Classics Series Opinions

[EricR]

Forgive me for not searching for older posts, but what are some of your thoughts regarding the appearance, fit, and function of the Classics Series revolvers? I'm actually pretty excited about the prospects of adding a Model 27, 57, 29 or a 17 to my collection. It's not going to happen soon due to saving for a fall wedding for our daughter but as soon as I can pull it off I'll be back in the market.

I've got a very modest collection of S&W revolvers dating from immediately after WWII to present. And I'm well aware of costs for very good condition or better models from past decades. So the thought of a Classics example definitely has my interest. I've just not seen or handled any. So, would love to hear comments and/or see some pictures.

Thanks!
Eric

 

[BornToLooze]

Not sure if you're talking about the new Classic Series or the older ones, but I have a 29-6 Classic that finish wise is the nicest S&W I've owned. The only thing is it needs a trigger job to be as good as my older guns. I haven't gotten to shoot it yet so I'm not sure about accuracy.

 

[EricR]

Thanks BTL. Then I should have stated "New" Classics Series. Great looking 29 by the way.

 

[Mr.Harry]

This 629 - 6 Classic has been one of the best firearm purchases I've made. Exceptional form, function, across the board. Couldn't be better.

 

[Mr.Harry]

I cleaned her up a bit with some sweet Ahrends grips, but don't have a pic handy to share at moment. With the custom woods on, I'd put that gun next to anything S&W has ever made and feel great about it. The IL just doesn't offend me.

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

I have a new 586 Classics with 6" barrel. The fit ,finish and function are all very good. I'm happy with wood on grips , no barrel cant and shoots were you point it. I wish there was no lock but not a deal breaker and with blued finish not very noticeable.
One of the biggest reasons I purchased new rather than an old Smith & Wesson is I wanted a blued Smith revolver that I can shoot a lot without the anxiety of ruining the finish or breaking parts that Smith & Wesson can't fix or warranty any more. I have older Smiths that I love 13-2 and 629-3 Classic and shoot but not as often as I would like.

 

[gen3guy]

IMO it would be worth your while to look in to some deals on older revolvers instead of going with the new "Classics". First, new revolvers are expensive. Second, some of the attributes of older revolvers, that make them special in the first place, can't be reproduced at any price.

Over the last few years, I have gotten really good deals on nice older revolvers. There seems to be a lot of gun owners out there who don't really understand (or care) that they have something special in there daddy's old gun collection. Consequently, they are trading them for 50 cents on the dollar for Glocks and other wonder nines. I have nothing against Glocks or other auto pistols. I just love revolvers.

I recently traded a Glock 21 for a vintage 1966 98% S&W Model 10-5. I picked up a 95% model 30-1 and a 99% Model 36 no dash for $680 total.

MSRP on a new Model 10 "Classic" is $739.

 

[buckyjames1]

I bought the 586 classic:

- Everything has been good to go on it so far. I think I paid $765 for the 6 shot. While it would be great to own original runs, you have to search, you have to wait, you have also have to wonder about a used guns true condition and shoot-ability. Did you get a good deal or buy someone's problem.

- Only thing, i would have liked is for it to be a 7 shot as opposed to 6.

 

[EricR]

IMO it would be worth your while to look in to some deals on older revolvers instead of going with the new "Classics". First, new revolvers are expensive. Second, some of the attributes of older revolvers, that make them special in the first place, can't be reproduced at any price.

Over the last few years, I have gotten really good deals on nice older revolvers. There seems to be a lot of gun owners out there who don't really understand (or care) that they have something special in there daddy's old gun collection. Consequently, they are trading them for 50 cents on the dollar for Glocks and other wonder nines. I have nothing against Glocks or other auto pistols. I just love revolvers.

I recently traded a Glock 21 for a vintage 1966 98% S&W Model 10-5. I picked up a 95% model 30-1 and a 99% Model 36 no dash for $680 total.

MSRP on a new Model 10 "Classic" is $739.

Your point is well taken. And the older Smith's are ALWAYS on my radar screen. I've got a minty K22 from right after the war, a 14-4 to go with it, a 29-2, a 63 no dash, 686-3, and recent 442. So yeah, if I can find a steal I'll jump on an older one. I was just not going to rule out a new Classics as surely they'd price a little below suggested retail.

 

[EricR]

Hey DCV. Your 25 sounds great. Thanks for the feedback. Naturally, would love to see any pics if you were so inclined.

 

[Rpg]

I suspect the new classic blue guns have a funky finish: nothing like the real classics.

As has been mentioned above, I'd buy a real classic long before I'd consider the 'old' or 'new' 'classic' series.

But that's me.

Different strokes.

 

[bangbig]

Not sure if you're talking about the new Classic Series or the older ones, but I have a 29-6 Classic that finish wise is the nicest S&W I've owned. The only thing is it needs a trigger job to be as good as my older guns. I haven't gotten to shoot it yet so I'm not sure about accuracy.

Send it to me. I'll find time to fire it!

 

[Boxhead]

My Classic.

 

[hammer 1]

I bought a 57-6, 41 mag classic about 2 to 3 months ago, I believe. I went that direction, because of some of the arguments given here. Can not tell if it was rode hard and put away wet, it was brand new, no one, possibly beat on it before I got it. I wanted a shooter, I am not a collector. The lock does not bother me, I simply don't use it. The price was not inflated, which happens here, a lot, because, it was pinned, and recessed. That did not matter either, again, I'm a shooter, not a collector. I am very happy with it

 

[EricR]

I bought a 57-6, 41 mag classic about 2 to 3 months ago, I believe. I went that direction, because of some of the arguments given here. Can not tell if it was rode hard and put away wet, it was brand new, no one, possibly beat on it before I got it. I wanted a shooter, I am not a collector. The lock does not bother me, I simply don't use it. The price was not inflated, which happens here, a lot, because, it was pinned, and recessed. That did not matter either, again, I'm a shooter, not a collector. I am very happy with it

Let's see some pictures Hammer. Please

 

[Tom S.]

I've posted these before, but here they are again. Model 29 Classic:





As you can see, fit and finish are acceptable.

 

[gnystrom]

Take the models S&W deem to be "classics", double the price, triple the current quality and detail, leave off the locks, install quality fancy wood stocks, and now you have a revolver I would be interested in owning and passing on down in the family.
Oh yea, have everyone who ever handled that gun sign off on a numbered certificate included with each gun manufactured.
Shipped in blue cardboard box would do just dandy.

 

[Macinaw]

This Classic Series Model 22 of 1917 is one that I shoot and hope to keep for a long time.

 

[Laketime]

My Classic.

Classic picture

 

[sshakrr]

I bought the 586 classic:

- Everything has been good to go on it so far. I think I paid $765 for the 6 shot. While it would be great to own original runs, you have to search, you have to wait, you have also have to wonder about a used guns true condition and shoot-ability. Did you get a good deal or buy someone's problem.

- Only thing, i would have liked is for it to be a 7 shot as opposed to 6.

My 586 Classic should be released from Buds layaway jail in the next week. I think i caught them in a price war as it was listed
for $667. I couldn't resist, hence the layaway. The 6 shot didn't bother me either.
I have been eyeing the 25 lately and did get to hold one. It was very nice, but $25 shy of msrp. Holding out for a better deal. Saw one for $805 on grabagun, but gotta wait a little bit. I will chime in on the quality of the 586 when it arrives./ Ron