I have a half-dozen S&W 9mm pistols, 39's and 59's. I also have a nice 10-6 and a 15-3.

Now looking to expand collection into more revolvers, but as a semi-retired guy finances are important.

Wondering if folks have any suggestions as to the most affordable Smith revolvers around these days. Would like to keep to .38 sp. as I am reloading that; but would consider .357 or .44 special as my boys have them and I could reload for all of us in either caliber.

Not looking for rare or singular stuff, just good examples of S&W that I can shoot at the range.

Well, IMO a Model 36 or 37 has to be at the top of the list. "Affordable" is specific to the individual, so other than mentioning a Model 13 or 65, I really am not sure what else to suggest.

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Geoff. Since 1960.

There are some good deals right now on model 64 trade ins.
These are police guns and although some are a little rough on the outside they are in very good mechanical shape. J&G sales has them listed under S&W revolvers, starting at $259.00 I believe. On Gunbroker you can find some dept of corrections trade ins, just search for model 64s. Also some model 10 s are available from several sources.

Red, there's a lot of nice pinned 14-4 and earlier 6"ers-- the old Target Masterpiece-- floating around w/o a lot of demand (e'body wants 3-5-7)-- therefore pretty reasonable, and of course as accurate as they come. $450/$500, if you're patient you'll get a really nice one.

Folks like stainless too-- the blued 19 seems to sell for a little less than the ss 66 (I like blue). 3-5-7 if you want it, but even tho I'll be largely shooting 38s I like the 19 cuz of the ejector rod shroud. Patience will find you a nice P&R 19 for $500. I ended up w/ an as-new 4" 19-6 w/ great internals a couple months ago on auction for $410-- deals are out there.

No locks....

I'm not sure if you would like a s&w n frame in 357 or 44 special. If your willing to wait and stay looking for a deal to come your way.

Right now I'm hearing there's a lull in gun sales. It could mean the buyer may haggle a deal. When the sales are slow it's not the time for the seller to be greedy. But the price has to be right for the buyer.

The last s&w m19 I seen recently was $695. That's just a ball park price wise. A n frame could run from $695 to $850 in 357.

Stainless Model 64's in good condition can still be had for under $400. Lots around, since many were ex-LEO revolvers. The Model 65, which is otherwise nearly identical, will usually sell for $100 more due to the ability to shoot .357 Mag. The model 67, which is like a M64 with adjustable sights and also a .38 Spl, sells in the same price range as the M64. Maybe a bit more, on average.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

There was a 4" model 65-4 on the classified today. At 1 PM it was reduced from $450 to $415 shipped. That gun sold at 2:09 this afternoon. That was a great deal for someone. I almost took it on general principles. Who ever he is. Could have been yours.

So there are good deals here on the forum.

Why not go back to square 1? Start with an 1899, then, when you have a few bucks, try the Model 1902s. It's fun examining the subtle differences between the different models as time progressed. There are 5 different 1905 Models to play with. If you don't get too picky, you can find these old timers for reasonable prices.

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Why, I aughta.....

There's been a lot of Aussie-issue 681s around lately in the low $500 range, which about as good a deal as you'll find on a K- frame or larger S&W 357 these days. Robertson Trading Post had a bunch of these.

The price for the M-19 & 66 seem to go up as barrel length go down, so if a 6" is OK with you, they're a little less,IMO. Also the later MIM and lock versions of the M-66 tend to be lower, excepting the current 66-8.

Sounds to me like you've got the two most affordable models already, the model 10 and model 15. You can always look for different barrel length or dash numbers on those if you want to expand your collection. I'll recommend a model 67, 64, and maybe a 60 or 642... Unfortunately most S&W revolvers today are getting in the high range.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

I forgot to mention: depending on your definition, "affordable" .44 Specials will probably be hard to come by.

If adjustable sights are a must, your best bet would be to look for a shooter-grade 624. Expect a price floor of at least $700, unless you really get lucky (which means you probably won't find it online.)

If you don't mind fixed sights and a gun that needs a diet of lighter loads, you might find a 3rd Model Hand Ejector that's been altered but still-serviceable in the $500-$700 range.

I would say be patient, but I don't see prices on .44 Specials going anywhere but up. So if you think you want one, I'd put it at the top of my acquisition list and be ready to maybe pay a little more than I think is current market, because it'll be higher next year.

Finally, if you can live without the lighter weight and sexier lines of a .44 Special (I can't!), I suspect it'll be easier to find a deal on a magnum. The current M-69 is little, if any more expensive than a shooter-grade Model 24-3 or 624.

These are just my thoughts on the subject.

I am not bringing up anything new here.... A 4" 64 is a good own to get. I am new to 14-3. I snagged a beautiful 1 for $400. Also new to me is a 36 no dash. In general these are great values, along with others. All depends on what YOU really like. Good luck on your hunt! Bob

Hello friend,

Bud's Gun Shop has used Smiths Model 10s for $299. And you can do lay a way there also. Check out:

Buy Used Handguns

Looks like a good way to get into the Smith world to me!

Enjoy!

rd

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"That is all!"

You might like an older M60 in .38 Special. There's something very classy about the little SS J-frame.

Last week I bought:

1. M29-3 4" for $650
2. M19-3 6" for $500
3. M66-2 2.5" for $480

All are out the door prices. The 29 and 19 are 95% or better, while the 66 shows some signs of being carried, but is in great shape. None of these were steals, but I felt the prices were fair, and I doubt I will lose any money if I were to sell in the next few years.

I was fixing to agree, used Model 10s and Model 64s seem to be the most affordable these days. Someone said Model 15 but not from my experience, not for one in great shape, anyway. They're not the most expensive but you find one for under 400 bucks like you will Model 10s and 64s grab it!

***GRJ***

If you can find an older .38 Special 640, they are also splendid little guns. I think everybody needs at least one J-frame. Blue or stainless, but I like stainless for a carry gun.

A 67 would be a fine acquisition. So would any snub K-frame, but they seem to be pricey lately. I still hate the fact that I failed to pick up a snubby 64 police trade-in when a bunch of them became available here some years ago.

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Oh well, what the hell.

O.K. what are you going to do for an encore??? You made some solid deals. Bob

I'm seeing that first hand in my area, and hearing it from some owners. I was in an LGS over the weekend, and they have the same used Smiths and Colts for sale that were for sale 2-3 months ago...they haven't sold a one. This struck me as odd, because they have some nice ones. Then again, they have the exact same prices on them they had 2-3 months ago, so maybe their unwillingness to deal is putting a crimp in their sales, I don't know. I'm not sure how their sales of new guns are going, though. I see a lot of lookers, but not many buyers.

On the other hand, new gun sales at another LGS seem to be booming, although their used inventory remains static, but they don't really have much used stuff to interest a serious collector/shooter.

Encore? For an encore, I will explain to my wife how we came to own 3 more firearms.

The next few on my list would be a M27 and M57, both ~4" and perhaps a 3" K frame for dessert.

Some of us like vanilla ice cream and some like chocolate.They're all good in my eyes.Your only choice should be blue or stainless and whether or not it's in your price range.

You are only going to be happy with your purchase until the next itch.

Nickel, nickel and more nickel finished guns when you can. Your first choice should be in nickel finish. I'll stop preaching now.

No stainless, just blue when we can't find nickel.

Another vote here for the model 64