If only five, what would they be

[Fvernic]

17
28
29
60
66

 

[SgtDog0311]

Ok I'll play. Hopefully my wife never sees this and assumes I'm okay with letting the others go . If it HAS to be five and only five (in no particular order):

629-2 4" .44M Mountain Revolver

625-3 (?) 5" .45 ACP Model of 1989

686-4 2.5" .357 (I've since sold the combats, it's wearing VZs)

19-4 4" .357 (sentimental, my 1st S&W revolver). I have since put its original targets back on, need a better picture.

65-5 3" .357

Very nice! Even though I have not climbed above 38/357 I like your choices.

I'd say 'at 70' the big boys don't have the same appeal - but it could have more to do with years of 525gr 45-70 in BPCR. Probably Me just knowing I wouldn't shoot em.

I love the looks of your top two as much as anything I've bought.

 

[SgtDog0311]

3" mod 36 cal .38 spcl sq butt blue
4" mod ? J-frame stainless .22 LR
4" mod 66 cal .357 (got this on a police discount in the late '70s for $150)
2" mod 60? stainless .357 round butt/rubber
6" mod 29 blued

In the mid-80's I had a matched pair of J-frame, stainless 4" sq butt revolvers, w/adjust-sights, one in .22LR and one in .22WMR …and in sadder/slender times sold the magnum…. wish I could find another…anyway… what model would that be?

Would that be a 48?

 

[Chrisj357]

My five (forgive me) would not all be S&W revolvers.
1. 4" 686

2. 4" M19
3. 6.5" 500

4. REM 12ga Super Mag

5. Marlin 1894 .357

 

[SgtDog0311]

Thank You. I'll stick with our local forum. Prices are much better. Just have to be patient!

I'd say you gotta have these food groups represented. I'll list the Blue model number, but it could just as well be the stainless counterpart:
K frame rimfire. Model 17 or 18
K frame in 357 or 38. Model 19 or 10
J frame. Model 36
N frame in 357 magnum. Model 27/28
N frame in 44 magnum. Model 29.

I'd say once you have a variant of these, you can enjoy a wide range of shooting experiences. From there, you'd probably want a 586. And from there, you can start broadening into different calibers, barrel lengths and finishes.

But it's a highly personal thing. Some guys would say you gotta have different eras represented, for example. You can't argue with that.

For me, I think a 4" K frame is indispensable from any collection. If I could only have one, I think it would be my model 66. It's the one that does the most things well.

One last thing… pleased to say I think I covered your advice pretty well. Didn't go to .44 or Model 27 or 29 but got two N Frames with the 28, an L Frame, host of Ks that covered your own top three, a couple J and even 2 I Frames.

Also, I see now that was a lie about local forums and a 66. Not gonna happen and if it did, price wouldn't be lower either.

Thanks for tour input.

 

[SmithNut]

"If only five...."

Sorry this does not compute......

.............SmithNut

 

[cp1969]

M15
M18
M29
M586

Can't think of a 5th. Don't want to go above .44 Mag.

 

[SgtDog0311]

M15
M18
M29
M586

Can't think of a 5th. Don't want to go above .44 Mag.

Happy to say I have three of your four.

 

[Okie Red]

Only five is a tough choice. If I was only limited to keep five they would be;
5" 38/44 Heavy Duty, 1932
5" 27, 1966 with a set of cokes
3 1/2" 27, 1975
4" 520 NYSP, 1980
4" 67, 1975
Then there are several runner-ups that would to let go of.