Anyone care to help me with my first purchase.

[arjay]

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.

You really can't go wrong with either one.Pick the length that balances best for you.

 

[Tom_R]

If you have big hands, a model 28 is a great way to go.

If that one is too big for you, a model 19 or a model 66 is a great option.

Model 28


Model 19

 

[Jim NNN]

I'd buy a K frame (medium size, basically) with some use on it so that it costs between $300 - $400. That kind of money should get you something that's presentable, but not a safe queen. Look for moderately good cylinder lock up with the hammer cocked, but it doesn't have to be immovable rock solid tight. Make sure there's no rust or pitting in the bore...then go for it.

Forget looking for pristine examples...unless you should find one in the price range I mentioned above. You really risk getting taken at typical pristine gun prices unless you know what you're looking for. It sure ain't rocket science, but there's too much info to give for encapsulating knowledge in the scope of one thread. Some of the near pristine guns I've purchased had problems in other ways.

So start out modest with a K frame...probably in .38 Special. Then learn by experience rather than expensive trial and error. Model 10's or 64's are a very good place to start. Have fun!

Oh, and buy the "Standard Catalog" co-authored by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas. Every collector starting out (including me several years ago) thinks it's a waste of $40, but believe me it isn't. (I'm trying to save you work, money and heartache here. )

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

I don't think I would buy my first Smith online. Scan your local papers, local online classifieds ,pawn shops, etc... for a while and I bet you will find a few. Take pics and post those here with asking prices and I bet you will be happier.

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

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

4 or 6 inch barrel.

This is good advice. I wouldn't be scared of a 2" 'er either if one came along.

 

[Tom_R]

If you get a chance to get a 581 or a 586, don't let one pass you by.

They are a lot less common than their Stainless Brethren, the 681 and 686 respectively.

They were introduced in 1980, so they are not as vintage a Model 10, 15 or 19, but they are one of the best 357 Magnum Revolvers ever made.

The bluing on early 586's is impeccable.

 

[moralem]

I will agree with Tom R.....the 586 is my first ever wheel gun. Can't go wrong with that one either. But you will stand a better chance of seeing a model 10 in your local shop.

 

[cadmike]

Definitely buy local. Also, don't listen to those who say get a model 10 or any gun chambered in .38 special with those lousy fixed sights. Because they're iconic and every true smith collector must have one. Yeah right. They're low end. Bottom shelf. Dull, bland, and boring.
Get yourself a magnum caliber revolver with a four or six inch barrel. Live happily ever after. Good luck.

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

Definitely buy local. Also, don't listen to those who say get a model 10 or any gun chambered in .38 special with those lousy fixed sights. Because they're iconic and every true smith collector must have one. Yeah right. They're low end. Bottom shelf. Dull, bland, and boring.
Get yourself a magnum caliber revolver with a four or six inch barrel. Live happily ever after. Good luck.

The magnums with adj. sights are more popular and more expensive. Actually they are MUCH more expensive.

 

[Jim NNN]

don't listen to those who say get a model 10 or any gun chambered in .38 special with those lousy fixed sights

Then he shouldn't come to a forum full of strangers and ask their advice, because telling a first time buyer to start out cautious is going to be a pretty common response. The mistakes I made in buying my first vintage S&W had negligible if any consequences because I bought a model 10 for not much money.

 

[RSBH44]

Since you posted that you are an experienced bullseye shooter then you will most definitely appreciate the model 14 that you mentioned you were interested in. Everything about that gun was made for target shooting accuracy and maximum fun doing it. Of course, you
couldn't go wrong with the Model 15 either.

 

[silversnake]

Then he shouldn't come to a forum full of strangers and ask their advice, because telling a first time buyer to start out cautious is going to be a pretty common response. The mistakes I made in buying my first vintage S&W had negligible if any consequences because I bought a model 10 for not much money.

A Model 64 was my first revolver, my only regret is not buying more at that price.

 

[zanemoseley]

If anyone is curious what I ended up with, I got a 19-3 in really nice shape on Gunbroker.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/658158109

I didn't steal it but feel I got a decent deal for the condition, its about in line with the value in the standard catalog I bought. I can't wait to get it. My shooting buddy has a copy of Jerry Miculek's 110 minute DVD for S&W trigger jobs. I'm going to watch it and if I feel up to it I'm going to do a trigger job on it. If not I'll send it to a revolver smith. I plan on using for the occasional bullseye match.

 

[BAM-BAM]

SWEEeeeeet.......

If you haven't done a trigger job before..... I'd go with a gunsmith...... whatever you do make sure you use the right screwdrivers....... don't 'bugger" the screws.

I was going to recommend a 4" 686 ......IMHO if you only have one..... it's the best all around/utility revolver you can get......I like the early no- to -4s myself.

You will enjoy that one................................ good luck!!!!

 

[shakyshoot]

That's a beauty, and a fair price. I bought a 4" 19-3 recently, but mine's not in that kind of condition. I've tried shooting my bullseye targets with revolvers, but I find the rapid fires to be difficult. I know it can be done, but I feel rushed at 5 shots in 10 seconds. With my Volquartsen Scorpion, I feel like I've got all the time in the world on rapid fires.

 

[cadmike]

You did awesome, That's a great choice of gun for your intended purpose. Glad you didn't get suckered into a model 10 or 64. Hard to top the 19 with 6" barrel. That's one of the best revolvers ever made IMO. Looks like you did good on price too. Congratulations.

 

[silentflyer]

If target shooting with wad cutters is your goal, as mentioned above, a 6" or even better an 8 3/8' K38 or Model 14. That what they were designed for.

 

[Spokes]

If target shooting with wad cutters is your goal, as mentioned above, a 6" or even better an 8 3/8' K38 or Model 14. That what they were designed for.

Very wise advice...

 

[BE Mike]

You really can't go wrong with a S&W model 19.

 

[Nightowl]

Before trying to do a trigger job, I would shoot it a thousand rounds or so and see what it feels like. It looks new and will be tight. If you are only shooting single action at bullseye targets, you really don't need a trigger job right now as the trigger should break at around 3.5 pounds plus or minus from the factory. Shooting will wear it in and smooth it up on its own and probably reduce the single action pull somewhat.
There are some parts that are real particular about being messed with and the single action engagement is one of those.

Very nice find!!