Just started Smith collection, input/advice welcomed

[!Gunlover!]

First id like to say this Forum has helped me more in the past 30 days than I could ever have imagined. What a wealth of information without all the derogatory input found on some other forums.

After several years acquiring and shooting various types of firearms Ive recently become a huge fan of the Smith Revolver. I started looking for a .44 backup for big game hunt this year. I found a .44 mountain 4" and purchasing it lit a fire in me for these finely crafted handguns.Not having much experience with wheel guns has brought me to your door for a study. Its been helpful to say the least!

I've been trying to find some interesting pieces for a start on my collection and have purchased or traded for 4 in the past 2 weeks. I love em all and haven't shot a single one yet but will do so shortly. (waiting on some loading Durand manuals)

I just wanted to say thanks for all your info and see if some of you could provide some input on the current collection and steer me in the right direction in the future. Any models or years to stay away from????

Currently have. Model 10-7 snubby, 686-6 Talo 3", 629-6 mountain 4", 624 3" Lee Horton I believe. All have boxes and goodies except the mod 10

 

[NYlakesider]

First off, WELCOME!

Smith's are a little like peanuts, you just cannot eat one!

Basically get the best example of what your looking for that you can afford. Having the boxes and the docs & tools certainly add to both the cost and desirability. Of course that works both ways both in buying and selling.

 

[murphydog]

It helps to focus on a specific frame size, caliber, era...much less expensive that way. Even less expensive is to pick up copies of the three standard books and see what interests you (most):

S & W 1857-1945 by Neal and Jinks
History of S & W by Jinks
Standard Catalog of S & W (soon to be 4th edition) by Supica and Nahas

Forum searches might help also. Enjoy!

 

[qballwill]

My advice is to stop now. Reasons are as follows
1. Your typical priorities in life become less important when you get the itch.
2. Divorce
3. More Smiths for me if you arent out getting them for yourself.

 

[jtcarm]

Whoa, you're off & running. That's almost as many as I've bought this year, and it was a busy year for me!

I've always been more shooter. As a collector, I'm a bit of a bottom feeder. The ANIB guns are out of my price range.

I guess I could save & buy a couple ANIBs vs 5-6 good-to-vg guns. But 1: I can't pass up a bargain and 2: I don't wanna be the guy who pulls a vintage unfired gun out of the box & shoots the snot out of it, which is exactly what I'd do.

 

[petepeterson]

Welcome. You're off to a good start.

Every collection needs a nice .22. I prefer the traditional looking revolvers, but I must say, a 617 would look right at home in that photo.

 

[Comrad]

A third generation wouldn't hurt none either.

 

[JeepRacer]

Welcome,
I agree with Alan regarding the books on S&W.
But, your collection will always be limited by how much are you willing to spend.
I, enjoy more of the blue revolvers, but I do own some stainless.
How far back to you want to collect? I like the history of S&W, so I own some of the antiques (Model 1, Model 1 1/2, .32 Hammerless). These are just a few that are available and will not break the bank.
More desirable and more expensive are the Model Pre 27, Model Pre 29 and Registered Magnum.
Good luck with your collection and welcome to the wonderful world of Smith and Wesson Handguns.

David

 

[Tom_R]

A model 28-2 is a great old school revolver.

It is a .357 Magnum known as the Highway Patrolman, and was available in either 4" or 6".

The model 19 or the Model 66 are two other excellent choices in .357.

The model 29-2 made famous by the Dirty Harry movies are also a good addition to a collection.

A 4" model 28-2


The Model 19, specifically a 19-4


The Model 29-2, in 6" Trim


Model 19-4 and 29-2 together

 

[!Gunlover!]

Really good stuff fellas, Qballwill - it's too late for me, I've plunged off the deep end I'm afraid....
I really appreciate the replies! Going to order some of the literature Alan suggested ASAP, Looking into some of the suggested models for my next score, but I'm afraid it might be a bit as I'm closing on a home end of month....trying to squeeze in a lil Buck gun season therapy amongst the sure as day soon to follow honey do list.
Jt farm - we think alike I just happened to have some nice 1911's a buddy was dying for, picked up the 686 and 629 in one shot. The 624 was a splurge.

