Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

[Radagast]

95yjinpa:
You have a Chiefs Special manufactured in 1955.

Sealevel: That serial range should be from 1989. The 17-6 was released in 1990 but some guns close to that serial range shipped in 1994. As the 17-7 was released in 1994 I'm pretty sure 1989/1990 is correct.

FIVETWOSEVEN:
The Model 10 dates to 1961 or 62. Serial range for those years was C474149 to C622699. Value is probably around $280 or there abouts at the moment, as that is the price that security trade in model 64s have been selling for. In excellent codition it would be worth around $350.

The Model 60 dates to 1984. I haven't a clue as to current values for that model.

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Thanks for your help! The fact that it was N.H.S.P. and marked so doesn't add value I'm guessing?

[Weighed]

I've posted the wrong serial number for my revolver. It's a Smith, 5 shot model 36, fixed sights, blue, 2 inch barrel, square grip (with oversized grips). The serial is 524,693

I'm wondering if I can purchase Smith & Wesson grips that are a size smaller for the square frame. Round butt was a little too small for my hand so I went with a square frame. But I'm guessing there might be two different sizes of grips for the square frame. Any help?

[Radagast]

weighed:
That falls into the serial range for 1962 to 1969, being 295000 to 786544.
If the cylinder release latch is flat then it is 1962 to 1966. If concave then 1966 to 1969.

FIVETWOSEVEN:
I doubt it. That would only add value to a hardcore collector. You could ask at www.smith-wessonforum.com where they hang out. I'm an Australian and my knowledge of US values and prices mainly come from postings on this forum.

[DSSR]

I'm looking to buy this gun from a friend. The info on the yoke I guess you would call it is either 1k 18109 or 4k 48109. No number on bottom of handle. It does say mod 19-3 and then 16447. The gun looks great, blued 4" barrel and it's a 357 with wood grips. The trigger seems wide than other guns and so does the hammer. Thanks for any info or price you could give. Forgot to add it's a S&W.

[MagicD]

Model 27-2 N1156xx its a short barrel beaut ! Thanks

[Radagast]

MagicD:
1973 for your Model 27-2 .357 Magnum.


DSSR:
1970 if 1K18109, 1973 if 4k48109. In excellent condition $550 or there abouts seems to be the going price, some THR members have reported as low as $450 and as high as $550. I suggest you go to www.gunsamerica.com or Auctionarms.com and see what the completed sale prices are like at the moment.

[68lemans462]

I have 2 revolvers i would like to identify. Wondering when these were made and if these are good models to own. I just picked up the .44 for cheap and i love the .357. Reliable and deadly accurate!!! Thanks in advance and merry christmas!!!

1: caliber - .357
b) bbl length - 5". Maybe 5 1/2"
c) grips shape - square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights - adjustable
f) serial number - n95499x
g) Model number - 28-3 highway patrolman


2: caliber - .44
b) bbl length - 8- 7/8"
c) grips shape - square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights - Adjustable
f) serial number - n91982x
g) Model number - 29-3

[Radagast]

68lemans642:
your Model 28-3 Highway Patrolman was manufactured sometime between 1982 (N900ooo) & 1986 (N970000). My guess is 1985 or 1986, making your gun one of the last Model 28s manufactured. You already know the Model 28 is good to own, being reliable and accurate. It is the 'service' version of the Model 27 which was for years S&Ws premium firearm. It may lack the external finish but the internals are the same. The barrel length should be 6 inches, measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle.
Your Model 29-3 was manufactured in 1982 or 1983. The Model 29 switched to a three letter/ four numeral serial number in 1983. So late 1982 or early 1983 for that gun. It predates the 'endurance package' design changes introduced in 1987 and may suffer from timing issues if shot with full house .44 magnums. I would stick to .44 specials or light magnum handloads for most shooting and keep the magnums for occasional use. Also avoid 'Ruger Only' handloads as these are intended for the stronger ruger Super Redhawk or Blackhawk. Other than that I can't fault it as a weapon and the long barrel length should make it enjoyable to shoot at longer ranges.

[DSSR]

I got the gun home and took a look at it with a magnifier and the numbers look like a 1 with the the leading edge almost as long as it is tall so it could be a four or sloppy 1 if that helps. Also the numbers look like 1k 1809. It has the pinned barrel, movable rear site. This gun is super nice, the screws don't look like they have ever been touched. I do thank you for your help!

[ghitch75]

a) caliber - .45 Colt
b) bbl length - 6 1/2"
c) grips shape - square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights - adjustable
f) serial number - N736326
g) Model number - 25-5

[jwsracin]

a)38 ctg
b)6"
c)square
d)6-shoot
e)fixxed sights
f)287XXX
g)none

anybody?

