Collecting/accumulating 629s 66s 57s 53s 29s 27s 25s 19s 18 17

Joined
Mar 13, 2024
Messages
1,168
Reaction score
2,098
Location
Nashville TN
I had no intention of collecting when this began just over a year ago.
I just wanted a 29-2..
Then while I was at it.. might as well spring for a 19-3 and might as well get a 17 since if I was to shoot much, 22 is dirt cheap ammo.
Discovering the 27 was when it started..
So, it continued. Basically the models from the P and R era with the shrouded cylinder rod.
I guess the 24 hasn’t grabbed me since I can shoot specials in the 29’s.
I have been collecting N frames in 4, 6 or 6.5, and 8” in Blue, Nickel and stainless as manufactured in that era.
I’m getting there.. I’ve set parameters.
Couple of Uberti SAA and maybe one Henry 22 mag and a “Terminator” gun.. Chiappa 1887 mares leg. *No flip cocking!

The question is… how many of you set parameters that were constantly broken before you just gave up?

I have 5 57’s to collect, 2 more 25-5’s and a 25-3 and a pre 29 with cokes as far as S&W go.

At the same time, I’m wanting to learn about reloading and would love to take a crack at refinishing a beater.

Next step after parameters are bent outwards but still retaining strength.. put what I would be spending into dividend yielding or compound interest investment accounts.

Thinking out loud.. and did y’all have this same stuff on your minds as the parameters continued to be stretched?
I am fascinated by this new collector/accumulator mindset to see where you guys went with it..



attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • 3a97d60b-2d3f-4d68-8ac6-8f28dc66da46.jpg
    3a97d60b-2d3f-4d68-8ac6-8f28dc66da46.jpg
    84.8 KB · Views: 342
Register to hide this ad
might as well get a 17 since if I was to shoot much, 22 is dirt cheap ammo.
This made me laugh! :D

When I first stated shooting in the early 1960s, I could buy a box of Winchester/Western .22 LR for 25 cents. It was 30 cents if you wanted hollow points.

In the 1980s, I bought many bricks of .22 LR ammo for $9.95.

What do they cost now? I haven't purchased any for a very long time. I won't live long enough to shoot up what I currently have stashed away.
 
You are well on the road.

Might I suggest that your next step ought to be joining the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association. Doing so will add to your knowledge, help to sharpen your collecting focus, give you access to members-only benefits like shipping dates from Roy Jinks and the numerous model Databases that have been developed, as well as the Journal.

Regards,
Charlie
 
I had my Dad's WW II Luger bring-back and a Ruger Single Six convertible when I got out of the Navy in '75. Decided I'd "collect" three 357's: Python, 686 and GP100 when I got an offshore oil field job. That evolved into a rather eclectic accumulation of various types and calibers over the following 45-50 years (but I'm still trying to quit). Good luck and happy shooting.
Ed
 
LOL! Boy, you really jumped in with both feet last year! It's taken me a lot of years (and a lot of excuses to the wife about why I had to have another gun!) to build up my modest collection. I started out in the late 70s when I had my first real job...like you, I wanted a Model 29 but since they were extremely hard to get I ended up with a brand spankin' new Model 57 instead. No regrets, it was an outstanding revolver (although it was stolen a few years later). I had to take a hiatus for ~15 years as my job moved me around and I had a family to raise, but started dipping my toes back into the water in the early 90s with a couple of rare Winchester rifles. We were "empty nesters" and now had some discretionary funds. The S&W bug bit me again around 2000 when we inherited a minty 2" Model 15-2 that was the EDC for my wife's grandfather (Calif. Chief of Detectives). That led to a string of purchases of N-frame Model 25s, 27s, 28s, 29s, and 57s...along with vintage .44 HEs, 1917, .357 Magnums and .44 Magnums. Also picked up some S&W pistols (1911 and M&Ps), and of course some vintage K-frames and Model 19s. I have slowed down a little in the past 5 years, believing that I had already accumulated all of the firearms that I would ever need or like to have. Well, I guess I was just kidding myself because on occasion I'm still adding to the herd. It is fun, but obviously addictive...and there's no 12-step plan! Enjoy!
 
I was an accumulator! My legal practice took me around much of Pa to meet with client Community hospitals. Every town ,mostly County seats, would have one or two, sometimes more Gun Shops.

Due to weather, school buses, coal or log trucks trips could take longer than expected. So to insure I wouldn't be late I'd add some travel time.
If I was early or after a late day meeting I'd stop in those local Gun Shops....... found many a deal vs prices or availability in the Burgh!

