Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

[Radagast]

breeze010:
If you searched the entire thread you have the makings of a first class archaeologist. This thread is so old the first posts were in Ogham

The prefix was used from 1969 to 1983 for the stainless steel J framed Models 60 in .38 special. The Serial range R190001 to R220000 was used between 1977 & 1978, so 1977 seems likely for your revolver.

 

[breeze010]

breeze010:
If you searched the entire thread you have the makings of a first class archaeologist. This thread is so old the first posts were in Ogham

The prefix was used from 1969 to 1983 for the stainless steel J framed Models 60 in .38 special. The Serial range R190001 to R220000 was used between 1977 & 1978, so 1977 seems likely for your revolver.

Thank you for the quick response and excellent information. I tried to search the thread--not read it--and that was difficult enough. That date sounds dead on as I believe it was given to my family member as a wedding gift in the late 70's.

Thanks again,
b010

 

[coondogger]

Here are two more:

S 191742
N737601

 

[coondogger]

I probably should add the following information:

S 191742 is a .357 mag double action revolver. I think it's a model 19 but would like to know for sure.

N 737601 is a model 25 in .45 long colt.

 

[wrs840]

Today's Pawn-Shop find:

a. .357
b. 6"
c. Square
d. 6 shot
e. Adjustable sight
f. AFD14xx
g. Model 19-5 ...(edit: not a 17-5... ...thanks, rc)

Thank you!

 

[rcmodel]

Well, I'm a little mystified, and confused.

A model 17-5 is a K-22 Masterpiece, not a .357 Magnum.

The serial number puts it about Nov 1983.
But the 17-5 change wasn't made until 1988!

So, you got me.
I have no idea what you have!

rc

 

[wrs840]

oops... Senior moment typo. It's a 19-5. Thanks for the heads-up, rc. My post above is now edited.

 

[Radagast]

coondogger:
S191742 falls in the period 1958 to 1959. If it has adjustable sights then it is a .357 Magnum Model 27 or Model 28. Model numbers were introduced in 1957 and some guns stll made it out of the factory without the model number stamping. If there is no model number then collectors would classify it as the .357 Magnum or the Highway Patrolman respectively. A Highway Patrolman will have the name stamped on the barrel, the .357 Magnum will have a checkered topstrap.

N737601 dates your model 25-5 1955 Model .45 Target Heavy Barrel to 1980.

wrs840:
The Model 19-5 was mnanufactured from 1982 to 1988. As mentioned by RCModel, yours dates to around November 1984.

 

[wrs840]

...yours dates to around November 1984.

...The serial number puts it about Nov 1983.

Sorry to be a pest, but is it 11/83 or 11/84 ?

Thank you very much !

 

[Radagast]

Hmm. Either RC mistyped or he has another source of info. The Standard Catalog of S&W notes that serial numbers in the AEVxxxx to EFJxxxx range shipped in November 1984.

 

[coondogger]

Thanks Rad.

 

[Navarre]

I found this one at a show today and was wondering what you could tell me about it..

1. 44 Magnum
2. 4 inch
3. Square
4. Adjustable
5. N344XXX
6. 29-2

Thanks for everything!

Navarre

 

[Radagast]

Navarre:
The Model 29-2 .44 Magnum was manufactured in the serial range N3xxxxxx in 1975 & 1976. It shared this range with the other N frame guns such as the Model 25, 27 etc, but not the Models 28 & 58. As yours is in the middle of that range I would guesstimate early 1976.
The 29-2 predates the Endurance Package introduced in the 1980s. Regular use of .44 Magnums will tend to wear the timing. Because of this I would use .44 specials or light handloads if shot a lot. if its just an occasional use toy then I would not be put off using factory .44 magnums.

 

[Navarre]

Thanks for the info!

