Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers - Page 153

Cool Aide · December 31, 2011, 05:04 PM

Sorry -- pictures did not go thru--
pictures are already posted -- in 38 ctg age and value
sorry-- im new to sight

helilogger · December 31, 2011, 08:54 PM

.38 S&W 2inch s 934 it has a w7 under the arm

Radagast · January 1, 2012, 02:32 AM

Cool Aide:
No photos are showing.
What is the serial number? This is located on the bottom of the grip frame.
Does the cylinder tilt up or swing out to the side?
Is there an external hammer that can be thumb cocked or does the back of the gun have an enclosed hump and a grip safety?
Answer the above and I can ID it.

heliliogger:
That serial number is incomplete. Did you take it from the underside of the grip or from inside the cylinder yoke? Often there are numbers under the yoke that have no meaning, they were assembly numbers used to track incomplete parts in the factory. W7 is definitely an assembly number.
The serial number is always found on the bottom of the grip frame. Sometimes it is duplicated under the yoke, but not always. Post the serial number & I can ID the gun.

El Loco · January 1, 2012, 04:20 PM

Great thread here guys.
a) 38
b) 4"
c) Square
D) 6 shot
E) Quick draw front, adjustable rear
F) K5308xx
G) Unknown

I don't have any pictures but I believe it is a Combat Masterpiece or a Model 15.

Thanks for the help!

Radagast · January 1, 2012, 08:35 PM

El Loco:
You have a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece manufactured in 1963. Occasionally a gun left the factory without the model stamping. Looks like yours was one of them.

El Loco · January 1, 2012, 10:24 PM

Big Thanks, Radagast!

flying2275 · January 2, 2012, 11:35 AM

Got a few.

a: 38 spcl
b: 6"
c: square
d: 6 shot
e: fixed
f: C387XXX
g: .38 M&P aka Pre-Model 10,

a: 38 spcl
b: 2"
c: Round
d: 5 shot
e: fixed
f: 680XXX
g: Model 36 no dash

a: 38 spcl
b: 2"
c: Square
d: 5 shot
e: fixed
f: 559XXX
g: Model 36 no dash

a: 44 Magnum
b: 8 3/8"
c: square
d: 6 shot
f: AED8XXX
g: 28-3

Thanks!!

Radagast · January 2, 2012, 12:04 PM

flying 2225:
.38 Military & Police Post War dates to 1954-56. Serial range for that period was C277555 to C402923.

Model 36 Chiefs Special dates to 1962-1969. Serial range was 295000 to 786544. If the cylinder release is flat, then 1962-66. If concave then 1966-69.
If ythe grips are original and have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws then 1968 or early. If no diamond then 1968 or 69.

The .44 Magnum should be a Model 29-3 and dates to 1984.

.45Guy · January 2, 2012, 06:07 PM

Pre Model 10
.38 special
Bubba got to the barrel
square butt
6 shots
fixed sights
Serial number: 602500

Radagast · January 2, 2012, 06:35 PM

.45Guy:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change. It lacks the positive hammer block safety and should be treated as a five shooter with the chamber under the hammer left empty.
Serial numbers between 500000 & 630000 shipped between 1927 & 1930. Allowing for a drop in sales from 1929 with the onset of the great depression 1928/29 is most likely.

wlewisiii · January 2, 2012, 09:59 PM

Good Evening,
My wife took a shine to an old top break S&W & I'm curious to know just how elderly it really is.

a) .32 S&W
b) 3 1/2"
c) Brown plastic (?) with S&W medalion at top. Round butt.
d) 5
e) Fixed. Half mood front, notched v on latch.
f) 40937

Thanks!

olde-dawg · January 2, 2012, 10:47 PM

Radagast; now you have me going down memory lane. I got my 3rd. grade report card in 1957. How time flies.....

Radagast · January 3, 2012, 07:42 AM

wlewisiii:
If a single action with a spur trigger:
.32 Single Action manufactured between 1878 & 1892 in the serial range 1 to 97574.

If a double action with exposed hammer:
.32 Double Action 3rd Model manufactured in 1882 or 1883 in the serial range 22173 to 43405.

