Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers - Page 163

dogrunner · March 17, 2012, 02:28 PM

Just picked up a minty 28-2 in a swap......6", Serial # n237xxx............anybody help me with a DOB.........gun's darn sure a keeper!

ruger1228 · March 17, 2012, 05:53 PM

Radagast:
Thanks for comments on my Model 18. I went to gun show today and picked up another S&W Revolver
Model 27-4
caliber .357 magnum/.38 special
6" barrel
blue finish
Target stocks
Target Trigger
Target Hammer
Serial Number BBV 56xx
production code 101004
Could you please give me the DOB on this revolver and any other information available.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
thom

Radagast · March 17, 2012, 09:42 PM

ruger1228:
Your Model 27-4 The .357 Magnum was manufactured late 1988. That product code was used from 1984 to 1994 and stands for a six inch blued gun with target trigger, hammer & stocks.

dogrunner:
Your Model 28-2 The Highway Patrolman was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. The last half of the Nxxxxx serial range was dedicated to the Models 28 & 58, with the other N frame guns using the N3xxxxx range from 1975. Based on your gun having a serial number that predates the serial number split I believe your gun is probably from late 1974 or early 1975.

dogrunner · March 17, 2012, 10:49 PM

Many thanks, Radagast.........Your efforts are much appreciated!

texlaw67235 · March 18, 2012, 06:20 AM

4inch nickle
wood grips sqare
357/38
Adj. Sights
I believe it ir a distinguished combat magnum
Serial ACKO808
6 shot
Emblemed grips with speedloader cutout
!!

Hugh1865 · March 18, 2012, 10:00 AM

a) .38
b) 3.25"
c) Round factory grips
d) 5
e) Fixed
f) 1483XX
g) Doesn't have a model number anywhere on the pistol

This is a "lemon-squeezer", I'm not able to get pics to upload

newfalguy101 · March 18, 2012, 09:40 PM

Got another one for you!!

Hand eject 3rd model
.32 long
serial number: 316XXX

My best guess based on the Bluebook is '38-'40

ruger1228 · March 19, 2012, 12:09 AM

Radagast,
I went back to gun show today and picked up a couple more S&W revolvers. Hope you can give me DOB on them.

Model 34-1
4" barrel
.22 cal
Round grips
Adjustable Rear Sights
Serial No: M262xx

Model 15-3
4 inch barrel
.38 special
Square Grips
Adjustable Rear Sight
Serial No. 5K160xx

Thanking you in advance for your assistance and appreciate your hard work.
thom

rcmodel · March 19, 2012, 12:27 AM

Some people buy enough S&W's to need thier own copy of the bible of S&W collectors.
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catal...der_0873492722

I'm nearly wearing mine out looking up serial numbers and info for people almost every day.

rc

Radagast · March 19, 2012, 09:16 AM

The spine has fallen off mine. :P

ruger1228:
Your Model 34-1 .22/32 Kit Gun was manufactured in the period 1969 to 1971. Serial range for those years was M1 to M30000, so 1971 seems likely.
Your Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1973.

newfalguy101:
Your .32 Hand Ejector Third Model was manufactured between 1917 & 1920. Serial range for that period was 263001 to 321000. 321000 was the serial number that heat treatment of cylinders began at, so yours is not heat treated. Don't load hot handloads in that gun. It also predates the positive internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII, so treat it as a five shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty.

Hugh1865:
Your .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model was manufactured between 1898 & 1904. Serial range for those years was 116003 to 168400. This is a black powder only gun, S&W did not start advertising them as safe for smokeless powder until the fifth model. Use of modern smokeless ammo may cause accelerated wear. Treat it as a 4 shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. It lacks a hammer block safet and may fire if dropped. Caliber is .38 S&W.

texlaw67235:
If it has a full length barrel lug then it is a Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum from 1983. There is a recall on this model. With some magnum ammo the primer can flow back into the firing pin bushing, locking up the gun. Under the terms of the recall S&W will install a new bushing and firing pin, paying shipping both ways. If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke cut out. If not and you wish to have it modified, call S&W and they will send you a shipping label.