 

[bkwillia]

Inherited this revolver from a grandfather. Would love to know a little more.

a) 38
b) 2"
c) square
d) 5
e) fixed
f) 2405xx / Mod-49

 

[Radagast]

bkwillia:
Your Model 49 Bodyguard was manufactured between 1959 (serial number 163051) & 1962 (serial number 295000).
The Bodyguard is a shrounded hammer variant of the Model 36 Chiefs Special intended for concealed carry - the hammer shroud reduced the chance of the hammer hanging up on clothing while still allowing the gun to be cocked for slow fire in single action.
The gun is round butt version, the back of the grip curving in slightly is considered 'round'. A square butt gun has the backstrap flaring out.
It should be safe to shoot with any standard pressure or PlusP rated ammunition. I would avoid any ammo marked +P+ as there is no industry standard for +P+.

 

[bkwillia]

Thanks Radagast....very helpful. I wasn't sure about the butt stock, but your explanation makes more sense that it is round. Glad to know +p is okay. I have only fired 38spl just to be safe.

I especially like that this gun is 50 years old. Aside from some wear on the edge of the barrel (likely from being stored in a leather holster for many years) it is in awesome shape.

Thanks again.

 

[exavid]

Just bought a Model 28 at our local gun club gun show,
a) .357
b) 6"
c) square
d) 6
e) adjustable
f) H 237991
g)Model 28 N frame
That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder).

 

[Radagast]

exavid:
The serial number should be either N237991, which would make it a Model 28-2 manufactured between 1974 & 1977, with 1974 being likely; or S237991, which would make it a Model 28-2 manufactured in 1964.

 

[exavid]

Thanks for the information Radagast. I'm pleased to have this one to replace one I stupidly sold in 1982.

 

[skoro]

I have a S&W Model 17-5 with 4" barrel and serial #AUZ46xx that I suspect is early 80s manufacture as the barrel isn't pinned. I'd appreciate a better fix on the date from any of you experts out there.

Thanks!

 

[aviators]

Airweight 38 Special

I just acquired a black "Airweight 38 SPL. CTG" that has J412xx printed on the bottom of the butt. If you remove the grips, the numbers 298xx are printed on the left side of the butt, towards the bottom of the frame.

The numbers 298xx are also visible on the inside of the piece I believe is called the crane.

The hammer is external and is almost flush with the frame.

The gun is very small and compact, barrel size is maybe 1 1/4"

Does anyone have any information on this thing for me? I need to get a screw for the grips and I don't know where to begin. I think it might be a Bodyguard 638??

I've attached a few pictures, with the grips attached and detached. The grips seem like aftermarket plastic ones. I would like to get new grips or atleast be able to get these ones secured via a fine threaded screw. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

And also, would the following grip be compatible?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...58003_757843_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N

 

[Radagast]

skoro:
Per the Standard Catalog of S&W The 17-5 was manufactured between 1988 & 1989. It was the last Model 17 without the full lug barrel seen on the Model 617 today. Your serial number however dates to early 1987. I'm inclined to believe the serial number and not the books commentary.


aviators:
Serial number J41295 dates your gun to 1969 or 1970. Serial range for those years was J 1 to J99999.
The round butt J frame boot grip will fit, the round butt J frame has been in production for over 50 years and there are many aftermarket varieties, all of which should fit. It's probably simpler to buy new grips rather than search for a matching screw and nut.

Your photos did not attach. Based on your description and assuming a stainless finish, then yes you have a Model 638 Bodyguard Airweight Stainless. If a blued or nickel finish then it is a Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight.

Airweight refers to an Aluminum frame, so stick to standard pressure .38 special loads. PlusP or +P+ will wear the gun faster and may even cause the frame to stretch.
Crane is a colt term, S&W call it the yoke. The Model number should also be stamped under the yoke, but guns occasionally left the factory without this.

The numbers stamped under the yoke are called assembly numbers and were used to track parts in the factory. They have no meaning after the gun was completed.

 

[Radagast]

aviatior:
Pics are now visible. It's a Model 38.

 

[Geezer Glide]

I picked up a J Frame S&W Model 37 Airweight .38, 2 inch barrel, Serial J911XX, round butt. Any idea as to the age of this one? Thanks in advance.