What's has been the hardest S&W for you to find

[carter357]

3953, Never around when I want one!

there is a place here in TN that has some police tradeins
if interested

 

[giddyupsut]

Mod 657 3"

I had one...let her go...want her back. I love the feel of that grip.

 

[Terry T]

Took 10 years but I got it

It took 10 years but I finally landed an original 3 inch model 632 ANIB with the box. I'd seen only one other and it wasn't for sale. My letter from S&W states that only 440 were made.

It's a mate to the 2" 632 that I picked up 10 years before. Only 990 of those put together.
Terry T

 

[Nygma]

Ever try finding a 657 no dash 4"? Only made for a couple of years. I finally found one last year.

+1. I've found two nice ones in the past 15 years. I'm still looking for one in the box.

 

[BillBingham2]

Great find, congrats!

Can I ask how you tracked this treasure down?

B2

 

[Malysh]

For me, the hardest model to find was a pre 1957 Bodyguard Airweight or early Mod 38 with the flat latch. I looked for a number of years before I found one in 90% or better condition. I only saw a handful of them for sale over the past 10 years or so.

I was talking with Mr. Mike Spears from the S&W Collectors Assn. yesterday in front of the Registered Magnum collection at the NRA show. What a nice gentleman! I wish I'd had more time to talk with him.
He was trying to convince me not to carry my 1957 Mod 38. He suggested using a stainless J frame for carry instead. I do frequently carry an early Mod 640.

But I do and will carry my early Mod 38. It is my favorite warm weather carry S&W. I am approaching 60 years old, time is getting shorter, and I want to enjoy the gun!

 

[8thring]

hardest S&W

early model 629 4" pinned and recessed square butt. finally found a mint one at the right price: $550. replaced the ugly rubber grips with raspberry ahrends retros; looks and carries great in a maroon simply rugged belt holster or brown galco shoulder rig.

 

[Dave T]

The one I want the most is a 5" 610. I've seen three for sale but when the price gets to or goes over 1K I have to set on the sidelines and just watch. Since they don't get any cheeper, and our dollars are worth less every day, I probably never will own one.

Dave

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The one which will satisfy me enough so that I stop wanting another

+1...........Thats me! ........Currently satisfied at the moment.

 

[SD95B]

Has to be a 5 inch Illinois State Police K-38 and the Hannen Special, so far, I have not found either one! the search continues.

 

[Nygma]

Great find, congrats!

Can I ask how you tracked this treasure down?

B2

I assume you are asking me.
I found the first one through Shotgun News in the days before the internet. The second one was located via word of mouth.

 

[ditrina]

5" Pre 27

Found the 5" Pre 27..
But I still can't find the "Right" 3 1/2" Nickel 27

 

[jake m29]

model 25-5 with a 4inch tube. i have found one with a 6 inch but no 4inch yet. someday i will though.