Tom - seriously nice stuff, blue and wood is amazing.

To the rest of yah, thanks a lot for the input. The info and commeradery here is something else!

As a side note...anybody want to tell me how you guys post the picture in the thread like that? Mine came through as a lil thumbnail? Thanks ahead

 

[Tom_R]

You have to put your pictures in an App like Photobucket, and then you post the link in the thread, and it displays the picture here.

 

[!Gunlover!]

Ahhhhh. Much appreciated

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

What you'll need next, most of all, is some kind of twelve step program. Because you, my friend, suffer from 'the affliction'.

It is not sad in any way, but, there is no cure... None.

My 2 cents is to try to focus on:
- certain calibers - figure out which calibers you want to 'be in'. It makes your 'ammo problem' more manageable.
- certain gun weights - for example, I prefer guns that way about 2lbs or about 32ish oz. because I enjoy shooting them more. I also don't like them too light unless it is for concealed carry. If I focus on weight, it generally narrows down the frame size (J,K,L) for me.

Again, welcome to the forum.

 

[philomathwes]

I am new to the forum but not new to collecting. I can tell you that if you pass on any early nice original in the box Smith that you can afford you will probably lose sleep in the future as a result.
Signed
Sleepless in Oregon...

 

[!Gunlover!]

I had a feeling that's how that would turn out, that's why I hit the pain button on gunbroker a million times until I was the one hurtin on that 624 lew horton. 1985, box, papers, couldn't resist!

M3Stuart - thanks bud, really makes sense, appreciate yah.

 

[joecatusmc]

S&W 696

I found a pristine model 696 S&W 4 in Barrel ,No Dash, on line
When I got it I couldn't believe my eyes .It was like Brand New.
This gun is a keeper that I will hand done to my Grand Son.

 

[Stephanie B]

As a side note...anybody want to tell me how you guys post the picture in the thread like that? Mine came through as a lil thumbnail? Thanks ahead

In the "Additional Options" box below the message text input box, there is a section to attach files. Click on "manage attachments". Upload the photo. When you do that, a link will appear with the file name of your photo. If you open that in a separate tab or window, you'll see the full-sized image. Copy the URL for the image and close it. Then go back to the text input box, select the "add image" button, paste in the URL for the photo. When you submit the reply, the image will be embedded in your post.

 

[!Gunlover!]

Joecatusmc - sounds terrible, you should sell it to me! Thanks StephanieB, between you and Murphydog my next post with pics should come out just fine! Thanks for the help!

 

[RobertJ.]

Greetings from the Oregon Coast!

Nice start! I'm really liking that 624. Big bore snubbies just do it for me!

I really can't suggest anything better than some of these previous posts. I might continue the whole .44 caliber thing, though. If you handload, there's nothing better. IMHO, of course!

 

[oddshooter]

Collecting or shooting.
Real Antique Roadshow kind of collecting demands you purchase the best example and then protect it. The top one percent of anything will increase in value thru rarity. The other 99% may keep up with inflation.

Shooters are normally accumulators, not collectors. It is difficult to keep pieces in pristine condition when you shoot them. Accumulators are also into bargain hunting. If you own a gun store and are in the business, you can make money off bargains. But the rest of us just make stacks in the vault.

I fight the bargain hunter in me every day. I wish I had learned this lesson early. Today, I have many shooters, and very few collectibles. What can I say, I love to shoot.

The collectible S&W revolvers are beginning to rise in price the last couple of years. One issue is that older guys may finally have some coin in their pocket. These older guys grew up with revolvers which they now can afford to purchase. Also realize like 60's guitars, once these seniors begin to pass, the price can go down. New players never lusted for that Stratocaster.

Collecting and timing is everything.