Revolvers That Never Saw Shelves

[Confederate]

I love going into gun stores, but it's like my momma used to say, "Going into a gun store is like a box of chocolates. You end up eating way too much and regretting it."

Momma wasn't much one for words. But she knew about chocolates and she is the author of the now world famous theory that eating ten slivers of a frosted chocolate cake has substantially fewer calories than one big slice, a theory that is still being widely tested even as I write this!

The S&W .44 Magnum 629 is a wonderful gun and I waited forever to get mine. Back in the 80s, you just never saw stainless steel Smiths on the shelves of dealers...not for sale, and not for anything near the actual retail price anyway! This was true, especially, for the S&W 66. I NEVER, EVER, NOT ONCE saw one on a dealer's shelf in the 80s!

In my case, there was a week's waiting period, so I had to let my dealer display my gun for five long, agonizing days. It had lights shining on it and a sign that said, "SOLD!!" in red letters leaning up against it. That's why I was a dedicated Ruger Security-Six fan. It was often seen on shelves in the popular 4-inch model, but not the Speed-Sixes. And rarely in the 6-inch size!

I was going to school in Utah when I got my first handgun back in 1979. The dealer had several 4-inchers on display, but I wanted a 6-inch, and when I went in to pick up the one I had on order forever, several people offered to buy it from me. But I didn't bite. To this day, the 6-inch Ruger Security-Six is "the" best outdoor gun, period. Well...that and the Ruger .22LR auto pistols.

But the 6-inch barrel 629 was the gun I wanted, and in the 80s, I got on a waiting list. When I finally went to pick it up at the gunstore, people stood there in awe as the gunstore owner put the gun in its beautiful walnut display case it in a heavy-duty brown paper bag and folded the top several times. Taking a stapler, he stapled the paperwork to the top and handed it to me. I could barely wait until I had it at home! My friend there had a contact at S&W, and arranged to get me some smooth wood grips that wouldn't cheese-grate the skin off of my palms when I shot it. It was gorgeous, but alas, I never did shoot it. I had a nickel-plated 29 6-inch I shot and it bucked every time I shot it. Not a fun gun to shoot, but I had to have the stainless gun because no one else had one, and I had to wait forever to get it. Besides, it was a beauty!


The S&W 629 atop its beautiful display case. The action was a dream.


One of the things I loved about the vintage pistols was the S&W logo stamped into the side plate.


These guns just never saw any "shelf" time.

Am I sorry I traded it? Yeah, I traded it years later for a S&W 3906 9mm and a S&W 517, a kit gun with a short barrel. The . 44 magnum ammo was just too expensive and, at the time, it seemed like I would never shoot the big gun. But I have many guns I'll probably never shoot.

I still have a vintage S&W 686 no-dash .357. Beautiful wood grips and a stamped side plate.



So how about you? Have you ever bought a popular gun because you were on a waiting list, or because you were in the right place at the right time? And if you ever landed a Smith 66, 63 kit gun or a 629 in those days, or a popular revolver now, what's your story? And do you have photos?

 

[FL-NC]

I bought a used 629 in 1989 for $300. It had the 8 3/8"barrel. Like a dummy, I got rid of it, probably traded it for something stupid.

 

[22250Rem]

Back in 2009 I decided to get a new Smith & Wesson 686 with a 4" barrel. Couldn't find one and couldn't seem to get a good answer on how long it would take if I ordered one..... Then one suddenly appeared on display at my favorite LGS. Turns out the owner had a bunch of stuff on order from S & W and forgot that a 4" 686 was part of that order. It was only in the display case for a day or two before I spotted it and put a down payment on it instantly. Was probably a case of "right place at the right time" for me because I don't think it would have been in the display case much longer if I hadn't spotted it in the first day or two. That's my story; and I even have photos, as requested.....

 

[SharpDog]

Here's a pair, a Davidsons m29 engraved snubbie and a 329. Fun fact, I got the Davidson's from eBay when it first started as well as a pair of Taurus .357 ported snubbies that look like you're holding a fistful of fire when shooting them at a dark indoor range

 

[GBExpat]

I walked into Russo's Gunshop on 24Feb89 and new handgun in the display case: 3" s/s 629-1 ... still have it.

My first handgun purchase was in 1973, a 4" blue Ruger Security Six #150-33573. Unfortunately, I let that one go a few years later.

 

[Confederate]

There are just some guns that seldom, if ever, end up on shelves. I live in a terrible anti-gun state (Maryland), and gun stores are few and far between. So tell me, guys, do you see any Smith & Wesson guns like the Model 63 "Kit Gun"? And how about the 686s? Are they generally now available? True, the guns now aren't in the same league as the old guns, which had better fit and finish, wood grips and such (not to mention locks). But what guns are difficult to find now? S&W Combat Masterpiece? I don't care much for plastic guns, but steel guns are becoming more expensive. And wood grips are scarce.

