Not sure if it is a pipe dream

[BillBingham2]

After a bit of thinking and research I've come around from the dark side. I've just recoved from a long bout with aquiring too many cameras and want to make sure I do not go down the same rabbit hole with pistols or rifles. With cameras I'm not a great motor drive fan, one shot at the right moment. Save the film and all. My rifle will be a slightly pimped Mosin Nagant 91/30. Low cost ammo and easy to reload.

The dark side I was looking at was 1911s. A fine gun but when I learned to shoot pistols it was with a Crossman T-38 with a long barrel. The gun just feels right in my hands. Kind of like cameras, the old Nikon Rangefinders just fit right. I'm into accuracy not throwing lead down range. For my pistol I'm thinking a S&W Model 19. I like being able to shot higher power ammo as well as less powerful (may be lower costs). I might go with an 18 and then a 19 due to price per round but I am not going to slip deeper so no more than two pistols.

Can you point me to posts as far as what to look for and such with respect to used guns?

Thanks.

B2

 

[PMRet]

...but I am not going to slip deeper so no more than two pistols.

Right! Famous last words of MANY who have ventured onto this forum!

Seriously, welcome to the forum. Your idea of a Model 18 .22 Combat Masterpiece (which has a 4" barrel) and a Model 19 .357 Combat Magnum (which is also available with a 4" barrel) is a very good one. Both are "K" (medium) Frame revolvers with the same grip size, sights, etc. With the 18 you could practice with cheap ammo and low recoil, which would allow you to refine your shooting skills before moving up to the stouter stuff. The 19 offers the option of shooting relatively milder (and cheaper) .38 special loads as well as .357 magnum loads.

The .22 revolvers enjoy a great following here, and many folks have .22 revolvers of the same configuration as their larger caliber centerfire revolvers, like this Model 617 .22LR, Model 16-4 .32 magnum, and Model 686 .357 magnum.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Well, first off, you've clearly come to the wrong place to get advice concerning limiting pistol purchases, particularly to so ludicrous a number as two. However, if you do not intend ever to carry a pistol, maybe that goal is not impossible. I'm surprised, however, that you would choose an 18 over a 17. However, if that truly feels better in your hand, and you can shoot better with it, then go for it. For your apparent purposes, a 19 is certainly a great choice, but if you have some interest in the ability to use .357, immediately pops up the question, "Why?" Usually, the .357 is preferred over the .38 Special for killing something. Often, things that need killing are handled better with larger (for power) or smaller (for concealment) guns. You might want to settle in your mind just why it is you need anything other than the K22 of your choice. And if the killing function isn't to be exercised outside your house, a .38 Special may be the most penetrative you will want to use.

Myself, I recommend lightening up, and allowing maybe five or six, each exactly what you want for a particular purpose. Most folks on this board own a few more than that, myself included.

Good luck.

 

[scooter123]

Note, I too am a recovring camera addict. I also happen to have Nikon S and S2 rangefinders in my stash, along with 10 or 15 SLR's, two Mamiya TLR's, and a Toyo 4X5.

Now a bit of a warning, you really won't be able to "get by" with just 2 S&W revolvers. IMO a S&W revolver is just as well made as the Nikon SP or the F2 SLR.

Now, about the model 19. It is a superb revolver for the 38 spl. but IMO is a bit too light for comfort with the 357 Magnum. If you want to shoot a fair amount of Magnums, you really should look at the model 27 or 28.

Then there is the matter of the newer Stainless revolvers. I have to tell you that they look very pretty when givin a full polish and one advantage to the stainless guns is that a stray handling mark can be removed with just a bit of polishing to remove that mark. So, you may want to take a look at the model 67 (38 only) or model 66 (357 Magnum and 38), the model 627 (N frame 357), or the 686 (L frame 357).

Then there is the matter of finding a revolver that's cheap to shoot and useful for training a new shooter. That means that you'll probably want to get one of the 22 caliber revolvers at some point. Offhand what comes to mind in 22LR are the models 17, 18, 63, and 617, I know there are other models of 22LR revolvers but these 4 are what comes to mind immediately.

Finally, you'll want to avoid watching Dirty Harry at all costs, otherwise you may find yourself to be tempted to try out one of the "bad boys", such as the model 29 or 629. If you find you can tolerate the recoil of the 44 Magnums at some point you'll probably find yourself looking at the 460 or 500 Magnums.

