S&W revolver collecting question...

[Garthe]

Hello Everyone, I'm in need of a little guidance. I'm in my fifties and have two sons (one is 13 years old, the other is 8 years old). When I was young, my father was a combat pistol instructor and I would tag along to his shooting matches. Needless to say, I have a love of revolvers from that time of my life. I'd like to purchase several vintage revolvers from the 1960's to 1980's. I would be purchasing these revolvers to shoot with my sons and eventually to pass them along to my sons when I kick the bucket.

I would like to focus on 22lr, 38 special/357 mag and 41 maginum revolvers. Barrel lengths from 4" to 6". I'm not interested in expensive limited addition revolvers. I'd like to concentrate on revolvers that have big numbers of production and lower cost of purchase.

What model of revolvers would you recommend?

Thank you for your time and help, Jim

 

[ronnie gore]

revolvers

i like the K 22, and so does my grandson, also the model 19 or 66 are great. the 686 is nice but a little heavy. 41 mag is limited to the 57 or 58, i have a blue 58 and a nickle one. all of the above have become very pricey though. i got all of mine years ago when they were cheaper.

 

[kip595]

Unless .357 is a major sticking point, the 15 and 10 are great choices imho, and usually still within reason outside of rare configurations. I believe there is a 15 in the For Sale section now, or was recently.

Good luck, it's a great hobby to share with family.

 

[oneounceload]

A model 10 in 38 was made in the millions and should be easy enough to find at a reasonable cost. There are some nice .22 revolvers; I was lucky to find a K-17, but it wasn't inexpensive. I can't help with a .41, but I know they weren't made in huge volumes.

 

[cmansguns]

I suggest following which have worked out well for sons, daughters, and now beginning grandchildren. None broke the bank and can be found in very good condition for reasonable money:

22LR Model 34 - IMO perfect 22 revolver for beginners, ladies & just plain fun for all...no recoil to speak of, excellent sights for teaching point of aim, very safe gun to handle. Known as a J Frame.

38 Spl Model 10, or Model 15..both mainstays of police departments for many years...reasonable buys in very good condition.....these are known as K frames.

.357 Magnum: Model 28 Highway Patrolman (usually less $ than Model 27). Only after good control is learned, and even then it shoots standard 38's (cheaper target ammo) but it is a N frame (larger hands, needs good grips).

I don't have any in .41, I go right to 44 Magnum (also shoots 44) in Model 29 but usually bigger bucks and is also N Frame so same as the Model 28.

Hope this helps a little and you are doing it right to familiarize them early, train them as best as you can, so that "early gun curiosity" gets satisfied and they will be comfortable for a lifetime.

A great legacy that you learned and is passable on down.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from Wyoming, Jim.

Good on ya'.

When I was seven my grandmother taught me to shoot her S&W Model 31, .32 S&W Long. My brother got that gun, but I've found one almost identical to it (first photo).

You can find Models 17, 18, 34, 63 and others in .22 lr; lots of different .38/.357 revolvers (Models 19, 27, 28, 65, & 66, to name a few), and Models 57 & 58 in .41 mag from the era you remember. Many of these are popular and not necessarily inexpensive, but if this is any consolation they tend to hold their value as time moves along.

If you don't "have to" have target sights you might consider S&W's Model 10 M&P lineup (second photo, mine's a postwar .38 M&P -- before model #'s started in the late '50s). The company made scads of these .38s, and the prices seem a bit more down to earth than the revolvers with adjustable (target) sights.

I might suggest you take a look in the classifieds in this forum to get a feel for fair prices for some of the models I mentioned. There are also online auction sites that might offer a different view of pricing (don't pay much attention to the lofty minimum bids or BuyNow prices, and do be careful to pay close attention to condition).

Depending upon where you live you might be lucky enough to have local gun shops or pawn shops (don't snicker at this -- there are often great deals to be had at pawn shops) to check out.

Take your time and enjoy the search with your boys.

Bob

 

[cmansguns]

Sorry...........forgot to add the photos of my recommendations

 

[hardcase60]

The mine field you are wishing to skip through is costly. Get your mind set on one or two variations of each caliber. You already have a barrel length preference. That said, yuo might well be missing out on the 3" barrels of some model numbers. Now comes the fun part. Shrouded ejector rod or not, round butt or square butt, blue, nickel or stainless. Not to mention the barrel question of standard or bull/heavy? Where are you going to shop and how often. Internet auction sites are a blessing or a curse. The blessing is it expands the opportunities. The curse is that it expands the potential buyer pool. The law of averages dictates that a heaven sent deal on a 4", Blue, .22 cal, shooter of any model are only going to come along every so often, as buyer you got to be there or loose. Fee's with or after purchase(shipping/FFL transfer/local registration/sales tax). A $550.00 dollar gun can easily end up at $620.00 or more. This dissertation has probably not covered everything but it is worth exactly what you paid for it. hardcase60

 

[Old cop]

I'm a revolver guy too. My EDC is the 340PD but also have a Model 10 in 2", 4" Model 64, Model 38, 6" Model 19, Model 63 4", Model 37 I'll pick up on Wednesday and a Colt Cobra from 1968. All of them get range time w/my favorite being the Model 19.