Years ago, I had a S&W 63 stolen from my apartment by some goons who worked for the apartment staff. It was one of my absolute favorite guns and, at the time, was impossible to get. The thieves were fired but I never got any of the three guns back and I've never quite gotten over it. If I had the chance to buy one again, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. But I'd also have to take an additional course the state now requires for nearly a hundred bucks, and with the guns I have, that would be ridiculous, especially since I could teach the bloody thing.


This S&W 686 no-dash was a gem. When they say they don't make 'em like they used to, they were talking
about guns like this.


This is the new S&W 686. Technically it's every bit as accurate and well made as the no-dash, but it lacks
the "class" of the earlier gun. For example, it lacks the hard chromed hammer and trigger of the no-dash as
well as the wood grips and the barrel with the integral front sight.


This S&W 66 is a gun I would love to own. In the 1980s, people would have sold their mothers to the
Arabs for a gun like this! The only people who had these guns were gun writers and cops.


S&W 63 was one of the most desirable guns of the 1980s. If you wanted one,
you had to buy a tent and get in line!

 

[Alaskan Ironworker]

Waited 3 years to find this .454 lever gun. The wife was working in anchorage that day and i made her go buy it before someone else did. Big bore levers fly off the shelves up here. I wish i couldve seen my wonderful wife walk into that crusty old pawn shop in her nurse scrubs and fill out the paperwork . Shes the best!

 

[eastbank]

it took quite a while to weasel this older factory high gloss ruger .22 from a friend .

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Mmmmmm, never on a waiting list for a new gun before it was available, but Ive had plenty on layaway for extended periods. I found a beautiful chromed M1903 MK1 on Armslist and had it on layaway at a Mom and Pop pawnshop in Michigan! (I'm in FL). I called the owner to make sure it was OK, and never missed a payment. Took 6 months, but eventually it arrived with a nice, handwritten " thank you" note attached!

I only wish I were closer so I could throw them some more business.

Ironically, I have a chromed Winchester M1 carbine on layaway at the local pawnshop now. Two more installments to go.....

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

This S&W 686 no-dash was a gem. When they say they don't make 'em like they used to, they were talking
about guns like this.

Darn Skippy! My 686-0 is my favorite gun (and that's saying ALOT)- and the one they will have to pry from my cold, dead fingers.

 

[aarondhgraham]

Have you been peeking into my gun safe?

I too am somewhat fond of stainless S&W's,,,
Meet The Harem.



Jezebel - Model 629
Bridget - Model 686
Morgana - Model 67
Lilith - Model 63

All four major frame sizes,,,
All four major cartridges.

There's always lots of ooh-ing and aah-ing at the range,,,
When I open up this case of beauties.

Aarond

.

 

[Salmoneye]

Everyone should have at least one hard to find stainless S&W...

686-3, factory broached for rings:

 

[GBExpat]

S'funny. I have always liked the look of such large, long-barrelled handguns like that (thanks for the pic! ) ... but I have never had a desire to own one.

Probably has something to do with the thought of hauling them around the landscape like I do any or all of my firearms. If I want to carry several pounds of scoped firearm over hill & dale, I imagine that I would much prefer a rifle.

 

[bannockburn]

GBExpat

S'funny. I have always liked the look of such large, long-barreled handguns like that (thanks for the pic! ) ... but I have never had a desire to own one.

Me neither! Always found a 4" barrel to be just about the optimum length for most of my large frame DA revolvers (though I have always been intrigued by a 5" barrel S&W Model 27). I only deviated from this a few times: one was a 6" S&W Model 629 that I picked up in a trade and promptly traded it for something else. Another was a 6" Colt Trooper Mk.V that felt perfectly balanced, even with the longer barrel, that I just had to have it. Would still have it today if I didn't have to sell it to pay for school. Then there was an old Model 10 with a 5" barrel that I bought on a Saturday at a gun show, took it home and cleaned it up, and took it back to the gun show the next day and traded it for, you guessed it, a S&W M&P (Not Quite a Victory Model), with a 4" barrel.

I think just about everything else, including a very sweet S&W Model 57, has been with a 4" barrel.

 

[If1HitU]

There are just some guns that seldom, if ever, end up on shelves. I live in a terrible anti-gun state (Maryland), and gun stores are few and far between. So tell me, guys, do you see any Smith & Wesson guns like the Model 63 "Kit Gun"? And how about the 686s? Are they generally now available? True, the guns now aren't in the same league as the old guns, which had better fit and finish, wood grips and such (not to mention locks). But what guns are difficult to find now? S&W Combat Masterpiece? I don't care much for plastic guns, but steel guns are becoming more expensive. And wood grips are scarce.

Years ago, I had a S&W 63 stolen from my apartment by some goons who worked for the apartment staff. It was one of my absolute favorite guns and, at the time, was impossible to get. The thieves were fired but I never got any of the three guns back and I've never quite gotten over it. If I had the chance to buy one again, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. But I'd also have to take an additional course the state now requires for nearly a hundred bucks, and with the guns I have, that would be ridiculous, especially since I could teach the bloody thing.

