Wheelgun Wednesday: Collectable Revolvers To Buy - Part 2

Welcome back to another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday. Last week, I talked about a few revolvers to look at if you want to start collecting. There were some truly iconic guns on that list, so if you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to keep this revolver train going with some truly amazing examples of revolvers you should pick up if given the opportunity. Let's take a closer look at some collectable revolvers to buy.

Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: Booligan's Muzzle Loader Modernized
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Smith & Wesson Model 20 .357 Magnum
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Quest Firearms MC6 - Modern Modular Pepperbox
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Suppressed Revolver? M1895 Nagant

Model 1917 Service Revolvers

One of the coolest revolvers I own currently is my Smith & Wesson variant of the 1917 service revolver. Both Colt and Smith & Wesson made the 1917 model of pistols during the First World War. At the time, the M1911 was still brand new and various military branches couldn't get enough 1911s to outfit everyone in the military, so the 1917 stepped in as a supplementary handgun to outfit troops. The 1917 is technically a second model hand ejector and being able to throw 45 ACP rounds with moon clips made ammo capability with the more popular M1911.

These revolvers are truly fantastic, well-built guns and some examples are still US Property marked compared to commercial models that were available after the war. Commercial variants will have checkered grips with emblems typically, whereas the service pistols will have smooth grips with no checking, as well as a lanyard loop. The frames and barrels will also have the US Property markings, which just adds to the story of the revolver. If you see a genuine US Property marked 1917, they are certainly worth picking up!

Smith & Wesson Registered Magnums

One of the all-time greatest pieces to own has to be the original Registered Magnums from Smith & Wesson. This is the genesis of the Magnum Era with the 357 Magnum. These models were made from 1935 to 1939 before getting redesignated to the Model 27 as a standard factory offering. One of the interesting aspects of the Registered Magnums is the fact that they came with a registration card that the owner could send back to the factory, which gives them the Registered Magnum name. When it comes to collectability, these Registered Magnums are regarded as some of the finest revolvers to ever come out of Smith & Wesson and still remain true to this day.

Smith & Wesson only made roughly 5,500 Registered Magnums before realizing just how popular they were becoming and ultimately created the Model 27, with the Model 29 coming later. There are a number of variants available, from short 3 ½ versions all the way to 8” models, depending on what you can find, with 5” and 6 ½ being some of the most popular lengths. Out of everything, one of the most prized pieces in a collection is some sort of Registered Magnum because of the historical significance and rarity of these revolvers. If you get an opportunity, you absolutely need to purchase one for its place in history as the grandfather of all magnum revolvers.

Smith & Wesson Model 10

If the Registered Magnum is too expensive for your growing collection, the Model 10 is always a great option, both as a new production model from Smith & Wesson or one of the countless original models that are on the market. During the production lifetime of the Model 10, there were over 7 million examples. Out of the 7 million made, one million were from military contracts for servicemen during World War II, just like the 1917 service revolver was during World War I. These were no thrill revolvers chambered in 38 Special and were widely known to be the everyday man's revolver.

Whether you were a police officer on the street, a store clerk or a bank security officer, back in the early 20th century, there was a good chance you had some sort of Model 10. Whether it's a snub nose version, nickel-plated or an honest everyday use revolver, the Model 10 has done it all. Before they were named Model 10 in 1957, these were the original M&P line before getting a number designation like all other models in the 1950s. The Model 10 may not be the rarest or sexiest revolver ever produced, but it's the most produced revolver and that accolade earns a place in everyone's collection for its presence in American culture during the early to mid-20th century.

Smith & Wesson Triple Lock Revolvers

Last but certainly not least on this list is the well-known triple lock revolvers. These were the very first N-frame revolvers that were designed for hard use right before the First World War. These were chambered in 44 Special, which was brand new for its time period, around 1909-1915, along with the brand new triple lock action on the cylinder to improve durability as a hard-use revolver. These were known to be expensive revolvers at the time since they were all hand-fitted due to the triple lock action. This action had a lock on the ejector rod, one on the cylinder at the frame and the final lock was on the ejector rod shroud that connects the cylinder crane to the frame as well, creating an incredibly strong lockup.

These proved to be problematic in the trenches and ultimately British troops had to ask for a simpler design, which actually ended up being the second hand ejector model, which was the Model 1917, which we talked about earlier! A full circle moment but these original triple locks were amazingly designed revolvers that are fairly rare these days. Less than 16,000 models were made and these can fetch a high price due to their quality and historical significance, not only with the First World War but also with Elmer Keth designing the 44 Magnum cartridge. Keith loved Triple Lock Revolvers for their ability to shoot hot loads, which he needed to develop the 44 Magnum later on in the 20th century, making this a very important and interesting revolver to add to your collection.

Overall Thoughts

Revolvers may seem antiquated by today's standards with double-stack polymer pistols dominating the market, but there's no doubt these handguns played a vital role not only in caliber advancements but also in historical significance, with the roles they played in both World Wars. Each of these holds a special place in history for its own reasons and each is well worth owning. If you plan on building a revolver collection over time, these options would be at the top of my list personally. There are plenty of other options that are worth it, but these are some of my all-time favorites. Let me know if you have other options down in the comments below. If you have questions about revolvers or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday.