What are the must have Smith Revolvers?

JMK572

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Hi Guys, I'm trying to put together a decent collection of revolvers. I want to stick with mainly Smith&Wesson and I'll add the occasional Colt if the price is right. That being said what do you consider to be the must haves for a well rounded collection of Smiths? I'm sure the answers will vary depending on the person so let's hear those opinions. Also these will be shooters not just safe queens, unless I run across a sweet deal on a mint registered magnum or similar. Thanks

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My opinion is going to vary like others. I like 357MAG, 44 MAG, 45 ACP and rimfires. Personally I like anything with a 4" barrel or bigger or a 3" depending on the model. Models 27, 29, 586, 686 and many others is what I look for. With S&W revolvers, their is too many to choose from because all of them are decent to collect. Do you like small, medium or large frame revolvers? Round or square butt? It all depends on what caliber you like to shoot and what fits best in your hand.

James
 
My list as of today is:

Model 29, Model 19, Model 27, Model 25, Model 15, 10, 13, 66 and 37. Older the better. I would put anything to the top of the list if it was carried by a LEO.

I own: Model 686-1 6", Model 28-2 4" and my prize, Model 60 w/ orginal box and papers. pinned. 1980.

It's easier to tell you what will Not be in my collection. Anything with MIM or a hole.
 
James,
To answer your questions my favorite calibers are .357 and .45. Having said that, I've not had a .44 and all of my .45s are the 1911 or M&P platform. Also I'm fond of .22s as well. I only have Smiths in the J and K frame at the moment. I like the J for what they are but I absolutely love my 19 and 66, they seem to fit my hand perfectly!

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My list as of today is:

Model 29, Model 19, Model 27, Model 25, Model 15, 10, 13, 66 and 37. Older the better. I would put anything to the top of the list if it was carried by a LEO.

I own: Model 686-1 6", Model 28-2 4" and my prize, Model 60 w/ orginal box and papers. pinned. 1980.

It's easier to tell you what will Not be in my collection. Anything with MIM or a hole.

How sad....that means you wont ever own a 500 magnum. Yes it has the hole (I dont hate it much) and has MIM parts, but what a hoot, and if you can find some affordable ammo or load your own you wont find a better stress relief than 20 rounds of BIG BOOM with tack driver accuracey. It is comforting to know that no animal that breathes in North America is too big for this one!

This one would be on my list of must haves....why? because you still can.
 
here is my list by model number:
1- M-19 2 1/2" and 4".
2- M-27 3 1/2", 5", and 6".
3- M-60 38 special variation.

Not a revolver, but I really like the 9 M/M model 39.
 
I would get the following, all in SS:

4"/5" 625 in .45 ACP - great/frugal big bore - currently, the 4" 625JM is fine
4"/6" 629 in .44 Magnum - classic - can shoot .44 Russians/Specials/ & Magnums
4" 627 Pro 8-shot .357 Magnum - moonclips/speedloader fed - .38/.357M
3"/4" .22 LR rimfire - 63 (x8) or 617 (x10) - plinker - very frugal
and a personal protector - I like the 1 7/8" Al/SS 642 5x .38 pec +P

That would cover all bases... and you can plink, target shoot, compete, or hunt, too. Obviously, I have no fear of the MIM parts or IL - they work. Ten years of producing such equipped revolvers and S&W has yet to spend a dime defending themselves in a lawsuite. That - and my nearly ten years of troublefree ownership and use of many similarly equipped S&W revolvers is proof enough for me.

Stainz
 
The basic, gotta have just because revolver every S&W collector HAS to have is an M&P (M10), preferably with a 4" barrel. There were exactly two jillion of them made, and you can find 'em anywhere.
Then you need a K-22. (M17)
After that a Combat Magnum. (M19)
Then a M27 and a M28 Highway Patrolman.
Sooner or later you'll need a M29 .44 Magnum
This is just a start, but these are the must have revolvers.
It's a slippery slope after that.:D
Jim
 
I have several S&W wheel guns but if I had put my finger on my favs. I'd say the K framed masterpiece. I have the 22 and 38 and would about sell my left nut for a 32 at the right price.
 
My opinion is that the must haves are legion...so it depends on your budget. I started with a model 10-5 two years ago and now have a 66-2, 19-4 a 617 and a 642....so far. As many have said, it is a slippery slope.
 
Any pre-lock Bodyguard or Centennial; a 19 or 66 2-1/2"; a 17 (any barrel length); a 4"-5" Model 10, 586, 686; a 29/629 or a 25/625. You have most bases covered with these. Good luck!
 
The "must haves" in my collection consist of a 3" Model 65-2, a 2" Model 640 (no dash), and a Model 696 (no dash).
 
I'll take my stab at it. I'd suggest these models, mostly all contemporary, in the barrel length and finish of your personal choice:

SW model 36/60 .38/.357
SW model 10/64 .38 spl
SW model 27/28 .357
SW model 586/686 .357
SW model 24/624 .44 spcl
SW model 29/629 .44 mag post 1990

There every kind of model & variation in between, but I think this covers significant model that are very shhotable. All of these models have historical significance in the S&W product line, and nearly a lifetime of supporting magazine and book articles to entertain.

I really don't get worked up about current models w MIM parts or the lock. Some of the current model revolvers are the tightest, most well machined pieces I've used. Don't get me wrong I enjoy several models from earlier years, but I woildn't have any fears about current production. You said you were looking for shooters.

Solely my opinion !
 
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No model 57's? Of which I'm in search of one with six inch barrel. Don't need the box etc, but it must be almost pristine, because I want to be the one to put the marks on it!
All the above are great, but I think the collection would not be complete ( I know, it never is really ), without a beautiful Model 57, no dash, or maybe the 57-1.
 
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