Take it from someone who's been down that path. I started with a model 67 "just to improve my skills with a DA trigger". Then it was a model 620 to scratch that 357 Magnum "itch", then a 610 10mm for hunting and a cheaper alternative to the 38 spl. in 40 S&W. Then a 6 inch 617 for cheap thrills and to hone my long range shooting. Now, a local dealer has a 3 inch model 63 and I look it over every time I stop in. Bottomline, as a rather famous potato chip maker once advertized "you really can't have just one". Now for one bit of good news, I've purchased 2 new S&W's in the past 2 years and cannot complain about either, they are every bit as well made as your classic Nikon's.

 

[gkitch]

I think that one choosing to have just two and picking the M-19 and the M-18 is just about perfect. One good belt holster would suffice for both. Both guns are true classics and will increase in value as you enjoy them. When you find a grip you like you may put it onto either one you are using.

Now, it is true that the M-19 is less than ideal for a sready diet of 357s, but even most seasoned shooters do not find much need to put too many fullhouse rounds downrange. You should look at an L-frame if you forsee 200+ magnum rounds per year in your future.

 

[ArkieVol]

Hmmmm...

Note, I too am a recovring camera addict.

Been down that road too...Argus C3, Nikormat, Nikon F2, F3, & C90, Mamyia C330 TLR's, 645 & Bronica , RB 67, Minoltas, Hasselblad C 90...

All gone now BUT along came S&W...LOL

Your obvious taste for classic excellence places you in danger of diving head first down that rabbit hole.

All I can add to what the others have said is include some reloading equipment and enjoy the ride...you only go around once

 

[semperfi71]

Heh, heh, heh,..............he's ONLY gonna buy TWO.............heh, heh, heh...................

But he's off to the right start, a M18 (or .22 Combat Masterpiece) and a M19 4 inch.

But then he could search real hard for a M17-6? with the underlug barrel and then a 4 inch M586.

Or the older M617 4 inch underlug, or a new one, and then a 4 inch M686.

Wait until the sees the photos on here of the 3 1/2 inch M27s or earlier .357 Magnum varients!!

 

[H Richard]

I feel your pain. I sit here amidst 30+ antique camera's, Rollie's, Retina's, Zeiss Ikon, and my trusty old Nikon F2 on the shelf along with all the lenses. I did some of my best work with a SP some years back. BUT, I now own more S&W's than I do camera's. If you value your wallet don't start handling N Frames. I agree, S&W (older ones) are precision instruments equal to the finest Nikon's. Enjoy, rather than going down in value, they go up. Just in case your significant other has objections to how many you acquire.

 

[18DAI]

Get the 19. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't.

I own dozens of them and shoot 158 grain 357's through them all - regularly. No problems yet - but it's only been forty years.

A LNIB 19 will run you between $500 - $600 depending on whether it has box and extras.

A shooter grade 19 can be found from $425 to $475.

Best revolvers S&W ever made. There evidently won't be anymore as nice either. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Habbyguy]

I'm going to echo the support for the M19. I recently picked up a 4" model, and it's perfect for my needs. I use .38 special ammo at the range, but put a fair number of .357 magnums out the noisy end of the gun too. I don't find the recoil to be an issue at all (in fact, I LIKE the recoil with the magnum rounds...) but my M19 has Houge grips that probably cushion the recoil a little.

I also started with a .22 target pistol (though I went with a Ruger 22/45, and would recommend that to anyone looking for an auto plinker). After a while I got a little bored and bolted on a 4x scope. It's an absolute blast to shoot - at 50 feet you just hog out the bullseye and leave the rest of the target for shooting the big gun.

The only other handgun I felt the need to own is a CCW Bodyguard .380. It's not going to stop a charging rhino with one shot, but loaded with some hot rounds it's certainly enough to discourage bad behavior.

The question becomes: will I stop with the guns I "need" (a very subjective term in this case) or will I move on to other handguns I "want" (clearly more accurate)? Hard to say, but I doubt I'll ever succumb to the point I need a walk-in gun safe (not that there's anything wrong with that...).

 

[1-1917]

A fine gun but when I learned to shoot pistols it was with a Crossman T-38 with a long barrel. The gun just feels right in my hands. Kind of like cameras, the old Nikon Rangefinders just fit right. I'm into accuracy not throwing lead down range. For my pistol I'm thinking a S&W Model 19. I like being able to shot higher power ammo as well as less powerful (may be lower costs). I might go with an 18 and then a 19 due to price per round but I am not going to slip deeper so no more than two pistols.

B2

I have an old T-38 and it's almost a perfect copy of an old k-38 which is pretty close to a 19. Hard to go wrong with a 19.