If a double action with internal hammer and grip safety:
.32 Safety Hammerless 1st Model manufactured between 1888 & 1902 in the serial range 1 to 91417.

All of the above are black powder firearms. Modern smokeless ammo is loaded to the same maximum pressure as blackpowder but has a much faster burn rate and pressure peak, stressing the gun. Either use blackpowder or a blackpowder substitute or expect the gun to wear out quickly. The first two variants lack a hammer block safety and could fire if dropped, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
The grips are vulcanised (hard) rubber and usually came in black, with some red ones also made.
New parts are no longer available and there are few gunsmiths able to work on them, so I would refrain from dryfire and limit live fire.

Radagast · January 3, 2012, 07:43 AM

olde-dawge: Sure does. I've turned into my father. I've even started complaining about the music kids listen to these days.

El Loco · January 4, 2012, 06:35 AM

I'm going off of descriptions from a friend on this one:
I believe it is a nickle plated model 36.

1) 38 special
2) 2"
3) round
4) 5 shot
5) fixed sights
6) Serial number 7611xx

Thanks,

Radagast · January 4, 2012, 06:18 PM

El Loco:
Model 36 Chiefs Special dates to 1962-1969. Serial range was 295000 to 786544. If the cylinder release is flat, then 1962-66. If concave then 1966-69.
If the grips are original and have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws then 1968 or early. If no diamond then 1968 or 69.
If it says airweight on the barrel then it is a Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight.
Occasionally a gun left the factory without the model stamping. Looks like yours was one of them.

Tex62 · January 4, 2012, 09:33 PM

Just picked this up with tools, box and papers. I am thinking late 60's

a) 38
b) 6"
c) square
d) 6
e) adjustable
f) 1K3000
g) 14-3

Thanks, Marty

Radagast · January 5, 2012, 01:07 AM

Tex62:
Your Model 14-3 K38 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1970.

El Loco · January 6, 2012, 09:48 AM

Thanks again!

excavatoree · January 8, 2012, 01:05 PM

can anyone give me a rough idea of how old my model 19-3 is?

Introduction post, with picture

The serial number is: 4K79xxx

Radagast · January 8, 2012, 06:47 PM

excavatoree:
Your Model 19 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1974.

Elm Creek Smith · January 10, 2012, 08:55 PM

I have a former Tulsa Police Department issue L-Frame for which I would appreciate getting a date of manufacture.

a) .357 Magnum
b) 4 inches
c) Square butt
d) 6 shot
e) Fixed
f) AAE39xx
g) Model 681 (with an M)

Additionally, it has "TPD 7XX" on the left side of the frame under the cylinder window.

Of course, it was wearing Pachmayr Grippers when I got it. The Crimson Trace grips make it my wife's house gun.

Thanks.

ECS

Smithsnubs · January 10, 2012, 10:36 PM

A truly nice find, the 357 distinguished service magnum

this particular one was made early in 1982

Elm Creek Smith · January 10, 2012, 11:03 PM

Thanks! It was given to me by my former next door neighbor. This is really cool because my Model 13-3 dates to late 1982 and my Model 37 dates to 1982 as well!

ECS

Smithsnubs · January 10, 2012, 11:29 PM

Very nice, cant beat a free gun, haha starting a collection from 82,thats funny because I have a 19_5 that was made in 82, but your not adding that to your collection, haha
If there are any others I can help ya with just let me know

December 31, 2011, 05:04 PM	#3801
Cool Aide Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Posts: 7	38 s&w ctg Sorry -- pictures did not go thru-- pictures are already posted -- in 38 ctg age and value sorry-- im new to sight

January 1, 2012, 02:32 AM	#3803
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	Cool Aide: No photos are showing. What is the serial number? This is located on the bottom of the grip frame. Does the cylinder tilt up or swing out to the side? Is there an external hammer that can be thumb cocked or does the back of the gun have an enclosed hump and a grip safety? Answer the above and I can ID it. heliliogger: That serial number is incomplete. Did you take it from the underside of the grip or from inside the cylinder yoke? Often there are numbers under the yoke that have no meaning, they were assembly numbers used to track incomplete parts in the factory. W7 is definitely an assembly number. The serial number is always found on the bottom of the grip frame. Sometimes it is duplicated under the yoke, but not always. Post the serial number & I can ID the gun. __________________ 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

