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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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

My thought-17,19,27.

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.
Jim

J frames, K frames, L frames, N frames and maybe an X frame.....or 2.

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balin
NRA Life Member

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.

ALL of them.
I intend to collect the entire set.

Model 36 a "snub nose" .38 is iconic.

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!

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I'm with the banned ...

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 !

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.

I could have had a lot of Combat Masterpieces(M15 1950's/60's )back when, now I can't find one at a good price...

Model 29, 25-2, 25-5, 19 or any N frame!

I just put an order in for a 460xvr 14in barrel can,t wait to get it and shoot it I have a number of S&W wheel guns also have shot a 500 all are great

I like your style! N frames are very cool, and your list has several. The only thing I would add is a nice, blued P&R gun. Mine is a Model 19. Stainless is very forgiving, but I do like to look at my M19 and think, "wow, this is pretty. They really used to make 'em this way."

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Proud anachronism

All of them...
Ill just give my list, I guess

38/44 HD and Outdoorsman, model 10 4" tapered barrel, model 13, model 14(have it), model 17, model 18, model 19 4" and 6", model 22, model 25, model 27 3.5" 5", model 28 4" 6", model 36 3", model 58, model 581(have it), model 681(have it), model 586 4" 6", model 625 5", model 520, 657 6"....

I think that's it for revolvers, also models 41, 52, and 39 for s&w autos. I hope my wife never sees this list...

To me, guns are for shooting, usually as practice for a more serious use, such as self-defense or hunting. Of course, target-shooting is also a sport in its own right. That said, the two S&W revolvers that seem to me to be classics are the Model 10, probably but not necessarily with a 4" tapered barrel, and the Model 29, which I happen to prefer in 4". Some other classics are the 6" K-22, the Chief's Special, the original Centennial (Model 40 or Model 42), and the Model 25. Surely others would add the Model 14, and the early .357 Magnums.

But really, other than owning every variation ever produced, the real focus of the collection should be what YOU are interested in, or can use, or could have used if (fill in your own hypotheticals about historical period, location and other circumstances). It's really up to you and your circumstances. Finances, storage space and other considerations can all affect your choice of the scope of your collection. Myself, I have found that it is so easy to expand into the ridiculous that I have limited myself pretty much to guns that I can actually carry. I have very few guns with barrels over 4". But that's just me and my circumstances. Yours may be very different.

Have fun!

Easier question to ask would be "which ones DON'T I need" . . . and that will generate some interesting discussion from those whose favorite oxen are inevitably gored . . .

IMHO:

A .22 rimfire. M17 or M617. 6 shot or 10 shot, doesn't matter.
A .38 Special J frame. M60. First stainless handgun.
A .38 Special K frame. M10 or M15. Your choice.
A .357 K frame. M19 or M66. Magnum perfection.
A .357 L frame. M586 or M686. Especially a 4" 686-4 plus.
A .357 N frame. M27 or M28. For LEO history.
A .44 N frame. M29 or M629. It'll "blow your head clean off."
A .500 X frame. M500. I don't know...grizzly bears???

Model 19/66, 2.5" or 6". For reasons I cannot explain, I do not care for the 4" in this configuration, but the long and short both balance perfectly and have a certain zen aspect to them that is unparalleled, IMHO.

One of each!

I would start with the .22's as they will be the harder to find as ammo proces climb,and they WILL for sure. By "any' I mean have a REAL close look at what is offered
Any 22/32 "Bekaert"
Any model 35 (hard to find)
Any model 51(hard to find)
Any model 53
Any model 43 .22mag airweight
Any model 48 no dash to -4
K22's then model 17's
Any model 18 no dash to -4
After all this you could move on to the centerfire pistols but as a collection that will retain value AND be easy to sell/trade up or down you can't do better than .22's I've collected for more than 40 years and this focus has served me well. With .357 factory around $40 a box vs $3.50-$4.00 for .22 there is no contest.

All the best, Ischia

model 34's no dash first, then 2"nickel , 4" nickel then blue
Model K 22's 17's

K-22
66 w/3" bbl
27-2 or earlier with 3 1/2", 4" bbl
19 w/ 2 1/2" or 4" bbl
28-2 w/ 4" bbl
547 with 4" bbl
All must be pre MIM and pre lock


Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

This thread needs some pictures. If you want to put together a nice collection of "shooter" S&W's, here's my suggestions:

Everyone needs a K22, this one here is a 5-screw pre-17:



Moving up in caliber, a good .357 is a must. I like this 3.5" Model 27-2:



But if you prefer a longer barrel, a 6" M586 is a good choice:



In the alternative, a 38/44 Heavy Duty is never a bad choice and are great fun to shoot (the Colt Officer's Model Match in the picture is a fun gun too, but we're focusing on S&W's for the moment):



Now that you've got some larger revolvers, a few small guns are in order. From the top, clockwise: S&W M66 no dash 2.5" .357 magnum; M442 38spl; M317 pre-lock 22lr; Colt Detective Special (those darns Colts keep getting in the mix somehow):



Moving from small revolvers to large revolvers, the 44's and 45's should be calling to you. In the 45's I particularly enjoy my M25 Model of 1955 45 ACP:



A 4" M624 makes a great packing revolver, and the 44 Special is an excellent cartridge to learn handloading with:



And in the heavy barreled 4" N-frames, it's hard to beat the M57 and M29. Either will be a joy to shoot and carry:

Model 57:



Model 29:

I'm partial to the Model 10. I'd be willing to bet that there is more than one collector who has nothing but Model 10s and M&P revolvers. As someone else said, they made a jillion of them, with about a million different variations.

