coondogger
Member
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- Aug 18, 2009
- Messages
- 552
I saw a S&W for sale with a serial number of 12J64 listed. I was wondering what year it was birthed.
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast
Member
coondogger:
Assuming it has a pinned barrel, 1971 to 1972.
If no pinned barrel then 1983.
rick57:
Serial number is C116320, 7, V, & 18992 are assembly numbers used to track parts in the factory. They have no meaning after the gun is completed. 11616 is probably a departmental marking.
The sights are fixed sights.
Your gun is a post war .38 Miltary & Police manufactured in the period 1948 to 1951, serial range for those years was C1 to C223998. In 1957 the .38 M&P was designated the Model 10. With several design changes it continues in production today. Any square butt K frame grips will fit it. It's not particularly rare or valuable as several million M&Ps were made over the last hundred years.
Dbro822:
Your Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1983. The lack of an M stamp means it has not been modified under the recall on that model. With some magnum ammo there is a chance that the primer will flow back into the firing pin bushing, locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping and install a new bushing and firing pin. Give them a call if you want to take advantage of this.
EMT:
Your first gun should be a J frame manufactured in 1971 or 1962, the model number will be under the cylinder yoke.
Your second gun should be an I frame Model of 1953 22/32 Kit gun, datng to around 1957. Serial number 25724 shipped in February of that year. If there is a model number stamped under the crane it should be a Model 34, model numbers were introduced in 1957. The gun should be slightly smaller than the J frame .38 special.
toivo:
Your Model 10-7 .38 Military & Police tapered barrel was manufactured in 1985.
jcgrant2:
Your gun dates to 1979-1980. Serial range for those years was R190001 to R280000. Old price lists are fascinating, especially pre '86 machine gun prices and 1960s milsurp prices.
Charleo0192:
I am assuming your revolver is a Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight, in which case it dates to the period 1962 to 1969. If it has a flat cylinder release it is from 1966 or earlier. If the cylidner release is concave then it is from 1966 or later.
Assuming it has a pinned barrel, 1971 to 1972.
If no pinned barrel then 1983.
rick57:
Serial number is C116320, 7, V, & 18992 are assembly numbers used to track parts in the factory. They have no meaning after the gun is completed. 11616 is probably a departmental marking.
The sights are fixed sights.
Your gun is a post war .38 Miltary & Police manufactured in the period 1948 to 1951, serial range for those years was C1 to C223998. In 1957 the .38 M&P was designated the Model 10. With several design changes it continues in production today. Any square butt K frame grips will fit it. It's not particularly rare or valuable as several million M&Ps were made over the last hundred years.
Dbro822:
Your Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1983. The lack of an M stamp means it has not been modified under the recall on that model. With some magnum ammo there is a chance that the primer will flow back into the firing pin bushing, locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping and install a new bushing and firing pin. Give them a call if you want to take advantage of this.
EMT:
Your first gun should be a J frame manufactured in 1971 or 1962, the model number will be under the cylinder yoke.
Your second gun should be an I frame Model of 1953 22/32 Kit gun, datng to around 1957. Serial number 25724 shipped in February of that year. If there is a model number stamped under the crane it should be a Model 34, model numbers were introduced in 1957. The gun should be slightly smaller than the J frame .38 special.
toivo:
Your Model 10-7 .38 Military & Police tapered barrel was manufactured in 1985.
jcgrant2:
Your gun dates to 1979-1980. Serial range for those years was R190001 to R280000. Old price lists are fascinating, especially pre '86 machine gun prices and 1960s milsurp prices.
Charleo0192:
I am assuming your revolver is a Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight, in which case it dates to the period 1962 to 1969. If it has a flat cylinder release it is from 1966 or earlier. If the cylidner release is concave then it is from 1966 or later.
toivo
Member
↑ ↑ ↑
+1!
+1!
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toivo
Member
duplicate: please delete
Last edited:
Charleo0192
Member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2010
- Messages
- 182
Thanks rada, really appreciate it.
