Limited to blue S&W revolvers.....

Nathan · April 23, 2018, 12:03 PM

If you limited yourself to blued finish Smith and Wesson revolvers, what revolver would you absolutely have to have in your collection?

I find I identify with the ones made just before the current numbering started through to the MIM changeover. I prefer blue, but like ss ok for work, which none of these will ever see.

I have: 19-3 sq; 17-3 3T sq; 547 round

I feel compelled to buy a 13 3”, 14 3T 6”, 17-6 3T 6” underlug, 18, 25-2, 586 4”....maybe a 36

What else should be tops on the list?

RickB · April 23, 2018, 12:54 PM

Already have it: Model 22.

I'd thought about getting one of the numerous different 625 variants, but I love the classic, M1917/.38-44 Heavy Duty look, so bought a Thunder Ranch 22, instead.

Bob Wright · April 23, 2018, 01:27 PM

The early S&W gun of my druthers would be a 4" .44 Target Model. Especially the Model 1950 Target.

Of all the Smiths I've owned over the years, this 5" full lug early Model 29 happens to be my favorite:

Bob Wright

lamarw · April 23, 2018, 01:37 PM

You will dream for a Registered .357 Magnum and a Non-Registered .357 Magnum. That is the want or crave list; although not very realistic unless you have just won the lottery.

Realistically, you will want models 27 (several in different barrel lengths), Model 28 w/4" barrel, Model of 1950 Target Pre-Model 26, Model 25, Model 36, Victory Model, Pre-Victory, Pre-Model 10, Model 40 and/or Model 42 Centennial, Model of 1905 (several changes particularly the 4th Change with most desirable a target model), numerous Model 10's, Model 29 and the list goes on.

jmstr · April 23, 2018, 03:37 PM

K22 or K38, from before 1958's movement to numbered series.

586 for more modern.

Done.

[except for my Colt OMT 22, OMT 38, OMM 22, OMM 38 and Model 357- some more nice blued revolvers

]

BigJimP · April 23, 2018, 03:39 PM

I prefer Nickel over blued guns in the early revolvers...but If I only wanted Blued or Nickel...it would be model 18's ( .22 )... 19's, 27's & 28's ( .357 Mag) and model 29's ( .44 mag ).

aarondhgraham · April 23, 2018, 04:01 PM

Model 15 & Model 18.

Model 36 & Model 34.

Those are my "absolutely must have" S&W Revolvers,,,
Pretty much the first four handguns I purchased as a grown man.

Here are my nice to have S&W revolvers.

Model 12

3" Model 36.

Aarond

.

muzzleblast... · April 23, 2018, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

If you limited yourself to blued finish Smith and Wesson revolvers, what revolver would you absolutely have to have in your collection? ...I have: 19-3 sq; 17-3 3T sq; 547 round...I feel compelled to buy a 13 3”, 14 3T 6”, 17-6 3T 6” underlug, 18, 25-2, 586 4”....maybe a 36...What else should be tops on the list?

Looks like you have a solid start. The 547 RB is one a lot of vintage S&W revolver fans lust for. My personal "tops the list" include the 6.5" M-29 .44 mag, the 5" M-27 .357 mag, a 4" M-57 .44 mag, a 6.5" M-25-2 .45 ACP, and an 8-3/8" M-17/K22. It is easy to get hooked on S&W revolvers.

Driftwood Johnson · April 23, 2018, 08:37 PM

Howdy

These days about the only thing I'm looking for is a Model 16. No point looking for a K-32, they are just too rare. I'd love to have a Registered Magnum, but they are way too dear. Passed up a Non-Registered Magnum last year because it was in pretty rough shape.

Other than that, I grab what ever nice old Smiths come along. I found this nice Baby Russian with a box last year. Ooops, sorry, it is nickel plated.

Found a nice 38 Regulation Police last month to go along with a couple or 32 Regulation Police.

I was looking for a nice Bicycle Revolver until I found this 32 last year. Checked that one off the list.

I found this 38/44 Outdoorsman last year, checked that one off the list too.

I used to think the 38 Double Action Perfected was the dumbest thing to come down the pike, other than the Governor, but now I have three of them. Sorry, the middle one is nickel plated. Yup, checked them off the list.

Best thing I found last year was this terrific New Model Number Three that shipped to Japan in 1896. Stumbled on it at a local gun show. The dealer didn't really know what he had. I grabbed it in a heartbeat.

My #3 collection is almost complete with a Russian 2nd Model, Schofield 1st Model, a couple of New Models Number Three and a couple of 44 Double Actions. Still need an American. Or what I would really like is a First Model Russian that looks just like an American but I can shoot 44 Russians out of it. Passed on one last year that was in pretty sad shape.

Hey Bob Wright: I'm not familiar with that Model 29 with the full length underlug. What dash # and vintage is it?

