What would you consider to be the top 5, must have, S&W revolvers.............

[geneboy]

5 model 15s any dash number

 

[s3dcor]

After much thought and carefull consideration I offer my list of the 5 must have S&W revolvers.

686-1 The finest most durable, beautifull and versatile S&W ever made
29 Any early model for the "wow" factor
60-9 The first "J" frame 357 magnum for durable concealed carry.
57-1 8 3/8" The ultimate hunting revolver.
34 4" for affordable rimfire fun.

 

[GF]

My compliments to the OP!
10 pages of responses and about 2000 hits in 2 days...I haven't had that many lookers in all my time here!

My contribution to the thread:
Two magnum caliber revo's in different barrel lengths.
Two rimfire calibers in different barrel lengths and one of those in stainless.
One stainless snub-nosed .38 spl.

GF

 

[therick]

Next week, when I have a little time to sit down and pour over the information, I'm gonna try to list all of the responses and see which models stand out against the rest. Of course this is totally unscientific but what I had hoped to do was to get an idea from you veteran gun collectors which guns I should have an eye out for as I build my (new) hobby. I've always enjoyed handguns but it wasn't until recently that I have decided to "build" a collection. Opinions are wide ranging and I certainly appreciate everyone's contribution and I hope everyone has enjoyed this experiment as much as I have. Thank you and don't stop. If anyone else is just finding the thread, please leave your favorite 5 for all of us to appreciate.

sincerely,

Rick T.

 

[shark_za]

I looked at this differently.

What 5 would I keep of the ones I currently own if I was forced to give everything else up.

1. 1955 Target .45 ACP
2. Model 38
3. Model 19-2 2-1/2 inch
4. Model 10 3 inch square butt
5. Model 19-P

 

[therick]

My hopes was to get a good over all feel for the shooter grade, on a budget, every man's kind of gun. Since I was going to use the information to see what everyone else seemed to have a favorites..........that way I could investigate these "favorites" to see if I agreed and wanted to add them to my future, on going, collection as well. Since I prefer revolvers over Semi's, I added that for my benefit. that's why I tried to omit collector guns and investment pieces because I want to be able to shoot whatever I decide on and not have some safe queen in hopes that one day it'll finance my retirement. My hope was to get everyone's 5 favorite revolvers under say.....$700.00? That way anyone could put together their wish list whether they already owned their top 5 favorites or were still trying to put it together. Hope that makes sense. I am thrilled with the responses so far and appreciate everyone that has participated so.

Rick T.

I have a M19-2 2 1/2 inch, blued and she is one sexy beast. Certainly will remain one of my top 5 too.

 

[BubbaBlades]

Model 17 6" barrel
Model 317 3" barrel
Model 617 4" barrel
Model 35 6" barrel
Model 63 4" barrel
Yes they are all 22s. Back when I only had one gun it was a .22 and I enjoyed shooting it for several years before I finally bought a second gun. These guns are accurate, fun to shoot and cheap on ammo. For those of us that are recoil sensitive, these revolvers will also chamber .22 BB caps and .22 CB caps.
Mark

 

[therick]

There are quite a few top 5 list with 22's on them. Honestly, I was a little surprised but I totally understand. I will have to acquire one at some point for the same reasons.

Rick T.

 

[Speedo2]

removed PC

 

[jughed440]

66, 2 1/2", 3", or 4"
686, 3"
586, 4" on up
625 .45 ACP, 3" or 5"
K22, any barrel length

 

[tcc]

M 13 3"
M 34 4"
K 22 6"
K 38 6"
and the one I don't have is a M 10 3" HB..maybe someday!

 

[Dick Craig]

My must have S&W Models, if I could only have 5 and they were my only 5 guns:
M10 HB, 3" or 4"
M640 .357mag
M686, 4"
M29-2, 6.5"
M22-4, 4"

Happy to see I'm not the only 22-4 fan. It is one of my favorite shooters.
Also like the Models 10, 28-2, M & P Revolvers and 627-7

 

[USBP SW]

First and foremost would have to be a 6" model 57, the one I will never do without. #2 would be a 5" 629, then a model 25-2, a K-38, and a K-22. If I could get a sixth in there it would be a model 63, it has to be the most fun anyone could have with a handgun. These are the most enjoyable things I shoot. Take care,
Steve

 

[wheelgun28]

I would have to say

36 2"
28 4"
10 4"
66 4"
29 6 or 6 1/2"

I think these would cover most needs and wants.

Heck it would make a decent collection on it own

 

[tedog]

This thread should be interesting because of the diverse number of S&W collectors and shooters up here. For me the 5 S&W revolvers that are a must have are:

1. Model K22/Model 17 P&R revolver with a 6 inch barrel because it's a blast to shoot and the ammo is cheap and is a must have in my book.
2. Model 27-2 357 Magnum with 5 inch barrel which I believe is the best balanced 27-2 N frame period and the best looking S&W revolver.
3. Model 29-2 44 Magnum with a 4 inch barrel or if you are a Dirty Harry want to be a 6.5 inch barrel because everyone needs one 44 Magnum S&W revolver.
4. Model K38/Model 14 38 special with a 6 inch pinned barrel because it was once used by competition shooters in the 50's and 60's and weighs exactly the same as the K22.
5. Model 28-2 with a 4 inch barrel because it is a solid shooter and a no nonsense N frame revolver used be LEO's back in the day.

By the way I've have all of these and in some cases multiples so I must be serious or really sick.
I'm sure this is an old school look at S&W revolvers and so most other opinions will be different as they should be.

fyimo hit it right on the nose.

 

[jtn_o1]

1. Model 36 Chief's Special

2. Model 19, 4"

3. Model 642/442 .38+p

4. Model 686, "4 No Lock

5. Model 29, 6"

 

[stantheman86]

I have to add the 581-681.............it's light enough for CC if you dress around it, can take small whitetails, and makes a heck of a range gun.

 

[GregG]

For me......

1957 .44 Magnum 6.5"

Model 58 (Daily companion)

S prefix Model 57 4"

629-1 4"

27-2 6" (Given to me by a dear friend)

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

My faves--
Model 34, 4"
Model 15-3
642
632
327pc

 

[doublesharp]

I'd take these 5 today. Might change my mind tomorrow.

.357 mag 5" 5 screw
.44 mag 629-4 6"
.38sp 337ti snubby
.22lr 617-4 4" 10-shot
.22lr 317 3" AirLite 8 shot kit gun