Desirable older S&Ws

[Stuart C.]

Hi,
I was at a show last weekend looking at older S&Ws.  Based on the prices I saw it was obvious that some models were much more desirable than others (of course). But being a newbie to I didn't know what the differences were between, say, a Model 36 and a Model 37 when they looked similar to my untrained eye.

Could someone give me a run down of a few S&Ws which are the more desireable/better resale modesl and why, and which are "underrated, great shooters that you might not have to pay a premium for" 

Thanks again!
S.

[Tom C.]

I can’t speak to what others may find desirable, but I know what I like.
Model 17 .22
Model 25-2 .45 ACP
Model 27-2 .357 mag.
Model 28 .357
Model 41 .22 auto
Model 63 .22

[Graybeard]

Model 37 is the airweight version of the model 36 and has always sold for more because it's so light and easy to carry. You really need to ask about specifics to get a specific answer.

My favorites are:

Model 17 which is a K frame in .22LR and the 8-3/8" barrel is my personal favorite for it.

Model 14 which is a K frame in .38 special and again the 8-3/8" barrel is my favorite of them.

Model 66 which is a stainsless K frame in .357 Magnum basically same as the blued Model 19 but made of stainless steel. This one was offered in 2.5", 3", 4" and 6" versions. I have both 4" and 6" but kinda prefer the longer barrel for the longer sight radius. I've only seen one of the 3" guns and came close to bringing it home but I'm just not much on short barrel guns.

Models 586/686 which are L frame .357 magnums made of blued/SS metal respectively. These are heavier than the L frame guns and hold up better to sustained use of heavy loads but to me are a bit heavy for carrying. Still they are nice target guns and with the 8-3/8" barrels served me well in my competition days.

Models 29/629 which are the N frame .44 magnums. I've owned a bunch of these over the years in all sorts of barrel lengths and variations. I guess my all time favorite would be the 629 with 8-3/8" barrel (notice any trend here?) without the full underlug or maybe that old 29 I had with 10-5/8" barrel that I'm trying to buy now even now.

[mikedb]

What about the old M&P, as well as Models 10s and 15s?.  I really like the old 38s.  What a great gun to start a youngster shooting.

[Cheesehead]

I think the Model 10 is desirable and I will have one some day.

Cheese

[hemiram]

I don't like the looks of the older K frames much, especially with the thinner barrels, but I really want a 28, and a 29/629, pre lock please, and preferably all 6", or 6+1/2" barrels.

[rockbilly]

I started late, but I have a fair collection of Smith wheel guns, I think all of them are desirable.  I bought many of them when the autos were beginning to be the fad and they were fairly cheap.  My goal is to have at least one of every model.

[Keith L]

I have a 4 inch 66 that I will never part with.  It looks and handles well, and I can shoot fairly well with it.  It will be a gun that gets passed on to the next generation (I hope).

[S.B.]

Hmmm, desireable? Model 45s, third model .44 specials hand ejectors, HDs, half lugged 617s, registered magnums, and many more. Let YOUR desires be your guild?

[jro45]

I have the model 12 in 357.

[S.B.]

I always thought that the model 12 was an air weight .38 special? Do you have any pictures? If so, please post them.

[Hammerdown]

Hello
Desirable, to me is a Personal thing. Revolver's made by S&W seem to run in streaks as far as being desirable, I would rather view the term as what is HOT with the general Public. It seems at this moment in my area of the world, The model 28's  which are .357 Magnum Caliber are HOT and selling for more than the Higher finished brother's the model 27's. I would rather have a model 27 for the eye appeal. The model 58's in .41 Magnum are super hot now, and guys are paying more for them than the adjustable sighted brother model 57. The K-22's are always Popular and never seem to run in streaks. An average K-22 will fetch an average of $550.00 in my area. The Older they are and the nicer they are decides on what the Prices will be. I have a 1936 First series Outdoorsman which in great shape will bring an average of $1,000.00 if and when you can find one. The later K-22's do not bring as much as they are more Popular and there seems to be several of them out there for the Picking. The smaller J Frame revolver's are always Popular and the enclosed Hammer style Body Guards bring Big money right now at gun shows averaging $450.00-$600.00 mark and maybe more when found in Nickel as the Nickel finished ones seem to be less Popular than Blued.It all depends on what consumer demand is on a certain model as to what the current prices are. I swapped a Post-War M&P revolver at a show last weekend for a Nice 17-2 that has an Odd Red Post front sight blade and Factory single action trigger. I felt that an M&P with fixed sights will never climb to the level of consumer demand as much as a K-22 will since the Factory has been making them since the Late 1870's in different configurations. here are some examples of what is Hot right now at local gun shows and these models seem to be getting more expensive with each show lately. Here is an example of what seems to draw a lot of consumer attention at all the gun shows I attend. I was Lucky to come onto the ones shown and at different times when they were not as Popular buying them then kept the Price affordable. Regards, Hammerdown





                                         1936 K-22 Outdoorsman First series









                                      1975 Model 27-2 .357 Magnum with 5" Barrel











                  Early Post-War K-22 Third design K-22











                    Early Model 57 in .41 Magnum














                            Late 1960's Model 36 in .38 Special with 3" Barrel








               17-2 K-22 1964 model










                      Model 49 Bodyguard in .38 special

[T.J. McSuds]

  The only S&W revolvers that I like are the blue or shiney ones.

[Old Griz]

I have a serious disease that effects many people. It makes almost any revolver that says "Smith & Wesson" on it desirable.

I got into it late. Started with the K frame .357s. Two great carry guns: 2.5" 19 and a 3" 66. I would still like to have a 3" 13.
Found a 4" 10 that I bought simply because the price was so low I couldn't believe it. When I fired it, I still couldn't believe it. Probably the most accurate gun I own.
Then I stumbled across a 4" 57 (no dash). Wow. What a gun!
A model 17 followed me home, and it became my favorite .22. Like it better than my 617!
Then there was the 25-10, my first .45 Colt. Performance Center gun: smooth and accurate.
A 638 has found a home in my pocket.

It's a disease I guess I'll just have to live with.