1980 All Over Again

[sixdeuce]

Let's have some fun. I bought my first new S&W revolver in 1980 (no regrets).
In those days, out in the Pacific Northwest S& W revolvers sold fast (except for some
of the more expensive large models). I would go by a couple of stores every week on delivery day and, if things worked out right, I would snag something wild and exotic
(Target Hammers, Target Triggers, P&R, etc. etc.)

Let's dream wild and say it's 1980 all over again. And let's say you get lucky at your
favorite store. What would the lucky revover be and what would it look like?

Of course, this time we would know what we did not know then. That within 2-3 years
P&R would disappear and S&W revolvers would go off in directions that would make everything from 1980 frozen in time.

Use your imagination and tell me what wild finds you would snag. It was only
29 years ago (Where di dthe time go?)

 

[29aholic]

Welcome to the forum

I bought my first new gun, S&W, and 44 magnum in about 1985. If I had had the money I would have bought it in 1980.

 

[sixdeuce]

1st 29 in 1993

29aholoic, I bought my first 29-2 in 1993! In 1980 a model 10 or model 19 was a
real score for $150 to $250. A model 29 was $500 or more and very rare to find.
My first 29 was scratched and dented but shot well. I was glad of this later on, because
if you use one alot it gets worn. A preworn revolver causes alot less concern as it wears more. The used guns that I have bought have been used the most with the least concern
I think. I do have a Model 19 bought in 1980 with over 5000 rounds through it. No one would msitake it for a new gun today.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

My first S&W was a model 14 single action.
It was in the early 80's I am fairly sure. I still
have it today and it is in very good condition.
I might just take it to the range tomorrow.
haven't shot it in a long time. Don

 

[sixdeuce]

M14 Super Accurate

Hawkeye, I remember my uncle having one of those In the early 1980's
and we initially thought something was wrong because it would not
shoot double action.
The thing was the most accurate 38 any of us had ever shot. It had what they called 3 T's
in the day (Target Hammer, Target Trigger and Target Stocks, all 3 extra wide
and very comfortable for big hands). Congrats on your longlived 14 SA, a
real heirloom piece in my opinion

 

[29aholic]

29 in 85

In 1985 I was working at a gun shop and was able to buy my first 29 at wholesale, but at the time the Dirty Harry hype was still on. Wholesale at the time was $375 (IIRC). Less than a year later they went down $100 in price. I have had over the years literally hundreds of guns...and a bunch of really good ones, but at times my 1st new gun has been the ONLY gun in my collection.

I have posted pics of it before, but since you are new here it is again.

It started life as a 6", but has long been "Skeeterized" to a 5".
Working at an indoor range for a while, this gun had 100 rounds shot through it almost every day for a while, although most were hot 44spl loads. I estimate it has had 30K through it as I have loaded several 12lb kegs of 44's over the years. At 1000 rds per pound with my pet load...thats a bunch.

Again...Welcome to the forum. I am not always right, but I am always willing

 

[sixdeuce]

Lots of Questions

OK, 29aholic, now you get me thinking lots of questions (especially because of your picture)
that I must have answered.
Here goes:

1) Are those Herret wood grips? I have had this type on 357 k frames and liked these,
but not a 44 or other large N frame. I normally use pachmayrs (ugly rubber but comfortable
for alot of shooting). Your opinion of Herret grips on a 44? Looks like these have seen alot
of use?

2) Five inch barrels. Had one once on a Colt 38 and a S&W 45. Loved both. Have looked for one on a 44 for years but rare and very high priced. I have owned 4, 6, 6-1/2 and 8-3/8
in 44s. Still have 4, 6 and 6-1/2. I have alwasy wondered about how a five would be on
a 44 (you know in a perfetct world where a five was the same price as the others)
Your opinion on the five?
You had it cut down? Was it worth the cost and would you do it again?

3) So in the darkest of times you were always a 44 man. In the darkest of times, I was
always a 357 man (giving up 38. 45 and 44 only when necessary). Curious as to you reasons
as to why you chose that way.

Ok, you've got me thinking alot of thoughts here, Great talking with you

 

[29aholic]

Well to try to answer

The grips are a set of Herrett Shooting Stars I whittled down to fit my hands.

I love the 5" for woods carrying, and the roll mark on the barrel is almost perfectly centered in the bbl. As for cost, I did the work myself. I also radiused a full wide target trigger to make it more comfortable in dbl action. Yes, I would do it again, although appearance wise I like 6.5" bbls better.

I have always believed that the 44 was the best looking revolver proportionately, I feel the same way about 4" Model 19's. I believe the 19 is the 29 of the K frames.

In the darkest of times I would keep a 44, as I reload and it I believe it is way more versatile than a 357.

 

[bubbajoe45]

1984 for me

I was about 100 mi. from home in college and I had 'borrowed' off and on some of my Dad's guns (.38 Super LW Commander among others). I went to a gunshow in Knoxville and traded off a .303 British Jungle Carbine and, I don't know, maybe $150 or $200 for a 4" Blue Model 25 in .45 Colt. First handgun I bought myself - had it until 1993 when I had to have an M29. Had a choice between a Mtn gun and the 3" unfluted 29-4; got the 3". I must say it was a lot more accurate than the M25! Still have it.

