and left the nest and its my time to party.

You can't go wrong with models like 10, 15, 19, 36, 37 57, 60, 686.

You'd be hard pressed to make a wrong choice. Buy what YOU like and can afford ..... nobody else matters.

Enjoy what you collect! Also as mentioned buy only top quality guns. 98% or better. You won't be sorry when it comes time that you need to sell that one you bought a few years ago but now have a reason to sell it.. like to get that grail gun you have been looking for. Highest quality means fast sales and the best appreciation. Also K frames are very available and affordable. An M&P collection starting back to the turn of the century can be started and enhanced without the big bucks of some other pieces. That's because they are not rare. But they are still very cool and collectable.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

My rule is: If I see it and I like it and I have the money to spare; I buy it.

I have come to realize, I think I want one of everything and two of some.

Welcome.

I would pick up the Standard Catalog and just flip through it to see what jumps out at you. You may love J-frames...who knows. You need to be exposed to a lot of different examples to see which ones you are "attracted" to, if you will.

I love 4-screws. They made them for fewer years than 5-screws, and to me, it was when S&W was really putting on some beautiful finishes. The mid-to-late 50's to the early-mid 60's are some of my favorite post-war years for anything American...guns, cars, etc.

I tend to collect a little bit of everything. If you asked me what I am attracted to the most, it would probably be the Model 19....any year, any barrel length. I also like the Model 53, the 14/K-38, the 41 and the 52. Those are what catch my eye, but I also have my fair share of N-frames, i.e. the .44 Magnum and the Pre-27/27.

Do not collect with the intention of an "investment" or making money on a particular piece. Buy it and collect it because you like it and enjoy it.

Good luck...Any questions? Just ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question...just stupid people who ask questions. just kidding.

That's the main point, pick something you are interested in and concentrate in that area. You want to avoid becoming too spread out in the subject areas. All too often I talk with people who have large collections but it is so varied they actually know little about what they have. The research is half the fun to me.

As a side note, thinking that my young nephews may want to collect firearms at some point I began a small starter collection for them of 1950s and 1960s Model 10s in their original boxes. I thought they would still be relatively inexpensive by the time the nephews are old enough to collect on their own and having a few to start on might encourage them to continue with the hobby.

Simple answer is buy one of each! Knowing that is probably not in the cards, the idea of getting the SCSW and looking through to see what you like is great. There are some bargains out there, I think top breaks are going to be hard to find in the future. The prewar .22s are already there, but you won't find finer workmanship than the prewar guns. 5 screw models are very desirable regardless of frame size, and the Kframes are probably the best value in this category.

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Even older, even crankier....

Have you considered the possibility that you now like revolvers because you now ARE and old guy?

Pre Model guns. Revolvers with 5 screws made before 1957.
Always buy 98% or better and try to get period correct boxes with them.

There are a lot of pre 14's, pre 15's and k22's in the $1000 range.
I'd have a hard time buying any new production S&W. They will not appreciate and are of lower quality.
Look for a boxes Model 10 while prices are still reasonable.

Emory

You know, I love S&W wheel guns, just plain love 'em. But I recently purchased a Dan Wesson 15-2 that just knocks my socks off. I hope the Smiths in the gun locker will understand it's a relative. Enjoy collecting.

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Endeavor to persevere. <><

A lot of great advice so far. I will also highly recommend buying the Standard Catalog first (can be picked up on Amazon for a good price). You will lose many hours reading through the book and really get an accelerated start in your overall S&W education.

If there are local gun stores in your area that have a good selection of older revolvers, you should check out and handle some of the guns you've read about. There is also tremendous expertise on this forum when you have specific questions or get stumped by something.

My only warning (other than prepare to watch your bank account shrink) is beware of "too good to be true" deals. I've seen too many novice collectors buy reblued or modified revolvers.

Good luck and have fun.