[Radagast]

jwsracin:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1916 & 1919. This gun predates heat treatment of cylinders, so stick to standard pressure lead loads only. No PlusP, +P+, jacketed or semi jacketed ammo.
It also predates the positive internal hammer block safety and should be trteated as a 5 shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. If dropped it could fire.

ghitch75:
Your Model 25-5 Model 1955 Heavy Barrel Target was manufactured in 1980.

[Radagast]

DSSR:
Either serial number would fit the model, but from your desription I would suggest it is 1Kxxxx and a 1970 build date.

[Names_TJ]

I was hoping for some information on a 38 special S&W I inherited. Model 10-7 serial number: 4D78961. Has a five inch barrel blued finish. Thanks for any info.

[Radagast]

Names_TJ:
Your Model 10-7 .38 Military & Police tapered barrel was manufactured in 1979. This was S&Ws standard service revolver for over 100 years, with several million manufactured. Value is not high, probably $350 in excellent condition. The five inch barrel was once the standard, but by the 1960s the 4 inch barrel became more common as it was easier to sit in a car seat with a 4 inch holster. Aftermarket grips are readily available, the gun is built on S&Ws K frame, you will need to determine if the grip is a square or round butt if you wish to change them.

[klane]

Merry Christmas!

S&W model 66-2
.357
4" barrel
six shot
adj. sights
square grip
ser. # ADS9xxx

Thanks!

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

a) .44 Remington Magnum
b) 6 inches
c) Came from factory with Hogue
d) 6
e) Standard adjustable rear sight, weird adjustable front sight, see picture.
f) AYH1786
g) 29-3

If anyone knows how much it's worth than I'll appreciate you letting me know, it isn't scratched as it looks in the picture.

[chhodge69]

Three guns:

1)
a) 357 magnum
b) 4"
c) Square Butt
d) 6
e) adjustable
f) 140k5##
g) 66-2

2)
a) 357 magnum
b) 4"
c) Square Butt
d) 6
e) adjustable
f) BHF66##
g) 686-3

3)
a) 38 spl +p
b) 3"
c) Round Butt
d) 6
e) fixed sights, bobbed hammer
f) X93##
g) 64-3

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

[Elm Creek Smith]

Okay, it seems to be my month from classic Smith & Wesson revolvers. I just traded for a nickel Model 37 (no dash), 1 7/8ths inch barrel, five (5) shot, round butt, serial number J948XXX, no box, no papers. The grips are finger groove palm swell wooden grips that have stamped inside only:
SJRF
ASE
INDIA

Need DOB info, of course, but if someone could help me with the grips, that'd be great!

I won't tell you what I traded lest someone accuse me of taking advantage. I will say that the trade was HIS IDEA!

ECS

[Radagast]

chodge69:
Your Model 66-2 Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1982.
Your Model 686-3 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1991.
Your Model 64-3 .38 Military & Police Stainless was manufactured between 1977 & 1988. X933xx is not the serial number, it is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory or a departmental marking. The serial number will be found on the bottom of the grip frame. You may need to remove the grips to see it. Post the number and I will give you the year.

FIVETWOSEVEN:
You have a Model 29-3 Classic Hunter, a special order run for Lew Horton Distributors. Specs were as follows: six inch full lug barrel, 4 position adjustable front sight, white outline rear, blue finish, hogue grips on a square but N frame. Product code 101230, 5000 manufactured in 1987. In 2006 the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $650 for as new in box. I would expect it to be worth a little more now. The front sight was adjustable so that rounds would have the same point of aim/point of impact at 25, 50, 75 & 100 yards. This model predates the 'endurance package' engineering changes and may suffer timing problems if fed a constant diet of magnums.

klane:
Your Model 66-2 Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in late 1983.

[Radagast]

Elm Creek Smith:
1982 for your Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight. The grips sound aftermarket, I can't give you any advice on them.

[klane]

Radagast: Thank you Sir!

[tmills]

A) 38 special
B) 4"
C) not original
D) 6
E)fixed
F) S 637xx
G) 5674 with a H and a 3 offset behind the crane

[chhodge69]

Radagast - thank you sir!
The correct serial number for my mode 64-3 M&P Stainless is ACV58##
It arrived wearing some nice grips that resemble S&W combat grips but I don't know how to determine if they are genuine. Could you glance at the attached photos and give me your opinion?

Note the poor fit at the top of the back strap in pic3 and the whittling job in pic4.

again, thank you

Charles