Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers - Page 19

exflatlander · January 7, 2009, 11:46 AM

.38 spl
3"
round butt
5 shot
Fixed
Mod 36 no dash
363jxx on heel

Dragk913 · January 10, 2009, 03:57 PM

38 S&W CTG (break-open)
On the top of the barrel it says:
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A
(it has no patent dates or anything else)

a) .38 S&W (not spcl)
b) 4"
c) Rounded, hard rubber
d) 5 Shot
e) Fixed
f) 241636
g) No model number. However the serial number on the face of the cylinder is the same as on the butt.

Edit: I believe it's a Model 3, I just wanted clarification on that and the year.

(Sorry, the pictures aren't the best.)

sundance001 · January 10, 2009, 07:19 PM

howdy all

i have a request it maybe wrong as this is my first post

i have a friend who has a M629-2 non fluted cylinder SER NO BBF5397

any info would greatly appreciated

i will try to get the ser no. barrel length i think is 6 in

thanks and happy trails
sundance001

Rodentman · January 10, 2009, 09:48 PM

I just rec'd my letter from Roy Jinks. Took only a month to receive!

Along with the history of the Model 28, which is fairly well known, I learned that my revolver was shipped on 26 Oct 1976 to Farwell, Ozum & Kirk in St Paul MN. (I live in a suburb of St Paul and bought the revolver at Cabela's in Owatonna MN).

The letter is on a nice letterhead, embossed with the S&W seal, and appears to be laser printed, but in courier font, a non-proportionally spaced typeface, reminiscent of a typewriter, giving the document an "less modern" appearance.

Edited to add: The store to which the gun was shipped was Farwell OZMUN and Kirk. It was incorrectly stated on the letter. I was able to find some info on FOK as an old hardware store in downtown St Paul.

The letter was sent in a flat envelope thus it has no folds. I am thinking of framing it since I don't want to stick it in a drawer or file cabinet. Frankly I asked my son how he would like it since he will have the piece longer than I will.

**Brian Williams** · January 12, 2009, 10:03 PM

Sorry about the Delay, check your post and the date should be edited in.

rlv66 · January 13, 2009, 05:45 PM

Thanks for the info, Brian in Amish country,
Ron

MomentsNotice · January 14, 2009, 04:46 PM

Much appreciated Brian.

Very cool to finally get a date on the thing. Thanks again.

WardenWolf · January 14, 2009, 05:01 PM

a) caliber: .38 SPL (marked 38 SPL. CTG.)
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 2"
c) grips shape (round or square): Round (wood, non-wraparound; frame exposed)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 5 shot cylinder.
e) type of sights: Groove and blade
f) serial number: J543200
g) Model number if it is under the crane. Mod-38 (Model 38)

Other information:

Barrel says:
Airweight
38 SPL. CTG.

Hammer is recessed, not exposed.

Speedo · January 14, 2009, 11:23 PM

a) .41 Magnum
b) 6"
c) Square
d) 6 cylinder
e) Rear adjustable - Front blade with red plastic insert
f) N4900XX
g) Model 57

trilateral · January 15, 2009, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the info, Brian.

FredT · January 16, 2009, 07:43 PM

Nube looking for S&W info on this great site:

a. .32 SWL
b. 3 inch
c. round
d. 6
e. fixed
f. 571182

a. .32-20
b. 5 1/2
c. square
d. 6
e. fixed
f. 96378

Thanks, Fred.

GreenMTNLife · January 18, 2009, 12:14 AM

a) .357
b) 4" bbl
c) round
d) 6 shot
e) fixed front ramp/adj rear.
f) AZA65xx
g) 686-2

Graymutt · January 18, 2009, 10:17 AM

ok here is the question I am about to buy this from my sister, it was my grandmothers. I believe it is a lemon sqeezer, a safety hammerless. It has a tope break and the handle safety, with a "hammerless" hump But the sights are different than any pictures I can find. they are more like modern fire arms, with a triangle front sight. I dont have pics yet. I would also like to know a fair price thanks.

a) 38 S&W (I think)
b) 1 inch to 2 inches
c) dont remember
d) 5 shots top break
e) fixed but not like the normal lemon squeezer doesnt have the round front sight.
f) SN 135637
g) unk

bill boucher · January 19, 2009, 03:26 PM

dob s&w 340 357 cal. air lite sc sn"chm0828 - thanks in advance

bigwhiteyj · January 19, 2009, 05:03 PM

Could someone help me out with the DOB of this Model 10?

a) 38 Special
b) 4" Barrel
c) Square Butt
d) 6 Shot
e) Fixed Sights
f) Model 10-9
g) BSK8xxx

Thanks in advance for any help.

