Smith & Wesson Revolver Collecting

I was asked recently how to get into Smith & Wesson revolver collecting. It was an odd question, but a reply of "just go buy a few" did not seem sufficient. So, my advice was to first buy "America's Right Arm" by John Henwood if his wife still has any copies. Next, buy Supica's "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson". Get these first. They are your Bibles.

Next, wrap your head around the idea that finish wear is acceptable, interesting, and actually pretty cool.

Now look at the evolution of the .38 caliber Smith & Wesson K frame revolver, starting with the Model of 1899. Hand Ejectors, and their myriad variations. They are plentiful enough, still, that if you can accept finish wear, you can find nice, original examples for not too awful much. The big money goes to the 95% or greater guns, especially the older variations that were only produced for three or four years in the M&P development. Go to gunshows. Go to pawn shops. Buy one or two, and then repeat the process. Hey....That topbreak is about the same dimensions as a K frame.......Don't forget the .32WCF revolvers, they are also K frames. Now those 38/44s are .38 caliber, but an N frame. Heck, since you've bought an N frame now, you may as well buy that Model 28 for nothing.....Then you gotta have that three and a half inch Model 27. Now that you have that, a Registered Magnum is a consideration someday.........