ruger1228 · March 19, 2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcmodel

Some people buy enough S&W's to need thier own copy of the bible of S&W collectors.
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catal...der_0873492722

I'm nearly wearing mine out looking up serial numbers and info for people almost every day.

rc

Maybe some of us who are buying the S&W Revolvers already have a copy of the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition". What we lack in using this book is the experience and knowledge that Radagast has in giving additional information and his ability to pin point the month and year of manufacture.
Maybe after we gain more experience in using the book we won't have to ask so many questions. I have always been taught that the only "Stupid Question is the one you don't ask." Another thing I would like to point out is that this forum was started to help "newbies" gain information, not for someone to cut them down for asking questions.
Radagast, I do appreciate all you do and the knowledge you pass on to the readers of this forum. I hope you will continue to provide this service so that others can learn from your knowledge and experience.
rcmodel, I don't believe I have ever asked you for information about a revolver, so I am sure I am not contributing to the demise of your copy of the Standard Catalog.

ruger1228 · March 19, 2012, 10:02 PM

Radagast,
Any information you can provide on the following would be greatly appreciated.
Model 629-1
.44 Magnum
8 3/8" barrel
TS, TH, TT
Serial No. AER16xx
This number is on crane:74275
Polished Stainless Finish
This gun also has a wooden case with S&W emblem on top
and blue foam interior.
It came with original paperwork and original tools.
This gun has never been fired.
A true safe queen.

Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
thom

newfalguy101 · March 19, 2012, 10:50 PM

Thanks Radagast

'preciate the info!!

keano44 · March 19, 2012, 11:54 PM

38 S&W Spl
1-7/8"
square butt
5 shot
fixed sights
J162xxx
MOD 36
# inside crane 87994

Thank you

Just picked this up today!! Nice condition; good deal!

Radagast · March 20, 2012, 06:24 PM

keano44:
Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured in 1973 or 1974. Serial range for those years was J100000 to J250000. So late 1973 seems likely.
87994 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed.

ruger1228:
Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was manufactured in mid to late 1984. Guns in the AEVxxxx range shipped in November of that year. 74275 is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Your gun predates the endurance package engineering changes. If you choose to shoot it on a regular basis a diet of light magnums or .44 specials may be best.
I think this gun may have been a special order piece, as the early 8&3/8 inch 629s had a combat trigger, not the target trigger, and the earliest listing in the SCSWfor a 8&3/8 innch limited run gun was 1989.

Hugh1865 · March 20, 2012, 09:27 PM

Thanks for the info Radagast.

keano44 · March 20, 2012, 09:51 PM

Thank you Radagast. How about these 3:

38 S&W Spl
1-7/8"
round butt
5 shot
fixed sights
314xxx
MOD 36
"flat latch"
Info I found puts it 1962-68, what can you tell me?

38 S&W Spl
6"
square butt
6 shot
adj. sights
K668xxx
MOD 14-2
Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me?

.22 Long Rifle Ctg.
6"
square butt
6 shot
adj. sights
K734xxx
MOD 17-2
Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me?

Thanks I appreciate your time

Radagast · March 21, 2012, 07:31 PM

keano44:
The closest I can give you for your Model 36 Chiefs Special is 1962 to 1966. The Standard Catalog of S&W does not give year by year breakdowns for that model/decade. Serial number 295000 was used in 1962 and the flat latch was deleted in 1966. As production averaged around 50,000 guns per year over that decade I'm fairly confident that yours is from 1962 or 1963.

Your Model 14-2 K38 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1966.

Your Model 17-2 K22 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1967.

ruger1228 · March 21, 2012, 08:22 PM

Radagast,
Thank you for providing the DOB on the S&Ws that I have. Your help is much appreciated.
thom

hootin · March 22, 2012, 11:35 AM

I have a S&W with 4 inch barrel 6 shot round wood grips 4k15 19-3 sure would like to find out when it was made
hootin

Radagast · March 23, 2012, 03:28 AM

Hootin:
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnm was manufactured in 1972.

ruger1228 · March 28, 2012, 09:34 PM

Radagast,
Could you give me DOB and any other information on the following revolvers? Thanking you in advance for your assistance.

