Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers - Page 43

blfuller · July 10, 2009, 12:44 PM

Looking for DOM on the following S&W revolver...

a) caliber: .38 S&W Special
b) bbl length: 6"
c) grips shape: Square wood
d) 6 shot
e) Sights: Fixed
f) Serial number: C 424882
g) Model number: No model number, possibly pre model 10?

Also curious what model it is exactly. Thanks.

Radagast · July 10, 2009, 09:18 PM

blfuller: You have a pre-model 10, the post war .38 Military & Police.

Your serial number falls in the range for 1957-1959, being C402924 to C429740. Model numbers were introduced in 1957, so I would guess your gun dates to 1957.

Florey55 · July 10, 2009, 11:28 PM

Hi -my baby...

a) caliber: .38 S&W Special
b) bbl length: 6"
c) grips shape: Square wood
d) 6 shot
e) Sights: Adjustable rear, partridge front
f) Serial number: 1N 8302
g) Model number: 14-3

Is single action only - with wide target trigger & hammer.

When was it made?

Thanks in advance...

Radagast · July 11, 2009, 06:41 AM

Florey55: The Model 14 K38 Masterpiece Single Action was manufactured between 1961 & 1982. The serial number should have a K in it, not an N, as all postwar K frame revolvers with adjustable sights up until 1982 were serial numbered with a K in or before the number. If your serial number is 1K8302 then it was made in 1971. The serial number is always on the bottom of the grip frame, sometimes it was duplicated under the yoke (cylinder hinge) but usually any number found stamped there is an assembly number, used to track fitted parts in the factory and not the serial number. If the serial number is different, post it and one of us will look it up.

transatlantic · July 11, 2009, 08:10 AM

My newest (to me) wheelgun:

a) caliber: .44 Rem Mag
b) bbl length: 3"
c) grips shape: Hogue Monogrip
d) 6 shot
e) Sights: Adjustable rear, fixed front
f) Serial number: CCT9703
g) Model number: 629-5

Sold new in Germany and imported to Sweden this summer.

Any more info on this one..?

..

Radagast · July 11, 2009, 01:22 PM

Transatlantic: The 629-5 was introduced in 1997, with the change to the frame mounted firing pin and MIM hammer & trigger. It was replaced by the 629-6 in 2001 with the internal lock. Serial number CCT9703 should date it to January 1998.

transatlantic · July 11, 2009, 03:14 PM

Thank you, Radagast!

..

anraith · July 12, 2009, 09:46 PM

a) .38 S&W Spl
b) 1-7/8"
c) Round butt
d) 5-shot
e) Fixed sights
f) Serial prefix 544xxx
g) Model 36

Thanks very much in advance!

Radagast · July 14, 2009, 08:45 PM

Anraith: Between 1962 & 1969 (Serial number range 295000 to 786544). If it has a flat cylinder release, rather than a curved one, it dates to 1966 or earlier. If it has walnut grips with an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws it dates to 1968 or earlier.

anraith · July 14, 2009, 09:36 PM

Mine has a curved cylinder release, checkered (non-diamond) grips. I understand that to be between 1966-1968. That was about what I was estimating. We'll call it "1967" for all intents and purposes.

Thanks very much.

tmbg · July 15, 2009, 01:58 AM

ok, new toy:

a) .38spl
b) 4"
c) square butt
d) 6 shot
e) micrometer adjustable rear
f) S/N K 279967
g) under the crane says "H", then "62596", then "9"

Radagast · July 15, 2009, 08:17 AM

tmbg:You have a K38 Combat Masterpiece dating to 1956. In 1957 it became the Model 15 with the introduction of model numbers instead of names. This was the service pistol variant of the popular K38 Target Masterpiece revolver, with a four inch barrel, adjustable rear sight and a Baughman Quick Draw ramp front sight, named after the FBI agent who suggested it. The Combat Masterpiece was produced from 1949 to 1999. It survives today in the stainless steel variant, the Model 67.

tmbg · July 15, 2009, 10:57 AM

Great, that's exactly what it was sold to me as! The grips are stamped with the same serial number and this gun is in really nice shape!

