[Sam C]

Pre Dash S&W, what does pre dash mean?
Thanks

[XavierBreath]

After 1957, specific S&W revolvers were designated with model numbers such as Model 10, Model 27 etc.

Subsequent engineering changes, mostly those that required different parts from the factory, were given "dash numbers", such as Model 10-5 or Model 27-2.

A "pre-dash" gun has a model number, but no dash number.

[Sam C]

Thanks for the info XavierBreath, is a pre dash better built or more desirable then same with the dash?
Thanks!

[XavierBreath]

Not necessarily, they are just different. Significant dash numbers to remember are the ones that changed the extractor rod from a right hand to left handed thread, and the pinned and recessed elimination. The specific dash number (ie -1, -2, -4 etc) varies from model to model for these changes.

A Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas (http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson-Supica/dp/089689293X/ref=sr_1_1/103-6212186-5322254?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174792945&sr=8-1) will help you keep up with it all. At $27 from Amazon, it's a screaming deal!

[Sam C]

XavierBreath,
Thanks for the info, I'm buying the book!
Sam

[rbert0005]

Good choice.
You will spend many an hour in that book.

Bob

[Tijeras_Slim]

+1 on the SCSW, it's a fantastic book.

As most of the non-dash guns were made between 1957 and 1961, my experience is that they have excellent finish and workmanship. The dash 1 in most cases was made only for a year, and the only change was switching the thread direction in the ejector rod to prevent unscrewing from recoil (the .44 mag sort of brought this problem to light). 29-1's a considered pretty collectable by some.

[Walkalong]

A Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas will help you keep up with it all. At $27

XavierBreath,
Thanks for the info, I'm buying the book!Me too.

I just ordered one for $26.39 with free shipping. I'm looking forward to getting it.:)