Model 629-1 44 magnum
8 3/8" barrel
Target Grips
Target Hammer
Serial Number:N8938xx
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable

Model 57
41 Magnum 6 shot Blue Finish
6" barrel
Serial Number:N4186xx
Target Grips
Target Hammer
Target Trigger
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable

I picked both these revolvers up at an estate sale today. Both guns appear to have never been fired after leaving the factory. The 629-1 came with the original box, wrapping paper and all original S&W tools. The 57 came in a wooden S&W presentation box with all the original paperwork and tools.
Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Radagast · March 29, 2012, 02:29 AM

ruger1228:
Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was probably manufactured in 1983. The N800xxx range was used between 1980 & 1983, your gun is so high in that range that 1983 seems certain. The SCSW doesn't list any product codes before, 1984, if your gun lacks a product code then this is further evidence that it predates 1984. So I'm going to say 1983.

Your Model 57 .41 Magnum Target was manufactured in 1977 or 1978. As yours is low in the N4xxxxx range I am going to guess 1977.

ruger1228 · March 29, 2012, 08:05 AM

Radagast,
Again, thank you for the information.
thom

Sealevel · March 30, 2012, 05:05 AM

Radagast, could you date this latest acquisition for me? Thanks, once again for your expertise and willingness to educate.

a. .357
b. 6"
c. Square (Target stocks)
d. 6 shot
e. Adjustable
f. 36K32xx
g. Model 19-4 (Nickel Finish)

March 17, 2012, 09:42 PM	#4053
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,369	ruger1228: Your Model 27-4 The .357 Magnum was manufactured late 1988. That product code was used from 1984 to 1994 and stands for a six inch blued gun with target trigger, hammer & stocks. dogrunner: Your Model 28-2 The Highway Patrolman was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. The last half of the Nxxxxx serial range was dedicated to the Models 28 & 58, with the other N frame guns using the N3xxxxx range from 1975. Based on your gun having a serial number that predates the serial number split I believe your gun is probably from late 1974 or early 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 18, 2012, 10:00 AM	#4056
Hugh1865 Member Join Date: March 17, 2012 Posts: 2	a) .38 b) 3.25" c) Round factory grips d) 5 e) Fixed f) 1483XX g) Doesn't have a model number anywhere on the pistol This is a "lemon-squeezer", I'm not able to get pics to upload Last edited by Hugh1865; March 18, 2012 at 10:12 AM.

March 18, 2012, 09:40 PM	#4057
newfalguy101 Member Join Date: August 13, 2005 Location: Clay Center, Nebraska Posts: 722	Got another one for you!! Hand eject 3rd model .32 long serial number: 316XXX My best guess based on the Bluebook is '38-'40 __________________ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul..........BUT, Front site, PRESS, repeat as needed

March 19, 2012, 12:27 AM	#4059
rcmodel Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Eastern KS Posts: 41,223	Some people buy enough S&W's to need thier own copy of the bible of S&W collectors. http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catal...der_0873492722 I'm nearly wearing mine out looking up serial numbers and info for people almost every day. rc __________________ Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Or all your primers in a glass jar!

