What was your first Smith and Wesson??

[crasig]

20 years ago, As an Educator, & a Department Head, I had a number of work-study "Monitors" to assist with menial duties.
One such helper, mentioned he had inherited a .45 caliber S&W revolver. Then mentioned it made him uncomfortable to have around when he was depressed. Still not sure whether he was coning me into buying it - but .45 caliber interested me. He said he would like $100. for it. I had a $100. bill with me, next time he was due to work. It came with a holster, & was a 1937 Brasil model (1917). We finalized the deal, discreetly, in my office. Back then campus firearm rules didn't exist.
My helper was happy, & I was satisfied also - since that model S&W always appealed to me + he couldn't off himself with it.
It showed considerable holster wear, & its Bore was worn. Other wise it was in fine operating condition.
I mentioned the possibility or re-barreling, to one of the knowledgeable employees at my local gun store - who just happened to have a FREE NOS U.S. PROPERTY 1917 Barrel, that cost me $20. to have fitted. I sold the used barrel for more on EBAY.
I enjoyed the revolver for some years, & finally sold it for $350. - to upgrade my arsenal. Afterwards, I regretted selling it - & decided someday to find a nicer one. Which I did a couple of years ago - for not a lot more than the one I sold. This new one (model 1937) wasn't delivered to Brazil until the month & year of my birth (1946). It is mechanically like new with minor storage wear , matching numbers & original grips. I prefer shooting it with Magna grips, & traded the "HUNTER" holster my first one came with - for a NOS N frame flapped holster. This one isn't going anywhere. I love it.
Thought the back-story would be entertaining. C.

 

[cp1969]

Model 18. Bought it used. Used so much that the cylinder dragged on the forcing cone and I traded it off.

That was the only S&W I've ever gotten rid of and I wish I wouldn't have done that.

Edit: That was a lie. I had a Model 25 .45 Colt that I wish I'd kept, too.

 

[Mike N]

In 1963 I bought a used 1950 44 Special Target model that someone traded for a 44 magnum. Paid $49. Traded it for a Ruger Super BLackhawk in the wood box in 1964. Traded the SBH that year for a 3.5inch Model 27 which was traded in 1968 when I switched to a BHP which I carried over 40 years. Wish I would have kept them all but could not afford to.

And 57 years later you still have that BHP.

 

[randy staber]

Mine was a 19-2 , 4" that I bought in 1972. Shortly thereafter I bought one in a 6", + I've been buying smith's ever since in all calibers. In the mid 80s, APD was going to semi-autos + they had a booth at the Austin gun show, selling all their wheelguns for $150.00 each. I wish I'd bought more. Hindsights 20/20.

 

[jdlii]

My first S&W revolver was a Mod. 28-2. The sad part of the story is that I traded a Colt SP-1 for the Mod. 28 and 500 rounds of ammunition. I will say that I enjoyed the Mod. 28 more than the SP-1. I subsequently sold the Mod. 28 but, acquired a replacement several years ago. Still love the Mod. 28-2!!

 

[biku324]

Used Model 19 4". It was nice!

 

[sandspur6]

New 2" nickel Model 10-5 that I bought new in 1971. I still have it.

 

[AF FAL]

A 1086 that I sold in favor of a 1006

 

[nps7077]

1911 e series, familiar with 1911's from the USN, but didn't have a good reason for not owning one. Stopped at favorite LGS on way home from Dentist. It appealed to me more than the others. Probably back in 2014 or so, don't remember exact date.

 

[Turbosaurus]

A 1086 that I sold in favor of a 1006

I carried a 1086 daily for a long time, at least until they came out with the M&P in 10mm. Still have it. Learned a lesson from my '69 SS396 Chevelle: never sell a good gun or car!

 

[Turbosaurus]

I bought a new 4691 in or around '92-93. Once I found out how rare it is, I put it back in it's box and keep it in the safe...

 

[JIMYJAC]

Mine was a 38 spcl. 14-3 6inch barrel, 2sets of grips. Bought it off a retired Fire Chief. I could clover leaf that all day. Sorry I ever sold it. I sure many of you have that regret.

 

[algentry1]

I had a Model 19 in 1980 something. My friend who was a pistol smith put an 8 inch Python barrel on it for me. A member of our household suffered a brain injury and I had to get my firearms out of the house. I sold it through a local gun shop. They said "nobody will buy that thing". It was gone the following day. I worried myself over it for a long time. It always hit right where it was pointed. Always. But, I cheated... I practiced every day. :^)

 

[rrb357mag]

When I got out of college and had my first real job, I looked for a "Dirty Harry" Model 29. Unfortunately, they were as scarce as hen's teeth in 1977-78, so instead I purchased a brand spankin' new blued 4" Model 57 (with the mahogany presentation case). It turned out to be an excellent choice for me...plenty of power and very accurate. I put quite a few rounds through it, and due to cost of ammo I started reloading .41 Magnum. However, about two years after I bought it a burglar broke into my apartment and stole that Model 57 along with my roommate's 6" Colt Python. Dang the bad luck! The burglar only left me the presentation case and tools. I only recently replaced that stolen Model 57 with a minty nickel 4" Model 57 from the same era...and I still have the original case. The Model 57 is still one of my favorites!
View attachment 787824View attachment 787823

What a beauty. At one time I had eight Model 57's and have loved them all. I have sold 5 of them but still have the first one I ever bought, a blue 4" 57 no dash. Also have a twin to yours, a 4" Nickel 57 no dash and a 6" blue 57-1.

