Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
mississippifarmboy
Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2012
- Messages
- 3
Need help IDing 32
I inherited a few guns recently and am trying to find out anything I can about them. Anything would help like age, model, value (if any), safety issues or whatever.
I'm new here, so bear with me while I figure this all out. I'm sure a lot of my terminology will be wrong. I'm better at shooting a gun than describing one. The first S&W revolver is;
a) Caliber - 32 W.C.F. CTG. (Marked on side of barrel, opposite side marked Smith & Wesson.)
b) bbl length - 6" from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle
c) grips shape - Square
d) number of shots - 6
e) type of sights - fixed blade
f) serial number - 72908
g) model number - No idea on that.
The number on the base of the grip is repeated under the barrel above the ejector rod. There is a number on the loading face of the cylinder that looks like 109758. the frame is marked with what looks like 184 B behind the cylinder swing. The top of the barrel is marked with the patent dates Oct. 8. 01, Dec. 17. 01, Feb 8. 06, Sept14. 09, Dec 29. 14
Checked walnut grips it looks like, nickle finish with very little wear. Gun is very tight, smooth operating and is a double action.
I'm still trying to figure out how to post a picture from my computer to here. Will add a couple if I figure out how.
Thanks
I inherited a few guns recently and am trying to find out anything I can about them. Anything would help like age, model, value (if any), safety issues or whatever.
I'm new here, so bear with me while I figure this all out. I'm sure a lot of my terminology will be wrong. I'm better at shooting a gun than describing one. The first S&W revolver is;
a) Caliber - 32 W.C.F. CTG. (Marked on side of barrel, opposite side marked Smith & Wesson.)
b) bbl length - 6" from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle
c) grips shape - Square
d) number of shots - 6
e) type of sights - fixed blade
f) serial number - 72908
g) model number - No idea on that.
The number on the base of the grip is repeated under the barrel above the ejector rod. There is a number on the loading face of the cylinder that looks like 109758. the frame is marked with what looks like 184 B behind the cylinder swing. The top of the barrel is marked with the patent dates Oct. 8. 01, Dec. 17. 01, Feb 8. 06, Sept14. 09, Dec 29. 14
Checked walnut grips it looks like, nickle finish with very little wear. Gun is very tight, smooth operating and is a double action.
I'm still trying to figure out how to post a picture from my computer to here. Will add a couple if I figure out how.
Thanks
Last edited:
CalebJns
Member
Hey guys, picked up two pretty little S&W this week...first on the docket:
38 Special
36-7
BNB65xx
"Supposedly" came with original Ivory grips...guy didn't want to sell them...
Would love to get a manufacture date and as much info as possible, thanks,
Second is a S&W 19-5 Nickle Plated (has the "N" stamped on the frame under the grips)
.357 Mag
6 Shot
AVD437x
Nickle Finish
Adjustable Rear Sights
Any info on this one would be appreciated as well...
38 Special
36-7
BNB65xx
"Supposedly" came with original Ivory grips...guy didn't want to sell them...
Would love to get a manufacture date and as much info as possible, thanks,
Second is a S&W 19-5 Nickle Plated (has the "N" stamped on the frame under the grips)
.357 Mag
6 Shot
AVD437x
Nickle Finish
Adjustable Rear Sights
Any info on this one would be appreciated as well...
CalebJns
Member
Bump
Radagast
Member
CalebJns:
Your Model 36-7 .38 Chiefs Special dates to early 1993. Guns in the BNWxxxx range shipped in M,arch of that year. The -7 refers to a design change to a slightly narrower front sight.
Ivory grips have been available in the past on special order, I doubt that the ones on your gun were 'factory' however. I'm fairly certain that international restrictions on the ivory trade had already begun by that time.
Your Model 19-5 .357 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1987. Guns in the AVBxxxx range shipped in July of that year. The -5 refers to deletion of the pinned barrel and recessed chambers.
mississippifarmboy:
You have a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1915 & May 1919 in the serial range 65701 to 81287.
The 1914 patent dates refer to internal design changes that were the 4th change to the Model of 1905.
The serial number was found on the cylinder face, under the barrel with a B prefix and on the bottom of the grip frame. The one on the grip frame is the on the ATF look for. The other numbers are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory, and are not recorded after the gun is shipped.
Your gun predates heat treatment of cylinders, which began at serial number 81287. It appears yours has a replacement cylinder fitted, hence the different serial number. This is probably the result of shooting high velocity rifle only rounds through the gun. I suggest you check to see if there is a ring/bulge in the barrel, as this was a common problem with jacketed high speed rounds - the jacket would strip off in the barrel and the next round would hit the jacket, bulging the barrel.
As your new cylinder is post heat treatment, any current manufacture ammo should be safe to shoot in it - the high velocity ammo is no longer made.