Radagast · January 22, 2009, 08:48 AM

Following data was taken from Standard catalogue of S&W 3rd edition.

Ex flatlander: Your j frame falls in the serial number range 295000-786544, for the years 1962 to 1969. If it has the original grips and has an uncheckered diamond around the grip screw, then it is probably earlier than 1968.

Dragk913: Assuming your gun has an exposed hammer, then it would be a .38 double action 3rd model, made between 1884 & 1895.
The Model no. 3 was a six shot revolver, usually in a .44 caliber, so your gun is not a No.3.

Sundance001: The BBF serial range started in July 1988, your friends gun probably dates to that year. The unfluted cylinder was for the 629 Classic Hunter from the same year, but should have an AVZ serial prefix. You may have a gun put together with a cylinder left over from that run.
The Classic Hunter had rubber Hogue grips, a six inch full lugged barrel, black ramp front sight and a white outline rear sight.

Mike the wolf: Your gun falls in the serial range for 1976 to 1977, being j370001 to j610000. It is an aluminum framed gun based on the small J frame, with a steel cylinder and barrel. The airweight reference is to the lighter aluminum frame. Originally these were known as the Bodyguard Airweight.
Production was discontinued in 1999.

Speedo: Your gun falls in the serial range for 1977-1978. Introduced as the .41 Magnum Target in 1964, discontinued in 1993, yours should be a pinned and recessed model.

Fred T Your first gun should be a S&W pre-model 30, the .32 Hand Ejector.
Post war production started at serial number 536685 and a design change was implemented in 1956 at serial number 640980. At a guess I would put your gun the the late 1940s. Your second gun should be a S&W Hand Ejector Model of 1905-4th change, manufactured between 1915 & 1940. Standard barrel lengths are 4, 5 & 6 inches. If you have a 5.5 inch barrel then it is an oddity. Your gun dates from after heat treating of cylinders was introduced.

GreenMTNLife Your 686-2 dates to 1987. The serial number prefix was used on some model 629s that year as well.

Greymutt: Your S&W Safety hammerless has a serial number falling between 1898 & 1907. The front sight is pinned and could have been replaced. Standard barrel lengths are 3& 1/4, 4, 5 & 6 inches. 1 & 1/2 & 2 inch barreled versions exist and go for a high premium. If you do have a custom barreled gun it may have a custom sight. Or it may have been cut down by a gunsmith and a new sight fitted. Prices for standard models as follows:
As new $600, excellent $500, fine $265, VG $235, good $175, fair $15, poor $60. I suggest you post a picture as some short barreled guns in new condition have sold for over $3000.

Bill Boucher: June or July 2004.

bigwhiteyj: the 10-9 was introduced in 1988 and deleted in 1996. I can't give you better than that.

knightmoves51 · January 22, 2009, 02:58 PM

Its a 5 screw pinned barrell,4 inch pencil barrell.Any ideas?Thanks....Knightmoves51

Graymutt · January 22, 2009, 07:21 PM

Radagast, thanks for the information about the gun. As soon as I get a hold of it I will post some pictures. I am pretty sure it has set it a drawl for about 70 years. I called S&W they said it was made close to 1902 but they couldnt tell me much more. I personally think that it is unlikely to be anything custom, knowing my grandmother and her thoughts, she had the same funiture for 60 years. I had to move one time took four teenage boys to move the dresser. Again I do want to say thank you for the help.

GreenMTNLife · January 22, 2009, 07:49 PM

Thanks Radagast, sort of figured that out after posting from the 686 thread. Alot of helpful people around here. appreciate it.

WardenWolf · January 22, 2009, 08:02 PM

Thanks. Now if I can find out how much the thing is worth. I'd like to sell it and get something better for my mother as a self-defense gun, given that it probably cannot handle +P ammo.

Jenrick · January 23, 2009, 12:29 AM

S&W Combat Masterpiece Model 15

a) .38 SPL
b) 4"
c) Square
d) 6
e) Adjustable rears with black front rampe
f) 8K022XX
g) 15-3

Very cool thread. I picked this particular specimen up for $200 out the door at a pawn shop. It has a good worn in action that makes it a pleasure to shoot. I'll see about getting a couple of pics up.

