I have a new love of wheelguns, who's with me?

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Sean Dempsey

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Okay, so my first guns were XD's, and I'm happy with them.

Now, I have 2 XD's, and 2 S&W wheel guns. It's even.

But I find myself wanting more revolvers. With a Model 28 6", and a 638, instead of getting that XD45 I've been wanting, I feel myself wanting another S&W, it's weird... the calm reassurance of a loaded revolver. There's just something about a DA gun... I really don't like having compressed springs just sitting like in a cocked XD. I know it's perfectly safe, its just a mental thing.

With a revolver, its sitting there, inert, ready for whatever I choose. If I need a fast DA shot, its ready. If I have time for a SA shot, it can do that to.


So, with that in mind, I am wanting to pick out another wheelgun for my future. I am thinking something between the 2 I have. the Model 28 is quite large (6 inch N frame) and the 638 pretty small. I want something more of a "standard" size, a good ol' 4.5" six-shooter. Any suggestions on this route? I want a gun I can use as SD gun, but also as a range gun. I don't want a cowboy action gun or a novelty... I want a workhorse revolver.

Thoughts?
 
S&W

Model 19 is the mid sized powerhouse; also known as the .357 COMBAT MAGNUM, and should be so marked on the barrel. :D
 
I am thinking of the 619. I like the polished finish. There sure is alot of variety for K and L frames, wow.

BigG: can you link me to it on S&W's site, or is that the same gun as the 619?
 
Sean D,

Unfortunately, the Model 19 K Frame is out of production. But there are plenty on the used market, depending on where you live. I would think a nice used Model 19 could be found for $300. FYI: The 619 is an L Frame with fixed sights, while the 620 is a 619 with adjustable sights.

My first gun was also an XD, a 9mm service model to be exact. I still have it. It is the only semi automatic I own! When I first started shooting, I looked upon revolvers as being "old timer" guns. Now I own 4, all Smiths! And I couldn't explain my affection for the good 'ole wheelie any better or more succinctly than you!

I know you said you are looking at something like a K or L frame .357, but I see a bigger gap in your collection that could use fillin' ;) - a sweet .22LR revolver. And what more sweet than THE .22 revolver: The S&W K-22, either the K-22 Target Masterpiece / Model 17 6" (and later 8 3/8" and 4") or K-22 Combat Masterpiece / Model 18 4". S&W added the model numbers to the K-22 designation around 1957. Before WWII, they were referred to as the Outdoorsman. Though increasingly difficult to find, I just order a M17 no dash K-22 Target Masterpiece, manufactured in 1959 from Gunbroker. I haven't received it yet, but from the pics alone it looks to be in very good condition. I paid $430, which isn't a great deal, but it seems to be the going rate these days.

A decendent of the K-22 is still manufacured today, the Model 617. It is only available in stainless (the K-22 I believe was only offered in a blued finish, but some were nickel plated by customers) and with a heavy, full underlug barrel.

Anyway, you would enjoy hours of super cheap plinking fun with a K-22 (wally world sells .22LR in a 550 rnd box for $9.99):cool:. This may not be a good SD gun, but it is certainly not a novelty and it would be a very handy, enjoyable workhorse.

FYI, the day after I bought the K-22, I picked up a blued 6" S&W Model 14-4 (1980 mfg date) in near mint condition at a local pawn shop for $350. These 38 special revolvers have a reputation for being dead accurate, so I'm looking forward to trying this one out too! I bought it with the knowledge that I will be getting into handloading this spring; that gun and the 148 Wadcutter round are just meant for each other.

Good luck, and enjoy your Smiths!
 
The Gun show is back in town in 2 weeks, what should I look for then? They have a TON of revolvers usually.

So I should be asking for any "Model 19's" or some "Model K-22's"?
 
Sean: At the gunshow: yes, that is exactly what you should be asking for - Model 19s and Model 17s.

You will see the best .357 magnum (Mod 19) and .22 (Mod 17) revolvers you can possibly imagine. A S&W that is not abused lasts about forever, so if you get the chance to buy a used one you have almost a ZERO % chance of getting a problem child. They are the best kept secret I know. I would own bushel baskets of each if I could afford the $300 or so apiece it would take. Hope this helps, bud!
 
