Collecting bug?

[E&J]

Hello,
Relatively new here. I bought my first revolver just over a year ago. I found a nice model 27-2 (triple T) for $500 on Armslist. The seller just didn't know what he had. Since then I've joined this forum, and began looking for a companion piece like a model 28 or a nice 66. I'm also seeing model 65's and 19's but I don't know what the difference's are. Not just the specifications, but what the values are. What models are most sought after? What's a great buy?
I think what I need is a recommendation for a good book to educate myself on. Not a 'Gun Value' book but one man's story of the history of Smith &Wesson pistols/models/rarities, etc.
I've also added a 10-5 to the collection, pinned & recessed just like my 27. I'm not necessarily looking to add anything newer than these to my collection, so the older models are definitely drawing my interest.
Many thanks,
Larry

 

[Retired W4]

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. BTW your 10-5 would not be recessed. That only happened with magnum calibers and .22's. Happy hunting.

 

[E&J]

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. BTW your 10-5 would not be recessed. That only happened with magnum calibers and .22's. Happy hunting.

Dang, you are correct! It's not recessed. See what I mean? I need to have a map to lay all this out!

 

[Retired W4]

Welcome to the world of S&W collecting.

 

[teesur]

Hello E&J,
Retired W4 gave you some excellent advice. The "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson", 3rd edition, by Supica and Nahas is an invaluable reference. For about twenty five bucks or so. you can get a color illustrated, hard bound, 431 page high quality tome containing just about everything you'll ever need to know about Smith and Wesson.
Highly recommended.
teesur.

 

[BigBill]

The s&w k22 masterpiece in 22lr started it all for me. The the bug I had forever was to get a revolver in 41magnum. Then the s&w "N" frame flu got me. It's never going to let go, never as long as s&w offers n frame revolvers.

On the eight day it's said God created the hemi is that's true on the 9th day God created the s&w n frame revolver.

 

[arjay]

I was content with my modern 629,then I joined this forum and bought that book....

 

[E&J]

I was content with my modern 629,then I joined this forum and bought that book....

That's what I'm afraid of.
Which is better? Admiring (and shooting) a newly acquired S&W, or researching the history or the gun?

Easy answer: both.

 

[SweetMK]

I don't need no stinkin' book, just one rule:

"Only buy silver or blue"

Is it too late to ask my wife to get the book for me for Christmas?

 

[E&J]

Nice collection. I'm guessing your looking for a 5"?

Interesting story (maybe):
When I went to buy my M27 the seller insisted it was a 5". He was asking $600. I immediately jumped in my truck and drove 1 hour to meet him. When I saw it was a 6" I feigned my disappointment and offered him $500, which he accepted. Is that so wrong?

It looks like I need to buy by myself a Christmas present (the book). Don't worry, my birthday is not too far off. Maybe I can get lucky again.

 

[BCDWYO]

Hello E&J,
Retired W4 gave you some excellent advice. The "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson", 3rd edition, by Supica and Nahas is an invaluable reference. For about twenty five bucks or so. you can get a color illustrated, hard bound, 431 page high quality tome containing just about everything you'll ever need to know about Smith and Wesson.
Highly recommended.
teesur.

This is good advise, but although the book may only cost you $25 or so initially, if you are like the rest of us (and it sounds like you are), it will end up costing you SIGNIFICANTLY more than that in the long run! But you'll enjoy every penny!

 

[model70hunter]

I have had the bug all my life. Pre 64 Win Model 70's and Model 12's, Parker Shotguns, AH Fox Shotguns and assorted stuff, some Rugers and High Standard 22 Autos.

I sold most of my guns, went into remission until I was over a divorce. 1 shotgun an 870 in 20 gauge and a pre 64 Win Super Grade in '06 was all I had for a while.

I swore I'd never collect again. Then I found a few Win pre 64's in Models 70 & 12. Dang I'd better watch it. I am stronger than the bug.

I started replacing some guns I missed. Easy, not collecting, 3 Pythons, a Colt 3-5-7 and some others like some 1911's and what am I doing?

I wanted to replace some of the S&W guns I once had, a 29-2, a 19, a 27 and a K-22 Masterpiece. I bought the Colts a few years before they escalated. I bought a 160 acre farm for retirement and was making payments, tight money with a tractor payment mixed in. To get the S&W's I found I could sell a couple of Pythons and the 3-5-7 for enough to buy lots of Smiths.

Then, like Arjay, I joined this forum to learn, bought the book and uh oh the bug bit hard...

Welcome to the land of the big bug bite. Yehaw, step right up, tip ups, K-frames, 19's, pre 27's, 27's, 44 Magnum, 29's, 629's, those wonderful little 57's, have you yet jumped on a 24?

Iceberg dead ahead, I just gave you a few that makes up it's tip.

Here is the best part, you can and will meet some very nice folks here. And knowledgeable.

 

[kennyb]

I must add as others have...knowledge is power!get the book!you will turn into a wild man...
merry christmas

 

[Bent-Twig]

Your gonna need a understanding wife!

It is a fun and rewarding hobby.

Twig.