-Jenrick

Radagast · January 23, 2009, 10:53 PM

Mike the Wolf, SCSW values for the model 38 are as follows:
ANIB: $400, Excellent $325, very good $250, good $200, fair $150, poor $85.00. Also have a look at www.gunbroker.com, www.auctionarms.com and www.gunsamerica.com to get a feel for current prices.

Jenrick, Your serial number should have been manufactured on 1975, SCSW values are ANIB $450, excellent $400, VG $300, good $235, fair $135, poor $85.

Joshuaw · January 24, 2009, 01:05 AM

Model 25-2 of 1955
caliber .45 ACP
6.5 inch bbl.
serial number N3008xx

Thanks in advance.

JW
Tampa

Radagast · January 24, 2009, 06:16 AM

Joshuaw: The N3XXXXXX serial range was used between 1975 & 1976. The model 1955 Target Heavy Barrel was discontinued in 1991, some guns were chambered in .45 long colt from 1978 on. The 6.5 inch barrel with partridge sight as seen on your gun was the standard for most of the production run. other barrel lengths with a red ramp sight were made. The grips on your gun are not original.

Prices from SCSW3 are as follows: ANIB: $725, Excellent: $550, VG $400, Good, $335, Fair $250, poor, $150.

Joshuaw · January 24, 2009, 08:08 AM

Radagast
Thank you for the information. I knew the grips weren't original but am really happy with the overall condition of the weapon. My moon clips came in the mail yesterday...and I am taking it to the range this afternoon!

JW

January 10, 2009, 07:19 PM	#453
sundance001 Member Join Date: January 10, 2009 Posts: 3	629-2 howdy all i have a request it maybe wrong as this is my first post i have a friend who has a M629-2 non fluted cylinder SER NO BBF5397 any info would greatly appreciated i will try to get the ser no. barrel length i think is 6 in thanks and happy trails sundance001 Last edited by sundance001; January 12, 2009 at 03:59 PM. Reason: added ser no correct model no correct barrel length

January 10, 2009, 09:48 PM	#454
Rodentman Member Join Date: October 22, 2008 Location: MN Posts: 489	I just rec'd my letter from Roy Jinks. Took only a month to receive! Along with the history of the Model 28, which is fairly well known, I learned that my revolver was shipped on 26 Oct 1976 to Farwell, Ozum & Kirk in St Paul MN. (I live in a suburb of St Paul and bought the revolver at Cabela's in Owatonna MN). The letter is on a nice letterhead, embossed with the S&W seal, and appears to be laser printed, but in courier font, a non-proportionally spaced typeface, reminiscent of a typewriter, giving the document an "less modern" appearance. Edited to add: The store to which the gun was shipped was Farwell OZMUN and Kirk. It was incorrectly stated on the letter. I was able to find some info on FOK as an old hardware store in downtown St Paul. The letter was sent in a flat envelope thus it has no folds. I am thinking of framing it since I don't want to stick it in a drawer or file cabinet. Frankly I asked my son how he would like it since he will have the piece longer than I will. __________________ A Korth is a Korth of Korth of Korth. Member NRA Last edited by Rodentman; January 11, 2009 at 08:30 PM.

January 12, 2009, 10:03 PM	#455
Brian Williams Moderator Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia but now in Lancaster PA Posts: 9,383	Sorry about the Delay, check your post and the date should be edited in. __________________ Watch out for the Stobor A teacher can never truly teach unless they are still learning themselves.

January 14, 2009, 05:01 PM	#458
WardenWolf Member Join Date: November 11, 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,119	a) caliber: .38 SPL (marked 38 SPL. CTG.) b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 2" c) grips shape (round or square): Round (wood, non-wraparound; frame exposed) d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 5 shot cylinder. e) type of sights: Groove and blade f) serial number: J543200 g) Model number if it is under the crane. Mod-38 (Model 38) Other information: Barrel says: Airweight 38 SPL. CTG. Hammer is recessed, not exposed. __________________ Heart of the guardian, way of the warden, path of the exile. Autistic Gun Owner Asperger's does NOT cause violence. Last edited by WardenWolf; January 15, 2009 at 03:16 AM.