 

[deyomatic]

Model 28 would be top of the list. Model 10, or an M&P would be a good, common, cheap 38 special.

 

[pumpgun]

i bought model 18's for me and my two boys. i also have a 2.5" 19, a 2.5" 66 and a 3.5" 27-2. i have others but those are the ones i plan on passing on. i want to find a couple of nice 15's as well for passing on.

 

[Babysitr]

Jim, glad to see they're goin' shootin' with dad!....These guys know a lot more than me, but from my experience, don't think you could go wrong with a model 17 or 18 in .22, and for sure a model 15 or the 10 in .38spl....just great ,great revolvers....good luck

 

[daddio202]

Model 14's seem to be in good condition and fairly cheap when I find them. They are the 6 inch barreled version of the 38 special. They are very accurate as well. If you come across one at a good price I would not hesitate. I never do and own 5 now, all are great!

 

[Garthe]

So many great responses already, thanks guys! I will respond to specific posts.

A couple of small details I forgot to include...

I already have a S&W Model 63 and model 617 4". I bought the 63 first, just so my wife and then 12 year old son could shoot. The 617 followed and of course, it's my oldest sons favorite. I wanted to buy the modern SS versions first, just to have a couple of work horses in the stable.

I'm 6'6" and have big, but not huge hands. A K frame is the smallest frame size I would purchase. However, I'd also like to have a couple of the large frame handguns. For obvious reasons.

Regarding cost, a workable price range is in the $350 to $650 range. I always prefer used guns with blemishes and holster ware. That way I don't mind if a mishap happens with wife and kids.

 

[Jackcpat]

What to buy

.22 K -22 either Model 17 or mo money Model 18 CM
.38 Model 15 or m-14
.357 Model 19 or 28, mo money model 27
.41Mag Model 57, 58s are hard to find mo money no sight adj.
. 29-2 or earlier of course.
Prefer adjustable sights and pinned barrels

 

[31FordA]

The first three guns I owned, all gifts from my Dad when I was still in high school, were S&W revolvers. I started off with a 6" Model 28-2, then added a 6" K-22, and later a police trade in 4" Model 10-5. They were my only revolvers for several years, until I was in a position to buy more on my own. I learned to shoot with those three revolvers, and had a great time doing it.

My recommendations would be the Model 17/K-22, the Model 10/64 (or 15/67 if you prefer adjustable sights), and the Model 28. The Model 19/66 is also a great choice if you want the .357 option in the K frame. I've never owned a .41, but I think I'd get a Model 58. You can find all those guns, except the Model 58, for $650 or less.

 

[mjbreivogel]

I picked up a well used model 19-3 for $450 that had some minor issues. Light primer strikes which was fixed with a new main spring and it has some finish wear. Other wise it is a great shooter and the action is fantastic. I intend to take it to a gunsmith to have it torn down, inspected and refinished. I am 27 and one day hope to get a pristine 66 but you don't necessarily have to spend big money to get a great classic revolver that will put a smile on your face.

 

[bananaman]

Model 14 is a good choice for a reasonably priced good shooting revolver in my book. Bought my -3, 3 years ago for $410, shipped. (money well spent) Of course there are other excellent choices. Bob

 

[SFIDEC]

Can't go wrong with Model 17 6" on 22 cal. Only problem with M17 is getting bored ripping center of targets apart. I'm personally fond of the Model 15 4" for the 38 cal. Because you mentioned having larger hands, you may want to consider target hammer, trigger, and grips for yourself. Both revolvers should be reasonably priced because you are willing to accept exterior wear. $400 to $500 range in my neck of the woods. Recently got the attached M15 for $500 with 3 T's.
Good Luck!

 

[WaywardSon]

You can find what you are looking for...just need to be a regular at the local shops and spend some time on internet sites. I have a couple of Smiths on the shelf that are on the high side of what you are looking to spend...and a Model 10 heavy bbl that is less than $400. It is a shooter with rubber grips but is in very decent shape...gun only. It is not going on Gunbroker, but you should be able to find something similar easily.