If only five, what would they be

[lppd4]

For me I would go with a
60
19-3 4”
686 no dash M stamp 4”
586 no dash M stamp 6”
29-2 blue 6.5”

Oh and I already have these 5

 

[NavyVet24]

Background: I own just a handful of S&W revolvers. Nothing like many of you. Been a long time Vintage Marlin Lever enthusiast and BPCR competitor. But my eyes went south so last four years I turned to handguns some, since I can still shoot for fun.

While I was taking stock of holsters today when I took this picture I got to thinking, if I had collected the four S&W Revolvers I have now with more knowledge, which models would I have considered iconic S&Ws.

I figure I’ll likely pick up a few more before passing my collection on, so your input regarding your top five revolvers might help me fill some holes. Either Rimfire or Centerfire, although I already want a 617 and a 63.

If I could only keep 5 that I have today: (all 6") 25-2, 14-1, 29-2, 28-2, 17-3. So close I'd hate to part with them: 48-4, 25-5, 27-2 (5"), 19-3 (2.5"), 17-4 (8 3/8").

 

[SgtDog0311]

I would do it by caliber. I think everyone needs a .22LR, a .38 Special, a .44 Special, a .357 Magnum and a .44 Magnum.
I have a K-22 Outdoorsman from 1937, a .38 M&P Target from 1913, a Triple-Lock from 1916, a 1st year .357 Magnum (1935) and a 1st year .44 Magnum (1956).
What do y'all think about that five?

What I like is you have a plan and ‘reason’ behind the selections. My collection of Marlins has three themes. Didn’t start out that way. And the four S&W I have started from two purchased from my dearest friends widow. So no direction at all.

I suppose it may have been a better question to ask if there was any consensus on say, 5 or 10 most iconic revolvers produced by S&W. I’m certain I’ll add a .22 or two, but if I buy another centerfire I don’t want to indulge in a model that is ho-hum.

 

[SgtDog0311]

This is a tough one...if just considering the S&W revolvers that are currently in my modest collection:

.357 Magnum (6-1/2"), 1955
4-screw .44 Magnum (6-1/2"), 1957-1958
First year 4" Highway Patrolman, 1954
1973 Texas Ranger Commemorative set (Model 19-3)
Model 27-2, 3-1/2"

Honorable mention: .44HE W&K (4" nickel, 1927); 2" Model 15-2 (1962/1964); 4" nickel Model 57 (1981)

You HP is from my birth-year. Finding one of those would have been something. I could only narrow my SN to 72-74. 72 would bridge High School to Marine Corps, so I’ll pretend its a 72

 

[SgtDog0311]

You guys gave me plenty to research. Appreciate your playing along with a S&W tenderfoot.

 

[petepeterson]

My 5 would be:

4" Model 18
4" Model 19
6" Model 29
3" Model 13 Round butt
442

 

[WildBillWJW]

Two of my five would be a big bore combination, double and single action, 45 Colt or 44 mag/spc. Since my favorites are 45 colts then I would go with this pair of mine:


Both shooters…625 MG and Colt SAA nickel and ivory.

 

[WildBillWJW]

Then I would definitely want a pair of 357’s. Possibly single and double action, or just large and compact. Definitely one of my snub S&W’s 19 or 66. And then either my 5” model 27



Or my rare short barreled Colt New Frontier in 357 and rams horn.

 

[WildBillWJW]

Then a 22 LR in either double or single action. Maybe a kit gun or K22, of which I have neither. Or even a full size single action, sorry.
DB

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Siily post...........This question pops up on must gun forums........Why 5-----Why 11---Or 17---or 4--- or 31...........NOT GONNA HAPPEN OP.

 

[65Whelen]

Had no plan to collect S&W revolvers but here's what I have at the moment. Not a bad representation of S&W, I'm pleased with them.