tmbg · July 15, 2009, 12:11 PM

ok, how about my buddy's new smith:

a) .38spl
b) 1-7/8"
c) square butt
d) 5 shot
e) fixed
f) S/N 4J6763
g) mod 36, 29018

Radagast · July 15, 2009, 07:13 PM

tmbg: 1971-1972.

captain awesome · July 18, 2009, 01:50 AM

hi all,
If any one can help me I would like to know the model and year of my revolver, i acquired it from my grandfather(deceased) about a year ago. All i know is it is a .357magnum, s&w six shot w/ six inch barrel, and it isn't accurate at 150 yards

any help would be appreciated. I love shooting it, just want to know more about it. I apologize about the enormous pictures, I thought they would be smaller, but I want you to get a good look at the gun.

Radagast · July 18, 2009, 10:08 AM

captain awesome:

Your revolver is a S&W 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum. These are built on the reinforced medium 'L frame'. Introduced in 1981 and discontinued in 1999, these addressed the problems that occurred with the earlier and slightly smaller K frame Combat Magnum, which occasionally suffered from cracking of the forcing cone and flame cutting of the top strap. The 586 has a larger cylinder and larger forcing cone, so it should be safe to shoot with any commercial .357 magnum ammunition.

Yours predates 1993 as it has timber rather than synthetic grips. For a more precise date you will need to post the serial number. This will be three letters followed by four numbers. It will be stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, you will need to take off the grips to check there. It may also be duplicated under the yoke (cylinder hinge). The exact model number (586, 586-1, 586-2 or 586-3) will be stamped under the yoke as well.

captain awesome · July 18, 2009, 12:35 PM

Thank you Radagast, the serial # is ADD2114. I also noticed some other numbers while I had the grip off, going right to left; E18 563 x5 , R, 7, 35 - the 35 was located above the "7". On the other side was an r inside a circle, 04706, then an A inside a triangle. Sorry i don't know anything about these #'s and letters, if anyone would tell me what they mean I appreciate it

also it just says 586 under the yoke, no-#

Radagast · July 19, 2009, 03:07 AM

captain awesome: ADD2114 dates to between January 1983 (ABLxxxx) & October 1983 (ADExxxx).
The lack of a _x after the model numbermeans that your gun is one of the first variant, before any engineering changes, which would have been marked by a _1, _2, etc.

The other numbers are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory. The only relevant number legally is the serial number.

There is a recall out for all 586 and 586-1 revolvers. If your gun had been modified under the recall the model number would have been stamped with an M at the end. Specifically, some of the first 586 & 686 revolvers were reported to lock up when fired with some .357 ammunition as the primer flowed back into the firing pin bushing. This stopped the cylinder from turning. The guns modified under the recall had a new firing pin and bushing fitted.

According to gun forum gossip S&W are no longer worried about this due to the relevant primer manufacturers changing their primers, but you can get it modified if you insist. Personally, if the gun has worked fine for the last 26 years I would leave it alone.

uvausmc · July 19, 2009, 05:24 AM

a) .44 Mag
b) 8 3/8"
c) square
d) 6
e) ramp front, adjustable rear
f) AVV75xx
g) 629-1

Bought it used from a guy who traded me a taurus tracker .44 mag + $50. I think i made out pretty well.

captain awesome · July 19, 2009, 01:28 PM

Thank you very much Radagast! I have never had problems with it, as far as I know my grandfather didn't either, but its good to know if I need it they will fix it. Thank you again.

Radagast · July 20, 2009, 04:05 AM

uvausmc: July 1987. And I think you did very well!

oak1971 · July 20, 2009, 03:52 PM

This is a great thread! Here we go.

.44 mag
8 3/8" barrel
square butt
6 shot
ramp front
adjustable rear
pinned barrel
recessed cylinder
mod 629 no- dash
n8690xx

.44 mag
6.5" barrel
round butt
6 shot
ramp front
adjustable rear
one large port forward of front sight
mod 629-4
caj70xx

.44 mag
3" barrel
round butt
6 shot
ramp front
adjustable rear
2 ports total. one port on each side of front sight
mod 629-4
RSR 71xx
Trail Boss
non original grips?

Radagast · July 20, 2009, 10:38 PM

Oak1971:

N8690xx: Serial number range was 1980-1983.The 8 & 3/8 inch barrel was introduced in 1981, the 629-1 was introduced in 1982, so your gun was probably made in 1981 or early 1982.