Another question
Embarrassed to further take advantage of you. But I will; then let my karma work it out on me later.
You told me my model 60 was produce between 1979/80. Subsequent to your response I discovered a "V" stamped on the rear of the cylinder. I asked and did not get an answer from the forum. So I have returned.
Do you have any idea what the "V" represents?
Thanks in advance for whatever you're able to do/or not do.
jc
Embarrassed to further take advantage of you. But I will; then let my karma work it out on me later.
You told me my model 60 was produce between 1979/80. Subsequent to your response I discovered a "V" stamped on the rear of the cylinder. I asked and did not get an answer from the forum. So I have returned.
Do you have any idea what the "V" represents?
Thanks in advance for whatever you're able to do/or not do.
jc
Radagast
Member
jcgrant:
I honestly don't know. I've seen it on a variety of old S&Ws, so it must mean something. Perhaps a PM to Old Fuff will get you an answer, he seems to be the wise old man on the mountain where revolvers are concerned. Thanks for the thanks, I do appreciate being appreciated.
TanyBel:
S&W made a variety of .32 caliber firearms.
If it a .32 S&W Long then you have a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 2nd Change Manufactured between 1906 & 1909.
If it is .32-20 (Barrel marked ".32 Winchester CTG" or ".32 W.C.F CTG" ) then it's a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1915 & 1920.
Neither of the above two models has a positive hammer block safety, if dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
Neither has a heat treated cylinder, heat treatment of cylinders was introduced in 1920/21. So the cylinder is not up to hot handloads. Stick to standard pressure factory ammo or equivalent handloads only.
Don't shoot any old jacketed 32-20 ammo marked Hi-Speed in a .32-20 Hand Ejector, this was rifle only ammo that tended to strip off the jacket in the barrel of the revolver. The next round fired into the jacket would cause a bulged barrel. Current factory ammo is downloaded and should be fine.
I honestly don't know. I've seen it on a variety of old S&Ws, so it must mean something. Perhaps a PM to Old Fuff will get you an answer, he seems to be the wise old man on the mountain where revolvers are concerned. Thanks for the thanks, I do appreciate being appreciated.
TanyBel:
S&W made a variety of .32 caliber firearms.
If it a .32 S&W Long then you have a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 2nd Change Manufactured between 1906 & 1909.
If it is .32-20 (Barrel marked ".32 Winchester CTG" or ".32 W.C.F CTG" ) then it's a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1915 & 1920.
Neither of the above two models has a positive hammer block safety, if dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
Neither has a heat treated cylinder, heat treatment of cylinders was introduced in 1920/21. So the cylinder is not up to hot handloads. Stick to standard pressure factory ammo or equivalent handloads only.
Don't shoot any old jacketed 32-20 ammo marked Hi-Speed in a .32-20 Hand Ejector, this was rifle only ammo that tended to strip off the jacket in the barrel of the revolver. The next round fired into the jacket would cause a bulged barrel. Current factory ammo is downloaded and should be fine.
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dbro822
Member
THANK YOU, the time you are putting in is much appreciated, hoping I will be asking for your again soon.
coondogger
Member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2009
- Messages
- 552
Thanks again, Rad
I have one more. Another S&W model 49, serial: SN.J70889. I'm not sure if it has a pinned barrel or not.
I have one more. Another S&W model 49, serial: SN.J70889. I'm not sure if it has a pinned barrel or not.
BRE346
Member
Thanks,man
a-38
b-3in
c-square
d-5
e-adjustable
f-BFU2
g-60-4
a-38
b-3in
c-square
d-5
e-adjustable
f-BFU2
g-60-4
BRE346
Member
Correction
serial BFV2xxx
Mod 60-4
serial BFV2xxx
Mod 60-4
Radagast
Member
coondogger:
Your Model 49 Bodyguard was manufactured in 1969 or 1970, serial range for those years was J 1 to J99999. It will have a pinned barrel.
