• If you are having trouble changng your password please click here for help.

Collectible S&W Revolvers produced from 1957 to Present

Ok, been a couple of days since any new collectible revolvers has been posted. So, guess it is my turn again.

M327 Airlite SC

This model, .38/.357 model, was first shown at the 2004 SHOT Show. It is built on the Aluminum/Scandium Alloy N frame with fixed sights, eight round fluted titanium cylinder, with a 1.978" titanium shrouded stainless steel barrel insert (two piece barrel) and a stainless flash shield to reduce flame cutting. The weight, unloaded, is 21 ounces. It does have the lock.
I put eight rounds through mine, 4 .357 rounds, 2 .38 rounds, and 2 .38+P rounds before I traded it. I was surprised that it was not more snappy with .357 rounds, but to me, it was plenty snappy enough. With the 1.978" barrel, one could almost see the round about to come at you! lol
Since this model was produced from 2008 through 2012, roughly, and this is based on information from the internet, 5000 units were produced. Although, it could be a bit more, or it could be a bit less.
An unusual looking revolver, and a bit menacing with that very short barrel. Prices have not gone through the roof for this model, but these models have retained most, if not all of their original pricing. I would love to have another one.

M327 Airlite SC (not original grips)

327-1.jpg 327-2.jpg 327-3.jpg
 
So...I had to think about what I consider IS collectible. I haven't been in the game very long, but I quickly learned if you want to stand apart from the crowd you need to have stuff that isn't seen everyday. Or if it is seen everyday it needs to be pristine and complete.

Case in point here is a M29-2 6.5" blue. Is it really that special? Well if you're a dirty harry fan then yes, if not...you get the idea. I like this particular gun because I'm a fan of that movie and this one was shipped my birth year (1976). This dash 2 has never been fired outside the factory has the presentation case with original shipper. I did not include those in the pics because they are all wrapped up and put away.

So without further ado here is said gun, enjoy.

29-2 ...jpg

29-2 ..jpg

29-2 more.jpg

29-2.jpg

dirty harry.jpg
 
So...I had to think about what I consider IS collectible. I haven't been in the game very long, but I quickly learned if you want to stand apart from the crowd you need to have stuff that isn't seen everyday. Or if it is seen everyday it need to be pristine and complete.

Case in point here is a M29-2 6.5" blue. Is it really that special? Well if you're a dirty harry fan then yes, if not...you get the idea. I like this particular gun because I'm a fan of that movie and this one was shipped my birth year (1976). This dash 2 has never been fired outside the factory has the presentation case with original shipper. I did not include those in the pics because they are all wrapped up and put away.

So without further ado here is said gun, enjoy.

View attachment 2071999
View attachment 2072000
View attachment 2072001
View attachment 2072002
View attachment 2072003
BEAUTIFUL
 
Egghead, thanks for posting. Yep, the Dirty Harry craze put that Smith on the map, and it is still on the map. Thanks.
 
Egghead, thanks for posting. Yep, the Dirty Harry craze put that Smith on the map, and it is still on the map. Thanks.
Yep, like you were saying about the 520 being turned into 44's, I've seen M28's suffer the same fate. All because of this movie. I've heard stories that dealers couldn't keep this model in stock, but they could get parts so they made them.

Several years ago (5) I had the opportunity to buy this same gun with case no shipper been shot some for 1k. I passed on the deal thinking it was to much. Today I would gladly pay that price as you can't touch them for that.

I think these will continue to appreciate in value, at least I hope so anyway. Someone told me a long time ago, you can't pay to much for a Smith, only to soon.
 
Egghead, due the craze, just about any N frame revolver was converted to .44 magnum. There is an unsubstantiated rumor that in several of the scenes in the second movie, a M57 was used. However, there are so many rumors about the guns used in the first movie, I can't say what is fact or fiction.
 
Pictured below are a 4" Model 16-4 .32 H&R Magnum with the factory correct Goncalos Alves Combat Grips and a 2" Model 631 without the Lady Smith markings. S&W made 8800 Model 16-4s between 1990-1992 with a 4", 6", and 8 3/8" barrel with the 4" being the rarest of the three.

In 1990 there was a run of 190 631s with a 2" barrel produced without the Lady Smith engraving.

Both are rather desirable within the small world of .32 caliber collectors and shooters.

Below are my examples.

IMG_0550~photo-full.jpg
IMG_0549~photo-full.jpg
IMG_0548~photo-full.jpg
 
Dang Wheeler, fine looking, and, if not rare, very difficult to find Smiths. Thanks for posting those good looking revolvers.
 
Back
Top Bottom