I like the old Nikons too. I spend way more time shooting cameras than guns.

 

[Iggy]

I can't think of a single good reason to buy a model 19, and the three I own are proof of it.

 

[Green Frog]

Been down that road too...Argus C3, Nikormat, Nikon F2, F3, & C90, Mamyia C330 TLR's, 645 & Bronica , RB 67, Minoltas, Hasselblad C 90...

All gone now BUT along came S&W...LOL

Your obvious taste for classic excellence places you in danger of diving head first down that rabbit hole.

All I can add to what the others have said is include some reloading equipment and enjoy the ride...you only go around once

About that "diving" stuff... wait 'til you start accumulating Nikonos cameras and lenses and SCUBA gear to go with them. Then collecting revolvers seems like a cheap pastime. Don't ask me how I know this!

Froggie

 

[kennyb]

yup...i'm guilty of nikons as well....hasselblad too...and those are a MAJOR $$ drain

 

[Cpo1944]

After a bit of thinking and research I've come around from the dark side. I've just recoved from a long bout with aquiring too many cameras and want to make sure I do not go down the same rabbit hole with pistols or rifles. With cameras I'm not a great motor drive fan, one shot at the right moment. Save the film and all. My rifle will be a slightly pimped Mosin Nagant 91/30. Low cost ammo and easy to reload.

The dark side I was looking at was 1911s. A fine gun but when I learned to shoot pistols it was with a Crossman T-38 with a long barrel. The gun just feels right in my hands. Kind of like cameras, the old Nikon Rangefinders just fit right. I'm into accuracy not throwing lead down range. For my pistol I'm thinking a S&W Model 19. I like being able to shot higher power ammo as well as less powerful (may be lower costs). I might go with an 18 and then a 19 due to price per round but I am not going to slip deeper so no more than two pistols.

Can you point me to posts as far as what to look for and such with respect to used guns?

Thanks.

B2

I am into cameras too and I suffer from perpetual "lens lust"
I also love 1911`s -I have 5 of them, and 4 Colt revolvers.
But I am really a S&W revolver man-especially.44magnums, so I`d say -even though I like .44 the best- if I could only have one gun it would have to be a .357 or a .22 and I`d start with 4 inch barrels.
Tough choice I`d have to have both.

 

[bigmoose]

cameras vs guns

You can never have enough guns...can the same be said about cameras? Just want to warn you about this addiction and all the enablers that hang out here. I innocently started with a K22 Masterpiece way back when...then I started hanging around this forum...on to a pair of 39's, then a 10 4", then a 36 snubby, then a 19 4" and most recently a really neat K22 Outdoorsman. To me, these are all classics of S&W and attract a strong interest from collectors and shooters alike. The prices keep going up also.
I will say that cameras are good for showing off the collection, and that I am not a good camera shot...handguns on the other hand...

 

[Engineer1911]

The only bad S&W gun is the one you didn't buy. Revolvers are a waste of time if you are only going to buy TWO guns. Six M19, fourteen 581/586/686 (four are 4" barrels), eight 29/629.

Does you wife like or want to shoot? 22 LR is the best starting hand gun: Walther 22, two M41, 17 & 617 w/ 6" barrel, two Ruger Mk II.

Yup, you'll do just fine with 2 handguns!

 

[mhael]

It just so happens that I just purchased a model 19-4 and now am on the hunt for another model 19 for its partner. I have long learned that I personally never say how many of any gun that I am going to purchase because every time I have said that I have broken it.

good luck

 

[northslope]

For my pistol I'm thinking a S&W Model 19. I like being able to shot higher power ammo as well as less powerful (may be lower costs). I might go with an 18 and then a 19 due to price per round but I am not going to slip deeper so no more than two pistols.

First off, all kidding aside about how it's not possible to own just two S&W pistols....it *IS* possible, unless you start joining forums like this one. The only modern S&W I had for a few years was a 27-3. Then I joined this forum, and look at the madness it's brought me...

Secondly, if you're just going to have "one" S&W, I really have to put a pitch in for a 4" or 6" N-frame in .357 magnum, i.e., a Model 27 or 28. You can shoot .38 Specials all day long for cost, and then hammer away with .357s in just about any configuration as long as your wallet can handle it. (Trust me - the gun can!)

The other reason to have an N-frame .357 magnum is that it's a direct descendant of the original .357 magnum. Back when it was just called "The .357 Magnum".

--Neill

PS - mixing guns and photography will get expensive, FAST! It's a fun way to combine two hobbies, though...