View attachment 783541
This S&W 686 no-dash was a gem. When they say they don't make 'em like they used to, they were talking
about guns like this.

View attachment 783542
This is the new S&W 686. Technically it's every bit as accurate and well made as the no-dash, but it lacks
the "class" of the earlier gun. For example, it lacks the hard chromed hammer and trigger of the no-dash as
well as the wood grips and the barrel with the integral front sight.

View attachment 783543
This S&W 66 is a gun I would love to own. In the 1980s, people would have sold their mothers to the
Arabs for a gun like this! The only people who had these guns were gun writers and cops.

View attachment 783544
S&W 63 was one of the most desirable guns of the 1980s. If you wanted one,
you had to buy a tent and get in line!

Beautiful family of revolvers.

 

[expat_alaska]

Waited 3 years to find this .454 lever gun. The wife was working in anchorage that day and i made her go buy it before someone else did. Big bore levers fly off the shelves up here. I wish i couldve seen my wonderful wife walk into that crusty old pawn shop in her nurse scrubs and fill out the paperwork . Shes the best!

You are blessed with a great wife!

I lived in Alaska for 35 years (1972-2007) and I remember an Alaska guy (Wild West Guns) that produced a takedown Marlin 1895 .45-70 for a stowaway gun on bush planes. His price was a bit spendy for me. I had a factory Marlin 1895 .45-70 that I handloaded (Speer) rounds suitable for that rifle that approached .458 Mag rounds, but in that light rifle the recoil was very significant without a recoil pad. It killed its share of moose, though, but it was not fun to shoot whatsoever.

Jim

 

[LoneGoose]

I stumbled upon a used 625 in excellent shape and price. That got me started on S&W revolvers. I simply HAD to get a 629; I was addicted to the N-Frame. There were none to be found except one at a big GS two hours away. They wouldn't hold it for me. After a long tense drive, I found that gun and bought it. The clerk had to search for it and found it tucked under some stuff. I think someone else had called about it.

 

[walnut1704]

I wanted a Model 64 in the worst way. Never could find one so I settled for a nickel Model 15. I did find a Model 63 around 1980(?) for my girlfriend, later my wife. Still have both. Much later I found a 6" 657 and a 6" 66. I could collect 6" revolvers.

I'm afraid we are:

Revolversaurus

• walnut1704
• Apr 3, 2018

 

[cc-hangfire]

aarondhgraham posted, “...meet The Harem.

“


I’m a semiauto guy, but you fellows’ collection just makes me smile.

 

[200Apples]

Here are two wheelguns that aren't easy to find. Both are chambered in .44 Special, and anyone who's a fan of Taffin or Skelton or Seyfried or Pearce knows that a good .44 Special has always been hard to find. Thanks to Jason Cloessner of Lipseys, Ruger did produce over 2000 blued flat-top Blackhawks in .44 Special following their run of 50th Anniversary .357 flat top New Model Blackhawks. I have two of those as well, but I am posting my two stainless .44 Specials here. Please pardon the bad photograph; the seeming fog on the surface of the 696 frame is a reflection and the overall resolution is very poor.



Here are a Ruger New Model flat top Blackhawk; a 4-5/8" TALO distributor exclusive, 1 of 1000 and a S&W Model 696 from a roughly five year production run. The latter was found here and sold to me by a generous soul. I scheduled a stop for it in Sugar Land, Texas, halfway along it's journey from the right coast for the privilege of having Teddy Jacobsen's hands on it. The former was another "I can't believe my eyes I'd better jump on this" on a California firearms forum.

 

[Confederate]

I wanted a Model 64 in the worst way. Never could find one so I settled for a nickel Model 15. I did find a Model 63 around 1980(?) for my girlfriend, later my wife. Still have both. Much later I found a 6" 657 and a 6" 66. I could collect 6" revolvers.

It was a great gun. So was the Model 63. The Model 13 made back in the early 80s was "the" gun I recommended to people who wanted a home protection gun. The only reason I chose it over the Ruger Security-Six was because the Ruger came a bit rough and had to be broken in. And people had to worry about putting in springs. The Model 13 was a classy gun right out of the box. With .38 Spc ammo, it didn't even need the big grips. It was the perfect drawer gun.

 

[bannockburn]

200Apples

Two awesome .44 Specials! Both would make for great trail/backwoods companions.

 

[eastbank]

my 44 spl, S&W 624. 240 gr lead GC at 900 fps.

 

[Stephanie B]

In the last five years, I have only seen two used pre-lock Model 66s cross the shelves of my LGS. I bought one. A friend bought the other.

 

[AABEN]

3 years Back I sold 30 of my S&W all of them was revolvers from 32L to 44mags I 4 of them in the cherry wood box I still have some older S&W that is going to my grand son,s I also have some Dan Wesson,s The first 357 was made in 1934 by S&W it was built on the N Frame then later came the 19 and the model 27 George Patton carried a 31/2 with ivory grips he carried it on his left hip he called it his killing gun.