Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers - Page 195

Woodwizard · March 8, 2013, 06:23 PM

Hi, Inherited this from my Dad. what can you tell me about its age?

.38 special cal.
4 inch barrel
original grip shape unknown, square frame (K frame?)
6 shot
fixed sights
no model number under crane, just 39286
number on butt 40986*

Thanks, Mike

Radagast · March 9, 2013, 03:44 AM

Woodwizard:
you have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, manufactured between 1921 (360000) & 1927 (5erial number 570000).
It has a heat treated cylinder and should be safe with any standard velocity or +P ammo. +P+ marked should not be used, there is no industry standard for +P+ pressure.
It lacks a positive internal hammer block, that was introduced during WWII. I recommend leaving the chamber under the hammer empty.
It is a predecessor to the later Model 10, but most parts are not interchangeable.

usmc-nav · March 9, 2013, 07:39 AM

I have a Victory marked US Navy on top
It is s/n 2393xx
Numbers match, including grip, has flaming bomb on bottom of grip.
Only issue is someone carved their initials on the non numbered grip
When was it made? Is a letter worth the dollars?

Thank You

Jason88 · March 9, 2013, 01:29 PM

a). .38 spl
b). 1 7/8 barrel
c). round
D).5 shot/ non-recessed cylinder
e).fixed
f).R 1148xx
g).Model 60

Jason88 · March 9, 2013, 01:36 PM

just picked up a smith a wesson .38 spl and i was just wanting to know a little more about it thanks

a). .38 spl
b). 1 7/8 barrel
c). round
D).5 shot/ non-recessed cylinder
e).fixed
f).R 1148xx
g).Model 60

Radagast · March 9, 2013, 04:50 PM

Jason88:
Your Model 60 Chiefs Special Stainless was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. Serial range for those years was R100000 to R190000, so 1974 seems likely.

usmc-nav:
Serial number for a Victory Model should have a V prefix. If V2393xx, then it was made between 1942 & 1944, with 1943 being likely. Navy marked Victory models do bring a decent premium, if not faked. Price is also very much based on condition. I suggest you start a new thread in the revolver sub-forum and post good quality pics of the gun and its markings.

Rail Driver · March 9, 2013, 06:25 PM

38 special
model 15-3
Nickel
magna grips
4" barrel
ser. 15k3785

Radagast · March 9, 2013, 08:12 PM

Rail Driver:
1977.

marv · March 10, 2013, 01:28 PM

a. .38sp
b. 4"
c. Square butt
d. 6 shot
e. Adjustable
f. 19K217X
g. 15-3

'preciate it
marv

Radagast · March 11, 2013, 07:39 AM

marv:
Your .38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1977.

Bull Nutria · March 11, 2013, 05:41 PM

a-22LR
b- 3inch bbl
c-round
d-8 shot
e-adjustable rear and orange flourescent front
f-ctp27xx
g-model 63-5 round butt grips
this revolver was purchased last week was wondering when it was manufactured?

thanks,
Bull

Radagast · March 12, 2013, 06:09 AM

Bull Nutria:
Your Model 63-5 .22/32 Kit Gun Stainless was manufactured quite recently, they were re-introduced with the three inch barrel in late 2010. The Standard Catalog of S&W was published in 2006, so obviously it does not cover your gun. Because it is so recent, a call to S&W customer service should get you a shipping date.

Willabe · March 12, 2013, 09:29 PM

a: 38 special
b: 6"
c: square
d: 6
e: adjustable
f: 6K910xx
g: 14-9

Edit! It's a model 14-3. Sorry, looked at it several times with the magnifying glass and was still wrong! Sorry about that.

Right side of barrel is marked "38 S&W SPECIAL CTG."

Thanks!

Radagast · March 12, 2013, 11:37 PM

Willabe:
Your Model 14-3 K38 Target Masterpiece was manufactured in 1975.

Willabe · March 12, 2013, 11:39 PM

Thanks!

SteelManCM · March 13, 2013, 01:46 PM

a: 357 Magnum
b: 4"
c: square
d: 6
e: fixed
f: 8D15783
g: 13-2

I would also like to know which grips would be correct for this model. The ugly plastic has to go.

Radagast · March 13, 2013, 07:02 PM

SteelManCM:
Your Model 13-2 .357 Magnum Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1981.
Correct grips were square butt Magna stocks.
S&W makes a reproduction:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_N

Or check out your local gun shop for a pair of timber original grips.