.32 WCF CTG refers to .32-20 Winchester Center-fire Cartridge.
Your gun predates the internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
3dipper:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured in 1920. It has a heat treated cylinder so modern standard velocity lead ammo should be safe to shoot through it. I would avoid any jacketed, +P or +P+ marked ammo however as going back through this thread you will find the odd report of replacement cylinders from that time period.
Your gun predates the internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
Your Model 36-7 .38 Chiefs Special dates to early 1993. Guns in the BNWxxxx range shipped in M,arch of that year. The -7 refers to a design change to a slightly narrower front sight.
Ivory grips have been available in the past on special order, I doubt that the ones on your gun were 'factory' however. I'm fairly certain that international restrictions on the ivory trade had already begun by that time.
Your Model 19-5 .357 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1987. Guns in the AVBxxxx range shipped in July of that year. The -5 refers to deletion of the pinned barrel and recessed chambers.
mississippifarmboy:
You have a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1915 & May 1919 in the serial range 65701 to 81287.
The 1914 patent dates refer to internal design changes that were the 4th change to the Model of 1905.
The serial number was found on the cylinder face, under the barrel with a B prefix and on the bottom of the grip frame. The one on the grip frame is the on the ATF look for. The other numbers are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory, and are not recorded after the gun is shipped.
Your gun predates heat treatment of cylinders, which began at serial number 81287. It appears yours has a replacement cylinder fitted, hence the different serial number. This is probably the result of shooting high velocity rifle only rounds through the gun. I suggest you check to see if there is a ring/bulge in the barrel, as this was a common problem with jacketed high speed rounds - the jacket would strip off in the barrel and the next round would hit the jacket, bulging the barrel.
As your new cylinder is post heat treatment, any current manufacture ammo should be safe to shoot in it - the high velocity ammo is no longer made.
.32 WCF CTG refers to .32-20 Winchester Center-fire Cartridge.
Your gun predates the internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
3dipper:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured in 1920. It has a heat treated cylinder so modern standard velocity lead ammo should be safe to shoot through it. I would avoid any jacketed, +P or +P+ marked ammo however as going back through this thread you will find the odd report of replacement cylinders from that time period.
Your gun predates the internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
Radagast
Member
sarge83:
1948-1951. Serial range was C1 to C223998. The S prefix was still in use in 1948, with S978924 shipping in March, so I'm inclined to believe late 1948 or early 1949, with 1949 being more likely.
1948-1951. Serial range was C1 to C223998. The S prefix was still in use in 1948, with S978924 shipping in March, so I'm inclined to believe late 1948 or early 1949, with 1949 being more likely.
Snake Plisskin
Member
Smith & Wesson Model 57
Can anyone help me find out any date information on my Smith & Wesson Model 57
Serial # AVD6941
Thanks for your help
Can anyone help me find out any date information on my Smith & Wesson Model 57
Serial # AVD6941
Thanks for your help
Radagast
Member
Snake Plisskin:
Your Model 57-1 .41 magnum Target was manufactured in 1987.
Your Model 57-1 .41 magnum Target was manufactured in 1987.
Snake Plisskin
Member
Thank you for you help
TanklessPro
Member
I could not resist a Model 65-2 today, so I would like to know more about it. This is only my second Smith, so I'm kinda a newbie to them.
a. 357
b.4"
c.round? black grips not sure if they are original
d.six
e.fixed
f.E248xxx
g.model 65-2
a. 357
b.4"
c.round? black grips not sure if they are original
d.six
e.fixed
f.E248xxx
g.model 65-2
Radagast
Member
nearus:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between December 1920 (serial number 358000) & 1927 (serial number 500000). So 1922/23 seems likely.
It has a heat treated cylinder so modern standard velocity lead ammo should be safe to shoot through it. I would avoid any jacketed, +P or +P+ marked ammo however as going back through this thread you will find the odd report of replacement cylinders from that time period.
Your gun predates the internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
TanklessPro:
Your Model 65-2 .357 Magnum Military & Police Stainless was manufactured between 1977 & 1982. The serial number should be between 2D00001 & 17D8900. The number you have quoted is not the serial number, its probably an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. The serial number is on the bottom edge of the grip frame. You may need to take of the grips to see it.
Post the serial number and I'll give you the year of manufacture.
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between December 1920 (serial number 358000) & 1927 (serial number 500000). So 1922/23 seems likely.
It has a heat treated cylinder so modern standard velocity lead ammo should be safe to shoot through it. I would avoid any jacketed, +P or +P+ marked ammo however as going back through this thread you will find the odd report of replacement cylinders from that time period.
Your gun predates the internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
TanklessPro:
Your Model 65-2 .357 Magnum Military & Police Stainless was manufactured between 1977 & 1982. The serial number should be between 2D00001 & 17D8900. The number you have quoted is not the serial number, its probably an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. The serial number is on the bottom edge of the grip frame. You may need to take of the grips to see it.