Carmady · April 23, 2018, 10:47 PM

Quote:

If you limited yourself to blued finish Smith and Wesson revolvers, what revolver would you absolutely have to have in your collection?

A blue 13 with a 3" barrel.

**44 AMP** · April 23, 2018, 11:16 PM

Model 28-2 6"

My dad had one, I've got mine. Also have his 29-2. I prefer the 28, to the 29, as a gun, but the 29 was his, so it has a place of its own, no matter what.

Hal · April 24, 2018, 03:46 AM

Quote:

If you limited yourself to blued finish Smith and Wesson revolvers, what revolver would you absolutely have to have in your collection?

Anything pre-Bangor Punta.
Which translates to before 1965.

Might as well go the extra step & cater to the "purists" that consider anything made before 1965 inferior.

All of my S&Ws are from those "inferior" years so I can't really compare them to anything else I own.

I can say that I got rid of all my S&W revolvers made after 1998.
Those were clearly not, to my hands anyhow, close to the older ones.

CajunBass · April 24, 2018, 05:56 AM

I've never seen a blued S&W I didn't like.

Model 57, 41 Magnum

Model 29-2, 44 Magnum

Model 15-2, 38 Special

Model 18-4, 22 LR

I even like the post war matte blue finish.

1953 22 Combat Masterpiece, 22 LR

1950 M&P 38, 38 Special

I'd add a 19 and a 27 to the list, but I don't have them right now.

USSR · April 24, 2018, 05:57 AM

I have limited myself to the Model 14, 19, and 25. Like Driftwood Johnson, I would love to have a Model 16, but they are priced out of my price range.

Don

Hunter Customs · April 24, 2018, 08:18 AM

I had quite a few S&W revolvers sold them all along with most of my other collection of guns. My two favorite Smiths was a model 27 with 8-3/8 inch barrel. It was very accurate and the bluing was like looking at your reflection in a puddle of water. The other Smith I liked so well was a model 36 with 3 inch barrel. That gun went more miles with me both horse back and on foot then any other gun I own or owned.

Wyosmith · April 24, 2018, 08:39 AM

I would not feel right until I had a 6" M29 44 mag and a 6" M28 357 mag.

DavidAGO · April 24, 2018, 09:06 AM

My list, 29, 28, 27, 57, 58, 25, 19, 15, 13, and 10. wish I had the time to look at pre war and earlier, but so many models, so little time.....

David

joed · April 24, 2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

If you limited yourself to blued finish Smith and Wesson revolvers, what revolver would you absolutely have to have in your collection?

I find I identify with the ones made just before the current numbering started through to the MIM changeover. I prefer blue, but like ss ok for work, which none of these will ever see.

I have: 19-3 sq; 17-3 3T sq; 547 round

I feel compelled to buy a 13 3”, 14 3T 6”, 17-6 3T 6” underlug, 18, 25-2, 586 4”....maybe a 36

What else should be tops on the list?

Seems like all you have are K frames, that's to limiting. In my opinion the model 27 should be at the top of your list. If you look at one you'll understand why. The most sought after is a model 27 with 3.5" barrel, you don't see them often and the price is high.

I still have model 29's and 28's which I feel anyone collecting S&W revolvers should have. In addition there are model 24's and 25's, all collectable.

I'll say one thing about blue, it sucks on S&W revolvers! I purchased new revolvers and after 2 years bluing disappears from the end of the barrel if you shoot it. For that reason I'm more fond of nickel and stainless. A nickel S&W is a thing of beauty to me.

Driftwood Johnson · April 24, 2018, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Anything pre-Bangor Punta.
Which translates to before 1965.

I never understand why so many shooters say this.

I bought my Model 17-3 (bottom of photo) brand-spanky new in 1975. The Model 14-3 (top of photo) shipped in 1974.

I also bought my Model 19-3 brand-spanky new in 1975.

The three of them are excellent, inside and out.

Perhaps the earlier Bangor-Punta stuff was not so good, but these are excellent.

Hal · April 24, 2018, 02:39 PM

Quote:

I never understand why so many shooters say this.

Blame it on the magazine hacks in the 60's and 70's.
Since a lot of shooters bought into it, it did help keep the prices of those era guns down to a reasonable level for a long time.

I think those days are over now - for the most part.

The only reason I'd want them that way now is in the context of this thread.

Since - IMHO- most of the really nice blued S&W models mentioned here (in this thread) are probably going to be in the role of safe queen or range only use,,,,,,,I'd just go for the max investment and the most desired year(s).

**44 AMP** · April 24, 2018, 04:05 PM

If it doesn't have a pinned barrel, I'm not interested. If it has the ILS, I'm repulsed. (personal preference, not a mechanical issue)

A friend got a new 8 3/8" 629, shortly after they stopped pinning the barrels. After a few hundred rounds, the barrel was noticeably canted. He sent it back, it came back with the barrel on straight again, and a note from S&W saying "nothing wrong found". He sold it soon after...

