If you had $450ish....

[JJEH]

Nick:

Just bought this outfit, 28-2, holster, belt, ammo, cleaning kit, all for $475.00, including tax.

Winner!

Congrats, looking good...

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I suggest either a model 40, 2", blue or a model 640 no dash, 2".

I've become quite a sucker for Centennials. Either of these can still be found for your $450, but it's getting tougher.

 

[les.b]

I can't imagine a better choice than a Model 10. Smith and Wesson is known for making revolvers, and the Model 10 is the one they made the most of. I have a couple of them. Even people that aren't into guns probably think of a revolver when they think of Smith and Wesson...and they probably envision a Model 10 without even knowing it.

I got my girlfriend into shooting, she doesn't like semi's because the slides are hard for her to rack, and the manual of arms is more than she wants to learn right now. I wouldn't want her depending on a semi unless she was totally confident with clearing malfunctions anyway. She LOVES the Model 10...and she shoots it very well. She also shoots and carries a 642, but it's the Model 10 that she loves to shoot. Not too much recoil, not too heavy, and an easy manual of arms. She's not "intimidated" by it like she is with semis or heavy recoil guns. We bought a Pachmayr rubber grip for it...but soon returned to the wooden grips with a grip adapter....it just feels right. I've also taught several people to shoot with the Model 10, including a couple of kids whose hands were small...they loved it too. It's just a great shooting gun.

I love revolvers, even though I probably have more semis than I do revolvers, I just love their simplicity and ease of use. Great for teaching new shooters.

Heavy barrel, pencil barrel, I don't think it matters really...you'll want both eventually anyway. Both of mine are heavy barrel...but I would like to find a pencil barrel in decent shape for a good price.

Many, many years ago, back in the early 90's, I went to police training. For pistol qualifications they would supply the ammo if you shot .38 or 9mm, and if not they would supply a gun... a beat up, ugly, Smith and Wesson Model 10 .38 Special. I only had a .45 and a .32 at the time, so I had to decide to supply my own ammo or shoot one of their old ugly guns. I didn't have much money so I chose to shoot their beat up ugly revolver. I really liked semis at the time...so this was a disappointment to me. One of the guys in my class had gone out and bought a new Glock, .40 cal I think. He had shooting gloves and everything. I think I dropped a round or two on the day qual, I don't remember. On the night qual I shot a perfect score...and with that beat up old gun they let me use. I didn't see the kid with the Glock. When I asked where he was someone told me he was sitting in his car crying... I guess he really took it tough.

Old Model 10's and other old revolvers have been getting the job done for a while.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide on!
Fox

Fox, with all of my guns to choose from, this is the one my girlfriend picked, and which she shoots the best:



Just a plain Jane model 10 2" snub with a Tyler's T grip.

Best Regards, Les

 

[S42N8]

I'm in the M15 camp... didn't call them "Combat Masterpiece" for nothing. An M14 shooter would be good, or a M64 or M65 would do

 

[Fox4506]

Fox, with all of my guns to choose from, this is the one my girlfriend picked, and which she shoots the best:



Just a plain Jane model 10 2" snub with a Tyler's T grip.

Best Regards, Les

Les,

Nice pistol. I don't have a Model 10 snubby, both of mine have 4 inch barrels. I would like to find a snubby at a good price...no rush though.

I guess the women are smarter than we are...they know a good think when they see it, so they stick with it. They aren't impressed by all of the other fancy pistols we have. The same reason those very smart women are with us I'm sure. hahaha.

Fox

 

[Nickjc]

Or a standard barrel Model 10 from the '50s.

Maybe I am crazy but why do they look so drop dead sexy in a utilitarian classic sort of way?


-----------


Thanks for all the input !!

 

[jimmyj]

S&W Model 65 4" SB

 

[redlevel]

For $450ish I would be looking for a Model 15-3 or earlier.
Maybe a 67 no dash.

For $350, I would be thinking Model 10-5.

To me, these are the classic, ubiquitous, iconic S&W revolvers.

 

[bananaman]

I really like shooting heavy barrel K frames, with fixed sights. They seem so natural shooters to me. I have a 13-2, 4", 64-3, 4", and added a 10-5, 2" round butt in March. Of course I have my adjustable sight models too. Can't really go wrong! Bob

 

[peterdeb]

When I think of S&W the first gun that comes to mind is the Model 10.

10-5 4" tappered barrel, blued, early 60's dressed up in diamond's.

The quintessential revolver of Smith & Wesson.

A 95% to LNIB example can be had for around $450.00

 

[Tom_R]

I'll add one, you might, repeat MIGHT be able to get into a non-pinned/recessed model 19 if you stumble on one. If so, it is well worth it.

I got into Smith and Wesson Revolvers by shooting my friend's Model 19-5.

It is not pinned and recessed, but it has it where it counts.

 

[clang444]

Lots of great suggestions. You may also consider a model 36 Chiefs Special if you are into snubbies

 

[raljr1]

How about this 66-1 for $500 out the door.

 

[lamarw]

Robert, A steaming deal like my 66-2 I mentioned above. Those deals are still out there although rather uncommon.

 

[raljr1]

Walked into a place a few weeks ago that had a 4 inch Mod 28 and a 2-1/2 model 19-5, priced at $399 each...I should have bought both.....good deals are out there, I look every time I pass a shop....