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Ash

I concur that the Standard Catalog of SW is a must for novice and experienced collectors. I use mine all the time.
I bought 4 inexpensive guns (less than $350 each) when I 1st started that looked "cool" and I thought must be worth a lot. I soon found out my folly and although they are shooters are worth less than I paid for them and will have a hard time selling. (At least at what I bought them for) One did turn out to be worth more but that is not a good batting average. Had I done more research I would not have these pieces collecting dust in my safe. On the other hand I have picked up some great deals from LGS's/pawn shops that had no idea what they actually had because of the research...including mostly this forum and usually referencing the SCSW.
AS for slippery slope.. don't listen to these guys. You will only buy 1 or 2 two I started collecting in 2011 and have only bought 32 in the last 7 months. Although I have slowed my rate of purchase as I have become more picky. ( I want 2 of everything) I am trying to turn from an accumulator to a collector. You will however, make good deals and less than great ones no matter what. But it usually evens itself out.
The best thing about collecting SW's is it's fun and there are a great bunch of people here to support and help a long the way.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I am primarily a Colt collector, so my Smith & Wesson acquisitions have been limited to what I consider "iconic" models that have characteristics that are not commonly found on other makes. I think such guns are a good place to start, although the variety will be considered to be an "accumulation" rather than a "collection" to those who caution against just accumulating above.

Some, like the Triple Lock, are just such a fine example of gun-making that at least one should be in every collection of a "gun nut." The K22 from any era is an iconic Smith, and a great gun to shoot. An N-frame .357 Magnum started the Magnum craze that has yet to abate, and Post-War, Pre-Model-Marked examples are still affordable. The .44 Magnum even became a movie star. The early Airweight Chiefs Specials with alloy cylinders define a "lightweight" carry gun, the weight of which is only now matched by modern "mouse" guns. The Model 60 introduced stainless firearms to the world. A Model 66 with stainless sights took the law enforcement market by storm when introduced. The Model 39 introduced the automatic pistol to law enforcement and the Model 59 started the "Wonder Nine" era. Early rimfire "Kit Guns" are both functional and collectible.

My Smith & Wesson "accumulation" has all of the above in it and many others I just like for one reason or another. While accumulating Smiths, don't overlook some of those iconic Colts that will cross your path during a time when your Smith addiction may have become temporarily abated. Adding Colts to your "accumulation" will help insure a permanent place at the "poor farm" at some point. When you arrive, you will see a lot of us already there!

While we are on the subject of collecting one thing I have noticed over the years is that the more serious someone becomes about collecting the less likely they are to take a collectibile firearm to the range and bang away with it.

I have collected P38s and Lugers for over 30 years, in the beginning I shot a few of them but over time the desire to shoot them went away. I would not consider shooting some under any circumstance these days, for the Lugers all it takes to ruin the collector value is breaking a serial numbered firing pin.

Does this seem to correspond to what others of you have experienced?

As others have said pick up a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wessons. You may find something in there that peaks your interest.

Then live by a few rules.

1. Condition, condition, condition always look for and buy condition. Study and learn what original condition looks like. There are people out there that will push well refinished or upgraded guns on the unknowing. Also there are people out there that can refinish, upgrade or restore firearms that can and do fool the experts.
2. Buy the gun and not the story. As you start hunting you'll hear lots of stories. Stories rarely add value.
3. Like real estate and stocks buy with the back end out, or sell, in mind.
4. If you really want to collect narrow your focus and narrow it some more. If you find a killer deal on something out of that focus buy it and flip it. Collections have a direction and they relate to each other.
5. Study and study some more.
6. Last and most important...have fun.

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Bill Bates

I have a fare size gun collection, some shooters, collectors and some I just wanted. If you are collecting for money reasons I have found the guns that appreciate the most over the years are Colts.

Just my $0.02

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IN GOD WE TRUST     ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Great advice, I'll throw in as well. First, do your homework before wandering into a gun show with a pocketful of dollars. You've done right to start by asking questions in this Forum, now get a Standard Catalog and History of Smith and Wesson. From there you can determine your path(s). I'm an accumulator with emphasis on 1935 through S-Prefix N frames in general and the 1946-49 transition period in particular. I have few collector grade safe queens and a few shooters. "One to show and one to go" is my approach, apparently.

Your interests and tastes will vary with time and experience, that's all part of the fun. Stick with correct/matching, unmodified, original finish examples and you'll never go wrong. Good luck, have fun, and keep asking questions.

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

With age comes wisdom and also appreciation for the amazing things man has created. Today I can appreciate beauty like Antonin Dvorak's Serenade for Strings. Something I could not appreciate until older. I'll leave the tacticool to the kiddies.

To everyone else, my thanks for some very sage advice.

I shall first buy that Smith and Wesson book. It looks very interesting. I had never heard of it until now.

It gave me some good ideas. A 22 Smith would be nice for my son when he's old enough.

