Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast
Member
jibbs: The 640-1Centennial was introduced in 1996 on the J magnum frame. The Standard Catalog of S&W records the serial number range CAMxxxx in January 1996, so I would guess your gun is one of the first produced, possibly in late 1995 for release in 1996, or very early in 1996.
Racinbob: The 60-4 Chiefs Special was a limited production target model, this doesn't mean that it was only produced in 1989. BNExxxx places it between February & March 1993. I guess S&W or Numrich are your best bets for parts. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.
markush: Your Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight was produced in 1969 or 1970.
Racinbob: The 60-4 Chiefs Special was a limited production target model, this doesn't mean that it was only produced in 1989. BNExxxx places it between February & March 1993. I guess S&W or Numrich are your best bets for parts. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.
markush: Your Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight was produced in 1969 or 1970.
jibbs
Member
Thanks a lot Radagast.
Thanks Ratagast. I'm curious though. How did you determine the years. I have the S&W book and it states 1990. With the BNE prefix not shown I interpolated and also determined that it was a couple years later. I just wanted to get the opinion of someone who's much better at figuring the serials out. Is it safe to say that the alphabet pretty much went in order? I assumed that and came up with a similar date.
Radagast
Member
Racinbob: Serial numbers are in the main consecutive. Some scandium guns, some performance center guns & IIRC some Lew Horton guns have serial numbers out of sequence, the majority of other guns are in sequence. A quick way to double check is to find out when your variant was introduced and when the model that replaced it was introduced.
If you read the section on the model 60 engineering changes, the 60-5 was a NYCPD gun, the 60-6 was the Ladysmith, so potentially the 60-4 was available until the 60-7 was introduced in 1990.
Of course the only way to be 100% certain is to fork out $50 and get a factory letter from Roy Jinks at S&W.
If you read the section on the model 60 engineering changes, the 60-5 was a NYCPD gun, the 60-6 was the Ladysmith, so potentially the 60-4 was available until the 60-7 was introduced in 1990.
Of course the only way to be 100% certain is to fork out $50 and get a factory letter from Roy Jinks at S&W.
.38 snubbie DOB
Was looking for some info on the following snubbie I just acquired
Ser. # S864774
Half moon frt sight
Grooved rear sight
6 Shot
38 s&w spc ctg on left side of barrel
Square wood grips w/ S&W logo
S&W logo on the right side of the gun behind/beneath the cylinder
There is an X and the number 33 in addition to the 5 digit assembly number stamped on the frame beneath the crane.
Appears to be a J-frame
Was looking for some info on the following snubbie I just acquired
Ser. # S864774
Half moon frt sight
Grooved rear sight
6 Shot
38 s&w spc ctg on left side of barrel
Square wood grips w/ S&W logo
S&W logo on the right side of the gun behind/beneath the cylinder
There is an X and the number 33 in addition to the 5 digit assembly number stamped on the frame beneath the crane.
Appears to be a J-frame
Radagast
Member
jsconnor1: You have a post war Military & Police revolver on the K frame, manufactured between 1945 & 1948. The serial number is a continuation of the WWII Victory Model range, with the V deleted. The S stands for safety, in that the hammer block developed after a fatality caused by a dropped gun in WWII is fitted.
This is the ancestor to today's Model 10 revolver. These guns were built on the old 'long action' so parts are not interchangeable with modern revolvers.
The J frame was only made as a 5 shot revolver in .38 Special.
This is the ancestor to today's Model 10 revolver. These guns were built on the old 'long action' so parts are not interchangeable with modern revolvers.
The J frame was only made as a 5 shot revolver in .38 Special.
Flamingtaco
Member
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2009
- Messages
- 3
mnrivrat - thanks, I take it you were correct since no one piped in afterwards.
Amazing a gun can see 37 years of good use and come off with no rust, even under the handle. The previous owner was a good caretaker, but the gun has seen a handful of owners, and it's never been a trophy piece.
Amazing a gun can see 37 years of good use and come off with no rust, even under the handle. The previous owner was a good caretaker, but the gun has seen a handful of owners, and it's never been a trophy piece.
Radagast
Member
jsconnnor1:
Value varies greatly on condition. In 2006 in very good condition the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $265, plus 25% for the S prefix, plus 25% for the 2 inch barrel. Photos will help value it, Oro, Old Fuff or Saxon Pig will probably have a better idea on current values - I am in Australia and can only go by the book.
Tex62:
Between January 1983 (ABLxxxx) & October 1982 (ADExxxx). The Model 64-3 .38 Military & Police Stainless was produced from 1977 to 1988. The pinned barrel was deleted in 1982, so yours will be a crush fit barrel.
