The Next One, help!

[Xrangerx]

Wasn't exactly sure where to post this, but figured this was close? Forgive the new guy.

I got a 5906 last year, and a model 10-7 snub a few months ago. I've got the bug for the next one! A guy locally has a few and we are working out a trade of sorts. My question is, of the following three, which one would you get and why? Any of them particularly more desirable or harder to find? 14-4 with a 6" barrel in .38sp, a 36 (no dash) with a 3" barrel also in .38sp, or a 17 (no dash)with a 6" barrel in .22.

Which one of these should be my next SW? I've got guns in these calibers already. But something about the style and lines of them are calling to me and I just want "more". Might carry it in the woods occasionally, so all of them would be fine for where I am.

 

[UncleEd]

Model 14.

Unless you like to shoot .22s (I don't, just not
satisfying for me).

The 14 and the 17 are just so classic! And useful.

 

[Iggy]

What UncleEd said.

14 and 17

 

[k22fan]

What kind of truck should I buy next, a cement truck with the huge rotating tank, a dump truck or a Ranchero? (hint )
None of the three are scarce or particularly special to collectors. The Model 36 was made to sell for less that the other two and always will. Before the price of .22 LR cartridges shot through the roof K-22s sold for a lot more than K-38s, everything else being equal. With the price of .22 cartridges declining I predict that price differential will return. If the K-38 and K-22 are priced the same that makes the K-22 the better investment, or it would if I was not looking at K-22s through rose colored glasses. (hint, read my screen name) However, Dick Tracy and Sergeant Joe Friday would still have picked the Chief Special. It's the one they'd have had a use for. Which one would you get more use out of or more enjoyment from owning?

 

[Andy Lowry]

I'd choose the 6" 14, because that's just how I am. A 6" .38 is way cool. Not that there's anything wrong with the 3" 36, I have one of those and it makes a handy carry piece (or did, before my wife made off with it). Like K22fan says, I guess it depends on what you want to do with it.

 

[EricR]

For practical, realistic purposes it's hard not to pick the 17. I would not take the 17 as I have a K22 in great condition. I've no 3" in any revolver and that 36 sounds nice. And while I already have an excellent condition 14-4 that I bought new in 1980, I'd pick another 14-4 in a heartbeat. The expectation is that condition is equal. Condition would rule for me between the 17 and the 14-4. I was polishing this 14-4 when I read your post. And I would welcome more 14's in my future.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Grab the 17 and call it good.

Might want to put that 36 on retainer if you can also.

 

[H Richard]

Another in the "Get the 17" camp. The 14 being 2nd in line. Getting and practicing with the 17 (inexpensively) will give you more shooting pleasure for your dollar, and develop your marksmanship and shooting abilities.

 

[steelslaver]

I have a model 17 6", a 3" 36 and a 6" model 14.

Obliviously my opinion is get them all.

I shoot the 17 more than the 14 more than the 36.

But, what is your intentions. If plinking and not reloading the 17, if plinking and reloading the 14, if an occasional carry gun the 36.

 

[Waldo]

I think I will be the first to say it. Get both the 17 and the 14. I have several of each and would be hard pressed to have to pick one. I am pretty sure if you get one, you will regret not getting the other. I got my first Model 17 in 1974. I still have it. I think I have shot it more then any other single gun I own, and more then most of them combined. But I have had a Model 14 almost has long and would miss it very much. I don't know anything about your trade or if you could throw in some extra money. But I am sure that neither gun is going to get much cheaper in the near future. The guns I regret most are the ones I did not buy. I had to stretch to buy some over the years, but do not regret it. Unless you really need it for concealed carry, the 36 is a distant third.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I would typically be the contrarian and put the Model 36 ahead of the others, but since you recently picked up the 10-7 I'll go with the Model 17 first, assuming it has the original stocks marked with a serial number that matches the gun's.

The Model 17's stocks should have diamonds around the screw escutcheons. It should be a 4-screw model. It was likely made between 1957 and 1959, and it could be the most expensive of the three you mentioned.

The Model 36 should have diamond stocks, too. It might also have the last style flat latch. These two features don't make it rare but they're a wee bit more desirable than the successor models. Likely made between 1957 and 1967. Probably the least expensive of the three unless it's a target model (not likely), then it moves to the front of the line.

Should we assume these three revolvers are available to you locally so you can handle them before you make your decision? Appearance may meet whatever standard you decide, but mechanically sound is a must.

Enjoy making your decision.

Bob

 

[JH1951]

If the condition was high and the price fair or better, I would consider upping the ante on your 'trade of sorts', and putting all three on a layaway.

 

[Green Frog]

First, let me say I already own variants of all three of the revolvers you mention as well as the two you already own. If you are asking which of the three is most likely to get shot the most and be likely to provide the most recreational value, the Model 17 wins hands down... my K-22 is one of my most fired guns of any sort. The Model 14 will give the ability to shoot reloaded ammo, a whole additional dimension of our pastime, this is certainly a consideration. Unless you need a concealed carry piece, the 3" Chief's Special would be the least useful of the three and would have little advantage over the 10-7 snub you already own.

Oddly enough, from an "investment" standpoint, assuming equal condition and appropriate pricing, we can say that the same order of preference would remain. Yep, absent other factors you haven't mentioned, the Model 17 would be my hands down choice in this case. Of course all gun choices are personal, so YMMV!

Froggie

 

[jframejoey]

Its all about personal taste. I got a boat load of Smiths. None of them exceed 4 inchs. I love 3 inch fixed sight carry guns and would jump on the model 36. How ever there people who have almost nothing but long tubed revolver and shoot bulls eye PPC etc. Buy what you like and enjoy.

 

[VNK971]

Since you asked which one NEXT, not which one, you obviously intend to eventually get them all. Get the one you want to shoot today, and work it out with the guy to get the other two.

 

[Jim NNN]

Not an easy choice, but for me, the model 14...mostly because I'm less of a .22 fan than I used to be.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

The Model 17 is one of the best rimfire handguns ever made. It's also a classic example of 20th Century American craftsmanship that will last for many many years no matter how much you shoot it. The one you describe is pinned and recessed and that particular no-dash version was only made for a few years. I would grab that first.