If you had to choose....

[steamloco76]

Very tough to only choose five S&W's, but here goes.

1- K-22 Masterpiece or Model 17- they are ALL fantastic shooters a must own for any S&W collector and shooter.
2- Model 60 (snub or 3 inch, .38 spl or .357 mag-no lock version)-the classic Chief's Special in easier care stainless
3- Model 586- chose over the equally great Model 19 for durability and tough-guy looks -hard to find in nice condition.
4- Model 5906 - accurate high capacity 9MM that is 100% reliable
5- Model 629- I like the looks of my model 29- however the stainless makes the 629 the choice for heavy use.

If you don't want to include a semi-auto, replace the 5906 with model 10- can't beat the classic .38 M&P design for pure shooting.

Honorable mentions- Model 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 64, 66, 67, 617, 640, 642, 686 and pistols 39-2, 3913.

 

[9399NOLES]

Some really good inputs. I have currently just a 642. But I have on order from my local shop a 627 PC. Im trying to behave and limit my collection to 5 guns only. (keeps the wife off my back side) I can spend the next several years looking for 3 more "must have" models. So I want to make sure I get the ones that are sought after for being great.

 

[Richard Simmons]

M38, 2"bbl
M610-2, 3"bbl
M64, 4" taper barrel
M28-2, 4"bbl
M25-14, 3" bbl

Those should about cover it for my needs.

 

[Joe in SC]

17
19
27
24
29

 

[long colt frazier]

M 14
M 16
M 17
M 27
M 29

 

[dubhelix]

M 442 w/clip grip for lightest option.
M 640 nodash, easy to ccw
M 65 3", because it's so pretty
M 66 2.5", edc .357
M 686+ 4" woods gun

 

[Stu454]

If I were starting from scratch:

M43C .22LR Centennial
25-9 4"
629 standard 4" no lock
681
M&P 340 no lock or 642-1 no lock

 

[old bear]

M-19 2 1/2"
M-19 4"
M-27 3 1/2"
M-27 5"
M-60 2" 38 special.

My so glad that I don't have to try and limit myself to those five (5) only.

 

[Snapping Twig]

27-2 or a registered magnum in a barrel 5" or less.

24/624 4" or less.

29-1/2 or a pre 29 6.5" or less.

25-9 4"

500/460 - just because.

 

[Black Knight]

1. 10-8
2. 28-2 (4 inch)
3. 66-2 (2 1/2 inch, now my wife's gun)
4. 686-1 (4 inch)
5. Toss up between 65-3 (3 inch), 547 (9mm, 4 1/8 inch), or a 59

 

[Snowbandit]

M-17, 6", .22LR
M-340, 2", .357 Mag.
M-13 or 65, 3", .357 Mag.
M-629, 4" Mountain Revolver, .44 Mag.
M-29 or 629, 6 or 6 1/2", .44 Mag.

It would make me sad but I could live with that collection as all the bases are covered.

 

[scooter123]

IMO the must haves are more about convenience and caliber than specific models, so I'll make my choices based on caliber and convenience.

First up is a 22 caliber K or J frame. Personally I prefer the K frame for it's improved trigger characteristics but there is nothing wrong with the J frames once you adapt to the heavier trigger. Specific models would be the model 18 or 4 inch 617 for those interested in Combat type practice. For those more inclined to precision shooting the model 17 or 6 inch 617.

Next up is the 38 caliber, IMO the finest caliber for self defense ever created for a revolver. BTW, I believe that Control and Accuracy are vastly superior to Power and this is one area where the 38 spl. trumps all of the more powerful calibers. Happily, the selection of models that shoot the 38 spl. is vast so it's rather easy to find one that fits your needs perfectly. Specific models I prefer are all 4 inch 38's with a tapered barrel because IMO you won't find a finder balanced revolver. That means the model 10, 15, and 67.

Then there is the 357 Magnum. The first handgun caliber that offered energy levels that approached that of a rifle when it was introduced. It's also the birth caliber for all the Magnums that followed and any wheelgunner capable of tolerating the recoil should have at least one 357 Magnum. Since wrist issues limit my tolerance for recoil I prefer my 357 Magnums with a bit of mass. In addition because they are capable of being used for Hunting, I believe that it's best to limit this caliber to the stainless steel models. Specific models I like are the 4 or 6 inch 686, the 620, or 627.

Finally, IMO anyone who enjoys shooting revolvers must own at least one moon clip revolver. My first was the 6 1/2 inch model 610 and it's become a real favorite because it permits using the 40S&W for range play or Defense with the option of the 10mm for handgun Hunting. However, I've just put in an order for a 625JM and have 30 moon clips coming for it. In time that'll be my IDPA revolver.

As for the big bore revolvers, which I consider 44 Mag and up, I'll leave them for those with wrists in better health than mine.

 

[Meeteetse]

Easy:
18 Masterpiece (own)
27. .2 1/2" (still looking but getting close)
36 (own)
625. . 4" Colt Mountain Gun (own) or 45 acp (own)
29-2. . 4" (just bought)

had to change the barrel length on the 27. Just saw a beautiful 2 1/2" that made me forget all about the 5" barrel.

 

[Poohgyrr]

2 J's: 642 & 640-1
3 N's: two 8 shot 3 1/2" 357's and one 4" M24-3

 

[Stainz]

1. 642 - Pocketable CCW
2. 4" 10/64 - Bedside protector
3. 3" 63/4" 617 - Frugal plinker
4. 2 5/8"/4"/5" 627 - Louder/less frugal plinker
5. 4" 625 - Frugal large bore plinker (.45 ACP) -or-
5. alt - Governor

Two protectors - three shooters. If you want/need a big bore protector - in the home or woods - you might consider replacing #5 with a 'Governor'. You still could 'plink' or 'protect' with .45 ACP's close in, but you'd gain the ability to shoot .45 GAP, Schofield, and Colt - and 2.5" .410's!

Stainz

 

[9399NOLES]

Changed my direction with my collection. I have the 642-1. About to pick up a 686 SSR and the next gun on my list that I will hunt down until I find in a near mint condition.... Is a M66 no dash.

 

[jack the toad]

One that I've had in mind trying to get lately is a short (3"-4") barrel
N-frame .44 Special. It can be a chopped barrel or caliber conversion, I don't care. As long as it's a good shooter.
Others that come to mind:
617-1
629-4
686-CS1
625-3
That makes 5 so I'll stop there.

 

[sps282]

Model 642 2 1/2"
Model 15 4"
Model 66 4"
Model 625 4"
Model 25 6"

 

[S&W forever]

M63 4" No dash
M617 6" No dash
M686 CS1 3"
M696 No dash
M629-3 3"

 

[pennlineman]

640-1
15
29 6"
17
19 4"