 

[Nframe357]

1980 huh? I was 10 at the time, but let's say I had the funds and dad was signing the 4473 I'd have to go with what I already own from 1980. A 6" 629, 1st year production, it's sweet and put together right, lockup is vault tight and does it shoot! Found it new in it's original presentation case 2 yrs ago, it's a keeper. I feel we'd all be better off if times were like 1980 instead of the way things are now, we had a new good president unlike now and we actually had a bright future unlike today. Here it is:

 

[armybass]

1980 huh? I was 10 at the time, but let's say I had the funds and dad was signing the 4473 I'd have to go with what I already own from 1980. A 6" 629, 1st year production, it's sweet and put together right, lockup is vault tight and does it shoot! Found it new in it's original presentation case 2 yrs ago, it's a keeper. I feel we'd all be better off if times were like 1980 instead of the way things are now, we had a new good president unlike now and we actually had a bright future unlike today. Here it is:

Could not have said it better myself, I second that post. Our ages are the same and our feelings are the same just exchange the gun to a 1980 6" M57 that I have on layaway. I will post a picture when I get it. Great thread!

 

[fyimo]

If I could go back to 1980 and buy any S&W I would buy a Nickel 27-2 with 4 inch barrel as my favorite looking S&W are model 27-2's with the checkered top strap. The 4 inch barrel model was short lived and is very hard to find now and if in great shape they are pricy.

 

[Matthew]

Lets see, 1980. My parents were in high school and I was -4 years old.

Guess I can't play?

I would probably get a model 13 as that's what I want now (if they were a production model at the time, I don't know the dates). I like the looks of the pencil barrel model 10's as well.

 

[Allen-frame]

Just about 1980, (or so ) I bought my first Mk 4 series 70 Government model and started re loading 45 a.c.p.

If I were shopping for a Smitty in 1980 it would be a 27-2 4" blue. BUT my friend Mike said it well , a 629, 4" would also be nice.

Oh , and here's a picture of that 27-2 4" from 1980

Allen

 

[H Richard]

I'd look for a pre-war Kit Gun that some fool had traded in.

 

[josephthreedogs]

My first new S&W was a M28 6" that i bought in 1970 for a grand sum of $118.00, I also bought a used 6" Python at the same time for $110.00.

 

[Frank237]

In 1980 I was a new MT resident having moved here from NJ in 1979. I was accustomed to "New Jersey Pistol Purchase Permits" that required fingerprinting, a fee and even as a cop....a healthy waiting period.

Being able to simply fill out a yellow form and walk out with the gun was intoxicating.

I recall M-520's at well under list as few people wanted non adjustable sights. I did buy a 3" RB M-547 for less than list and after shooting it a bit promptly sold it. I wasn't impressed with a 6 shot nine when I owned a 13 shot BHP.

M-29's and M-57's which were virtually unavailable in NJ were somewhat common out here. I recall in the $360 to $400 range.

The new stainless 629's were tough to find though. And as always 19's, 66's, 60's, 27's and 28's were sought after as well. So few deals on those.

I also recall that the quality of fit and especially finish (bluing) was starting to slip at this time too. At least compared to the 60's and 70's guns.

If I was looking for anything at that time it was probably an older M-19 or early M-66 they have been a favorite to this day.

FN in MT

 

[Nframe357]

Just about 1980, (or so ) I bought my first Mk 4 series 70 Government model and started re loading 45 a.c.p.

If I were shopping for a Smitty in 1980 it would be a 27-2 4" blue. BUT my friend Mike said it well , a 629, 4" would also be nice.

Oh , and here's a picture of that 27-2 4" from 1980

Allen

Allen, that's a magnificent lineup my friend! I have to ask what the neighbors must think with you carrying armfuls of S&W's for a photoshoot?

 

[rjh]

first S&W

My first Smith was a Model 10, 4 inch. Bought it in 1964. I was so ignorant of Smiths that I thought this was the only gun they made. Walked into Buckhorns, Dallas, Tx, the summer of 1966. Saw my first 29. Had to ask Mr. Hodge what it was. A week later I went back to try to buy it or trade him out of it. It was gone.

Did not see another until I walked into Jim Ferris' little shop on Jefferson St., Dallas. He did not have one, but knew where one was. He called this man; waited 45 mins for him to show. He brings in a pristine, 4" five screw in the original box w/ all the stuff. Did not know what I was looking at; gave the man $200. I was disappointed because it was not a 6.5". Sometime later I gave the 4" and $75 to Wylies Gun Shop, Dallas, for a 6.5. What a dumb trade. The 6.5 was probably 85-90%. A three screw to boot. The stupidity of youth.

Like some of you others, had many 29s and 629s down thru the years. All were P&R; all different barrel lengths. I even obtained 2 more 5 screw, 4" 29s. Don't have any of them now.

Currently, have a love affair with the old .44 Spec. Got this bug from reading Skeeter Skelton. Never got to meet him, but met Bill Jordan at a Ft. Worth Gunshow in Nov of '89. What a treat getting to meet a historical person in the gun world. He appeared to be a real nice person. Bob in Texas

 

[45Wheelgun]

I was just 18 in 1980, but if I could go back in time, there is no question what I would have bought.

A Jovino. Jovino's was still making "effectors" at that time. A model 25, round butted, chopped barrel with some ugly rubber grips. If I am allowed to bring back more then one, I would buy 10 of them. I prefer mine without the effector engraved on the barrel.