Which model S&W revolvers are MUST HAVES?

[Snapping Twig]

My next must have is a 24/624.

What does one need for a good collection...

27

29

586

25

There's a lot I left out, but IMO, the ones listed are the backbone of S&W.

 

[p0838]

28,36, 66

 

[yes]

IMO, there are only two revolvers that are true must haves and both are variants of the same gun. Those are the model 19 in blued steel and the model 66 in stainless steel, both with 4 inch barrels.

I agree, except I believe the 3-inch guns are the better choice. Both were made in three inch. I own a 66 and have handled a 19. These guns are perhaps the best revolvers for concealed carry and fighting ever devised by man. There may be better for open carry. There may be better for defense against animal attack. But for concealed carry and fighting off human attack, these two are the best I can think of.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

The following...
27-2
29-2
66 or 66-1
Enjoy,

Roger

 

[MakeMyNight]

One can never own too many S&W Revolvers.

 

[GoHogs]

1) M19 or M66;
2) M36, M37 or M60;
Then it's all gravy, whatever turns you on, and they're all fun.

 

[frogger]

Thanks for all the replies guys. What I think I've learned from this thread is that there are no "MUST HAVES" that are universally excepted or even on the majority of lists.

I love my current S&W's which are a 642-1 & 686-4. I do plan to add a 617, 625 & 657 over the next few years. The 657 is just because a 6" 657 was the first non-rimfire gun I ever fired so I want one in my collection. I also want to add a DA .44 Magnum and am debating between a 629 and a Ruger Redhawk. I'll figure that one out later. That gun is pretty far down my wish list at the moment.

 

[RPM2DAY]

I have to say, as a Jew I find the use of the name of my religion as a synonym for the word cheat to be EXTREMELY offensive. I don't think that using the N-word here would be allowed and what you just said is just as bad. Perhaps you should think before you type.

To everyone else, thanks for all the great feedback so far.

As a "Jew by osmosis" as my good friends call me, (in reference to my beautiful wife of almost 30 years!) I concur.
JG

 

[RPM2DAY]

I had to have one 4" N-frame with "Highway Patrolman" stamped on the barrel.

 

[357larry]

Much like frogger, I prefer stainless guns and for the most part short or medium length barrels. There are a few guns I will never be without, model 60, model 66, model 639, and a model 645.
The only gun I currently lust for is a 629 with a 6 inch barrel ( it aint never gonnabe a hideout weapon )
To go back to before stainless was available, I would also like to have an early model 27, either 3 inch or 5 inch barrel. Never saw any sense in getting one of the later ones with a 4 or 6 inch barrel. Might as well save some money and buy a model 28.

 

[Jimmymac46]

A must have, IMO, would be a specific gun and with that in mind, here are my absolute must haves:

First- Model 29 6 1/2 inch, blue, three T's (Goncolo Alves)

Second- Model 27 5 inch, blue, three T's, (Goncolo Alves)

Third- Model 629-4 Mountain Gun

Fourth- Model 17 6 inch, blue

Fifth- Colt Mark IV Series 70 Government 5 inch, blue

Sixth- Model 66 4 inch

Seventh- Ruger three screw Flattop 44 Magnum 6 1/2 inch

Eighth- Model 686 8 3/8 inch

As a group, any and all model 29/629


As a note of interest (and dispute), were I forced to have only one handgun (God forbid) it would have to be the 629 Mountain Gun. Why? It is the only one listed that can do it all....defense, concealable if necessary, target, plinking, small or big game capable with the proper ammo, and as reliable as they come.

 

[David LaPell]

Must haves-

Model 29 4-inch
Model 24 or 624 4-inch
Model 24 or 624 6 1/2 inch
Model 29 6 1/2
Model 27 5 inch
Triple Lock .44 Special 6 1/2 inch barrel
Outdoorsman 6 1/2 inch
Heavy duty 6 1/2 inch
Military & Police .38 6 inch
M & P Target .38 6 inch
M & P .32-20

 

[sonny]

442,640-1, 66, 28, 29, 625, 696.
My two cents worth.
Sonny