29 this year…. How bad does this “sickness” get???

[boykinlp]

I found myself getting all the M64 variations. The two inch, various four inch versions, etc. Just turned 77 and am looking at the M65 variations next.

I’m curious, how did you choose the Model 64 to start? Thanks.
Larry

 

[rbmac52]

How bad does this “sickness” get???

Not bad at all, unless you don't have any money. At your rate of consumption, that does not seem to be a problem.

 

[JRB416]

Here's a thought on how to slow down maybe a little, depending on how deep your pockets are.

Start looking for five screw .44 magnums, five inch .44 magnums, and/or 29-1 revolvers. A New Century or Registered Magnum/pre war .357 would fill the bill as well. Even if money is no problem, these aforementioned handguns in high condition are not real common.

Regarding the model 57, I suggest you make it a "must have" and if possible look for a first or second year example in six and four inch barrel lengths. Again narrowing the field with manufacturing dates and uncommon Smith & Wessons will by default potentially slow you down.

A plug for the .41 Magnum cartridge. It doesn't need to be compared to any other cartridge as it stands just fine on its own, being one of our finest handgun rounds IMO. Many say it is an handloaders cartridge due to cost and availability and I don't disagree. Having said that it is a delight to handload for and I have found easy to work up accurate loads in any velocity range you may desire. Just a friendly nudge in the right direction.

In all seriousness though, it sounds like you are in one of those "living my best life" periods. If your hobby is not causing any stress financially or otherwise, enjoy it. We only go around once.

 

[philconrad]

The only thing stopping me is lack of funds.

 

[Gunsquirrel]

Never refer to it as a "sickness" as there may be a cure for it...and we don't want that to happen! I like to refer to it as investing in precious metals as I have explained to my wife (very understanding I might add) and my sone have also taken up on the "investing" too. I have also refered to it as procuring and protecting certin time lines in history so maybe I am a historian!!

 

[dwh]

It’s really more like a virus as it mutates and changes over time. As a young man I started collecting mil-surplus guns. They are usually reasonably price and fit my budget at the time. Then came pre war Winchesters. Then Smith and Wesson’s mostly because they fit my carry and outdoor needs. Then I went down the S&W prewar road(current path)specifically 32-20 targets. That has lead to pre war sporting rifle. It is ever evolving and that’s part of the fun. I go off the reservation often and buy something outside my scope of collecting because i think it’s cool. But Im ever present to not deplete the gun funds for the next that’s the “one”gun is around the next corner. Enjoy your trip down the rabbit hole Alice

 

[T44spl]

If it's not this then it would be something else. You will Always find a reason to justify a new Toy, no matter what. It's all part of the sickness.
Many of us have alternate addictions, be they watches, coins, knives, zippo lighters etc it just doesn't stop there. Hopefully they appreciate in value and someone in your offspring or family enjoys them as much as you.

 

[SmithNut]

I found myself getting all the M64 variations. The two inch, various four inch versions, etc. Just turned 77 and am looking at the M65 variations next.

Ahhh wait, you didn't mention the 3" version of the M64.....

Here's a few to ponder...

 

[ruger 22]

There is no known good cure. FYI no collection is close to full without at least 2 S&W500's--a short bbl and a long one.

 

[Gun Relics]

I figured get a 19 4” while I’m at it as I always liked that model..

No 57’s yet.


Everyone has their own parameters, I have gathered.

Great taste!

My latest parameter is less is more. Striving for rarity, quality, and originality. But I like your choices above. First year Combat Magnum and two first year Model 57's, all getting scarcer.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Great taste!

My latest parameter is less is more. Striving for rarity, quality, and originality. But I like your choices above. First year Combat Magnum and two first year Model 57's, all getting scarcer.

Priorities!

I’m all done collecting 29-2 and 629 ND.
My 19-3 and 66-1 collection is satisfactory..
28-2 in 4” and 6” is complete..
27-2… I’m needing a nickel 5” for the dopamine to last another few months
25-5… needing a 6” blue.. and nickel 4 and 8
A 53 in 4”
I have no 57’s yet so I’m looking for any in any length for a deal.
I can wait.
I have time!

Then I’ll start on pre 29’s… cokes and big boy toys

 

[Jimmymac46]

I started back in Jan with a 29-2.
I figured get a 19 4” while I’m at it as I always liked that model..
Get a 22 as it’s cheap to shoot..
Then I learned about the 27… a 357 mag in N framez! The original.
Then this and then that…
I’m now at 29 revolvers. All S&W.
Since Jan.
9 of those are 44 Mag 6 29-2 and 3 629 ND.
How to exercise self control?
How to decide which ones you really “need” or don’t need.
No snubbys in my collection. It’s 4” - 8 3/8”. That’s a decision made which limits my “needs”.
All pinned and recessed.
No 38’s only. No 10’s or 15’s.

Right now I’m “needing” a 27-2 5” nickel.. as I have one in blue.
“Needing” a 25-5 in 6” blue as I have 4” and 8”…
I also have a 6” 25-5 in nickel which means….
No 57’s yet.
The point being, I could strive for 6 57 ND… and the rest of the 25-5.

Well, y’all know where I’m coming from.

I have heard about “the sickness”..
I would rather not have it.. but I’m interested to hear anyone else’s “sickness” stories..

I’ll certainly be slowing down next year, but there are a bunch on the list as you are obviously aware.

Everyone has their own parameters, I have gathered.

Same issue! 29-2 4”, 6’5”, 8 3/8”, 27-2 5”, 629-0 6”, 629-4 5”, 629-4 mountain gun, 629-4 3”… crazy.

 

[Imissedagain]

FYI no collection is close to full without at least 2 S&W500's--a short bbl and a long one.

That will get you an invite to sit on the porch, with the big dogs.
460 and 500, adult calibers.

Colt 1860 Army, 2nd gen, bought new and the only unfired gun we own.
The Mrs birthday gift in '80.
She chose that over a minty 44 Auto Mag.

 

[duke2002]

I started out early buying what i could afford. Surplus handguns and ammo. Hand ejectors is shooter condition. As my wallet git bigger that changed whst i bought. Nicer guns. Guns with sites. Colt,smith,ruger differant calibers. It dosent stop. Its the chase to the next one. My favorites. A 1950 target in 44 spcl a 631 4 in. smith brazil contract 586 in 38 . a georga state patrol 26-. last a trooper mkiii in .38... im still looking.

 

[Model29-26.5]

LOL! You must be a single guy because long before I purchased 29 handguns in one year my wife would have knocked me senseless! You have definitely caught the S&W virus, aka SMOVID-29. The only cure is...aging. I recently turned 70 and am realizing that I don't really need to add any more vintage revolvers to my collection, and that soon I may have to start thinning the herd. I'm at the point where if I do buy another gun, I will trade or sell one that I have. I've enjoyed the hunt, and I've enjoyed admiring and shooting my guns, but I've definitely slowed down. You've already done a fine job of finding and acquiring a nice collection of S&W revolvers, so continue to enjoy your search and keep us posted as your collection grows.

Married but on the road most of the time.
Slowing down a little but have succumbed to the hard fact that there is no end to this!
It also made me think a little and realize that brands in general have a line of products where they make basically the same thing in 5 or 6 different sizes and/or colors not for you to choose one, but want them all. Pattern recognition and OCD tendencies.
Smith making any model in Blue, Nickel and stainless in just four barrel lengths means a collector will want twelve guns. Smart move.
Like collecting Russian dolls.
But with these older ones, each has a “finger print” and they are all very slightly different in their own minute way. The feel of the trigger.
Of course the older worn ones are even more different as bluing wear and the odd scratch gives them their own character.