BRE346:
Your Model 60-4 Chiefs Special Target Stainless was manufactured in 1990 or early 1991. It was a limited run version (most chiefs specials have fixed sights). The Model 60-4 was introduced in 1990 and serial numbers in the BFWxxxx range shipped in January 1991, so late 1990 seems right to me.
Your Model 49 Bodyguard was manufactured in 1969 or 1970, serial range for those years was J 1 to J99999. It will have a pinned barrel.
BRE346:
Your Model 60-4 Chiefs Special Target Stainless was manufactured in 1990 or early 1991. It was a limited run version (most chiefs specials have fixed sights). The Model 60-4 was introduced in 1990 and serial numbers in the BFWxxxx range shipped in January 1991, so late 1990 seems right to me.
coondogger
Member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2009
- Messages
- 552
Thanks Rad. We all appreciate what you're doing here.
FFStreetDoc
Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2011
- Messages
- 3
Model 10
a) 38 spl
b) 4" tapered
c) square
d) 6 shot
e) fixed sights
f) D545242
g) Mod 10-5
is this model anything special or are there millions of them out there, thying to decide on selling / trading or holding onto it.
Thanks
a) 38 spl
b) 4" tapered
c) square
d) 6 shot
e) fixed sights
f) D545242
g) Mod 10-5
is this model anything special or are there millions of them out there, thying to decide on selling / trading or holding onto it.
Thanks
Olderbutwiser
Member
Could you please date this S&W?
I have a 6 shot, Mdl 10-6, with a 4"hvy duty barrel. Serial # is C8044xx.
I'm told that the finish on it is 'Parkerized'. Not too sure what that means, but I think it's over the orginal finish that was dark blue. The wooden grips seem to be the orginal ones.
I was also told that this could fire +P.38 rounds, but I don't think that's correct. I read that if it dosen't have it stated on the handgun then it's not a good idea to fire +P. Could you shed some light on this? Thank you.
Olderbutwiser
Member
The picture didn't go on correctly. Here it is again. Thank you
Radagast
Member
Olderbutwiser:
Parkerising is an anti-corrosion finish used on military firearms since World War II, its not uncommon for rusted or badly sctratched guns to be refinished with a parkerised coating. being a matt finish pits and scratches in the metal don't show up as badly as they would with a polished blue refinish.
Your Model 10-6 .38 Milltary & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactued in the period 1963 to 1965. Serial range for those years was C622700 to C810532, so 1965 seems likely. The grips are not original, if original they would have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws.
S&W do not recommend use of PlusP in guns made prior to 1957. PlusP is only a 10% increase in pressure over current standard pressure ammo, and is still below the original pressure standard in place when your gun was made. THR member Saxon Pig has fired, IIRC, some 1200 rounds of PlusP through a 1940s era M&P with no issues. A general rule of thumb is to not use PlusP in early aluminum framed airweight revolvers, with the post war steel framed guns it should not be an issue. Don't use ammo marked +P+ as there is no industry pressure standard for this.
TL,DR: if mechanically OK then PlusP will be fine in your gun.
Parkerising is an anti-corrosion finish used on military firearms since World War II, its not uncommon for rusted or badly sctratched guns to be refinished with a parkerised coating. being a matt finish pits and scratches in the metal don't show up as badly as they would with a polished blue refinish.
Your Model 10-6 .38 Milltary & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactued in the period 1963 to 1965. Serial range for those years was C622700 to C810532, so 1965 seems likely. The grips are not original, if original they would have an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws.
S&W do not recommend use of PlusP in guns made prior to 1957. PlusP is only a 10% increase in pressure over current standard pressure ammo, and is still below the original pressure standard in place when your gun was made. THR member Saxon Pig has fired, IIRC, some 1200 rounds of PlusP through a 1940s era M&P with no issues. A general rule of thumb is to not use PlusP in early aluminum framed airweight revolvers, with the post war steel framed guns it should not be an issue. Don't use ammo marked +P+ as there is no industry pressure standard for this.
