Punch List for 357 Collection

[Marine24]

Wife said to find something to do besides being underfoot, so I came up with an objective to start collecting S&W .357 Magnum revolvers.

I spend enough time in LGS or watching auctions on the various auction sites, but truth be told, never quite sure if there is one model that is preferred over another. Hoping to get some help on putting together a punch list that I can use when I'm walking around unchaperoned.

Here is what I have in mind so far:

Model 13
Model 19
Model 27
Model 28

Prefer to limit the collection to blued K/L/N frames with 4" barrel lengths as a start.

Any particular dash number that I should be looking out for?

Am I missing anything?

 

[TAROMAN]

Suggest that you begin your quest by purchasing a copy of THE STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH AND WESSON.

The holy grail is the 357 Registered Magnum
Then there's the Combat Masterpiece "pre 19".
And the NYSP Model 520.
Don't forget the L-Frame 581 and 681.
And dozens of other variations.

 

[RKmesa]

You'd "have to" include the stainless versions:

Model 66 (2.5", 3", 4", 6")
Model 65 (3" and 4")

Then there are the transition M&P 357's:

Model 10-6 (transitioned to the Model 13)
Model 64-1 (transitioned to the Model 65)

Then there are the pre-war "Original" 357's (in all their various barrel lengths):

Registered Magnum
Non Registered Magnums

It is a fun quest - one that I have been on for a lot of years and I still love. I however, have "limited" my 357 collecting to the pinned and recessed models (pre-1982ish), which effectively limits it to Pre-War: RM's and Non-RM's; Post War: Pre-27's, 27's (through 27-2), 520 NYSP, Pre-28's, 28's, non model market Combat Magnums (Pre-19's), 19's, 13's, 10-6 (in .357), 65's, 66's and 64-1 (in .357)

Enjoy the journey,

 

[Marine24]

Thanks. Actually have the catalog heading my way. Appreciate the additions.

 

[Marine24]

How about the stainless versions:

Model 66 (2.5", 3", 4", 6")
Model 65 (3" and 4")

Then there are the transition M&P 357's:

Model 10-6 (transitioned to the Model 13)
Model 64-1 (transitioned to the Model 65)

Then there are the pre-war "Original" 357's (in all their various barrel lengths):

Registered Magnum
Non Registered Magnums

This isn't going to be a short list is it.

Sticking with blued just to keep the list under control but expect stainless/nickle finish will be round two.

 

[M29since14]

No, it is not. My own favorite for shooting a lot of .357s is the Model 586. Of course it has a stainless counterpart - the 686. One to keep an eye open for is the 686 Mountain Gun, at least in my opinion. It is a "modern" gun and some folks turn their noses up at anything that is not "pinned & recessed." I like certain modern guns quite a bit, but, to each, his own.

You could make a nice pass-time just looking around for Model 19s, but like everything else, they are getting expensive. The Queen of .357s is always going to be the N-frame, and if you want to specialize in "where it all started," that would be the place. I suggest you might think of some area of S&W .357 lore that interests you and get directly into that. There is just too much in the way of S&W .357s to start buying whatever you see. Pick something that appeals to you, stick with it, and do not "weaken" - if you can.

 

[Titegroups]

I don't know what you already have but I would start with a 586/686. Look for hammer mounted firing pins and P&R models. Don't buy anything with a lock.

 

[RKmesa]

There is just too much in the way of S&W .357s to start buying whatever you see. Pick something that appeals to you, stick with it, and do not "weaken" - if you can.

"Resistance is futile..." There is no cure for the S&W 357 disease, for there is always "just one more..."

 

[arjay]

The only cure is to chase colts,but in my case it didn't work.I chase both now....

 

[nipster]

Got to add a 586 and a 66 at minimum to that list. I would rather have those than a model 13 personally

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Heh Heh-bet your wife never tells you to" find something to do again"
As far as .357's you'll drive yourseld bat shiitake crazy starting our with blued k/l/n frame 4" barrels
Let's see-just numbered ones
Pre 27
27
27-1
27-2
27-3

Then there is the
Pre 28
28
28-1
28-2
28-3

Model 520 fixed sight N frame .357

L frames
586
581

K frames

13
13-1
13-2
13-3
Pre 19
19
19-1
19-2
19-3
we'll stop there

That's 22
So get on to collecting!!

 

[Marine24]

"Resistance is futile..." There is no cure for the S&W 357 disease, for there is always "just one more..."

Ain't that the truth. It started with a 686 no dash that I picked up, along with a snubbie 625-3 and a 4" Model 18.

Intent is to at least pick up one version of each Model and then build from there. M29's advice is probably more reasonable, but as soon as a I decide to focus on the N frames, I'll see a bunch of 19s show up.

Looking at the prices for the Registered Magnum, I won't be starting there.

 

[Marine24]

Heh Heh-bet your wife never tells you to" find something to do again"
As far as .357's you'll drive yourseld bat shiitake crazy starting our with blued k/l/n frame 4" barrels
Let's see-just numbered ones
Pre 27
27
27-1
27-2
27-3

Then there is the
Pre 28
28
28-1
28-2
28-3

Model 520 fixed sight N frame .357

L frames
586
581

K frames

13
13-1
13-2
13-3
Pre 19
19
19-1
19-2
19-3
we'll stop there

That's 22
So get on to collecting!!

She'll start getting suspicious when I disappear for a couple hours and come back with boxes with "new shoes" in them. Expect she'll pull my liberty card before too long, but I'm on a mission until then.

Thanks for the list (holy cow). Maybe I should have started with 45 ACP revolvers but got to start somewhere.

 

[Marine24]

The only cure is to chase colts,but in my case it didn't work.I chase both now....

Don't get me started there. Colt Python and a unturned/unfired Colt Single Action was where I started before my attention got diverted to 1911s. Saw a Diamondback that almost had me barreling down a totally different direction.

 

[M29since14]

Well, you'll have fun whatever you do, so forge on!

 

[weatherby]

You can add a pinto to the list

 

[A10]

You must not forget the jframes either. Pure evil in .357, but everyone should have one (or two or three or...)just for the experience.

You might start slowly by just collecting something from each decade...then one of each from each decade....then expand to the .38/44, which really kinda started it all...

 

[Lt JL]

and don't forget the specialties, like the 520, and the CS-1, and the.........

 

[Marine24]

You must not forget the jframes either. Pure evil in .357

Now there is an understatement. Bought one for my wife and it didn't go well but she thinks a 25 Auto is a large caliber handgun.

I couldn't get past the small grip frame, but they sure do conceal nice.

Interesting reading on the 38/44 that lead up to the 357 Magnum being created. Never knew Elmer Keith was involved in its development.

 

[Marine24]

and don't forget the specialties, like the 520, and the CS-1, and the.........

I think I have to tell my son to move out, so I can covert his room in to a gun vault. I'm already on two pages for just the various models and associated dash variants and that is without any info on the 581/681s.

Saw a few Model 520s (1980 vintage not the 2005 version) listed. That one is calling my name, along with a handful of others.