January 18, 2009, 10:17 AM	#463
Graymutt Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 60	ok here is the question I am about to buy this from my sister, it was my grandmothers. I believe it is a lemon sqeezer, a safety hammerless. It has a tope break and the handle safety, with a "hammerless" hump But the sights are different than any pictures I can find. they are more like modern fire arms, with a triangle front sight. I dont have pics yet. I would also like to know a fair price thanks. a) 38 S&W (I think) b) 1 inch to 2 inches c) dont remember d) 5 shots top break e) fixed but not like the normal lemon squeezer doesnt have the round front sight. f) SN 135637 g) unk __________________ "Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." -George Burns

January 7, 2009, 11:46 AM	#451
exflatlander Member Join Date: June 11, 2003 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 121	.38 spl 3" round butt 5 shot Fixed Mod 36 no dash 363jxx on heel

January 13, 2009, 05:45 PM	#456
rlv66 Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Posts: 7	Thanks for the info, Brian in Amish country, Ron

January 14, 2009, 04:46 PM	#457
MomentsNotice Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 5	Much appreciated Brian. Very cool to finally get a date on the thing. Thanks again.

January 14, 2009, 11:23 PM	#459
Speedo Member Join Date: January 14, 2009 Posts: 1	a) .41 Magnum b) 6" c) Square d) 6 cylinder e) Rear adjustable - Front blade with red plastic insert f) N4900XX g) Model 57

January 15, 2009, 09:49 AM	#460
trilateral Member Join Date: December 13, 2008 Posts: 8	Thanks for the info, Brian.

January 16, 2009, 07:43 PM	#461
FredT Member Join Date: January 16, 2009 Location: Cambridge, Ohio Posts: 134	Nube looking for S&W info on this great site: a. .32 SWL b. 3 inch c. round d. 6 e. fixed f. 571182 a. .32-20 b. 5 1/2 c. square d. 6 e. fixed f. 96378 Thanks, Fred.

January 18, 2009, 12:14 AM	#462
GreenMTNLife Member Join Date: June 15, 2007 Posts: 77	a) .357 b) 4" bbl c) round d) 6 shot e) fixed front ramp/adj rear. f) AZA65xx g) 686-2

January 19, 2009, 03:26 PM	#464
bill boucher Member Join Date: November 22, 2008 Location: Albany, GA Posts: 22	s&w 340 dob s&w 340 357 cal. air lite sc sn"chm0828 - thanks in advance

January 19, 2009, 05:03 PM	#465
bigwhiteyj Member Join Date: December 16, 2008 Posts: 331	Model 10 DOB Please Could someone help me out with the DOB of this Model 10? a) 38 Special b) 4" Barrel c) Square Butt d) 6 Shot e) Fixed Sights f) Model 10-9 g) BSK8xxx Thanks in advance for any help.

January 22, 2009, 08:48 AM	#466
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,420	Following data was taken from Standard catalogue of S&W 3rd edition. Ex flatlander: Your j frame falls in the serial number range 295000-786544, for the years 1962 to 1969. If it has the original grips and has an uncheckered diamond around the grip screw, then it is probably earlier than 1968. Dragk913: Assuming your gun has an exposed hammer, then it would be a .38 double action 3rd model, made between 1884 & 1895. The Model no. 3 was a six shot revolver, usually in a .44 caliber, so your gun is not a No.3. Sundance001: The BBF serial range started in July 1988, your friends gun probably dates to that year. The unfluted cylinder was for the 629 Classic Hunter from the same year, but should have an AVZ serial prefix. You may have a gun put together with a cylinder left over from that run. The Classic Hunter had rubber Hogue grips, a six inch full lugged barrel, black ramp front sight and a white outline rear sight. Mike the wolf: Your gun falls in the serial range for 1976 to 1977, being j370001 to j610000. It is an aluminum framed gun based on the small J frame, with a steel cylinder and barrel. The airweight reference is to the lighter aluminum frame. Originally these were known as the Bodyguard Airweight. Production was discontinued in 1999. Speedo: Your gun falls in the serial range for 1977-1978. Introduced as the .41 Magnum Target in 1964, discontinued in 1993, yours should be a pinned and recessed model. Fred T Your first gun should be a S&W pre-model 30, the .32 Hand Ejector. Post war production started at serial number 536685 and a design change was implemented in 1956 at serial number 640980. At a guess I would put your gun the the late 1940s. Your second gun should be a S&W Hand Ejector Model of 1905-4th change, manufactured between 1915 & 1940. Standard barrel lengths are 4, 5 & 6 inches. If you have a 5.5 inch barrel then it is an oddity. Your gun dates from after heat treating of cylinders was introduced. GreenMTNLife Your 686-2 dates to 1987. The serial number prefix was used on some model 629s that year as well. Greymutt: Your S&W Safety hammerless has a serial number falling between 1898 & 1907. The front sight is pinned and could have been replaced. Standard barrel lengths are 3& 1/4, 4, 5 & 6 inches. 1 & 1/2 & 2 inch barreled versions exist and go for a high premium. If you do have a custom barreled gun it may have a custom sight. Or it may have been cut down by a gunsmith and a new sight fitted. Prices for standard models as follows: As new $600, excellent $500, fine $265, VG $235, good $175, fair $15, poor $60. I suggest you post a picture as some short barreled guns in new condition have sold for over $3000. Bill Boucher: June or July 2004. bigwhiteyj: the 10-9 was introduced in 1988 and deleted in 1996. I can't give you better than that. __________________ 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 22, 2009, 02:58 PM	#467
knightmoves51 Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 2	Pre Model 10 Smith with"S"prefix...how old is it? Its a 5 screw pinned barrell,4 inch pencil barrell.Any ideas?Thanks....Knightmoves51