CAJ70xx: Serial range BRFxxxx to CAMxxxx was used between August 1994 & January 1996. It appears to match the following: Model 629 Classic Powerport; .44 magnum, 6.5 inch barrel with power port, target hammer, smooth combat trigger, pinned black partridge front sight set back from the port, adjustable rear, black hogues grips on a round butt. Product code 103624. Manufactured 1996 to date. This suggests your gun is one of the first in this configuration and was manufactured late in 1995 or very early in 1996.

RSR71xx: The Magnum Hunter Trail Boss was manufactured from 1996 to 1999, for a total of 500 units. The original grips were Hogue rubber with a lanyard loop. The 629-4 was replaced with the 629-5 in in 1997, so your gun is probably from 1996 or early 1997. Later versions of the Trail Boss had the internal lock.

oak1971 · July 20, 2009, 10:50 PM

You are the man Radagast! Thanks a bunch! Can't wait to take the Trail Boss out to the range. The others shoot like a dream.

July 10, 2009, 09:18 PM	#1052
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	blfuller: You have a pre-model 10, the post war .38 Military & Police. Your serial number falls in the range for 1957-1959, being C402924 to C429740. Model numbers were introduced in 1957, so I would guess your gun dates to 1957. __________________ 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

July 11, 2009, 06:41 AM	#1054
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	Florey55: The Model 14 K38 Masterpiece Single Action was manufactured between 1961 & 1982. The serial number should have a K in it, not an N, as all postwar K frame revolvers with adjustable sights up until 1982 were serial numbered with a K in or before the number. If your serial number is 1K8302 then it was made in 1971. The serial number is always on the bottom of the grip frame, sometimes it was duplicated under the yoke (cylinder hinge) but usually any number found stamped there is an assembly number, used to track fitted parts in the factory and not the serial number. If the serial number is different, post it and one of us will look it up. __________________ 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

July 11, 2009, 08:10 AM	#1055
transatlantic Member Join Date: December 18, 2008 Location: Norrland, Sweden Posts: 15	My newest (to me) wheelgun: a) caliber: .44 Rem Mag b) bbl length: 3" c) grips shape: Hogue Monogrip d) 6 shot e) Sights: Adjustable rear, fixed front f) Serial number: CCT9703 g) Model number: 629-5 Sold new in Germany and imported to Sweden this summer. Any more info on this one..? .. __________________ Harrington & Richardson Mod. 2 .38S&W - Colt Officers Model Match, .22LR - Glock 19, 9x19 - Smith & Wesson 686-5P 4", .357Mag. - Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match SS, .45ACP - Smith & Wesson 629-5 3", .44Mag. Smith & Wesson 360PD 1-7/8", .357Mag. - Sabre Defence XR15, 5,56x45mm - ATI M4-22, .22LR

July 11, 2009, 01:22 PM	#1056
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	Transatlantic: The 629-5 was introduced in 1997, with the change to the frame mounted firing pin and MIM hammer & trigger. It was replaced by the 629-6 in 2001 with the internal lock. Serial number CCT9703 should date it to January 1998. __________________ 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

July 11, 2009, 03:14 PM	#1057
transatlantic Member Join Date: December 18, 2008 Location: Norrland, Sweden Posts: 15	Thank you, Radagast! .. __________________ Harrington & Richardson Mod. 2 .38S&W - Colt Officers Model Match, .22LR - Glock 19, 9x19 - Smith & Wesson 686-5P 4", .357Mag. - Colt 1911 Gold Cup National Match SS, .45ACP - Smith & Wesson 629-5 3", .44Mag. Smith & Wesson 360PD 1-7/8", .357Mag. - Sabre Defence XR15, 5,56x45mm - ATI M4-22, .22LR

July 10, 2009, 12:44 PM	#1051
blfuller Member Join Date: June 25, 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 216	Looking for DOM on the following S&W revolver... a) caliber: .38 S&W Special b) bbl length: 6" c) grips shape: Square wood d) 6 shot e) Sights: Fixed f) Serial number: C 424882 g) Model number: No model number, possibly pre model 10? Also curious what model it is exactly. Thanks.

