Explain the dashes to this dumb hillbilly...

[Steelharp]

I see so many S&W's with a "model - extra number" configuration... what do the dash numbers mean?

Thanks...

 

[Highland Ranger]

It's the design revision number (forget the official term) but essentially whenever Smith makes modifications to design they add a dash.

I recently bought a Model 60, official designation was 60-14 . . . .that's the 14th design iteration of the Model 60 which has been out for many years, hence the high number of mods.

 

[Steelharp]

Thank you... I love finding out stuff...

 

[Zonamo]

This might help:

Partial list of changes to Smith & Wesson revolvers

Details on changes by dash number are at the bottom of the list.