Post the serial number and I'll give you the year of manufacture.
TanklessPro
Member
Sorry, fairly new to revolvers. Serial number is 7d672xx. After taking the grips off, I think it has a square butt if that matters. The grips are Uncle mikes so I will be lookinhg for the original to put back on. Thanks in advance.
Radagast
Member
TanklessPro:
1981 for your gun. Original grips would be square butt Magna grips without the diamond around the grip screws.
1981 for your gun. Original grips would be square butt Magna grips without the diamond around the grip screws.
afrederick
Member
Grandmother just gave me her old .38
a. .38 special
b. 2 inch (I guess maybe 1.875")
c. round grip
d. 5 shot
e. fixed
f. BEW25xx
g. MOD. 649-1
It's stainless steel with the short (back to front) old-style wooden grips and a shrouded hammer. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother sometime in the last 70 years (I asked her when he gave it to her and all she knew was that it was "a long time ago") and my grandmother gave it to me last week as a graduation present. I would post some pics but I haven't figured out how yet.
a. .38 special
b. 2 inch (I guess maybe 1.875")
c. round grip
d. 5 shot
e. fixed
f. BEW25xx
g. MOD. 649-1
It's stainless steel with the short (back to front) old-style wooden grips and a shrouded hammer. My grandfather gave it to my grandmother sometime in the last 70 years (I asked her when he gave it to her and all she knew was that it was "a long time ago") and my grandmother gave it to me last week as a graduation present. I would post some pics but I haven't figured out how yet.
Radagast
Member
afrederick:
Your Model 649-1 .38 Bodyguard Stainless was manufactured in 1990.
Your Model 649-1 .38 Bodyguard Stainless was manufactured in 1990.
afrederick
Member
Thanks Radagast!
This is a really cool thread. Thanks again for the info!
This is a really cool thread. Thanks again for the info!
canuckyraider
Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2008
- Messages
- 6
Radagast I have a SW 5 inch fixed sight, square butt six shot. Serial 5753xx. Crane is stamped 49424? Any info would be very much appreciated.
Radagast
Member
canuckyraider;
Assuming caliber is .38 Special. then you have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1927 & 1930. Serial range over those years was 500000 to 630000.
This model lacks the internal hammer block safety found on more modern guns. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
49424 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. it has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Assuming caliber is .38 Special. then you have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change manufactured between 1927 & 1930. Serial range over those years was 500000 to 630000.
This model lacks the internal hammer block safety found on more modern guns. If dropped it could fire, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
49424 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. it has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Gladius
Member
Possible Lew Horton?
a) .44 Special
b) 3 inch barrel
c) round butt
d) 6 shots/cylinder bores
e) Adjustable sights.
f) serial number ALU5650
g) Model 624
a) .44 Special
b) 3 inch barrel
c) round butt
d) 6 shots/cylinder bores
e) Adjustable sights.
f) serial number ALU5650
g) Model 624
canuckyraider
Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2008
- Messages
- 6
Thank you Radagast you are the Man!!!!
Radagast
Member
Gladius:
ALUxxxx dates your Model 624 Lew Horton Combat Special to late 1985. Product code was 103580. This was a run of 5000 guns for Lew Horton produced 1985-1987. The serial number was assigned to a frame in 1985, but your gun may have left the factory later than 1985, as the serial range for this run falls between AHTxxxx & ALWxxxx, 1985 to 1987, suggesting that sale of the guns was slow.
ALUxxxx dates your Model 624 Lew Horton Combat Special to late 1985. Product code was 103580. This was a run of 5000 guns for Lew Horton produced 1985-1987. The serial number was assigned to a frame in 1985, but your gun may have left the factory later than 1985, as the serial range for this run falls between AHTxxxx & ALWxxxx, 1985 to 1987, suggesting that sale of the guns was slow.
Griffin2004
Member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2012
- Messages
- 3
Older Revolver - Possibly 1969 or early 1970?
a) Caliber - 38 Sp - not marked
b) bbl length - 2.5" from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle
c) grips shape - Square
d) number of shots - 6
e) type of sights - front is fixed milled blade, rear is fixed and a groove
f) serial number - 967221 and didn't see a letter anywhere
g) model number - 11069 - maybe a 0 or a diamond marked on cylinder crane
Any help would be appreciated.
a) Caliber - 38 Sp - not marked
b) bbl length - 2.5" from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle
c) grips shape - Square
d) number of shots - 6
e) type of sights - front is fixed milled blade, rear is fixed and a groove
f) serial number - 967221 and didn't see a letter anywhere
g) model number - 11069 - maybe a 0 or a diamond marked on cylinder crane
Any help would be appreciated.