July 10, 2009, 11:28 PM	#1053
Florey55 Member Join Date: May 22, 2009 Posts: 13	Hi -my baby... a) caliber: .38 S&W Special b) bbl length: 6" c) grips shape: Square wood d) 6 shot e) Sights: Adjustable rear, partridge front f) Serial number: 1N 8302 g) Model number: 14-3 Is single action only - with wide target trigger & hammer. When was it made? Thanks in advance...

July 12, 2009, 09:46 PM	#1058
anraith Member Join Date: July 12, 2009 Posts: 2	DOB on Mod 36 a) .38 S&W Spl b) 1-7/8" c) Round butt d) 5-shot e) Fixed sights f) Serial prefix 544xxx g) Model 36 Thanks very much in advance!

July 14, 2009, 08:45 PM	#1059
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	Anraith: Between 1962 & 1969 (Serial number range 295000 to 786544). If it has a flat cylinder release, rather than a curved one, it dates to 1966 or earlier. If it has walnut grips with an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws it dates to 1968 or earlier. __________________ 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

July 14, 2009, 09:36 PM	#1060
anraith Member Join Date: July 12, 2009 Posts: 2	Mine has a curved cylinder release, checkered (non-diamond) grips. I understand that to be between 1966-1968. That was about what I was estimating. We'll call it "1967" for all intents and purposes. Thanks very much.

July 15, 2009, 01:58 AM	#1061
tmbg Member Join Date: March 17, 2008 Posts: 18	ok, new toy: a) .38spl b) 4" c) square butt d) 6 shot e) micrometer adjustable rear f) S/N K 279967 g) under the crane says "H", then "62596", then "9"

July 15, 2009, 08:17 AM	#1062
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	tmbg:You have a K38 Combat Masterpiece dating to 1956. In 1957 it became the Model 15 with the introduction of model numbers instead of names. This was the service pistol variant of the popular K38 Target Masterpiece revolver, with a four inch barrel, adjustable rear sight and a Baughman Quick Draw ramp front sight, named after the FBI agent who suggested it. The Combat Masterpiece was produced from 1949 to 1999. It survives today in the stainless steel variant, the Model 67. __________________ 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

July 15, 2009, 10:57 AM	#1063
tmbg Member Join Date: March 17, 2008 Posts: 18	Great, that's exactly what it was sold to me as! The grips are stamped with the same serial number and this gun is in really nice shape!

July 15, 2009, 12:11 PM	#1064
tmbg Member Join Date: March 17, 2008 Posts: 18	ok, how about my buddy's new smith: a) .38spl b) 1-7/8" c) square butt d) 5 shot e) fixed f) S/N 4J6763 g) mod 36, 29018

July 15, 2009, 07:13 PM	#1065
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	tmbg: 1971-1972. __________________ 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

July 18, 2009, 01:50 AM	#1066
captain awesome Member Join Date: July 18, 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 620	hi all, If any one can help me I would like to know the model and year of my revolver, i acquired it from my grandfather(deceased) about a year ago. All i know is it is a .357magnum, s&w six shot w/ six inch barrel, and it isn't accurate at 150 yards any help would be appreciated. I love shooting it, just want to know more about it. I apologize about the enormous pictures, I thought they would be smaller, but I want you to get a good look at the gun.

July 18, 2009, 10:08 AM	#1067
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	captain awesome: Your revolver is a S&W 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum. These are built on the reinforced medium 'L frame'. Introduced in 1981 and discontinued in 1999, these addressed the problems that occurred with the earlier and slightly smaller K frame Combat Magnum, which occasionally suffered from cracking of the forcing cone and flame cutting of the top strap. The 586 has a larger cylinder and larger forcing cone, so it should be safe to shoot with any commercial .357 magnum ammunition. Yours predates 1993 as it has timber rather than synthetic grips. For a more precise date you will need to post the serial number. This will be three letters followed by four numbers. It will be stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, you will need to take off the grips to check there. It may also be duplicated under the yoke (cylinder hinge). The exact model number (586, 586-1, 586-2 or 586-3) will be stamped under the yoke as well. __________________ 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

July 18, 2009, 12:35 PM	#1068
captain awesome Member Join Date: July 18, 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 620	Thank you Radagast, the serial # is ADD2114. I also noticed some other numbers while I had the grip off, going right to left; E18 563 x5 , R, 7, 35 - the 35 was located above the "7". On the other side was an r inside a circle, 04706, then an A inside a triangle. Sorry i don't know anything about these #'s and letters, if anyone would tell me what they mean I appreciate it also it just says 586 under the yoke, no-# Last edited by captain awesome; July 18, 2009 at 12:43 PM.

