Collecting: The 12 most influential S&W firearms

[Rex Goliath]

Have any of the Forum members collected any or all of the following S&W firearms manufactured over the past 150 years?
1. Model 1 (1857)
2. Model 3 American (1870)
3. .38 & .32 Double-Action (1880)
4. .38 Hand Ejector (1899)
5. .44 Hand Ejector First Model (1908)
6. .22/32 Target Model (1911)
7. .357 Magnum (1935)
8. .38 Chiefs Special (1950)
9. .357 Combat Magnum (1955)
10. .44 Magnum (1956)
11. Double Action 9mm Pistol (1956)
12. Model 60 Chiefs Special Stainless (1965)
Source Attribution - Smith & Wesson's 12 Most Important Guns


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[Waywatcher]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

 

[zzzippper]

Do we have to have the exact year of release?

 

[grif684]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

I would say probably the most influential on the list, as it's continued development turned into one of the most popular family of law enforcement sidearms for nearly three decades, and hands down the most popular U.S. made semi auto family of pistols to be carried by law enforcement, up to the recent plastic pistol craze. "Copy" seems a bit strong, but influential, definately.

 

[shouldazagged]

I would have liked to see the Model 10 there, but certainly agree with the M60 and the Chief's.

 

[acco40]

.38 HE Model of 1899

I would have liked to see the Model 10 there, but certainly agree with the M60 and the Chief's.

No. 4 I believe is the precursor to the Model 10.

 

[Bekeart]

6. .22/32 Target Model (1911)

My choice for collecting.

Turned 22LR into a serious target caliber.

Bekeart

 

[Grayfox]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

It was quite influential. It was the first DA 9mm to be made by a major American manufactuer AND the first DA 9mm to be adopted by a major LE agency. The Model 39 lead the way to what became the Wonder Nine era.
I have one and its still my favorite DA 9mm.

 

[shouldazagged]

No. 4 I believe is the precursor to the Model 10.

It was, but the 10 perfected the fixed-sight design to a degree that it led to many millions sold and used, and untold numbers of copies made in several countries.

Just the opinion of a huge fan of this classic, but I see your point.

 

[fungunnin]

It was, but the 10 perfected the fixed-sight design to a degree that it led to many millions sold and used, and untold numbers of copies made in several countries.

Just the opinion of a huge fan of this classic, but I see your point.

By the time it was called the Model 10 it was outdated and had served its purpose. The Model of 1905 .... Now that is a different story.

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[Cyrano]

The only one I have is a 'pre model 39'. Great pistol and historically important. I have a 357 but it's a 27-2, a little late in the 357 history. I think the Model 41 is also significant; the premier target pistol produced in the US.

 

[shouldazagged]

By the time it was called the Model 10 it was outdated and had served its purpose. The Model of 1905 .... Now that is a different story.

Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.

Then why have something like ten million M10's been sold? And why are so many in use, and still selling, to this day?

Just asking. I'll grant you, it's very rarely seen in LEOs' holsters, if that's what you mean by "out of date".

 

[Rex Goliath]

Nice to see some debate.

Regarding #11 (M-39 9mm DA semi auto) worthwhile reading in SCSW. If you own a steel framed M39 made c. mid-1950's but not assembled nor sold... wait for it, wait for it... until c. 1966; you'd have 1 of 927 made! But wait, there's more. The alloy framed M39's were reportedly released for sale before the steel frames?

A buddy had a Browning (modern, not a FN) Hi-Power which we shot regularly.

My agency issued M39's in 1971 or '72. Many returning Vietnam vets and we trained civilian/LE combat course. A very reliable, very durable, well balanced and comfortable to carry.

I prefer the Hi-Power for capacity and their scarce target pistols for the intended duty.

The M39 has my vote for the aforementioned stated reasons.


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[Rex Goliath]

Do we have to have the exact year of release?

Triple Z, certainly okay by me. S&W made many engineering (dash model) changes. Most (not all) were improvements. Frankly, I like gas ring on cylinder because...I'm the one who has to clean it. However, there have also been changes in ammo, mostly improvements.


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[A10]

I would add the 38/44. It was the first recognition of the need for a high performance law enforcement round, and the father of the .357.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

#8 The Chief's Special? isn't that the latter issue of the I-frame Terrier, which was in 38 S&W? Ivan

 

[gjamison]

The 38/44 heavy duty & outdoorsmen as well as the k22 outdoorsmen should be on this list.

 

[mg357]

the Model 617 .22 caliber revolver should be on the list after all that S&W Model is a

10! Shot .22 revolver.

 

[ditrina]

Number 7... Shipped in 1935

Now living in the great white north..

 

[Rex Goliath]

Number 7... Shipped in 1935
Now living in the great white north..

Thank you for posting the eye candy ditrina. That is a very very nice example. Kudos


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[Rex Goliath]

#8 The Chief's Special? isn't that the latter issue of the I-frame Terrier, which was in 38 S&W? Ivan

I do not know, but worth looking into Ivan. From my perspective, #12... not so much the M60 gun itself, but the stainless steel... that made gunmetal history.


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[Rex Goliath]

I completely disagree with number 11; it was not important or influential, it was copying european DA 9s. It just really strikes me as the oddball on the list.

It is my understanding that Europe had its share of revolvers but discarded the revolver platform in favor of semi-autos. America still had a big piece of territory to tame. What is troubling about the article is the handgun timeline of innovation abruptly stops.