TL,DR: if mechanically OK then PlusP will be fine in your gun.
Radagast
Member
FFStreetDoc:
Nothing special about it, the Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police Tapered Barrel was manufactured from 1962 to 1977, yours dates to 1961 or 62. There are probably close to a million copies of it out there. Value is probably between $250 & $350 depending on condition.
Nothing special about it, the Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police Tapered Barrel was manufactured from 1962 to 1977, yours dates to 1961 or 62. There are probably close to a million copies of it out there. Value is probably between $250 & $350 depending on condition.
Radagast
Member
reinm:
You have a genuine K22 Masterpiece manufactured in 1953. There is no model number because model numbers were not introduced until 1957, when the K22 Masterpiece became the Model 17. The numbers under the crane are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factorey. They have no meaning after the gun is completed.
Value is not great, but in excellent condition a K22 Masterpiece can pull in $650 or so from a collector. If you ever need to sell it you are better off offering it here or on the S&W forum www.smith-wessonforum.com rather than at a local gun shop where it will be just another .22.
You have a genuine K22 Masterpiece manufactured in 1953. There is no model number because model numbers were not introduced until 1957, when the K22 Masterpiece became the Model 17. The numbers under the crane are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factorey. They have no meaning after the gun is completed.
Value is not great, but in excellent condition a K22 Masterpiece can pull in $650 or so from a collector. If you ever need to sell it you are better off offering it here or on the S&W forum www.smith-wessonforum.com rather than at a local gun shop where it will be just another .22.
Tony_the_tiger
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2011
- Messages
- 905
Date this smith
Heres one for you, and thanks in advance!
a) Caliber: .357 Magnum
b) bbl length: 6"
c) grips shape: Not sure
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 6
e) type of sights: Adjustable rear, fixed front
f) serial number: N376725
g) Model number if it is under the crane.: 27-2
Heres one for you, and thanks in advance!
a) Caliber: .357 Magnum
b) bbl length: 6"
c) grips shape: Not sure
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 6
e) type of sights: Adjustable rear, fixed front
f) serial number: N376725
g) Model number if it is under the crane.: 27-2
Information on S&W's model 10 and a 200 grain lead slug
This revolver was introduced by SW before the turn of the century. It was still shooting smoke powder as opposed to non-smoking. Advances in the chemistry of firearms powder led to the evolution of smokeless powder. The model 10 was originally called the M and P, or military and police. They have been in since first introduced before 1900. They found a home in real life as well as on TV shows. I have one which according to SW records was made in 1974. Now to the real topic, a .38 spl 200 grain lead bullet. I for get who was making them but the test comparison, side by side was interesting. We all know the standard weight is 158 grams. This 200 gram slug in all lead was comparable to a number of different rounds. I often thought of it as a lighter weight cal .45. Being hit by it showed its knockdown power. It's just bad that production was ceased due to low and or declining sales. I carried it as my SW .357 2 1/2" duty weapon and off duty when in plainclothes, and my SW cal. 41 magnum in uniform. For around $80.00 you can obtain a history of your SWs direct from SW. I did that with my model 10.
This revolver was introduced by SW before the turn of the century. It was still shooting smoke powder as opposed to non-smoking. Advances in the chemistry of firearms powder led to the evolution of smokeless powder. The model 10 was originally called the M and P, or military and police. They have been in since first introduced before 1900. They found a home in real life as well as on TV shows. I have one which according to SW records was made in 1974. Now to the real topic, a .38 spl 200 grain lead bullet. I for get who was making them but the test comparison, side by side was interesting. We all know the standard weight is 158 grams. This 200 gram slug in all lead was comparable to a number of different rounds. I often thought of it as a lighter weight cal .45. Being hit by it showed its knockdown power. It's just bad that production was ceased due to low and or declining sales. I carried it as my SW .357 2 1/2" duty weapon and off duty when in plainclothes, and my SW cal. 41 magnum in uniform. For around $80.00 you can obtain a history of your SWs direct from SW. I did that with my model 10.