SteelManCM · March 13, 2013, 07:11 PM

Wow. A lot of information in that response. Thank you.

litman252 · March 16, 2013, 07:37 PM

Recent purchase, anything to share? Date or more would be great!

357
2 1/2"
Round
6 shot
adjustable
17k6---
66 no dash

Thanks much for the time.

Radagast · March 16, 2013, 08:56 PM

litman252:
Your Model 66 Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1977.

Hunterdad · March 18, 2013, 12:40 PM

38spl
1-7/8"
Round
5-shot
Fixed
181xxx
36 no dash

Thanks!

pdgodwin99 · March 20, 2013, 10:01 PM

a) 38 spl
b) 4"
c) round
d) 6
e) fixed
f) 29836
g) c97 5

Radagast · March 21, 2013, 06:21 AM

Hunterdad:
Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured sometime between 1959 (serial number 163051 & 1962 (serial number 295000). As production averaged roughly 35000 guns a year for that period, I would guess late 1959 or early 1960.

pdgodwin99:
A .38 special with a C prefix will be a .38 Military & Police Post War or after 1957, a Model 10 .38 Military & Police. If the serial number is C975 then it was manufactured in 1948. If the serial number is C975xxx then it was manufactured in 1967.

Hunterdad · March 21, 2013, 07:21 AM

Thanks!

pdgodwin99 · March 21, 2013, 09:57 AM

Radagast, perhaps I got my numbers out of order. The s/n is 29836 and the number prefixed by "c" is on the crane, which I assumed to be a model number. Anyhow, the weapon could not be circa 1950's because it has been in the family about 100 years.

March 8, 2013, 06:23 PM	#4851
Woodwizard Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Posts: 1	Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers Hi, Inherited this from my Dad. what can you tell me about its age? .38 special cal. 4 inch barrel original grip shape unknown, square frame (K frame?) 6 shot fixed sights no model number under crane, just 39286 number on butt 40986* Thanks, Mike

March 9, 2013, 03:44 AM	#4852
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	Woodwizard: you have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, manufactured between 1921 (360000) & 1927 (5erial number 570000). It has a heat treated cylinder and should be safe with any standard velocity or +P ammo. +P+ marked should not be used, there is no industry standard for +P+ pressure. It lacks a positive internal hammer block, that was introduced during WWII. I recommend leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. It is a predecessor to the later Model 10, but most parts are not interchangeable. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 9, 2013, 07:39 AM	#4853
usmc-nav Member Join Date: April 17, 2008 Posts: 1	Victory I have a Victory marked US Navy on top It is s/n 2393xx Numbers match, including grip, has flaming bomb on bottom of grip. Only issue is someone carved their initials on the non numbered grip When was it made? Is a letter worth the dollars? Thank You

March 9, 2013, 04:50 PM	#4856
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	Jason88: Your Model 60 Chiefs Special Stainless was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. Serial range for those years was R100000 to R190000, so 1974 seems likely. usmc-nav: Serial number for a Victory Model should have a V prefix. If V2393xx, then it was made between 1942 & 1944, with 1943 being likely. Navy marked Victory models do bring a decent premium, if not faked. Price is also very much based on condition. I suggest you start a new thread in the revolver sub-forum and post good quality pics of the gun and its markings. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 9, 2013, 06:25 PM	#4857
Rail Driver Member Join Date: April 16, 2010 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 2,523	38 special model 15-3 Nickel magna grips 4" barrel ser. 15k3785 __________________ "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." -JFK ~Initial Success or Total Failure~

March 9, 2013, 01:29 PM	#4854
Jason88 Member Join Date: March 9, 2013 Posts: 3	a). .38 spl b). 1 7/8 barrel c). round D).5 shot/ non-recessed cylinder e).fixed f).R 1148xx g).Model 60

March 9, 2013, 01:36 PM	#4855
Jason88 Member Join Date: March 9, 2013 Posts: 3	just picked up a smith a wesson .38 spl and i was just wanting to know a little more about it thanks a). .38 spl b). 1 7/8 barrel c). round D).5 shot/ non-recessed cylinder e).fixed f).R 1148xx g).Model 60

March 9, 2013, 08:12 PM	#4858
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	Rail Driver: 1977. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 10, 2013, 01:28 PM	#4859
marv Member Join Date: April 2, 2006 Location: South coast of Indiana Posts: 364	a. .38sp b. 4" c. Square butt d. 6 shot e. Adjustable f. 19K217X g. 15-3 'preciate it marv __________________ I'm not especiially glad to see you. This IS a gun in my pocket.

