Anyone care to help me with my first purchase.

[zanemoseley]

I've been eyeballing S&W revolvers for a couple years but never pulled the trigger on one. I just sold a rifle and am finally thinking of buying one, preferably from the 60'-70's. I was hoping I could get someone more knowledgeable with Smith's to help make sure I don't overpay or buy a ****. I've been looking at gunbroker auctions and have one I'm really looking at.

It you don't mind helping please PM me and I'll get you the auction link I'm looking at, don't wanna post for everyone as that would probably just increase my competition lol.

 

[Goblin]

What do you intend to use it for? Do you need the durability of stainless steel? Any idea of caliber? What is your gun budget? What is your ammo budget?

 

[silversnake]

Welcome to the forum. I sent you a PM, we can also discuss it here if you want, without a link to the auction. I can guarantee you though many of the members here are already keeping a close eye on the auctions

 

[Frank46]

If target shooting wether formal on informal look no further that the K38 in 38 special. Comes with target sights and a 6" barrel. Or something with a 4' barrel look for a model 15 also in 38 special. For hunting then a model 29 in 44 magnum. Those are my choices. 38 special is fairly cheap if you don't reload but 44 magnum hunting ammo can be a bit spendy. Frank

 

[silversnake]

If target shooting wether formal on informal look no further that the K38 in 38 special. Comes with target sights and a 6" barrel. Or something with a 4' barrel look for a model 15 also in 38 special. For hunting then a model 29 in 44 magnum. Those are my choices. 38 special is fairly cheap if you don't reload but 44 magnum hunting ammo can be a bit spendy. Frank

Good points. For a first revolver I don't think anything beats a .38 (or .357 magnum). I think most people would do well with a medium (K) frame, 3" to 6" barrel. The 29 is great if you really want a .44 magnum. For someone with very small hands, a Model 60 might be easier to handle.

I realize this is the S&W forum but if the question is more first revolver from the 60s/70s then a Ruger Security Six is also a great option.

 

[murphydog]

Generically, ask the seller all the questions about finish and mechanical condition along with the bore/chambers if what you see in the listing is not 100% clear or complete. Ask for more detailed or quality photos if necessary and the return policy if not stated. Even an experienced seller with lots of positive feedback may not have sold a large number of S & W revolvers, and may need prompting to get you the information you need. Happy bidding!

 

[moralem]

Start at a local gun store and see what they have and take the opportunity to hold and experience the gun. Visit several in your area and get your hands on them. There is nothing better than experiential learning. Don't get me wrong read up here and ask questions but don't forget to handle them when you find them. For an entry into SW you can't go wrong with a model 10. Good luck.

 

[len917]

I would look for a model 15 w/4" barrel. I would also shop at a local store (my preference) so you can handle it and inspect it and the do the paperwork. It keeps the locals in business and can create a relationship. You see what you buy.
Good Luck

 

[Blackbarry]

My first S&W revolver. Choices, choices, choices......

The iconic Model 19 would be my recommendation in 357/38 caliber. A 4" for best balance or 6" for target use. If stainless steel is your fancy, the Model 65 or 66 for fixed/adjustable sight configuration, Lastly, large hands might prefer the Model 27 N frame (28 for fixed sights). The top strap checkering is a work of art.

A first purchase is always difficult because it's almost impossible to make a mistake. But you can never go wrong with a legendary selection.

 

[zanemoseley]

Thanks for the input guys. I am a target shooter, I shoot NRA 2700 Bullseye matches however the revolver won't be used for that, for of a fun addition to my small collection. I've been looking at the 4-6" masterpieces 14/15. I do reload as well and plan to stick with 38 special, probably full wadcutters.

 

[Ray1970]

Best of luck. I started a similar thread recently and got lots of good advice. Probably the best advice I got was to simply buy whatever appealed to me. So, while my original intent was to maybe start with a model 10 or something similar (and those are appealing to me) I quickly realized that the revolvers that most appealed to me were the ones with a three inch barrel. So, my current plan is to strictly keep an eye out for anything with a three inch barrel until I stumble across that "gotta have it" piece or a smoking deal.

So, in a nutshell, my advice would be to buy whatever appeals to you the most and enjoy it.

 

[WaywardSon]

A small correction...the only difference between the Model 27 & 28 is the higher polish on the 27. My recollection is that they are identical mechanically. The Model 28 has adjustable sights.

 

[6518John]

Here is where I would start looking:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/

 

[BE Mike]

Yes, a nice model 10 would be a good start or model 64 (stainless version). I would suggest a .357 mag. chambered revolver, as well, as they are so much more versatile and you can shoot all the .38 SPL ammo you want in them, but still have the option of the magnum. Model 19's, 66's, 586's and 686's would fill the bill! When I saw this model 10 years ago, I had to have it. It is just like the one I carried as an Army chopper pilot in Nam:

 

[bulletslap]

For what it is worth. My Mother and Father gave me a Model 64 4" standard barrel for Christmas in 1974, nearly 43 years ago. It was the first centerfire handgun of my "own".

It is just as useful to me today as it was all those years ago.

 

[Spokes]

Get an old police turn in model 10 or the model 64. Absolutely fabulous revolvers. You will have loads' of fun with it.
Usually have terrific triggers and accurate..

 

[H Richard]

The model 14 or 15 which you mentioned are very hard to beat for an initial S&W revolver. Being a bullseye shooter you will appreciate the accuracy of them. If you buy a 6" Mod 14 I strongly suggest a 6" Model 17 as your 2nd revolver.

 

[Targets Guy]

Get a Model 10 and go from there. You will not be sorry.

4 or 6 inch barrel.

 

[CleanHarry]

Get one like this

Model 10-8, pinned barrel, Pachmayr, bore is clean and bright. 1978 DOM.

 

[TRE]

Personally (based on a life misspent pulling triggers on all sorts of guns), I will echo some of the above. My personal preference for a "first" S&W would be as follows.

Model 19
Model 15
Model 10

I prefer the 19 for an all around handgun (it will do anything I need to do with a handgun where I live and I haven't been without on since I was old enough to own a handgun), it is without question my absolute favorite handgun of any type or caliber.

Having said that, I also own a 15-4 with a 4" barrel that is just ridiculously accurate (at least in my hands), in fact it's just a small bit more accurate than my current model 19. At the range yesterday morning, the 15-4 shot 3 consecutive, 5 round groups at 25 yards that measured 1.3", 1.4", 1.2", from a rest. These groups are NOT out of the ordinary and are in fact what I have come to expect from that particular gun with my handloaded 148gr wadcutter load.

Having said all of THAT, in my opinion you can never go wrong with a Model 10. It is THE smith revolver. I can't live without one of them either.

Since you mentioned that you're a bullseye/2700 shooter, I guess my bottom line recommendation would be the 15 (or a 14/Masterpiece).

TRE