New guy here and just getting into S&W as a collectible. What is the opinion for the best S&W revolver, that is at least a "K" frame, has a rear adjustable sight, at least a .38 caliber, and comes in a snub nose version. I don't mind the model 10, but no rear sight. Thanks, Keener
Best S&W
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Arik
Member
Model 66, 15 are the only two I can think of. The 66 is 357/38. But finding them in snub nose isn't easy. Probably less so for the 15
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.
I like the 3" 686 Plus for a short barreled revolver.
It's not really collectible, and I'm not a collector, I just like this model for its versatility. Small enough to conceal, heavy enough to absorb magnum recoil for range fun, long enough barrel for accuracy and full ejector rod.
I like the 3" 686 Plus for a short barreled revolver.
It's not really collectible, and I'm not a collector, I just like this model for its versatility. Small enough to conceal, heavy enough to absorb magnum recoil for range fun, long enough barrel for accuracy and full ejector rod.
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19 blue, 66 stainless. Both readily available but pricey.
Bill Bates
Member
You might look for a 27 with 3 1/2 inch barrel. Certainly as other have already mentioned the 19 and 66 fit the bill
BTW...the Model 10 does have a rear sight it is just fixed. Strangely all my favorite and you could say most collectable Smith & Wesson's have fixed rear sights. I'm off the opinion on a fighting hand gun fixed sights are the way to go, but that is just me
BTW...the Model 10 does have a rear sight it is just fixed. Strangely all my favorite and you could say most collectable Smith & Wesson's have fixed rear sights. I'm off the opinion on a fighting hand gun fixed sights are the way to go, but that is just me
Model 19/66 in 2 1/2 inch, 4 inch or 6 inch.
If your desire is to be a true collector of a few desirable guns, then pick a model that a zillion were not made... and get them in as NIB as possible.
Ashlander
Member
I'm with Lufbery -- the 15/67s with the tapered barrels have super balance (4" service models) and are just heavy enough to mitigate the recoil of .38 Special. 19/66s are great guns, but if you're not shooting magnums, then they're more heavy then they need to be.
I don't get your aversion to fixed sights though. The fixed sight guns shoot right on, they don't break or get out of adjustment and they are lower profile.
I don't get your aversion to fixed sights though. The fixed sight guns shoot right on, they don't break or get out of adjustment and they are lower profile.
jtcarm
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I'm with Bill Bates: the tapered barrel N-frame target (adjustable sight) revolvers are the best-lookin lines in the gun world, especially when combined with a post or bead front sight.
The Model 27 in the 3.5 fits the bill for a snub-to-service barrel length.
Be prepared to part with a good bit of green, though.
I'm assuming you're interested in pre-1980 guns, since we're in that forum.
The Model 27 in the 3.5 fits the bill for a snub-to-service barrel length.
Be prepared to part with a good bit of green, though.
I'm assuming you're interested in pre-1980 guns, since we're in that forum.
That's easy, a Model 66. 
ST BERNARD
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alwaysoutdoors
Member
Model 19 or 66 (same gun except the 66 is stainless). Too easy!
Candrews86
Member
Model 27 3.5"
A 3" 686 CS-1 is pretty collectible. 
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I'd go for a K frame snub nose in 357magnum and shoot 38 specials????
For a steady diet of 357 magnums the m27 N frame would hold up better.
For a steady diet of 357 magnums the m27 N frame would hold up better.
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Gripgrabber
US Veteran
Hello, I suggest a 66-1,or-2, P&R 2 1/2" , round butt!
Hello and thanks to all of you for your contributions here. I am looking, reading and learning. I have had a 66-2, 2" barrel for a number of years for a carry gun. I have developed bursitis in my right hip so it is a little painful to carry that heavy thing on my right hip. I be 70+ so am looking for something lighter and might carry cross draw as I have found that to be nice and a lot more comfortable.
I never considered the rear sight on the 36 and mod 5 to be a sight at all...guess I was wrong there for sure. I have to remember that I am not entering a target match with a carry gun. I am also not against carrying a 3" barrel as some of you mentioned.
The one post with 4 pictures of all of the Smiths is nice, but I have no idea what those models are so I can compare.
Thanks again, Keener
I never considered the rear sight on the 36 and mod 5 to be a sight at all...guess I was wrong there for sure. I have to remember that I am not entering a target match with a carry gun. I am also not against carrying a 3" barrel as some of you mentioned.
The one post with 4 pictures of all of the Smiths is nice, but I have no idea what those models are so I can compare.
Thanks again, Keener
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Blackshirt
Member
The model 15 and 19 are my favorite Smiths. Actually, I never met a K-Frame I didn't like. My 4" M-65 is the stuff, but I'd love to have another 2.5" Model 19 again...