January 1, 2012, 08:35 PM	#3805
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	El Loco: You have a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece manufactured in 1963. Occasionally a gun left the factory without the model stamping. Looks like yours was one of them. __________________ 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

January 2, 2012, 12:04 PM	#3808
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	flying 2225: .38 Military & Police Post War dates to 1954-56. Serial range for that period was C277555 to C402923. Model 36 Chiefs Special dates to 1962-1969. Serial range was 295000 to 786544. If the cylinder release is flat, then 1962-66. If concave then 1966-69. If ythe grips are original and have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws then 1968 or early. If no diamond then 1968 or 69. The .44 Magnum should be a Model 29-3 and dates to 1984. __________________ 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

January 2, 2012, 06:07 PM	#3809
.45Guy Member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Posts: 2,305	Pre Model 10 .38 special Bubba got to the barrel square butt 6 shots fixed sights Serial number: 602500 __________________ .45Guy: A legend in his own ~~right~~ ~~time~~ mind!

December 31, 2011, 08:54 PM	#3802
helilogger Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Posts: 4	.38 S&W 2inch s 934 it has a w7 under the arm

January 1, 2012, 04:20 PM	#3804
El Loco Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Posts: 4	Great thread here guys. a) 38 b) 4" c) Square D) 6 shot E) Quick draw front, adjustable rear F) K5308xx G) Unknown I don't have any pictures but I believe it is a Combat Masterpiece or a Model 15. Thanks for the help!

January 1, 2012, 10:24 PM	#3806
El Loco Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Posts: 4	Big Thanks, Radagast!

January 2, 2012, 11:35 AM	#3807
flying2275 Member Join Date: May 22, 2009 Posts: 1	Got a few. a: 38 spcl b: 6" c: square d: 6 shot e: fixed f: C387XXX g: .38 M&P aka Pre-Model 10, a: 38 spcl b: 2" c: Round d: 5 shot e: fixed f: 680XXX g: Model 36 no dash a: 38 spcl b: 2" c: Square d: 5 shot e: fixed f: 559XXX g: Model 36 no dash a: 44 Magnum b: 8 3/8" c: square d: 6 shot f: AED8XXX g: 28-3 Thanks!!

January 2, 2012, 06:35 PM	#3810
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	.45Guy: You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change. It lacks the positive hammer block safety and should be treated as a five shooter with the chamber under the hammer left empty. Serial numbers between 500000 & 630000 shipped between 1927 & 1930. Allowing for a drop in sales from 1929 with the onset of the great depression 1928/29 is most likely. __________________ 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

January 2, 2012, 09:59 PM	#3811
wlewisiii Member Join Date: January 1, 2010 Location: Hayward, WI Posts: 1,485	Good Evening, My wife took a shine to an old top break S&W & I'm curious to know just how elderly it really is. a) .32 S&W b) 3 1/2" c) Brown plastic (?) with S&W medalion at top. Round butt. d) 5 e) Fixed. Half mood front, notched v on latch. f) 40937 Thanks! __________________ "You better watch out, what you wish for It better be worth it, so much to die for." Hole

January 2, 2012, 10:47 PM	#3812
olde-dawg Member Join Date: January 27, 2011 Location: Mantua, Ohio Posts: 10	Radagast; now you have me going down memory lane. I got my 3rd. grade report card in 1957. How time flies..... __________________ "Democracy is two wolfs and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch, Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote" "The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it."