Flamingtaco:
mnrivarat was correct, one of the serial number ranges for 1972 was 3K31280 to 5K6616. The 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece was produced from 1967 to 1977.
It isn't unusual for old guns to be well looked after, back in the 60s and 70s they took a lot more of the average man's disposable income to purchase and tended to be cared for as a result.
Also a lot of carry guns are carried but rarely fired. I have a 1971 Model 66. I'm confident that I've put more rounds through it in the last five years than the security company that had it for the previous 30 or so.
Value varies greatly on condition. In 2006 in very good condition the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $265, plus 25% for the S prefix, plus 25% for the 2 inch barrel. Photos will help value it, Oro, Old Fuff or Saxon Pig will probably have a better idea on current values - I am in Australia and can only go by the book.
Tex62:
Between January 1983 (ABLxxxx) & October 1982 (ADExxxx). The Model 64-3 .38 Military & Police Stainless was produced from 1977 to 1988. The pinned barrel was deleted in 1982, so yours will be a crush fit barrel.
Flamingtaco:
mnrivarat was correct, one of the serial number ranges for 1972 was 3K31280 to 5K6616. The 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece was produced from 1967 to 1977.
It isn't unusual for old guns to be well looked after, back in the 60s and 70s they took a lot more of the average man's disposable income to purchase and tended to be cared for as a result.
Also a lot of carry guns are carried but rarely fired. I have a 1971 Model 66. I'm confident that I've put more rounds through it in the last five years than the security company that had it for the previous 30 or so.
Radagast
Member
cg208cm: The crane, also known as the yoke, is the part that marries the cylinder to the frame and swings out with the cylinder. When you swing out the cylinder you will see the model number stamped on the section of the frame that is normally covered by the crane.
Your gun is a S&W Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police revolver, manufactured in 1969-1970. Serial range for those two years was D90001to D330000, so early 1969 seems likely.
Your gun is a S&W Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police revolver, manufactured in 1969-1970. Serial range for those two years was D90001to D330000, so early 1969 seems likely.
I recently came across what appears to be a late model I frame .32 HE with a 3 1/4 " barrel. Numbers match except the grips. What throws me is the coil spring, other HE's that I've seen have a flat spring. Is this a transition or a an upgrade? Any Idea when this guy was made?
Thanks for any information.
Thanks for any information.
Attachments
Radagast
Member
geez09:
You have a post war .32 Hand Ejector, or Pre-model 30.
These were produced from 1946 to 1960, in the serial number range 536685 to 712953.
In 1953 the I frame was changed to the Improved I frame, which deleted the trigger guard screw, the leaf spring mainspring was changed to a coil spring and the strain screw was also deleted. The Improved I frame was in turn replaced the J frame in 1961.
The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1956 at serial number 640980, stamping of model numbers was introduced in 1957.
So your gun is an Improved I frame manufactured between 1953 & 1956.
The post war .32 Hand Ejector included the rebound hammer block, so it is safe to carry loaded with 6 rounds.
You have a post war .32 Hand Ejector, or Pre-model 30.
These were produced from 1946 to 1960, in the serial number range 536685 to 712953.
In 1953 the I frame was changed to the Improved I frame, which deleted the trigger guard screw, the leaf spring mainspring was changed to a coil spring and the strain screw was also deleted. The Improved I frame was in turn replaced the J frame in 1961.
The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1956 at serial number 640980, stamping of model numbers was introduced in 1957.
So your gun is an Improved I frame manufactured between 1953 & 1956.
The post war .32 Hand Ejector included the rebound hammer block, so it is safe to carry loaded with 6 rounds.
Thanks alot! One more question (for now) 
.
What type of grips should I buy to replace the ones already on the gun. They are in really rough shape. Looking at either a set of molded grips or wood like grips. Also, where is the best place to purchase. I am near Charlotte, NC if there is somewhere local that someone could suggest. Thanks
.What type of grips should I buy to replace the ones already on the gun. They are in really rough shape. Looking at either a set of molded grips or wood like grips. Also, where is the best place to purchase. I am near Charlotte, NC if there is somewhere local that someone could suggest. Thanks
Radagast
Member
cg208cm: The grips on your gun are non-diamond Magna grips for a square butt. You could look for a new pair on auctionarms or one of the other online firearms auction sites.
Earlier guns from S&W has an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws.
Otherwise have a look at offerings from:
Hogue http://www.getgrip.com/
http://www.pachmayr.com/
http://www.ajaxgrips.com/
I have had good experience with Hogue in the past and I currently have Pachmayer Grippers for my S&W Model 66, which uses the same K frame as your gun. I am also a fan of the Goncalo Alves target stocks that S&W supplied, I have a set for my Model 66 & my model 18.