No three day wait her in Pa so; "To cheap to leave behind!" or used guns ANIB often came home with me! Generally, around $400 out the door would be the norm in the 80s/90s. S&W, Beretta and Sig were my main focus.

Knowing the SCS&W was a great help in finding guns like my RM, a Pre 39,a 3" 66 and many like New P&Red K-frame 19/66s. Sock drawer guns were common!
 
Set parameters… my only one: budget. No credit card debt for gun purchases.

Yes, that was me. :) Like most young fellows, I had responsibilities that required me to devote much of my time, money, and energies to family life. When my expenditures became more discretionary I acquired weapons that had always interested me but hadn’t the funds to purchase at the time.

I’ve always liked modern S&W revolvers and Colt 1911 automatics. I couldn't really afford to deal with both interests so I acquired more revolvers.

I looked at my acquisitions as opportunities to learn, rather than building a collection. Of course the two are related, but my intent was decidedly learning about the use rather than collecting. It sounds like you’re taking a similar approach, since the weapons you list don’t appear to be pointing you in a specific direction.
 
I really like big bore N frames. 29's and 57's. Only thing slowing Me down is budget and age. Almost 80 and no one to pass them down to. Going to start selling some and looking at gun club friends to gift the others.
 
I had no intention of collecting when this began just over a year ago.
I just wanted a 29-2..
Then while I was at it.. might as well spring for a 19-3 and might as well get a 17 since if I was to shoot much, 22 is dirt cheap ammo.
Discovering the 27 was when it started..
So, it continued. Basically the models from the P and R era with the shrouded cylinder rod.
I guess the 24 hasn’t grabbed me since I can shoot specials in the 29’s.
I have been collecting N frames in 4, 6 or 6.5, and 8” in Blue, Nickel and stainless as manufactured in that era.
I’m getting there.. I’ve set parameters.
Couple of Uberti SAA and maybe one Henry 22 mag and a “Terminator” gun.. Chiappa 1887 mares leg. *No flip cocking!

The question is… how many of you set parameters that were constantly broken before you just gave up?

I have 5 57’s to collect, 2 more 25-5’s and a 25-3 and a pre 29 with cokes as far as S&W go.

At the same time, I’m wanting to learn about reloading and would love to take a crack at refinishing a beater.

Next step after parameters are bent outwards but still retaining strength.. put what I would be spending into dividend yielding or compound interest investment accounts.

Thinking out loud.. and did y’all have this same stuff on your minds as the parameters continued to be stretched?
I am fascinated by this new collector/accumulator mindset to see where you guys went with it..

I can hardly believe how fast you've worked to build the collection you have. It certainly takes disposable income that I don't have, or I'd probably be about where you are with my own collection.

I never really wanted more than one example each of the K and N frame magnum models and I had to decide for money's sake to limit my search to 1960's and 70's guns. I'd love to have some "pre" models and some post-war models but the prices generally make them untenable for the condition I want them. I still don't have a "complete" group of the era I search, I still need a M13 and a M65, but I did find my Grail M520, so I suppose I'm happy. I'm also of the age where I figure I'll be shooting less and prepping my collection to be passed on at some point.
 
Well, I never really had a well thought out plan. I just bought what I liked. I know there is heat to be taken for this comment, but I really do not need any more. Actually, I wanted to downsize so I took about 10 very nice assorted examples to # 2 son, and a few to # 1 son.

I would like a 24-3 Lew Horton 44 spl, but I will not pay the money. Also a M65-1. So I have not gotten a revolver in a while now.

But all this applied common sense and logic is for nothing. I started on 1911's. I need to get done with these!! I still keep eying an Ed Brown model that I like. Got to come to my senses. I have 5 1911's. 2 of which are Dan Wesson's, and they don't give them away.:eek:

Of course OP, you have not mentioned knives. There is another whole sickness for which there in no vaccination. I mean really, how can you post a pic in a gun/knife thread without some good blades?.

There is plenty of horizon out there beyond handguns. Don't forget an assortment of rifles, and shotguns to shoot trap and skeet. Now we are talking REAL money and sickness.

However, rest assures that there is a plethora of people on this forum that will help you spend your money as you journey into new areas to be conquered
 
I became interested in S&W’s in the early 1970’s since a friend worked for S&W and was an avid shooter. My parameters seemed to follow acquiring model numbers/barrel lengths. I also loved the stainless models and tried to acquire the SS counterparts to the blue models I had, not easy in the 70’s, police departments got them first. I never favored Nickel finish guns when I was young for some reason but as I aged I began to appreciate their beauty and now own several.

Oh, and then there are engraved guns too, Blue,Nickel, Stainless. Beautiful stocks, etc.

Sorry for the encouragement, Enjoy your collecting.
 
Back
Top