I know that it is entirely possible to make a good revolver without pinning the barrel. I also know that for at least some time, S&W, didn't.

More than enough of the older guns around to satisfy my every want and need, so I don't bother with anything else.

Drm50 · April 24, 2018, 04:20 PM

I generally only go for P&R era S&Ws. I do have two each 25-5 & 24-3s that I
only keep because they shoot good. The barrels turning has never happened to
me because I don't do stainless and that's were you hear about this. I have
about a full set of P&Rs in 6-6.6" & 83/8" with a few 4" and one nicel 57 that
would be trade bait for a blue one. Also have several older model pre war guns.
I only deal in adj sight models too. The gut busters and stainless are just passing through on trades.

Nathan · April 24, 2018, 04:40 PM

Quote:

If it doesn't have a pinned barrel, I'm not interested. If it has the ILS, I'm repulsed. (personal preference, not a mechanical issue)

I agree. The 547 seems like it will be an exception, but a worthy one. The one on its way to me has wooden grips....any idea where I can find some nice looking grip of a similar pattern to the originals?.....the originals are like mini target's. I'm looking for something under $100, but the has decent wood and tung oil finish.

I should be clear, all of mine are going to be occasional shooters and I'm not to the point I value boxes and papers yet. I do like a clean gun with minimal wear and original or nice wood replacement grips

Salmoneye · April 24, 2018, 04:43 PM

I'd love a Model 14...

One of my sisters has Dad's 14-4...

She has the original grips (box+papers, etc), but prefers the feel of these magna-style that I knocked up out of white ash...

dgludwig · April 24, 2018, 05:26 PM

For a 6-shot, relatively light-weight revolver for concealed carry, you might want to consider getting a Model 12 snub-nose, preferably the round butt variant.

April 23, 2018, 12:03 PM	#1
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	Limited to blue S&W revolvers..... If you limited yourself to blued finish Smith and Wesson revolvers, what revolver would you absolutely have to have in your collection? I find I identify with the ones made just before the current numbering started through to the MIM changeover. I prefer blue, but like ss ok for work, which none of these will ever see. I have: 19-3 sq; 17-3 3T sq; 547 round I feel compelled to buy a 13 3”, 14 3T 6”, 17-6 3T 6” underlug, 18, 25-2, 586 4”....maybe a 36 What else should be tops on the list?

April 23, 2018, 12:54 PM	#2
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	Already have it: Model 22. I'd thought about getting one of the numerous different 625 variants, but I love the classic, M1917/.38-44 Heavy Duty look, so bought a Thunder Ranch 22, instead. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

April 23, 2018, 04:01 PM	#7
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	That would be the five I already own,,, Model 15 & Model 18. Model 36 & Model 34. Those are my "absolutely must have" S&W Revolvers,,, Pretty much the first four handguns I purchased as a grown man. Here are my nice to have S&W revolvers. Model 12 3" Model 36. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

April 23, 2018, 08:37 PM	#9
Driftwood Johnson Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2014 Location: Land of the Pilgrims Posts: 2,033	Howdy These days about the only thing I'm looking for is a Model 16. No point looking for a K-32, they are just too rare. I'd love to have a Registered Magnum, but they are way too dear. Passed up a Non-Registered Magnum last year because it was in pretty rough shape. Other than that, I grab what ever nice old Smiths come along. I found this nice Baby Russian with a box last year. Ooops, sorry, it is nickel plated. Found a nice 38 Regulation Police last month to go along with a couple or 32 Regulation Police. I was looking for a nice Bicycle Revolver until I found this 32 last year. Checked that one off the list. I found this 38/44 Outdoorsman last year, checked that one off the list too. I used to think the 38 Double Action Perfected was the dumbest thing to come down the pike, other than the Governor, but now I have three of them. Sorry, the middle one is nickel plated. Yup, checked them off the list. Best thing I found last year was this terrific New Model Number Three that shipped to Japan in 1896. Stumbled on it at a local gun show. The dealer didn't really know what he had. I grabbed it in a heartbeat. My #3 collection is almost complete with a Russian 2nd Model, Schofield 1st Model, a couple of New Models Number Three and a couple of 44 Double Actions. Still need an American. Or what I would really like is a First Model Russian that looks just like an American but I can shoot 44 Russians out of it. Passed on one last year that was in pretty sad shape. Hey Bob Wright: I'm not familiar with that Model 29 with the full length underlug. What dash # and vintage is it? Last edited by Driftwood Johnson; April 23, 2018 at 08:49 PM.