July 19, 2009, 03:07 AM	#1069
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	captain awesome: ADD2114 dates to between January 1983 (ABLxxxx) & October 1983 (ADExxxx). The lack of a _x after the model numbermeans that your gun is one of the first variant, before any engineering changes, which would have been marked by a _1, _2, etc. The other numbers are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory. The only relevant number legally is the serial number. There is a recall out for all 586 and 586-1 revolvers. If your gun had been modified under the recall the model number would have been stamped with an M at the end. Specifically, some of the first 586 & 686 revolvers were reported to lock up when fired with some .357 ammunition as the primer flowed back into the firing pin bushing. This stopped the cylinder from turning. The guns modified under the recall had a new firing pin and bushing fitted. According to gun forum gossip S&W are no longer worried about this due to the relevant primer manufacturers changing their primers, but you can get it modified if you insist. Personally, if the gun has worked fine for the last 26 years I would leave it alone. __________________ 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

July 19, 2009, 05:24 AM	#1070
uvausmc Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Location: Beaufort, SC Posts: 143	a) .44 Mag b) 8 3/8" c) square d) 6 e) ramp front, adjustable rear f) AVV75xx g) 629-1 Bought it used from a guy who traded me a taurus tracker .44 mag + $50. I think i made out pretty well. __________________ Semper Fi Last edited by uvausmc; July 19, 2009 at 11:07 AM. Reason: add pic

July 19, 2009, 01:28 PM	#1071
captain awesome Member Join Date: July 18, 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 620	Thank you very much Radagast! I have never had problems with it, as far as I know my grandfather didn't either, but its good to know if I need it they will fix it. Thank you again.

July 20, 2009, 04:05 AM	#1072
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	uvausmc: July 1987. And I think you did very well! __________________ 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

July 20, 2009, 03:52 PM	#1073
oak1971 Member Join Date: July 12, 2009 Posts: 49	This is a great thread! Here we go. .44 mag 8 3/8" barrel square butt 6 shot ramp front adjustable rear pinned barrel recessed cylinder mod 629 no- dash n8690xx .44 mag 6.5" barrel round butt 6 shot ramp front adjustable rear one large port forward of front sight mod 629-4 caj70xx .44 mag 3" barrel round butt 6 shot ramp front adjustable rear 2 ports total. one port on each side of front sight mod 629-4 RSR 71xx Trail Boss non original grips?

July 20, 2009, 10:38 PM	#1074
Radagast Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,367	Oak1971: N8690xx: Serial number range was 1980-1983.The 8 & 3/8 inch barrel was introduced in 1981, the 629-1 was introduced in 1982, so your gun was probably made in 1981 or early 1982. CAJ70xx: Serial range BRFxxxx to CAMxxxx was used between August 1994 & January 1996. It appears to match the following: Model 629 Classic Powerport; .44 magnum, 6.5 inch barrel with power port, target hammer, smooth combat trigger, pinned black partridge front sight set back from the port, adjustable rear, black hogues grips on a round butt. Product code 103624. Manufactured 1996 to date. This suggests your gun is one of the first in this configuration and was manufactured late in 1995 or very early in 1996. RSR71xx: The Magnum Hunter Trail Boss was manufactured from 1996 to 1999, for a total of 500 units. The original grips were Hogue rubber with a lanyard loop. The 629-4 was replaced with the 629-5 in in 1997, so your gun is probably from 1996 or early 1997. Later versions of the Trail Boss had the internal lock. __________________ 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

July 20, 2009, 10:50 PM	#1075
oak1971 Member Join Date: July 12, 2009 Posts: 49	You are the man Radagast! Thanks a bunch! Can't wait to take the Trail Boss out to the range. The others shoot like a dream.