March 19, 2012, 09:16 AM	#4060
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,369	The spine has fallen off mine. :P ruger1228: Your Model 34-1 .22/32 Kit Gun was manufactured in the period 1969 to 1971. Serial range for those years was M1 to M30000, so 1971 seems likely. Your Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1973. newfalguy101: Your .32 Hand Ejector Third Model was manufactured between 1917 & 1920. Serial range for that period was 263001 to 321000. 321000 was the serial number that heat treatment of cylinders began at, so yours is not heat treated. Don't load hot handloads in that gun. It also predates the positive internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII, so treat it as a five shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. Hugh1865: Your .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model was manufactured between 1898 & 1904. Serial range for those years was 116003 to 168400. This is a black powder only gun, S&W did not start advertising them as safe for smokeless powder until the fifth model. Use of modern smokeless ammo may cause accelerated wear. Treat it as a 4 shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. It lacks a hammer block safet and may fire if dropped. Caliber is .38 S&W. texlaw67235: If it has a full length barrel lug then it is a Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum from 1983. There is a recall on this model. With some magnum ammo the primer can flow back into the firing pin bushing, locking up the gun. Under the terms of the recall S&W will install a new bushing and firing pin, paying shipping both ways. If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke cut out. If not and you wish to have it modified, call S&W and they will send you a shipping label. __________________ 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 17, 2012, 02:28 PM	#4051
dogrunner Member Join Date: December 13, 2006 Location: E/Cntrl Fla. Posts: 917	Just picked up a minty 28-2 in a swap......6", Serial # n237xxx............anybody help me with a DOB.........gun's darn sure a keeper!

March 17, 2012, 05:53 PM	#4052
ruger1228 Member Join Date: March 7, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 205	Radagast: Thanks for comments on my Model 18. I went to gun show today and picked up another S&W Revolver Model 27-4 caliber .357 magnum/.38 special 6" barrel blue finish Target stocks Target Trigger Target Hammer Serial Number BBV 56xx production code 101004 Could you please give me the DOB on this revolver and any other information available. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. thom

March 17, 2012, 10:49 PM	#4054
dogrunner Member Join Date: December 13, 2006 Location: E/Cntrl Fla. Posts: 917	Many thanks, Radagast.........Your efforts are much appreciated!

March 18, 2012, 06:20 AM	#4055
texlaw67235 Member Join Date: November 19, 2010 Location: east of Canton,Tx. Posts: 20	4inch nickle wood grips sqare 357/38 Adj. Sights I believe it ir a distinguished combat magnum Serial ACKO808 6 shot Emblemed grips with speedloader cutout !!

March 19, 2012, 12:09 AM	#4058
ruger1228 Member Join Date: March 7, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 205	Radagast, I went back to gun show today and picked up a couple more S&W revolvers. Hope you can give me DOB on them. Model 34-1 4" barrel .22 cal Round grips Adjustable Rear Sights Serial No: M262xx Model 15-3 4 inch barrel .38 special Square Grips Adjustable Rear Sight Serial No. 5K160xx Thanking you in advance for your assistance and appreciate your hard work. thom

March 19, 2012, 10:02 PM	#4062
ruger1228 Member Join Date: March 7, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 205	Radagast, Any information you can provide on the following would be greatly appreciated. Model 629-1 .44 Magnum 8 3/8" barrel TS, TH, TT Serial No. AER16xx This number is on crane:74275 Polished Stainless Finish This gun also has a wooden case with S&W emblem on top and blue foam interior. It came with original paperwork and original tools. This gun has never been fired. A true safe queen. Thanking you in advance for your assistance. thom

March 19, 2012, 10:50 PM	#4063
newfalguy101 Member Join Date: August 13, 2005 Location: Clay Center, Nebraska Posts: 722	Thanks Radagast 'preciate the info!! __________________ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul..........BUT, Front site, PRESS, repeat as needed

March 19, 2012, 11:54 PM	#4064
keano44 Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA; Cajun Country Posts: 260	DOB please 38 S&W Spl 1-7/8" square butt 5 shot fixed sights J162xxx MOD 36 # inside crane 87994 Thank you Just picked this up today!! Nice condition; good deal! __________________ "It's a fine line between livin it up and losin it all"-Pat Green; I'm Tired Last edited by keano44; March 19, 2012 at 11:57 PM. Reason: additional info

March 20, 2012, 06:24 PM	#4065
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,369	keano44: Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured in 1973 or 1974. Serial range for those years was J100000 to J250000. So late 1973 seems likely. 87994 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed. ruger1228: Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was manufactured in mid to late 1984. Guns in the AEVxxxx range shipped in November of that year. 74275 is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed. Your gun predates the endurance package engineering changes. If you choose to shoot it on a regular basis a diet of light magnums or .44 specials may be best. I think this gun may have been a special order piece, as the early 8&3/8 inch 629s had a combat trigger, not the target trigger, and the earliest listing in the SCSWfor a 8&3/8 innch limited run gun was 1989. __________________ 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 20, 2012, 09:27 PM	#4066
Hugh1865 Member Join Date: March 17, 2012 Posts: 2	Thanks for the info Radagast.