April 23, 2018, 11:16 PM	#11
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	Model 28-2 6" My dad had one, I've got mine. Also have his 29-2. I prefer the 28, to the 29, as a gun, but the 29 was his, so it has a place of its own, no matter what. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

April 23, 2018, 01:27 PM	#3
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	The early S&W gun of my druthers would be a 4" .44 Target Model. Especially the Model 1950 Target. Of all the Smiths I've owned over the years, this 5" full lug early Model 29 happens to be my favorite: Bob Wright __________________ Time spent at the reloading bench is an investment in contentment.

April 23, 2018, 01:37 PM	#4
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	You will dream for a Registered .357 Magnum and a Non-Registered .357 Magnum. That is the want or crave list; although not very realistic unless you have just won the lottery. Realistically, you will want models 27 (several in different barrel lengths), Model 28 w/4" barrel, Model of 1950 Target Pre-Model 26, Model 25, Model 36, Victory Model, Pre-Victory, Pre-Model 10, Model 40 and/or Model 42 Centennial, Model of 1905 (several changes particularly the 4th Change with most desirable a target model), numerous Model 10's, Model 29 and the list goes on.

April 23, 2018, 03:37 PM	#5
jmstr Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2001 Location: San Joaquin Valley, CA Posts: 1,281	K22 or K38, from before 1958's movement to numbered series. 586 for more modern. Done. [except for my Colt OMT 22, OMT 38, OMM 22, OMM 38 and Model 357- some more nice blued revolvers ]

April 23, 2018, 03:39 PM	#6
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I prefer Nickel over blued guns in the early revolvers...but If I only wanted Blued or Nickel...it would be model 18's ( .22 )... 19's, 27's & 28's ( .357 Mag) and model 29's ( .44 mag ).

April 24, 2018, 05:56 AM	#13
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	I've never seen a blued S&W I didn't like. Model 57, 41 Magnum Model 29-2, 44 Magnum Model 15-2, 38 Special Model 18-4, 22 LR I even like the post war matte blue finish. 1953 22 Combat Masterpiece, 22 LR 1950 M&P 38, 38 Special I'd add a 19 and a 27 to the list, but I don't have them right now. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

April 24, 2018, 05:57 AM	#14
USSR Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2017 Location: Finger Lakes Region of NY Posts: 1,442	I have limited myself to the Model 14, 19, and 25. Like Driftwood Johnson, I would love to have a Model 16, but they are priced out of my price range. Don __________________ NRA Life Member NRA Certified Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor

April 24, 2018, 08:18 AM	#15
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I had quite a few S&W revolvers sold them all along with most of my other collection of guns. My two favorite Smiths was a model 27 with 8-3/8 inch barrel. It was very accurate and the bluing was like looking at your reflection in a puddle of water. The other Smith I liked so well was a model 36 with 3 inch barrel. That gun went more miles with me both horse back and on foot then any other gun I own or owned.

April 24, 2018, 08:39 AM	#16
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	I would not feel right until I had a 6" M29 44 mag and a 6" M28 357 mag.

April 24, 2018, 09:06 AM	#17
DavidAGO Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2008 Location: Magnolia, AR Posts: 340	My list, 29, 28, 27, 57, 58, 25, 19, 15, 13, and 10. wish I had the time to look at pre war and earlier, but so many models, so little time..... David

April 24, 2018, 04:05 PM	#21
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	If it doesn't have a pinned barrel, I'm not interested. If it has the ILS, I'm repulsed. (personal preference, not a mechanical issue) A friend got a new 8 3/8" 629, shortly after they stopped pinning the barrels. After a few hundred rounds, the barrel was noticeably canted. He sent it back, it came back with the barrel on straight again, and a note from S&W saying "nothing wrong found". He sold it soon after... I know that it is entirely possible to make a good revolver without pinning the barrel. I also know that for at least some time, S&W, didn't. More than enough of the older guns around to satisfy my every want and need, so I don't bother with anything else. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

April 24, 2018, 04:20 PM	#22
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	I generally only go for P&R era S&Ws. I do have two each 25-5 & 24-3s that I only keep because they shoot good. The barrels turning has never happened to me because I don't do stainless and that's were you hear about this. I have about a full set of P&Rs in 6-6.6" & 83/8" with a few 4" and one nicel 57 that would be trade bait for a blue one. Also have several older model pre war guns. I only deal in adj sight models too. The gut busters and stainless are just passing through on trades.

April 24, 2018, 04:43 PM	#24
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	I'd love a Model 14... One of my sisters has Dad's 14-4... She has the original grips (box+papers, etc), but prefers the feel of these magna-style that I knocked up out of white ash...

April 24, 2018, 05:26 PM	#25
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	For a 6-shot, relatively light-weight revolver for concealed carry, you might want to consider getting a Model 12 snub-nose, preferably the round butt variant. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member Last edited by dgludwig; April 26, 2018 at 03:31 PM.