 

[reno]

4" used model 15

 

[Ba1950]

My first S&W was also my first firearm ever. It was a Model 28, 6". Accurate and I loved to shoot it. Unfortunately we sold it in order to pay some bills in our hard-times. Wish I still had it.

Mine also. The most accurate hand gun I ever had. I also sold it and wish I had it back.

 

[BLLefkay]

Went to the LGS with intentions of buying a Shield+ a year ago. Walked out of store with the BG 2.0. Anyway, put 3000 rounds through her, got bored, sold it.

Now a year later, bought another one, lol!

 

[Daniel R.]

A discussion of "Firsts" seems a good thread on which to make a first post. That first Smith & Wesson was also the first handgun I purchased not long after turning 21 in the mid-90s…. A 2 1/2" Model 66-4. Led to more than a few additional S&W revolvers in the last 30 years.

Thanks for having me. DR

 

[GUNSAFETY4U]

Model 39-2 Nickel, 1977 NYS

 

[Garyrn]

My first was a 4" Model 28-2 Highway Patrol. Best I've ever owned. Absolutely loved it

My first was a model 32 that I purchased for my wife when I was drafted in 1969. We still have it in its original box with papers!

 

[Kamin]

SW ACP 45 Performance Center.
Outstanding piece!

 

[SteveJewels]

A 6" no dash 686.

That was when the no dash was the only version there was. LOL

 

[malph]

My first Smith revolver was an alloy J frame.
This was a poor choice to learn DA revolver shooting on but I didn't know that at the time.

I bought a used Model 10 a couple of years later and it was with that gun that I really learned how to shoot a revolver.

 

[ol777gunnerz]

My first S&W was a Model of 1891 single shot 22 lr target pistol, the barrel was relined for 22 short by H M Pope. It was my first ever post on this site, was told it was a beater. After it lettered as shipped to Dr. R H Sayre, Captain of the first 4 U S Olympic Pistol & Revolver teams & longtime officer of the USRA, 2 or 3 of the "beater" commenters offered to buy it whenever I was ready to sell it.

 

[Moose Pass Hippie]

In 1996 I purchased a 1066 for $400 from my future brother in law. Sold it in 2000 for $400 and took payments from a coworker. Found out recently the guy I sold it to is a big anti-2A nut. Anyway, if you have a 1066 for sale, let me know.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

My first Smith & Wesson was a brand new issued to me city owned model 10-6. My 10 had the bluing worn off at the barrel and leading edge and sides of the cylinder. The grips were nicked mostly on the right side from ah, enforcing the law. That was 14 years later when we went to Sigs. I would have paid the city $100. more than what they got on trade in. But no deals, they were moving more than 200 guns and didn't want to bother.

Funny 16 years after that I turned in the Sig and didn't care anything about it. Only the Smith. I really miss that gun. I keep a look out for a worn 10-6 when at the LGS. We survived some very adrenaline filled times.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

My first Smith was the 1977 48-3, the one at the top of this photo. Since 22 Mag ammo is pricey, my next Smith was the 1948 K-22 Masterpiece in the middle!

Bought them both back in 1990.

 

[pilbender]

This struck a nerve. I've only had to buy two. First was the Shield EZ in 380 I bought for my wife. I ended up carrying it because I like it so much. I also bought a 10mm, which ended up going to a close friend. I love that gun and will probably buy one again.

I have a pile of revolvers though from various family members. It seems like all the guns end up going to me because no one knows what to do with them. I've repaired all of them in some way or another though. I've got my dad's 19-4 which broke the hammer spur this summer. That's the latest one I'm fixing. I have more Smith and Wesson revolvers than any other type of gun.

What's funny is I never had any interest in "upgrading" or buying my own because I despised the Hillary Lock Smith & Wesson was putting on their revolvers. I was personally offended by S&W doing that and the reasons they did were just silly. Now they are offering a bunch of them without that internal lock. I will expect to purchase at least 2 or 3 this year because of this change. The first will be a 637. Second, a Model 60. Possibly a 3rd which will be a M&P R8 or the Model 327 TRR8 IF they get rid of the internal lock. Otherwise they can pound sand. For that price, it shouldn't be scarred like that.

 

[Tom Garrett]

I bought a new 4691 in or around '92-93. Once I found out how rare it is, I put it back in it's box and keep it in the safe...

I bought a model 66 in 4" from a gun show in College Station Texas in about '82. Kept it for 15 years or so. Had the notion I should stop dragging it around. Sold it. Kinda like The Best Car I Never Shoulda Sold thing. But I did. I got another one now. Usually carry a .38 nowadays.

 

[crotchetyoldman]

Being an avid reader I was heavily influenced by Skeeter Skelton when I was a youngster so in 1975 bought a new model 19 6 inch with target hammer, trigger and stocks. Chronically limited finances meant anything new to me required letting something else go, so its long gone.