Help with collecting K Frame .38 SPL & .357s

[diegobxr]

Hi everybody,

I'm here to ask your help on something that many of you may have experienced at some point or another.

I want to start a S&W revolver collection. A realistic one. I cannot own every model, dash and configuration. Attempting to do so would be an exercise in frustration.

After much thinking, I figured out I need some order and guidelines to start. A way to narrow it down and give purpose to my future purchases. There are just too many models and variations to just "wing it".

With that in mind, I decided I'll start this path with:

* K frames
* .38 Special and .357 Magnum

I've comprised a list of all K Frame .38s and .357s. Is it complete? Am I missing some models?

Of course I cannot acquire al dashes and all barrel configurations, one dash and barrel length per model is my initial goal.

So, let's say I wanted to start with just K Frame .357 Magnums.
That would be:
- M13
- M65
- M19
- M66

Right?

(I reckon that for many of you, this minuscule "collection" is probably laughable, ridiculous maybe).

But anyway... I'm pretty excited about starting. I currently own a Model 10 and a Model 65, and I have my eye on a nice Model 19.

So.. What do you think?
Any tips or advice you're willing to share?
I look forward to any comments you may have. Thank you in advance!

Diego

 

[A.J.R.]

So.. What do you think?
Any tips or advice you're willing to share?
I look forward to any comments you may have. Thank you in advance!

Diego

Worthwhile goal, though I feel sorry for your bank account.

I have two Model 19s a Model 66 and a Model 10 and they are great revolvers. I really want more because they are such great shooters.

 

[Breakaway500]

Collect with your head and your heart.If you envision some day of getting filthy rich selling off your "collection" you may be very disappointed. However,if you cherish what you collect..you will have a fortune for life.

 

[dcopper]

Hello from Arkansas! Everyone has to start somewhere. No collection is too small, and certainly not ridiculous. You already own two of S&Ws work horses. Everything you need, and nothing else. is your 65 and 10 4in or 3in. You will want a 65 3inch, and a 13 3inch and 4inch. Welcome to the slippery slope. This forum is full of enablers such as I!!!!

Regards
dcopper
aka Larry

 

[StakeOut]

About 3000 Model 10-6 were made in .357 Magnum.About 1,200 were for the New York State Police

 

[diegobxr]

Thanks for the responses so far, it's nice being around people who "understand".

is your 65 and 10 4in or 3in. You will want a 65 3inch, and a 13 3inch and 4inch. Welcome to the slippery slope.

4 inch 10-7 (1988) - Tapered barrel, Square butt
3 inch 65-5 (1988)

About 3000 Model 10-6 were made in .357 Magnum.About 1,200 were for the New York State Police

Good point! Those are the "Pre Model 13's"... that's a tough one to get!

 

[cold blue steel]

Ahh yes. I too am in the same boat, I however started by collecting blue guns first. Like you, not every barrel, stock difference, etc. just a nice piece of each one. In the past little bit. Lol. I have accumulated a 10-6 bull barrel 4". 13-3 3" round butt, 15-3 4", 19-4 4", 17-3 6", 48-7 6", 586-8 4". Some years ago came across a 36-9? I think. Snub, and a 29-5 classic 8 3/8". I'm DONE! For awhile. The last of the blues for me I hope someday to have are sisters...27-2 and 29-2. Both 6". THEN. I have a small list of S.S. ones later on. I've found most of the fun is finding these beautiful pieces. Also to note one thing I've learned, PINNED AND RECESSED doesn't nessessarilly mean a -2 or less. For instance a 10-6 is pinned, yet a 13-3 is not P,R. But a 19-4 is P,R. I never would have thought this much fun would take so much homework. Lol. Good luck, once you pop you can't stop.

 

[Targets Guy]

You have a good plan. I would offer that you add a Victory and/or a BSR .38/200 to your collection.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

If you have not prioritized in terms of what you want first.

Then just keep your eyes out for deals. They do not show up every day, but they do turn up. And they generally do not last long when they do. So you really need to make the rounds and keep your eyes open.

 

[H Richard]

K Frame 38 Special's started with the Model of 1899. Then went through various changes over the next 118 years. Just "limiting" yourself to the K 38/357 would bankrupt me.

 

[Tyrod]

It'll warp your mind, curve your spine and keep the allies from winning the war.

 

[jmace57]

A Model 14, 15 and 64 as well.

 

[VNK971]

When I got back into shooting I had a couple specific models I wanted because I had possessed them in the 80s, but let them go. They were models 14 and 17. I got the 17 last month and the 14 is coming next week. While looking for them I've picked up three 10s, two .32 S&Ws, a 64, three M&P 1905s, and a 15. I will say except for the 17 and two .32s, they've all been .38 specials, and most over 50 years old. I can't help myself.

Good luck.

 

[Willyboy]

S&W collection

I might suggest collecting for different calibers, which means moving up to some N frames. Then you might have .41, .44, and 45 acp/ar/LC.
The different calibers provide some variety, rather than having several
revolvers in the same caliber. Just my opinion. Willyboy

 

[TNZ71]

Once you get started there's no turning back. I wouldn't limit my self. I have been looking for a nice Model 15 for over a year now. In the interim I've found several other nice ones that have followed me home. K, L and J frames. If I never find that nice Model 15 I'll still have the nice 10, 13, 19 and 66 et al I've found in the mean time.

 

[old bear]

Diego, It' always to have a set goal in mind to work toward. I think you've got a good start on knowing what you want to look for. Don't forget to add a K-38/Model 14 to your hot list. These are the 6" K frame factory target revolvers.

Good luck in starting your collection.

 

[MetalMan]

Maybe this link will help you in your search....

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/guide-sw-38-357-revolvers/

 

[31FordA]

Every collection starts with one gun, then you build from there. My initial focus was simply on getting the S&W revolvers I had wanted as a kid. At this point, after over 20 years of buying, I have pretty much accomplished that goal. My new focus is on matching blue and stainless guns. I have a 36ND/60ND pair, actively looking for stainless matches for my 13-3 3" and 19-3 2.5". If I run across a Model 68 I'll have to buy it, then I'll have at least one of each model of stainless K frame .38/.357 revolver. I'm confident I'll never run out of guns to look for.

 

[SFIDEC]

586 Full Lug

Very fond of Model 586 personally. Had a Colt Python but S&W 586's outperforms...in my opinion. Attached picture is not one of mine but the 4" version shoots as well as 6" and the full under-lug appeals to me along with great balance. Currently have around 30 S&W revolvers and the nickel 586 is my favorite. If looking to collect for return on investment, go with rarity, quality, or both. If collecting for yourself, go with what trips your trigger.
The thrill is in the hunt. If possible, be patient and good stuff will happen. With today's technology, I have a few individuals at pawn shops that know what I'm looking for and will send pictures to my cell phone and negotiable pricing. WARNING: Bullets and Steel can be addictive. Enjoy & Good Luck!!!

 

[bananaman]

If you intend on shooting a lot of magnum loads, a L frame may be right for you! Bob