Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers - Page 40

Noxx · May 25, 2009, 04:14 AM

Smith 25-2
6.5" pinned barrel, 45ACP, Blued
SN# N672XXX

Oro · May 25, 2009, 04:31 AM

Mmmm... 6.5" 25-2. Nice... That would be The Year of the coming of our Reagan, 1980.

victory model · May 25, 2009, 02:01 PM

Victory Model
38 Special
4"
V1841xx

Riss · May 25, 2009, 04:49 PM

How about a 45 acp S&W US Army model 1917 ser# 135021. Currently blued with diamond grips. Not the smooth ones I think it should have. Wheel gun is on the way to me so I cannot inspect it really close. It is US Property marked, with a flaming bomb. Not sure of any other markings. Grips appear to be old. But are the commercial type.

Radagast · May 25, 2009, 10:24 PM

Victory Model: Sometime between 1942 & September 1944. probably 1942 or early 1943.

Riss: per the Standard Catalog of S&W 169959 Model 1917 .45 Hand Ejector US Army revolvers were manufactured between September 171917 & January 1919 in the serial number range 1 to 169959. Production continued until 1946 & serial number 209791.

Commercial models had checkered diamond walnut grips. Magna grips were supplied after 1938.

If it is a US army gun it should have UNITED STATES PROPERTY stamped in the underside of the barrel & probably a us ordnance flaming bomb mark on the left side of the frame in front of the hammer. There may also be inspectors marks such as an eagles head and S1, S2, etc, with the Sx denoting a government inspector.

fishinrusty · May 26, 2009, 06:18 PM

I have a S&W revolver that looks just like the Bekeart ones ive seen. Is there 22-32 target revolvers with the grip wider that the frame like the Bekearts?

Cal- 22lr
bbl-6 1/2 "
square butt
# 472xxx
six rounds

fishinrusty · May 26, 2009, 06:43 PM

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/ad...p?itemID=17154

This is what my revolver looks like.

Radagast · May 27, 2009, 04:54 AM

fishinrusty: Bekeart guns are guns that actually shipped to Phil Bekeart in San Francisco who ordered the first run of that particular model in 1911.
In 1915 S&W cataloged the Bekeart model with minor changes to the rear sight elevation screw as the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target Model at around 160,000 in the .32 Hand Ejector serial number range.
These continued in production until 1941. Serial number 525,000 is reported in the Standard Catalog of S&W as being produced in 1935.
A factory letter (costs $50) from the S&W historian Roy Jinks will confirm whether your gun was shipped to Bekehart or to another dealer. Bekehart provenance may add to the collectors value.

fishinrusty · May 27, 2009, 10:05 AM

thx for the information radagast. On a side note, I bought this revolver a colt 25 auto vest pocket, and a pre war colt super 38 auto for $ 200 sight unseen from my mothers friend who was recently widowed. I felt guilty once I saw what I had but she assured me she was fine with the price and just wanted them out of the house. Everybody happy. All three are sweet shooters but well worn.

mdf60 · May 27, 2009, 12:47 PM

Can you tell me the DOB on this Smith & Wesson that is new to me?

a) .38 special
b) 4"
c) square butt
d) 6 shot
e) adjustable
f) 3k641xx
g) 67

thank you for your help.

Radagast · May 27, 2009, 08:49 PM

mdf60: 1972.

Gambit · May 29, 2009, 10:11 PM

Please help with this one

a. 38 spcl
b. 2"
c. Square
d. 5
e. fixed
f. ayc5161
g. 36

Thank you

Radagast · May 30, 2009, 05:28 AM

Gambit: Between July 1987 (AWWxxxx) & December 1987 (AYWxxxx).

strangelittleman · May 30, 2009, 04:16 PM

I need help w/ this one:
Perfromance Center 625-6 V-Comp.
.45 ACP
4"bbl. w/ removable compensator
serial#112.
Also does anyone know how many of this lot were made?

Radagast · May 30, 2009, 10:06 PM

strangelittleman: The 625-6 V-Comp was produced by the Performance Center for RSR Distributors in 1999. 4 inch slab sided barrel, unfluted cylinder, removable compensator, integral weaver base, red ramp front, micrometer rear, Hogue combat grips, shipped with a double combination lock aluminum case. MSRP was $925.00.

The Standard Catalog of S&W doesn't give the number manufactured. If you ask at www.smith-wessonforum.com I'm sure someone will know.

gearchecker · June 3, 2009, 05:19 PM

I was just given the revolver. Yes, it was really given to me.
It will be carried by my wife for her hiking protection.