Basically any grip for a square butt S&W K frame will fit the model 10. Round butt grips will not.
Earlier guns from S&W has an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws.
Otherwise have a look at offerings from:
Hogue http://www.getgrip.com/
http://www.pachmayr.com/
http://www.ajaxgrips.com/
I have had good experience with Hogue in the past and I currently have Pachmayer Grippers for my S&W Model 66, which uses the same K frame as your gun. I am also a fan of the Goncalo Alves target stocks that S&W supplied, I have a set for my Model 66 & my model 18.
Basically any grip for a square butt S&W K frame will fit the model 10. Round butt grips will not.
Last edited:
Safetychain
Member
2 revolvers:
model 22/32 blued
barrel 2"
frame J
6 shot 22 rimfire
s/n 598xx
model ??K22?? Bright Nickel plated
barrel 4"
k frame
square butt
6 shot 22 rimfire
s/n K 2362xx
adjustable click rear sight
I would attach pictures but don't see how to put them into this message and anyway, can't find a way to change their size. They are in the range of 2 meg jpg's.
model 22/32 blued
barrel 2"
frame J
6 shot 22 rimfire
s/n 598xx
model ??K22?? Bright Nickel plated
barrel 4"
k frame
square butt
6 shot 22 rimfire
s/n K 2362xx
adjustable click rear sight
I would attach pictures but don't see how to put them into this message and anyway, can't find a way to change their size. They are in the range of 2 meg jpg's.
Radagast
Member
Safetychain:
To attach pictures use the manage attachments section of the reply function.
To reduce picture file sizes I have used image shrink quite successfully in the past, it's a very basic tool.
http://www.topshareware.com/Image-Shrink-download-40872.htm
Your first gun should be a model 34. Originally known as the Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun, it was designated the Model 34 in 1957 when serial numbers were introduced. Your gun falls in the serial range for 1959 (52673 to 62316) so it should be stamped Model 34 on the frame under the yoke (hinge). These were built on the Improved I frame until 1961 when they transitioned to the slightly larger J frame.
Your second gun should have a ramped front sight and is a K22 Combat Masterpiece, later designated the Model 18 from 1957 on. Your gun falls in the serial range for 1955 (K231256 to K266164). The K22 Combat Masterpiece was the rimfire twin of the K38 Combat Masterpiece (Model 15).
The standard Catalog of S&W notes that factory nickel was scarce and a letter from Roy Jinks the S&W historian verifying that it is a factory nickel finish would double the value to a collector. Value varies greatly depending on condition though.
To attach pictures use the manage attachments section of the reply function.
To reduce picture file sizes I have used image shrink quite successfully in the past, it's a very basic tool.
http://www.topshareware.com/Image-Shrink-download-40872.htm
Your first gun should be a model 34. Originally known as the Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun, it was designated the Model 34 in 1957 when serial numbers were introduced. Your gun falls in the serial range for 1959 (52673 to 62316) so it should be stamped Model 34 on the frame under the yoke (hinge). These were built on the Improved I frame until 1961 when they transitioned to the slightly larger J frame.
Your second gun should have a ramped front sight and is a K22 Combat Masterpiece, later designated the Model 18 from 1957 on. Your gun falls in the serial range for 1955 (K231256 to K266164). The K22 Combat Masterpiece was the rimfire twin of the K38 Combat Masterpiece (Model 15).
The standard Catalog of S&W notes that factory nickel was scarce and a letter from Roy Jinks the S&W historian verifying that it is a factory nickel finish would double the value to a collector. Value varies greatly depending on condition though.
transatlantic
Member
Radagast
Member
Transatlantic:
There is not a lot I can tell you,as the Standard Catalog of S&W was published in 2006 and only covers serial numbers up to 2004.
The 360PD .357 Magnum Chiefs Special Airlite SC Personal Defense was originally displayed at the 2000 SHOT Show, then introduced in January 2002 with the Hi Viz front sight.
The frame is aluminium/scandium alloy, the cylinder is titanium and there is a stainless steel flame shield above the barrel-cylinder gap to prevent flame cutting of the frame.
Serial numbers in the book cut off at CtAxxxx in October 2004, so your gun was made after that.
There is not a lot I can tell you,as the Standard Catalog of S&W was published in 2006 and only covers serial numbers up to 2004.
The 360PD .357 Magnum Chiefs Special Airlite SC Personal Defense was originally displayed at the 2000 SHOT Show, then introduced in January 2002 with the Hi Viz front sight.
The frame is aluminium/scandium alloy, the cylinder is titanium and there is a stainless steel flame shield above the barrel-cylinder gap to prevent flame cutting of the frame.
Serial numbers in the book cut off at CtAxxxx in October 2004, so your gun was made after that.
