If only five, what would they be

[SgtDog0311]

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.

I have not seen a 66 in the local gun forum classified section where guns are reasonable, but I'll be watching. I see the 66 mostly in the high $800 on line. Does the Combat Magnum command big premium? Found 66-1 4" supposed to be unfired in box. But it is $1500. Several with more use around $1200-$1300. And of course several for less with even more wear and newer vintage.

 

[dobegrant]

6" K22, 4" 686, 6" 57, 4" 25-9, 6 1/2" 629

 

[38 Specialist]

I have not seen a 66 in the local gun forum classified section where guns are reasonable, but I'll be watching. I see the 66 mostly in the high $800 on line. Does the Combat Magnum command big premium? Found 66-1 4" supposed to be unfired in box. But it is $1500. Several with more use around $1200-$1300. And of course several for less with even more wear and newer vintage.

I see them for the mid $700s in my LGSs frequently. "Combat magnum" is S&W marketing terminolgy for the 19/66 (i think there are other models that get called this, too?). It's not an upgrade or anything special as far as I know.

 

[Plinkasaurusrex]

I'm surprised no one mentioned we models 24 and 624. Especially the 3 inches models.

 

[SgtDog0311]

I'm surprised no one mentioned we models 24 and 624. Especially the 3 inches models.

I'm sure they did. I just put all responces in a spreadsheet list then counted the times referenced to come up with the Top Five mentions. Took me a long time

 

[SgtDog0311]

I see them for the mid $700s in my LGSs frequently. "Combat magnum" is S&W marketing terminolgy for the 19/66 (i think there are other models that get called this, too?). It's not an upgrade or anything special as far as I know.

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

 

[ColumbusJBR]

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

 

[ColumbusJBR]

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

It's just a fun exercise to blow time on the internet with fellow enthusiasts

 

[Born2saw]

I wish i had more!
Currently.
M&P 38 special model of 1905 4th change 5 1/2 target
1960s 10-5 4" (everyone should have a Model 10 of some kind)
1948 K22 8" that looks like crap but shoots light out
586-8 just because its so pretty! And shoots well

I need to find an old J frame to add to my collection.

Also will not part with my 1968 vintage Colt Trooper 357
And my 3" Ruger SP101 in .357 is my current truck gun.

ETA: Have been on the hunt for a 44 mag. Would like a blued 4" but looking for something cheap (aren't we all!)

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

It's just a fun exercise to blow time on the internet with fellow enthusiasts

Waste of bandwith........What if???..........You could post anything after that.........I find the post silly.

 

[poledorus]

.38 Spec 38/44 Outdoorsman (pre-war)
.45 LC New Century Triple Lock
.38 Spec 1905 M&P Chg 2
.44 Mag 29-2
.357 686 (no dash)

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Five won't cut it. I tried. S&Ws grow on a collector. Some of us change what we collect as we go along, and we sometimes see something we may have never thought about we can't put down. There are too many nice ones that just come along. Sometimes we may give one we really like away(sell at a good price) just to help another with their collection, and sometimes we need money for another project. I know at least I have let some favorites go to where we think they need to be. Others have helped me to find something I was looking for at the time.
It might depend on the situation. Good luck with all your searches.

 

[eb07]

1. 29-2 4"
2. 19-5 4"
3. 442-1 1.75"
4. 19-5 2.5"
5. 586-1 6"

In order of last to give up All owned. All users. I 'm happy

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Hmm, hard decisions, but from current inventory it would be:

my two Combat Masterpiece guns, a .22 and a .38
4" model 66
5" model 27
6.5" model 29

Can I have six? Really would like to include my pre-model no. K-22...

 

[scott1970]

Model 58
Model 58
Model 58
Model 58
Model 520 from 1980

 

[steelslaver]

4" k22, W 22 mag cylinder

4'' K frame Smolt 357,

2'' J frame 32 mag

5" 25-5 in 45 colt,

2 1/2" 325 NG

 

[marlin58]

All 29-2's in every barrel length 4, 6, 6.5, 8 and 10. I have (2) 6.5's & had a 4 but stupidly sold it years, ago

 

[cowboy94916]

M-617 4"
M-66 4"
M-624 4"
M-629 Mountain 4"
M-625 45 acp Mountain 4"

Not sure i could force myself to do it, but this is a what if, so there you have it.

 

[SgtDog0311]

Waste of bandwidth somebody said

Well, you were all very helpful to me. I did cursory and often deeper research on many you spoke of.

Interesting thing is - there were very few posts that don't contain at least one Model I eventually splurged on. Some had four. And I cheated. I gave you five but I gave myself 15. As you can see I tripled and quadrupled-down on the Model 15s and the .22s.

Thought you 'good sports' might be interested in what my summer managed and what I did just prior, during and after your input. That is, beyond those I already had pictured in my original post. Sorry, nothing bigger than the Model 28. So here they are:

• .38 S&W Perfected Top-Break (1909-20)
• S&W Model 15-3 with 4" barrel (1975)
• S&W Model 15-3 Target trigger & Hammer (1973)
• S&W Model 34-1 (1983)
• S&W Model 10-8 with 4" (1979)
• S&W Model 1953 22/32 Target, Boxed (1956)
• S&W Model 36, 3" (1976)
• S&W Model 18 no dash (1958)
• S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman 4" (1975-1977)
• S&W Model 18-4, 22 LR 4" 3Ts (1977)
• S&W K-22 Combat Masterpiece Pre-Model 18, 4". Boxed 5-Screw (1953)
• S&W Model 15-3, 4" Boxed (1975)
• S&W, Model 18-3, Boxed (1975)
• S&W Model 19-3, 2 1/2" Nickel (1977)
• Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 10 (1948-51)

 

[SgtDog0311]

I'm certain I had this and the next ine when I started this post.

.38 S&W Perfected Top-Break (1909-20)
Pretty rough but unique enough to warrant the cost.