This revolver is in EXCELLENT condition with the exception of some very minor bluing discoloration from the tan holster (the barrel looks to have a slight brown cast to it on the right side, but no rust or pitting) absolutly no rust. The barrel is perfect. I will include some pics.

1st question - Will I lose any appreciable value by getting it re-blued by a professional refinisher?

2) Any history would be appreciated, approximate date of Mfg?
a) .357 mag
b) 2" I think, might be 1.5"
c) Square butt
d) six shot
e) target adjustable
f) K Frame, pinned barrel
g) Ser #8K86938
H) Model 19-3

3) There is a number on the cylinder hinge #17112
and a very faint stamping "B11" are these of any note or significance?
I really appreciate the help in getting to know these a little better.

Spirit Lake, ID
UP in Bear Country where the air is fresh and the sky is blue
S&W K-14 38 Special, XD 45acp,
Savage 110 30-06 bolt, Savage 325C 30-30 bolt

Radagast · June 3, 2009, 06:31 PM

You have a model 19-3 with 2.5 inch barrel, the barrel length is measured from the forcing cone (cylinder end) to the muzzle.

Built on the Medium sized K frame which was originally designed around the .38 special, a constant diet of light weight .357 magnums (110 grain or 125 grain) may lead to flame cutting of the top strap at the cylinder gap or cracking of the forcing cone (look at the cone, it is partially undercut at the bottom, this is a week point). Standard .38 specials, .38 special plus P or 158 grain .357 magnums should not harm it, it's the high velocity, high pressure light rounds slamming into the cone that do the damage.

The model 19 Combat Magnum was introduced in 1955 at the request of Bill Jordan, a noted border patrol agent and gun writer of the time. it continued in production until 1999. Your particvular example was manufactured in 1975 and has the desirable to collectors Pinned Barrel and recessed cylinder face to enclose the rims of the cartridges.

Rebluing the gun will destroy it's value to a collector, in excellent condition these tend to go for around the $500 mark at the moment, although some sell cheaper and others higher. To a shooter the reblue probably won't mean much, if they are looking for a new gun they would buy a new gun.

The other numbers are fairly irrelevant, they are 'assembly numbers' used to keep track of fitted parts as the incomplete gun moves around the factory.

hk lover · June 5, 2009, 06:22 AM

4 inch barrel,6 shot3 patent #sfeb,6 06 ,sept 14, 09 dec 14 09 4in barrel,side of barrel smith&wesson 38 special ctg.serialo number at bottom of grip 882999,same serial number on inside of cylinder.

Radagast · June 5, 2009, 09:50 AM

hk lover: You have a S&W .38 Military & Police model of 1905, 4th change. Probably made between 1940 & 1942. Basically it's the predecessor to the Model 10. When the serial number range hit 1000000 in 1942 they started back over again at V1, and called it the Victory Model.

double_trouble · June 5, 2009, 04:50 PM

a) caliber - .357 Magnum
b) bbl length - 4"
c) grips shape -square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights - Adj.
f) serial number, S202592
g) Model number - MOD-28

double_trouble · June 5, 2009, 04:55 PM

a) caliber - .38 Secial
b) bbl length - 2"
c) grips shape - square
d) number of shots - 5
e) type of sights - fixed
f) serial number - AFM4563
g) Model number - MOD-38

rcmodel · June 5, 2009, 04:57 PM

1959-60 vintage Model 28 Highway Patrolman.

An econemy version of the Model 27 .357 Magnum. Less well finished with a mat blue. No checkering on the top-strap or rib.

The Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight serial number was made between 1986 - 2004. Can't pin it down any closer with my book.

BTW: If it's a Model 38, it holds 5 not 6 shells.
Better count the holes again!

rc

double_trouble · June 5, 2009, 05:00 PM

a) caliber - .357 Magnum
b) bbl length - 4"
c) grips shape - Square
d) number of shots - 6
f) serial number - 63K9113
g) Model number - 19-4

double_trouble · June 5, 2009, 05:11 PM

Thanks for that - very helpful.
I was bit by copy/paste - the bodyguard has 5 holes.

The Hwy Patrolman has ribbing on the top strap and back of the grip. They sure don't make them like that anymore - good and bad.
Best trigger I own and heaviest pistol by far.

hk lover · June 5, 2009, 06:33 PM

s&w 4 inch barrel 38 spl5 screw serial s 882999 6 shot pinned barrel,any help please revolver handed down from my uncle from his father now belongs to me

May 25, 2009, 04:14 AM	#976
Noxx Member Join Date: June 8, 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,346	Smith 25-2 6.5" pinned barrel, 45ACP, Blued SN# N672XXX __________________ I don't live in Fantasyland, I just work there. Dog-Fu!

