Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

Workhorse:
The Model 36 is only a 36-1 if it has the 3 inch heavy barrel, otherwise it would just be a model 36. Rcmodel is probably correct about the date, the Model 36 Chiefs Special serial range ran from 295000 in 1962 to 786544 in 1969. If the grips are original and have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws then its from 1968 or earlier. If the grips are original and lack the diamond around the grip screws then 1968-69.

Husker_Fan:
Best I can give you is 1957 (serial no.125000) to 1962 (serial no. 295000) The flat latch continued until 1962. Miststamped guns are not that unusual, not to far back in this thread is a Bodyguard from the same era that hadn't been stamped with a model number. Of course, there is the possibility that the serial number has been restamped when the gun was refinished. I'll leave that to you to figure out. Have fun with your new toy. :)
 
Thanks for the Info,my model 36 is a 36 it has the 2 inch barrel and original grips but with no diamond..I think I will have it refinished and keep it..I love it and think it could be a classic...Thanks again fellas.
 
Thanks Rad.

This is my first snubby, and I am really impressed with it. It is pretty amazing to think how similar today's airweights are, but the flat latch, high ramp front sight, tapered barrel, and diamond magnas sure class the thing up a bit. Heck, it almost makes the bodyguard frame look good.

Now I just need to find a T-Grip for it.
 
Workhorse:
follow rcmodels advice in that case. Last year a shooter on TheFiringLine.com posted before and after pics of a rusty Model 19 that he had refinished by S&W. It looked perfect, better than new in fact. IIRC he paid $125 or $150. For the ultimate in restoration Fords is the way to go, but you will pay for the best: http://www.fordsguns.com/

Husker_Fan:
http://www.t-grips.com/ Tyler are still in business.
 
a) .22lr
b) 6"
c) square target
d) 6
e) Adjustable
f) K335506
g) 17


No dash Model 17 5 screw model.

Thank you...
 
Florey55:
The Model 17 K22 Masterpiece you are looking at on www.usedguns.com.au was manufactured in 1958.

I was checking that one out earlier, so I didn't need to look it up for you. :)

I won't be competing with you for it though, my next S&W will be a 686 SSR for IPSC revolver division. If you do buy it feel free to post pics and make me feel jealous.
 
Hahaha - I thought you were psychic or something - :)


What about a 17-4 with serial number : 22K6750?

I'm in the throes of importing it from Austria. Looks NIB....

Though the no dash Model 17 does look nice though..
 
I've got one for you.

Smith 25-5
6"
6-shot
Don't know square or round.
Adj. sights
SN BHN6XXX
Also has 32163 stamped on the yoke, immediately in front of the cylinder.

Thanks,
Q

PS. The sending FFL recorded the SN incorrectly as PHN6XXX. When I read it back to my FFL he said that's incorrect - they shipped PHN6XXX. He looked at the gun, said "Looks like a P to me" and did the transfer. In better lighting this morning, it's clear-as-a-bell B. Do I need to do anything or let a sleeping dog lie?
 
Quoheleth:
BHN6xxx dates your Model 25-5 1955 Model .45 Heavy Barrel Target to between July 1991 & February 1992, going by the serial number listings in the Standard catalog of S&W. Which is interesting, as the .45 Colt 25-5 was replaced by the 25-7 in 1988, and then again by the 25-9 officially in 1990. In 1991 the Model 25 was discontinued as a cataloged item.
My guess is S&W had a number of older frames that they used up, as an example the Tennessee Department of Public Safety 60th anniversary commemorative model was produced in 1989, yet came as both a 25-5 & a 25-9.

Unless it was a special commemorative model then BHNxxxx would be the serial number, I don't think S&W will reach PHNxxxx in the consecutive serial number range for another 30 years. Some commemoratives were given special serial prefixes, including THPxxxx, S&Wxxxx & RLPxxxx.

I would call your FFL and let them know of the error. After that it is their responsibility to keep their paperwork straight. If your town/state requires registration then I suggest you ensure that your personal paperwork is correct with the local govt.
 
Radagast,

You narrowed down the date for my model 38 to 1957-62. I'm guessing it is in the middle somewhere based on the serial number range you gave.

However, would it help if I told you it is a three-screw frame? I recall reading sometime back that the model 38 started out on a four-screw frame.

Thanks
 
Mr. Radagast: Seeing this ...
The Model 36 is only a 36-1 if it has the 3 inch heavy barrel, otherwise it would just be a model 36. ... the Model 36 Chiefs Special serial range ran from 295000 in 1962 to 786544 in 1969. If the grips are original and have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws then its from 1968 or earlier. If the grips are original and lack the diamond around the grip screws then 1968-69.
Click to expand...
Made me curious. I have a Model 36 Chief's Special 2" barrel with the serial number J1725 on the butt. Is this at odds with your info above?
Thank you.
 
Husker Fan:
The Upper side plate screw was deleted in 1956, so no joy on narrowing your guns age down.


Tom-S:
The J prefix started in 1969, so you gun is almost certainly from 1969 or very early in 1970.
S&W in the 60s used a -x to indicate a design change, but also on some models to indicate a different barrel. So the Model 36 is a 2 inch tapered barrel, the Model 36-1 is a three inch heavy barrel. the same occurred with the Model 10, 10-5 being a tapered barrel, 10-6 being the heavy barrel. When there was a design change the 10-5 became the 10-7 and the 10-6 became the 10-8. In the case of the model 36 the 36 became the 36-2 & the 36-1 became the 36-3, but both changes occurred much later, in 1988.
 
S&w m36

a) .38 Spc.
b) 1 7/8"
c) round
d) 5
e) Fixed front "blade"- rear = grove/channel
f) 191J76
g) "MOD 36"

Pined Barrel

Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
Rob1109:
Your Model 36 Chiefs Special dates to 1971 or 1972. That was the period when the J 'prefix' 'floated within the serial number. After that they added an extra digit and kept going from J100000.

MagicD:
Your model 66 Combat Magnum Stainless dates to 1975.
 
Smith and Wesson .38 information needed

Hello, I recently located my Grandfathers old .38 Smith and Wesson. It had been missing for 2 years after the passing of my Father. Would like to know how old it is and model. On the top of the barrel is written " SMITH AND WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS USA PAT'D and several dates beginning with APR 9 89 and ending with DEC 17 01.
I can barely make out the info on the side but it looks exactly like this: .38 S & W SPECIAL there is a gap between .38 and S that I cant make out
V TG'S The V is under the W and TG'S is under the IAL

Its a double action 6 shooter with a 4" barrel. The gun is I believe Nickel plated with the S & W Trademark stamped on the right side, wooden handles very heavy and what a kick when fired. Serial # on the Butt is 73669 Any Information would be greatly appreciated by me and my Uncle.
 
a) .38 Special
b) 4"
c) square
d) six
e) adjustable
f) 5K66xxx
g) 15-3

and

a) .357 Magnum
b) 4"
c) square
d) six
e) adjustable, patridge front
f) N409xxx
g) 27-2

Thanks!
 
the revolver i'd like to know about is ; 22lr , 6" bbl , sq butt , 6 shot , adjustable target sights , K 195910 . no model # thanks up front
 
hinton03:
Your Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police tapered barrel was manufactured in 1966-67. Serial range for those years was C810533 to C999999, so 1966 seems likely.

ex-guard:
You have a K22 Masterpiece, manufactured in 1953. In 1957 this became the Model 17, it is still available today in a modified form as the Model 17 Classic, and with a heavy barrel in Stainless steel as the Model 617.
Originally these were a companion piece to the .38 Special K38 Masterpiece and the .32 S&W long K32 Masterpiece, each suitable for a different NRA target shooting event.
The pre 57 guns do attract some collectors interest, so if you ever end up needing to sell it, advertise it here, at the S&W forum or on one of the online auction sites. You are likely to get a much better price than from local dealer.

Atarian:
Your Model 15-3 Combat Masterpiece was was manufactured in 1973.
Your Model 27-2 The .357 Magnum was manufactured in 1977 or 1978. As the 400xxx serial block started in 1977, I would guess 1977 is most likely.

jvc1968:
I'm not sure what the v is, the normal stamping would be as follows:
.38 S&W SPECIAL CTG
with CTG standing for cartridge.
What you have is a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 1st Change revolver manufactured in 1906. 1st change refers to a change in the design.
In modified form your fathers gun is still manufactured today as the Model 10 revolver, but most parts are not interchangeable due to multiple design changes through the years.
If you ever need spare parts, try www.gunpartscorp.com Numrich Arms are the industry junk yard wreckers, stripping old guns and selling the parts for spares.
Be aware that your gun predates the hammer block safety found in modern S&Ws, if you keep it loaded leave the chamber under the hammer empty.

Also be aware that it predates heat treating of cylinders, so I recommend you only shoot lead ammunition (no jacketed or semi jacketed) and no PlusP or +P+ pressure ammunition, stick to the standard velocity loads it was designed for.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
S&W 38 special identification help
Replies
5
Views
372
DPris
D
B
  • Locked
S&W Model 29-3 markings
Replies
3
Views
1K
belercous
B
Dudemeister
  • Locked
S&W Model 57
2
Replies
48
Views
3K
vmr357
vmr357
T
  • Locked
Questions about S&W Model 10-6
Replies
9
Views
729
GaryP
G
S
  • Locked
S&W Model 36 Manufacture Date:
Replies
4
Views
447
Brian Williams
Brian Williams
Back
Top