FYI:

19 - Blue .357, adjustable sights
66 - stainless version of 19
65 - like 66 (stainless.357, but with fixed sights)
13 - I believe this a blue .357 with fixed sights, but I might be wrong
17 - aka K-22 Target Masterpiece, .22LR, 6" (and starting in the early 60s I believe, 8 3/8" and 4" available after the 18 was discontinued)
18 - aka K-22 Combat Masterpiece, .22LR 4"

Any of these would make excellent used revolvers. Just be sure to print out Jim March's revolver checkout procedure at the top of the revolver forum to study beforehand (if you've not already done so). Practice going through the steps with one of your UNLOADED smiths. Hopefully, this will leave the dealer with a better impression of you, may just give you a tad more bargaining power, not to mention you will be able to weed out the turds. Remember to bring a bore light or even just a small flashlight.

Also, S&W revolvers that are older (and hence more valuable) are easy to spot by: 1) their pinned barrel (a small metal dot just above and forward of the forcing cone) or, even more valuable 2) the pinned barrel + recessed cylinder chambers, which are just as they sound. Doesn't really add anything to the function of the gun, they are just more desirable.

Happy hunting!

BTW, here are some websites you may find edumactional:

http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp - this is a nice reference that might be good to print and keep handy at the show

http://www.gunblast.com/Cumpston_K22s.htm

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/01/why-k-22.html

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/01/holy-grail-guns.html

If you get yourself a .357, I'd certainly keep a K-22 on your short list!
 
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Good post from Jad0110

I just want to get a little more specific on this:

1) their pinned barrel (a small metal dot just above and forward of the forcing cone) or, even more valuable 2) the pinned barrel + recessed cylinder chambers, which are just as they sound.
Click to expand...

Recessed only counts on a rimfire or a MAGNUM. The standard 38 caliber revolvers, etc were never recessed, only the 357, 41, and 44 MAGNUMS, and of course, all of the .22 rimfires.
 
I'm a big fan of K-Frames (have 5) but don't overlook a Ruger Security Six or Service Six if you find one in good shape. They are stronger than the K-Frames and the actions can slick up good.
 
does my model 28 have the recessed chambers and the pinned barrel as mentioned?

more and more, this is becoming my most impressive gun...

EDIT: the flash really makes the gun's finish look bad, it is NOT that bad, it looks quite nice without the harsh flash.
 

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does my model 28 have the recessed chambers and the pinned barrel as mentioned?
Click to expand...

It most certainly does have recessed chambers, cool! :cool:

You can tell because the cartridge rims sit flush against the cylinder.

I'm not able to tell if the barrel is pinned from the photos, but I'd bet it is. The pin would be just above your thumb in the second photo.

The pin in the barrel is visible in the pic of my Model 14 below. You can see the tiny little dot right around where the barrel meets the frame (don't know what that part is called):


d736.jpg




BTW, I think that the finish on your 28 really is screwed up and you are just joshin' us. I'll send you a $20 bill and you can give me that 'ole worn out clunker ;)

Very nice gun, never let go of it!
 
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It's not really a preference, but more a need to even out the balance in the universe. I have way too many semi auto's vs. wheelguns...almost a 5:1 difference :eek: I need to get that closer to 3:1 at most :D
 
I have lots of guns and I am reasonably proficient with all of them. The more I shoot, the more I gravitate to wheel guns, first it was for all the time carry, then it was for belt carry, then it was by the bed side. Something about a wheelgun that just feels right in the hand to me.

The more I shoot the more I gravitate to older designs, wheel guns, lever guns etc. That could be because I have all my evil black bases covered, I dunno.

That being said I think a good wheel gun offers a heck of alot of gun, even more so then a semi auto in many cases.
 
How far back can it go and still be a new love?

Mine has been about 35 years and it the butterflys are still there.
 
Sean,

I find myself in the same situation. Until recently I had few revolvers and lots of semi-autos. I'm starting to like revolvers more and more. Well, except when it comes to cleaning 'em.

My newest acquisitions have been revolvers. I don't think this is going to change.
 
I only own revolvers.Fill 'em up,pull the trigger.No safety,no slide.Simple.Plus ,they look great.Can you imagine cowboy movies where the cowboys use bottom feeders?:confused: I even like cleaning them.:)
 
I realize it's a rhetorical question but there's lot's of cowboy movies with bottom feeders. The Wild Bunch, Joe Kidd...
 
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