My opinion:

Gotta have at least one model 10, 15, 19, 27, 66, 686/586, 36

Optional: model 13/65, 64, 67, 28, 29/629, 627, 681/581, 25

I dont make the 44 mag mandatory, some people just art not into them, or they are too much.

I also dont list any .22LR's as I am not into them personally. Same with 44 spl and 41 mag and other oddball revolvers like the 610 or 545

Pre-War 38/44 is a must have.

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Sure you did

...and at least a Model of 1917, a Victory .38 special and a Post-war pre Model 10...

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

Just my opinion, but
N frames: M58, M57,M29,M28,M27,M25 - pick a barrel length 4" for example
L frames: M586, M581
K frames: M19 in 2.5 and 4". M15, M10 M66 in 2.5 and 4", M12
J frames: M36, M49, M37
I frames: .32 Hand ejector, M30
These would get you started in the right direction, then go for the older more expensive pieces to fill in.

But never buy a nickel gun. That is an addiction all to itself.

First thing that I would do is decide which frame size you like best as they each handle a little bit differently. Next thing I would do is decide which calibers you want to shoot. The N frame has the most choices for calibers but many of them can be a little tougher on the budget.

If you're just starting off on revolvers I'd suggest a nice K or L frame in .357 or .38 with a 4 or 6 inch barrel. These are great little guns with very mild recoil when using .38s. As far as a must have goes however once you've played around with a 625 you'll probably fall in lust!

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Son of a Gun...Smith

Obviously I can't argue with those who say "all of them", but I'm trying to think of this as if I were starting a collection...I think the first 10 "classics" I'd look for would be:
1. L-frame 357 mag 586 or 686 - probably 4" ...great shooter to practice with while I acquired more.
2. Model 19 4"
3. Model 17 6"
4. Model 27 (3.5") or 28 (4") (okay thats 2)
5. Model 10 4"
6. Model 625 5"
7. Model 610 4" (good luck) or 5"
8. Model 13 or 65 3"
9. Prelock Centennial 38 special J frame
10. Model 29 or 629 4" or 6".

After you get that base you will know what other ones you want...you will end up with various barrel lengths and stainless/blue versions of your favorites.

No matter what your quest is for and what you have, you will always find that you need something else. You will collect calibers, models, five screws, pre-wars, post-wars, stainless, blued, pre-lock, post-lock, etc.
Well, at least that is what happened to me.

Well I happen to like the older guns, but then three that came into my "hot sticky little hands" were three 8 & 3/8 inch barreled revolvers, a Model 29-5, a Model 25-5 and a Model 57-"0" (which had been stamped over a Model 29 marking). These co-exist with a number of 1905s from the first to 4th variation (caiibres from 32-30 via 38 S&W to 38 Special) and both K380/200 and 38 Spec in WWII variants, via a K14 and a K17 in target modes. A lot more in stainless on K, L and N frames, so somewhat eclectic at times. Dave_n

As you can see by the replies....this can be an expensive, but really fun, hobby...enjoy the hunt...I have a 686 snub, 442, model 10-8 and a 351pd..but who knows what tomorrow may bring...

I would haffta say the K-frame Model 65 in three-inch configuration.

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GA Carry member
Vietnam Vet

This thread is probably over - most of the gotta haves have been posted all ready. However, I'll try to add a couple different things to consider.

Make sure you have all of the worthwhile barrel lengths, including the 8 3/8" and maybe longer. Also, make sure you have something in all the round capacities, too, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

Were I to collect, personally, I'd be happy to cut the S&W collection short to make sure I had a single action or two and a break-top even.

Must have Smith revolvers are: A Model 24, Model 25-2, definitely a Model 58, Model 57, Model 29, Model 14-5, a Model 28 Highway Patrolman, a Model 19 in 2 1/2", and a Model 13 in 3" Round-butt configuration (FBI model).

I forgot to mention a Model 586. As you can tell, I'm quite partial to blued-steel models.

I think the "right" answer to that question depends upon two things. Do you want guns just to collect or to shoot as well? And if to shoot, at what?

My preferences are target shooting and hunting, so I have only stainless steel S&Ws with adjustable sights and the only one with a barrel under four inches is a 2-1/2" Model 66-4 I only bought because the price was right. I have 617s in 4" and 6", 66s in 2-1/2", 4" and 6", 686s in 4" and 6" and 629s in 5", 6" and 6-1/2" - all non-MIM and lock-free. Both 617s and one each of the 66s and 686s (the ones I punch the most paper with) have target triggers and hammers as do the 629s, which came with them.

Ed

One of each type and model made!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is what I would want.

Chud333 is the only one that mentioned it, so I'll re-state it. The most excellent 547 is a must have for any collection.

After my 13-2, 15-3, 19-4, 28-2, 29-2, 36, 36, 629-1, & 638-3, I think my S&W 500 I got today is the most badest S&W I own.....

4": 18, 66, 27, 629. Oh and a 642 just to hideout. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster