What does "No Dash" mean?

[vicdotcom]

Hi all,

I have a quick question. I was on gunbroker looking for a 357 magnum and I see that some of the adds say "S&W 357 NO DASH". I have also seen that here on another S&W thread.

What does it mean?

Thanks all!
Vic

 

[SouthpawShootr]

S&W model numbers are commonly seen with a dash what's called an engineering change. It represents a departure from the original design which is the model number alone (the so-called "no dash"). These are not necessarily improvements but can be. Many times they result in streamling or increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing process. The engineering change is specific for each model number. A S&W 19-2 didn't necessarily have the same engineering changes a 27-2 has or even a 66-2 (which is a stainless version of the 19).

 

[IMtheNRA]

Each time there is a design change, the model number is updatd with a "-x". That is why S&W revolvers are referred to as 625-4, 625-5, etc. "No dash" means that it is the very first version of that model number.

 

[vicdotcom]

Aaaahhhh thanks everyone that helped a lot

Vic

 

[gizamo]

Generally speaking, it does denote an engineering change....

However, the dash can also denote a difference in the same gun.....

As an example.
A 36-1 (1967) is a Model 36 J-Frame indicating a 3" barrel.....

Just my 2 cents....

Giz

 

[Cocked & Locked]

As an example.
A 36-1 (1967) is a Model 36 J-Frame indicating a 3" barrel.....

Kinda Sorta...a 36-1 with a 3" barrel indicates a 3" heavy barrel.


A 36-no dash can also be a 3 incher, but it has a 3"light tapered barrel instead of a heavy one like the -1 gun.

Example...here is my 36-no dash with a 3" tapered barrel.