March 11, 2013, 07:39 AM	#4860
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	marv: Your .38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1977. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 11, 2013, 05:41 PM	#4861
Bull Nutria Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Location: Houma , LA Posts: 217	a-22LR b- 3inch bbl c-round d-8 shot e-adjustable rear and orange flourescent front f-ctp27xx g-model 63-5 round butt grips this revolver was purchased last week was wondering when it was manufactured? thanks, Bull Last edited by Bull Nutria; March 11, 2013 at 05:44 PM. Reason: 8 shot cylinder not 9

March 12, 2013, 06:09 AM	#4862
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	Bull Nutria: Your Model 63-5 .22/32 Kit Gun Stainless was manufactured quite recently, they were re-introduced with the three inch barrel in late 2010. The Standard Catalog of S&W was published in 2006, so obviously it does not cover your gun. Because it is so recent, a call to S&W customer service should get you a shipping date. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 12, 2013, 09:29 PM	#4863
Willabe Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 2	a: 38 special b: 6" c: square d: 6 e: adjustable f: 6K910xx g: 14-9 Edit! It's a model 14-3. Sorry, looked at it several times with the magnifying glass and was still wrong! Sorry about that. Right side of barrel is marked "38 S&W SPECIAL CTG." Thanks! __________________ Bill B. Last edited by Willabe; March 12, 2013 at 11:30 PM.

March 12, 2013, 11:37 PM	#4864
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	Willabe: Your Model 14-3 K38 Target Masterpiece was manufactured in 1975. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 12, 2013, 11:39 PM	#4865
Willabe Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 2	Thanks! __________________ Bill B.

March 13, 2013, 01:46 PM	#4866
SteelManCM Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC Posts: 94	a: 357 Magnum b: 4" c: square d: 6 e: fixed f: 8D15783 g: 13-2 I would also like to know which grips would be correct for this model. The ugly plastic has to go.

March 13, 2013, 07:02 PM	#4867
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	SteelManCM: Your Model 13-2 .357 Magnum Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1981. Correct grips were square butt Magna stocks. S&W makes a reproduction: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_N Or check out your local gun shop for a pair of timber original grips. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 13, 2013, 07:11 PM	#4868
SteelManCM Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC Posts: 94	Wow. A lot of information in that response. Thank you.

March 16, 2013, 07:37 PM	#4869
litman252 Member Join Date: August 2, 2003 Location: Janesville Wis. Posts: 673	Recent purchase, anything to share? Date or more would be great! 357 2 1/2" Round 6 shot adjustable 17k6--- 66 no dash Thanks much for the time. __________________ God bless those who gave us the Red, White and Blue http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/index.php Shoot league in Janesville WI

March 16, 2013, 08:56 PM	#4870
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	litman252: Your Model 66 Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1977. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 18, 2013, 12:40 PM	#4871
Hunterdad Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 1,572	38spl 1-7/8" Round 5-shot Fixed 181xxx 36 no dash Thanks! Last edited by Hunterdad; March 18, 2013 at 04:12 PM.

March 20, 2013, 10:01 PM	#4872
pdgodwin99 Member Join Date: March 20, 2013 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 6	a) 38 spl b) 4" c) round d) 6 e) fixed f) 29836 g) c97 5

March 21, 2013, 06:21 AM	#4873
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,371	Hunterdad: Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured sometime between 1959 (serial number 163051 & 1962 (serial number 295000). As production averaged roughly 35000 guns a year for that period, I would guess late 1959 or early 1960. pdgodwin99: A .38 special with a C prefix will be a .38 Military & Police Post War or after 1957, a Model 10 .38 Military & Police. If the serial number is C975 then it was manufactured in 1948. If the serial number is C975xxx then it was manufactured in 1967. __________________ If you're 6'4" 360, with the scraggly beard wearing a kilt, I think you can leave the guns at home. Just throw on your tartan, grab the nearest sledgehammer, and chase the bad guy down on foot while yelling "REMEMBER WILLIAM WALLACE!!!" If he stops before he hits the state line, splatter him - MGshaggy

March 21, 2013, 07:21 AM	#4874
Hunterdad Member Join Date: December 23, 2009 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 1,572	Thanks!

March 21, 2013, 09:57 AM	#4875
pdgodwin99 Member Join Date: March 20, 2013 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 6	Radagast, perhaps I got my numbers out of order. The s/n is 29836 and the number prefixed by "c" is on the crane, which I assumed to be a model number. Anyhow, the weapon could not be circa 1950's because it has been in the family about 100 years.