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[MNHardy]

Model 3 44 AMERICAN

I recently was able to purchase a 1872 S&W documented Model 3 in 44 AMERICAN with a four digit sn. are there any other ares in this forum that discusss this classic pistol. I am new to the forum thing, hope this is a good place to start. MNHardy

 

[JP@AK]

I recently was able to purchase a 1872 S&W documented Model 3 in 44 AMERICAN with a four digit sn. are there any other ares in this forum that discusss this classic pistol. I am new to the forum thing, hope this is a good place to start. MNHardy

Yes. The S&W Antiques category.

 

[JP@AK]

#8 The Chief's Special? isn't that the latter issue of the I-frame Terrier, which was in 38 S&W? Ivan

In one sense, yes, but technically, no.
The CS was the S&W response to the growing popularity of Colt's Detective Special with its .38 Special chambering. The Terrier was all S&W had to compete with it in that niche and it was chambered for the .38 S&W cartridge which was thought to be an underpowered round for LE purposes. The CS is significant because it introduced the J frame - a frame of roughly I frame proportions, but with a larger frame window to accommodate the necessary longer cylinder. Eventually, all I frame models were moved to the newer frame dimensions, a shift that was not completed until the early 1960s. So the CS needs to be on the list as the introductory model for the abidingly popular J frame.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[Art Doc]

I made my list before looking at the thread. I included only revolvers.

1. Number 1 (started it all)
2. Model of 1899 (1st hand ejector) Or was it the 1896? Whichever.
3. Military & Police 38 (sets the standard)
4. Triple Lock (1st N frame large caliber)
5. 38/44 Heavy Duty (response to police calls for more powerful revolver)
6. The 357 Magnum (no need to explain)
7. Victory Model (S&W goes to war in a big way)
8. Chief's Special (the quintessential police and civilian carry revolver)
9. The 4" Model 15 (the quintessential police service revolver)
10. The Combat Magnum (357 power in a lighter package)
11. The 44 Magnum (you know, the world's most powerful handgun)
12. The Model 60 (1st stainless revolver)

Edit: I see I was in agreement with 8 of the guns on the first list. A case could be made for the #3 44 Russian. As could the 22 Outdoorsman.

As for the significance of the M39, it was the first American made 9mm DA auto and was the first DA auto (and really, the first semi auto pistol of all types) to be widely accepted for police use in this country. Very significant IMO but I am sticking with revolvers on my list.

 

[wordsmith]

Have agressively collected most all on this list, in as many variations as I could find along the way ----- and owned / bought / sold more than I can begin to count ----

Still have great examples of #'s 1 thru 5, 7 and 11.

S&W has been bery-bery good to me.....

David

Have any of the Forum members collected any or all of the following S&W firearms manufactured over the past 150 years?
1. Model 1 (1857)
2. Model 3 American (1870)
3. .38 & .32 Double-Action (1880)
4. .38 Hand Ejector (1899)
5. .44 Hand Ejector First Model (1908)
6. .22/32 Target Model (1911)
7. .357 Magnum (1935)
8. .38 Chiefs Special (1950)
9. .357 Combat Magnum (1955)
10. .44 Magnum (1956)
11. Double Action 9mm Pistol (1956)
12. Model 60 Chiefs Special Stainless (1965)
Source Attribution - Smith & Wesson's 12 Most Important Guns


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[Rex Goliath]

I recently was able to purchase a 1872 S&W documented Model 3 in 44 AMERICAN with a four digit sn. are there any other ares in this forum that discusss this classic pistol. I am new to the forum thing, hope this is a good place to start. MNHardy

We are holding our breath for a picture


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[JP@AK]

SP
Overall, I like your list (I also like the OP's list, actually a bit better).
I have a couple questions and comments for you:

2. Model of 1899 (1st hand ejector) Or was it the 1896?
Yes, it would be the 1896 that was the first HE, built on the proto-I frame. Beat the K frame version by approximately three years.

3. Military & Police 38 (sets the standard)
By this do you mean the 1905 improved version of the 1899? The first of the 5 screw guns? Otherwise, I'm failing to see the distinction between #2 and #3.

7. Victory Model (S&W goes to war in a big way)
Since this is just a variant of the M&P, I guess you are including it because of the wartime effort. Not sure I fully agree, but I certainly acknowledge the point - which might carry the day in terms of significance.

9. The 4" Model 15 (the quintessential police service revolver)
I'm going to assume here that you really mean the Combat Masterpiece, starting in c. 1950, and not actually the Model 15. Correct?

As for the significance of the M39, it was the first American made 9mm DA auto and was the first DA auto (and really, the first semi auto pistol of all types) to be widely accepted for police use in this country.

Well, I generally agree with the tone of this - I think the Model 39 and its early no-model brother is a highly significant gun in S&W history and should not be left out of a list that is not exclusively focused on revolvers.

 

[Rex Goliath]

Have agressively collected most all on this list, in as many variations as I could find along the way ----- and owned / bought / sold more than I can begin to count ----
Still have great examples of #'s 1 thru 5, 7 and 11.
S&W has been bery-bery good to me.....
David

That's nice. Ratio of 7:12. Well done wordsmith! A pic of ditrina's #7 is in this thread should you wish to enter yours in a beauty contest


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