May 25, 2009, 04:49 PM	#979
Riss Member Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: SE Quad, Penns Woods Posts: 981	How about a 45 acp S&W US Army model 1917 ser# 135021. Currently blued with diamond grips. Not the smooth ones I think it should have. Wheel gun is on the way to me so I cannot inspect it really close. It is US Property marked, with a flaming bomb. Not sure of any other markings. Grips appear to be old. But are the commercial type. __________________ An X is still an X with a Quarter Inch group at 100 yards With a Quarter Inch Group on the keyboard an X could be - Z,S,D, or C. I am a quarter inch typist - Please excuse the errors! Last edited by Riss; May 25, 2009 at 10:36 PM.

May 25, 2009, 10:24 PM	#980
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	Victory Model: Sometime between 1942 & September 1944. probably 1942 or early 1943. Riss: per the Standard Catalog of S&W 169959 Model 1917 .45 Hand Ejector US Army revolvers were manufactured between September 171917 & January 1919 in the serial number range 1 to 169959. Production continued until 1946 & serial number 209791. Commercial models had checkered diamond walnut grips. Magna grips were supplied after 1938. If it is a US army gun it should have UNITED STATES PROPERTY stamped in the underside of the barrel & probably a us ordnance flaming bomb mark on the left side of the frame in front of the hammer. There may also be inspectors marks such as an eagles head and S1, S2, etc, with the Sx denoting a government inspector. __________________ 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

May 26, 2009, 06:18 PM	#981
fishinrusty Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Posts: 3	Bekeart? I have a S&W revolver that looks just like the Bekeart ones ive seen. Is there 22-32 target revolvers with the grip wider that the frame like the Bekearts? Cal- 22lr bbl-6 1/2 " square butt # 472xxx six rounds

May 27, 2009, 04:54 AM	#983
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	fishinrusty: Bekeart guns are guns that actually shipped to Phil Bekeart in San Francisco who ordered the first run of that particular model in 1911. In 1915 S&W cataloged the Bekeart model with minor changes to the rear sight elevation screw as the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target Model at around 160,000 in the .32 Hand Ejector serial number range. These continued in production until 1941. Serial number 525,000 is reported in the Standard Catalog of S&W as being produced in 1935. A factory letter (costs $50) from the S&W historian Roy Jinks will confirm whether your gun was shipped to Bekehart or to another dealer. Bekehart provenance may add to the collectors value. __________________ 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

May 25, 2009, 04:31 AM	#977
Oro Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: WA state Posts: 3,475	Mmmm... 6.5" 25-2. Nice... That would be The Year of the coming of our Reagan, 1980.

May 25, 2009, 02:01 PM	#978
victory model Member Join Date: May 25, 2009 Posts: 33	Victory Model 38 Special 4" V1841xx

May 26, 2009, 06:43 PM	#982
fishinrusty Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Posts: 3	http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/ad...p?itemID=17154 This is what my revolver looks like.

May 27, 2009, 10:05 AM	#984
fishinrusty Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Posts: 3	thx thx for the information radagast. On a side note, I bought this revolver a colt 25 auto vest pocket, and a pre war colt super 38 auto for $ 200 sight unseen from my mothers friend who was recently widowed. I felt guilty once I saw what I had but she assured me she was fine with the price and just wanted them out of the house. Everybody happy. All three are sweet shooters but well worn.

May 27, 2009, 12:47 PM	#985
mdf60 Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Posts: 5	Can you tell me the DOB on this Smith & Wesson that is new to me? a) .38 special b) 4" c) square butt d) 6 shot e) adjustable f) 3k641xx g) 67 thank you for your help.

May 27, 2009, 08:49 PM	#986
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	mdf60: 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

May 29, 2009, 10:11 PM	#987
Gambit Member Join Date: October 11, 2008 Location: Dixie Posts: 23	Please help with this one a. 38 spcl b. 2" c. Square d. 5 e. fixed f. ayc5161 g. 36 Thank you

May 30, 2009, 05:28 AM	#988
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	Gambit: Between July 1987 (AWWxxxx) & December 1987 (AYWxxxx). __________________ 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

May 30, 2009, 04:16 PM	#989
strangelittleman Member Join Date: October 12, 2007 Posts: 533	I need help w/ this one: Perfromance Center 625-6 V-Comp. .45 ACP 4"bbl. w/ removable compensator serial#112. Also does anyone know how many of this lot were made? __________________ "Untutored courage is no match for an educated bullet." Gen. George Patton