January 3, 2012, 07:42 AM	#3813
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	wlewisiii: If a single action with a spur trigger: .32 Single Action manufactured between 1878 & 1892 in the serial range 1 to 97574. If a double action with exposed hammer: .32 Double Action 3rd Model manufactured in 1882 or 1883 in the serial range 22173 to 43405. If a double action with internal hammer and grip safety: .32 Safety Hammerless 1st Model manufactured between 1888 & 1902 in the serial range 1 to 91417. All of the above are black powder firearms. Modern smokeless ammo is loaded to the same maximum pressure as blackpowder but has a much faster burn rate and pressure peak, stressing the gun. Either use blackpowder or a blackpowder substitute or expect the gun to wear out quickly. The first two variants lack a hammer block safety and could fire if dropped, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty. The grips are vulcanised (hard) rubber and usually came in black, with some red ones also made. New parts are no longer available and there are few gunsmiths able to work on them, so I would refrain from dryfire and limit live fire. __________________ 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

January 3, 2012, 07:43 AM	#3814
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	olde-dawge: Sure does. I've turned into my father. I've even started complaining about the music kids listen to these days. __________________ 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

January 4, 2012, 06:35 AM	#3815
El Loco Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Posts: 4	I'm going off of descriptions from a friend on this one: I believe it is a nickle plated model 36. 1) 38 special 2) 2" 3) round 4) 5 shot 5) fixed sights 6) Serial number 7611xx Thanks,

January 4, 2012, 06:18 PM	#3816
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	El Loco: Model 36 Chiefs Special dates to 1962-1969. Serial range was 295000 to 786544. If the cylinder release is flat, then 1962-66. If concave then 1966-69. If the grips are original and have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws then 1968 or early. If no diamond then 1968 or 69. If it says airweight on the barrel then it is a Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight. Occasionally a gun left the factory without the model stamping. Looks like yours was one of them. __________________ 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

January 4, 2012, 09:33 PM	#3817
Tex62 Member Join Date: August 16, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 38	Just picked this up with tools, box and papers. I am thinking late 60's a) 38 b) 6" c) square d) 6 e) adjustable f) 1K3000 g) 14-3 Thanks, Marty

January 5, 2012, 01:07 AM	#3818
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	Tex62: Your Model 14-3 K38 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1970. __________________ 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

January 6, 2012, 09:48 AM	#3819
El Loco Member Join Date: January 1, 2012 Posts: 4	Thanks again!

January 8, 2012, 01:05 PM	#3820
excavatoree Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Posts: 3	can anyone give me a rough idea of how old my model 19-3 is? Introduction post, with picture The serial number is: 4K79xxx

January 8, 2012, 06:47 PM	#3821
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,374	excavatoree: Your Model 19 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1974. __________________ 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

January 10, 2012, 08:55 PM	#3822
Elm Creek Smith Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Owasso, Cherokee Nation, I.T. Posts: 743	I have a former Tulsa Police Department issue L-Frame for which I would appreciate getting a date of manufacture. a) .357 Magnum b) 4 inches c) Square butt d) 6 shot e) Fixed f) AAE39xx g) Model 681 (with an M) Additionally, it has "TPD 7XX" on the left side of the frame under the cylinder window. Of course, it was wearing Pachmayr Grippers when I got it. The Crimson Trace grips make it my wife's house gun. Thanks. ECS __________________ "If the truth hurts, it should." - Dad "If it blows up, stop shooting at it." - SFC Strand "I aim to misbehave." - Mal, Serenity Last edited by Elm Creek Smith; January 10, 2012 at 09:09 PM.

January 10, 2012, 10:36 PM	#3823
Smithsnubs Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 7	Year of manufacture A truly nice find, the 357 distinguished service magnum this particular one was made early in 1982

January 10, 2012, 11:03 PM	#3824
Elm Creek Smith Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Location: Owasso, Cherokee Nation, I.T. Posts: 743	Thanks! It was *given* to me by my former next door neighbor. This is really cool because my Model 13-3 dates to late 1982 and my Model 37 dates to 1982 as well! ECS __________________ "If the truth hurts, it should." - Dad "If it blows up, stop shooting at it." - SFC Strand "I aim to misbehave." - Mal, Serenity

January 10, 2012, 11:29 PM	#3825
Smithsnubs Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 7	Very nice, cant beat a free gun, haha starting a collection from 82,thats funny because I have a 19_5 that was made in 82, but your not adding that to your collection, haha If there are any others I can help ya with just let me know __________________ "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."