29 ND 4-Screw, 44 Mag. (1960)
610 ND 5", 10mm (1990)
Pre-Model 17 5-Screw, 22LR (Birth year gun, 1952)
629-4 5" 44 Mag. (1997)
10-8 4" 38 Special (1977)

 

[NVSWfan]

1917 5"
38/44 transitional 4"
17-4 6"
625-4 5"
24-3 6-1/2"

 

[Model29-26.5]

Siily post...........This question pops up on must gun forums........Why 5-----Why 11---Or 17---or 4--- or 31...........NOT GONNA HAPPEN OP.

Because 5 narrows it down. It’s “Top 5” as opposed to “Top 10”
It’s a question asked about a lot things… vacation spots, guitar players, all time heavyweight champs… etc.
But you are correct.. it doesn’t really matter and it’s not really relevant to anything except knowing someone’s faves.

 

[Shotguncoach]

Oh these are fun....I'll play.

If I had to choose only 5 revolvers from my current collection to keep, it would be:

3 1/2" Model 1950 Target
4" Model 1950 Target
5" Model 1950 Target
6 1/2" Model 1950 Target
4" Model 18-2

If I was advising a new Smith shooter who was looking to start an accumulation that would be practical and fun, it would be:

3" Model 13 or 65
4" Model 15 or 67
6" Model 17
6" Model 28-2
6" Model 29 later than a -3 and before the lock

If I was advising a new Smith collector who was looking to start a collection that would be interesting and hold value, it would be:

Registered Magnum
K-32
1950 Target
Pre-29 5-screw
Triple Lock

 

[old tanker]

Favorite five? By caliber? Frame size? Ones I just like to shoot the most? Maybe start with the two I am most likely to carry?

Model 1076.

Model 640-1.

Model 17-3.

#3 in .44 Russian.

Hand Ejector in .32-20.

 

[RMS272829]

17
27
28
29
686
all with 6"=/- barrels

BTW, I have these.

 

[SgtDog0311]

Siily post...........This question pops up on must gun forums........Why 5-----Why 11---Or 17---or 4--- or 31...........NOT GONNA HAPPEN OP.

You made me chuckle. I’ve been around so I know you are right.

Funny story. I swore to a good friend “I just bought my last long gun”! And I meant it. The next day when I drove two hours to pick it up, I bought that one And got captured by another. My only engraved lever. I didn't even last 24 hours!

But I’m 70 and reasonably sure I won’t add too many more to my four S&W. If I do they’ll be special. This thread will come haunt me it not.

I spend considerable time on Marlins along three themes
*.22 Levers
*Ballards
*Vintage centerfire levers

I got what I wanted from what everyone offered. And appreciate every one of the posts!

 

[SgtDog0311]

Oh these are fun....I'll play.

If I had to choose only 5 revolvers from my current collection to keep, it would be:

3 1/2" Model 1950 Target
4" Model 1950 Target
5" Model 1950 Target
6 1/2" Model 1950 Target
4" Model 18-2

If I was advising a new Smith shooter who was looking to start an accumulation that would be practical and fun, it would be:

3" Model 13 or 65
4" Model 15 or 67
6" Model 17
6" Model 28-2
6" Model 29 later than a -3 and before the lock

If I was advising a new Smith collector who was looking to start a collection that would be interesting and hold value, it would be:

Registered Magnum
K-32
1950 Target
Pre-29 5-screw
Triple Lock

Great input! Thanks!

 

[SgtDog0311]

Interesting totals once I tabulated results.

Model 29 Variants came in @ 14 mentions.
Model 27 Variants including ‘pre’ @ 14.
Model 19 also including ‘Pre’, 9 mentions.
Model 10, Pre & Post were 9 mentions.
K22 Variants were offered 8 times.

I excluded any non-S&W and hammerless. I likely have an omission here and there as well.

I’ve yet to look at prices for Shotguncoach’s last recommendations.
I like the way he couched that last portion.

I was surprised at the few mentions of 586 and the more numerous mention of the 686. I just sold a Hillary Hole 686. But I like my 586.

I know for sure I want to add a few over time. Especially a S&W in .22. Thanks everyone who offered feedback!

 

[38 Specialist]

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.