May 30, 2009, 10:06 PM	#990
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	strangelittleman: The 625-6 V-Comp was produced by the Performance Center for RSR Distributors in 1999. 4 inch slab sided barrel, unfluted cylinder, removable compensator, integral weaver base, red ramp front, micrometer rear, Hogue combat grips, shipped with a double combination lock aluminum case. MSRP was $925.00. The Standard Catalog of S&W doesn't give the number manufactured. If you ask at www.smith-wessonforum.com I'm sure someone will know. __________________ 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

June 3, 2009, 06:31 PM	#992
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	You have a model 19-3 with 2.5 inch barrel, the barrel length is measured from the forcing cone (cylinder end) to the muzzle. Built on the Medium sized K frame which was originally designed around the .38 special, a constant diet of light weight .357 magnums (110 grain or 125 grain) may lead to flame cutting of the top strap at the cylinder gap or cracking of the forcing cone (look at the cone, it is partially undercut at the bottom, this is a week point). Standard .38 specials, .38 special plus P or 158 grain .357 magnums should not harm it, it's the high velocity, high pressure light rounds slamming into the cone that do the damage. The model 19 Combat Magnum was introduced in 1955 at the request of Bill Jordan, a noted border patrol agent and gun writer of the time. it continued in production until 1999. Your particvular example was manufactured in 1975 and has the desirable to collectors Pinned Barrel and recessed cylinder face to enclose the rims of the cartridges. Rebluing the gun will destroy it's value to a collector, in excellent condition these tend to go for around the $500 mark at the moment, although some sell cheaper and others higher. To a shooter the reblue probably won't mean much, if they are looking for a new gun they would buy a new gun. The other numbers are fairly irrelevant, they are 'assembly numbers' used to keep track of fitted parts as the incomplete gun moves around the factory. __________________ 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

June 5, 2009, 06:22 AM	#993
hk lover Member Join Date: March 31, 2006 Location: east of canton tx. Posts: 61	smith&wesson .38 spl 4 inch barrel,6 shot3 patent #sfeb,6 06 ,sept 14, 09 dec 14 09 4in barrel,side of barrel smith&wesson 38 special ctg.serialo number at bottom of grip 882999,same serial number on inside of cylinder.

June 5, 2009, 09:50 AM	#994
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,362	hk lover: You have a S&W .38 Military & Police model of 1905, 4th change. Probably made between 1940 & 1942. Basically it's the predecessor to the Model 10. When the serial number range hit 1000000 in 1942 they started back over again at V1, and called it the Victory Model. __________________ 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

June 5, 2009, 04:50 PM	#995
double_trouble Member Join Date: October 23, 2006 Posts: 7	a) caliber - .357 Magnum b) bbl length - 4" c) grips shape -square d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6 e) type of sights - Adj. f) serial number, S202592 g) Model number - MOD-28

June 5, 2009, 04:55 PM	#996
double_trouble Member Join Date: October 23, 2006 Posts: 7	a) caliber - .38 Secial b) bbl length - 2" c) grips shape - square d) number of shots - 5 e) type of sights - fixed f) serial number - AFM4563 g) Model number - MOD-38

June 5, 2009, 04:57 PM	#997
rcmodel Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Eastern KS Posts: 41,184	1959-60 vintage Model 28 Highway Patrolman. An econemy version of the Model 27 .357 Magnum. Less well finished with a mat blue. No checkering on the top-strap or rib. The Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight serial number was made between 1986 - 2004. Can't pin it down any closer with my book. BTW: If it's a Model 38, it holds 5 not 6 shells. Better count the holes again! rc __________________ Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Or all your primers in a glass jar!

June 5, 2009, 05:00 PM	#998
double_trouble Member Join Date: October 23, 2006 Posts: 7	a) caliber - .357 Magnum b) bbl length - 4" c) grips shape - Square d) number of shots - 6 f) serial number - 63K9113 g) Model number - 19-4

June 5, 2009, 05:11 PM	#999
double_trouble Member Join Date: October 23, 2006 Posts: 7	Thanks for that - very helpful. I was bit by copy/paste - the bodyguard has 5 holes. The Hwy Patrolman has ribbing on the top strap and back of the grip. They sure don't make them like that anymore - good and bad. Best trigger I own and heaviest pistol by far.

June 5, 2009, 06:33 PM	#1000
hk lover Member Join Date: March 31, 2006 Location: east of canton tx. Posts: 61	unknown s&w 4 inch barrel 38 spl5 screw serial s 882999 6 shot pinned barrel,any help please revolver handed down from my uncle from his father now belongs to me