March 20, 2012, 09:51 PM	#4067
keano44 Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA; Cajun Country Posts: 260	Thank you Radagast. How about these 3: 38 S&W Spl 1-7/8" round butt 5 shot fixed sights 314xxx MOD 36 "flat latch" Info I found puts it 1962-68, what can you tell me? 38 S&W Spl 6" square butt 6 shot adj. sights K668xxx MOD 14-2 Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me? .22 Long Rifle Ctg. 6" square butt 6 shot adj. sights K734xxx MOD 17-2 Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me? Thanks I appreciate your time __________________ "It's a fine line between livin it up and losin it all"-Pat Green; I'm Tired

March 21, 2012, 07:31 PM	#4068
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,369	keano44: The closest I can give you for your Model 36 Chiefs Special is 1962 to 1966. The Standard Catalog of S&W does not give year by year breakdowns for that model/decade. Serial number 295000 was used in 1962 and the flat latch was deleted in 1966. As production averaged around 50,000 guns per year over that decade I'm fairly confident that yours is from 1962 or 1963. Your Model 14-2 K38 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1966. Your Model 17-2 K22 Masterpiece 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, 2012, 08:22 PM	#4069
ruger1228 Member Join Date: March 7, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 205	Radagast, Thank you for providing the DOB on the S&Ws that I have. Your help is much appreciated. thom

March 22, 2012, 11:35 AM	#4070
hootin Member Join Date: March 22, 2012 Posts: 1	S&W I have a S&W with 4 inch barrel 6 shot round wood grips 4k15 19-3 sure would like to find out when it was made hootin

March 23, 2012, 03:28 AM	#4071
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,369	Hootin: Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnm was manufactured in 1972. __________________ 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 28, 2012, 09:34 PM	#4072
ruger1228 Member Join Date: March 7, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 205	Radagast, Could you give me DOB and any other information on the following revolvers? Thanking you in advance for your assistance. Model 629-1 44 magnum 8 3/8" barrel Target Grips Target Hammer Serial Number:N8938xx Front Sight: Red Ramp Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable Model 57 41 Magnum 6 shot Blue Finish 6" barrel Serial Number:N4186xx Target Grips Target Hammer Target Trigger Front Sight: Red Ramp Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable I picked both these revolvers up at an estate sale today. Both guns appear to have never been fired after leaving the factory. The 629-1 came with the original box, wrapping paper and all original S&W tools. The 57 came in a wooden S&W presentation box with all the original paperwork and tools. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

March 29, 2012, 02:29 AM	#4073
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,369	ruger1228: Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was probably manufactured in 1983. The N800xxx range was used between 1980 & 1983, your gun is so high in that range that 1983 seems certain. The SCSW doesn't list any product codes before, 1984, if your gun lacks a product code then this is further evidence that it predates 1984. So I'm going to say 1983. Your Model 57 .41 Magnum Target was manufactured in 1977 or 1978. As yours is low in the N4xxxxx range I am going to guess 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 29, 2012, 08:05 AM	#4074
ruger1228 Member Join Date: March 7, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 205	Radagast, Again, thank you for the information. thom

March 30, 2012, 05:05 AM	#4075
Sealevel Member Join Date: July 15, 2011 Posts: 38	DOB Please Radagast, could you date this latest acquisition for me? Thanks, once again for your expertise and willingness to educate. a. .357 b. 6" c. Square (Target stocks) d. 6 shot e. Adjustable f. 36K32xx g. Model 19-4 (Nickel Finish)