I was 10 when my Dad taught me how to shoot for the first time. He was once a USAF MP and the firearms training he gave me was so strict I can remember every detail to this very day. I shall do the same for my son.

The pre 10's mentioned looks very good too.

Right now the K frame looks something I could really enjoy.

For sure I have considered other gun makers. The Colt King Cobra is a gun I would love to have.

My dream gun for years has been a Holland and Holland. Acquiring something like that will never happen so I'll stick to realistic goals.

As for the comment about the long gone Smith quality of years ago, I have no doubt this is the case. However my brand new 686+ 3" is sublime in every detail, beautifully made and shoots wonderful.

Thanks again.

I'm not a collector, but if were going to move that way, I would do a couple of things, one of which you have already done - join this forum. Then I would join the SWCA (see the sub forums above), and at the same time, act on what Timberpigeon said. Personally, I would probably get both a shooter K22 and K38, and a safe queen of each. I cannot at this time justify even a shooter of each, but those and the M48 with a 6" barrel are sort of on my "someday" list (shooters, not safe queens). It's years (probably 35) since I handled or shot a K38, but I still remember it as a great shooting experience. The K22 would be the same. I'd get ammo in large volume (at least 2000 .38 wadcutters and standard velocity SWC for the K38, and after some testing to see what the K22 liked, at least 10000 rounds for it), and enjoy.

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NHI, 10-8.

"Would like something that is well thought of but common enough to not be too pricey."

I'm not up on the commonality and prices of the K-22/Model 17, 18, 34 other modern .22 caliber models, but they are certainly well-liked. Also consider the J-frame Model 317 .22 Airlight.

Others that come to mind the in well thought of and not too pricey category include:
.38 Military & Police/Model 10.
.357 Combat Magnum/Models 19 and 66.
.38/44 Heavy Duty and Outdoorsman/Models 20 and 23.
.357 Magnum/Model 27.
.357 Highway Patrolman/Model 28.

The N-frames will be too massive for young hands to control, but you will appreciate the design and craftsmanship of early examples. I think the 1950's era pre-model Smith & Wessons are an excellent entry to collecting.

You mentioned the 642 and 686, both fine examples of modern J and K/L frame. I have a fondness for the 640-1 .357, the 629-2 and -4 Mountain Revolver/Mountain Gun, and the full lug 29 Classic from the early '90's.

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Tom in AZ
Respect the Dingbat

If money is not an issue there are a lot of revolvers that are highly sought after. Registered Magnums, Certain variations of the M29, .38/44 Heavy Duties and Outdoorsman just to name a few.
If you are of more modest means, that's not a problem either. As mentioned above many times, a nice K-22 is a good one, especially for when your son starts shooting. This is the M17 in blued and the M617 in stainless. They are getting more expensive, but can still be found at fairly reasonable prices. For any S&W revolver collector I think a .38 Military and Police revolver is an absolute necessity. This is the M10 in blue and the M64 in stainless. The M10 and it's pre-variants were the mainstay of the line for well over 100 years. It was a very popular police service revolver, and many millions have been made since 1899. A good used M10 can be found for around $300 almost anywhere, especially with a 4" barrel. .38 Special ammunition is relatively inexpensive and available everywhere. In my opinion, if you collect S&W revolvers, you must have at least one of these. I have two right now.
Then look at the N-Frames. The M28 Highway Patrolman can be found for around $500. This is a plain finish large frame .357 Magnum. They are getting very popular with collectors and shooters, and the prices are going up. It's a brute-strong revolver, and just cool. If you find one, especially a 4" one, I know you'll agree.
For me personally, I prefer the pinned and recessed models. These are pre 1982 guns. Lots of collectors feel the same, and they willbe more expensive.
These are just my opinions, which are worth exactly what you paid me for 'em. I will warn you, though, if you spend a lot of time here on the Forum.....well, does the term "slippery slope" mean anything to you?
All the best,
Jim

Buy the caliber/s you enjoy shooting. I have scads of centerfire handguns so I've just been looking for older .22s. The nice thing about that is it's a good way to introduce new shooters to the sport, it's cheap to supply ammo, and with some care, .22s take a long time to "wear out." While they often get overlooked, as ammo prices soar, I see the .22RF staying popular for a long time as it's actually pretty inexpensive to spend an entire afternoon putting rounds downrange VS a few cylinders and then staring at it in the safe.