January 22, 2009, 07:21 PM	#468
Graymutt Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 60	Radagast, thanks for the information about the gun. As soon as I get a hold of it I will post some pictures. I am pretty sure it has set it a drawl for about 70 years. I called S&W they said it was made close to 1902 but they couldnt tell me much more. I personally think that it is unlikely to be anything custom, knowing my grandmother and her thoughts, she had the same funiture for 60 years. I had to move one time took four teenage boys to move the dresser. Again I do want to say thank you for the help. __________________ "Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." -George Burns

January 22, 2009, 07:49 PM	#469
GreenMTNLife Member Join Date: June 15, 2007 Posts: 77	Thanks Radagast, sort of figured that out after posting from the 686 thread. Alot of helpful people around here. appreciate it.

January 22, 2009, 08:02 PM	#470
WardenWolf Member Join Date: November 11, 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 5,119	Thanks. Now if I can find out how much the thing is worth. I'd like to sell it and get something better for my mother as a self-defense gun, given that it probably cannot handle +P ammo. __________________ Heart of the guardian, way of the warden, path of the exile. Autistic Gun Owner Asperger's does NOT cause violence.

January 23, 2009, 12:29 AM	#471
Jenrick Member Join Date: March 17, 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,235	S&W Combat Masterpiece Model 15 a) .38 SPL b) 4" c) Square d) 6 e) Adjustable rears with black front rampe f) 8K022XX g) 15-3 Very cool thread. I picked this particular specimen up for $200 out the door at a pawn shop. It has a good worn in action that makes it a pleasure to shoot. I'll see about getting a couple of pics up. -Jenrick

January 23, 2009, 10:53 PM	#472
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,420	Mike the Wolf, SCSW values for the model 38 are as follows: ANIB: $400, Excellent $325, very good $250, good $200, fair $150, poor $85.00. Also have a look at www.gunbroker.com, www.auctionarms.com and www.gunsamerica.com to get a feel for current prices. Jenrick, Your serial number should have been manufactured on 1975, SCSW values are ANIB $450, excellent $400, VG $300, good $235, fair $135, poor $85. __________________ 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 24, 2009, 01:05 AM	#473
Joshuaw Member Join Date: September 5, 2004 Posts: 17	new to me Model 25-2 of 1955 caliber .45 ACP 6.5 inch bbl. serial number N3008xx Thanks in advance. JW Tampa

January 24, 2009, 06:16 AM	#474
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,420	Joshuaw: The N3XXXXXX serial range was used between 1975 & 1976. The model 1955 Target Heavy Barrel was discontinued in 1991, some guns were chambered in .45 long colt from 1978 on. The 6.5 inch barrel with partridge sight as seen on your gun was the standard for most of the production run. other barrel lengths with a red ramp sight were made. The grips on your gun are not original. Prices from SCSW3 are as follows: ANIB: $725, Excellent: $550, VG $400, Good, $335, Fair $250, poor, $150. __________________ 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 24, 2009, 08:08 AM	#475
Joshuaw Member Join Date: September 5, 2004 Posts: 17	Thank you Radagast Thank you for the information. I knew the grips weren't original but am really happy with the overall condition of the weapon. My moon clips came in the mail yesterday...and I am taking it to the range this afternoon! JW