Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast
Member
txgunsuscg:
Unfortunately I can't give you an exact year. 1942 to 1944 is the time period you are looking at.
IIRC Old Fuff has stated that the US govt took over production at S&W one week after Pearl Harbour in December 1941 and per the Standard Catalog of S&W govt inspection stamps started around V85000, so I would guess its safe to say that V85000 = December 1941. By September 1944 S&W had reached V769000. So somewhere between 1942 & 1944.
Unfortunately I can't give you an exact year. 1942 to 1944 is the time period you are looking at.
IIRC Old Fuff has stated that the US govt took over production at S&W one week after Pearl Harbour in December 1941 and per the Standard Catalog of S&W govt inspection stamps started around V85000, so I would guess its safe to say that V85000 = December 1941. By September 1944 S&W had reached V769000. So somewhere between 1942 & 1944.
txgunsuscg
Member
Rad, thanks a lot. I went ahead and sent off to S&W for one of their letters, just for the collector's side of it. I'm thinking of restoring it to wartime specs.
bergmen
Member.
Radagast
Member
jacUSMC:
Your gun falls into the period 1948 to 1949. Serial range for those years was C1 to C223998. Your gun is a Pre-Model 10/ .38 Military & Police Postwar. Your gun is actually a five screw, there will be four in the side plate and one in the frame in front of the trigger guard. The upper side plate screw was deleted in 1955.
Your gun falls into the period 1948 to 1949. Serial range for those years was C1 to C223998. Your gun is a Pre-Model 10/ .38 Military & Police Postwar. Your gun is actually a five screw, there will be four in the side plate and one in the frame in front of the trigger guard. The upper side plate screw was deleted in 1955.
Back again with a new Smith. My newest toy is a pre stamped mountain gun(I hope)?
a)44 magnum
b)4 inch barrel
c)Round butt(I do believe)
d)6 shot
e)adjustable sights solid black, no white outline on rear, no red insert on front sight ramp.
f)BVD98xx
g)629-2
Hope this is a mountain gun, it only says Smith and Wesson on one side of the barrel and 44 magnum on the other side. Came with big Pachmeyers on it does anyone know what grips it would have shipped with originally? It's in VG condition id say one quick wipe off the satin finish and it would look very close to new. I'd say it only has a box of shells through it.
a)44 magnum
b)4 inch barrel
c)Round butt(I do believe)
d)6 shot
e)adjustable sights solid black, no white outline on rear, no red insert on front sight ramp.
f)BVD98xx
g)629-2
Hope this is a mountain gun, it only says Smith and Wesson on one side of the barrel and 44 magnum on the other side. Came with big Pachmeyers on it does anyone know what grips it would have shipped with originally? It's in VG condition id say one quick wipe off the satin finish and it would look very close to new. I'd say it only has a box of shells through it.
Radagast
Member
Almond27:
BVDxxx should place your gun between August 1994 (BRFxxxx) & January 1996 (CAMxxxx). But, the 629-2 was only produced in 1988/89.
The Mountain Revolver, Model 629-2, 4 inch barrel, fluted cylinder, round butt, smooth trigger, semi target hammer, pinned black front sight, black rear sight, and Pachmayr SKGR grip, product code 103652 was produced in 1989. Production run of 5000 with a MRSP of $509.50.
It sounds like you have one of these. Nice score. I'm going to guess that the BVD serial range was reserved for the Mountain Revolver and was made out of the normal sequence. As evidence of this, Model 329s shipped with BVAxxxx serial numbers in 2003, some 10 years after that serial range should have been used in the normal sequential numbering of guns.
BVDxxx should place your gun between August 1994 (BRFxxxx) & January 1996 (CAMxxxx). But, the 629-2 was only produced in 1988/89.
The Mountain Revolver, Model 629-2, 4 inch barrel, fluted cylinder, round butt, smooth trigger, semi target hammer, pinned black front sight, black rear sight, and Pachmayr SKGR grip, product code 103652 was produced in 1989. Production run of 5000 with a MRSP of $509.50.
It sounds like you have one of these. Nice score. I'm going to guess that the BVD serial range was reserved for the Mountain Revolver and was made out of the normal sequence. As evidence of this, Model 329s shipped with BVAxxxx serial numbers in 2003, some 10 years after that serial range should have been used in the normal sequential numbering of guns.
Radagast, the pachmeyer grip on it has a slot in the bottom of the grip so you can read the serial number. Only 5000 were run like this? Any reason S&W would only make 5000? Do you think it was produced in 1988 or 1989 or the mid 90s like you metioned? Is one more desired by collecters? Thanks for all the information. I've always posted when I get a new toy and the great info always makes me feel good about my purchase.
Radagast
Member
Definitely 1989, as a) that is the year that spec was produced and b) the 629-2 was only made in 88/89. S&W seems to like runs of 5000 as special order/specification guns, although they have run as few as 50 629s in a special configuration.
The Next run of Mountain Guns was in 1993 and again in 1994, both with Hogue grips. There was another run of 50 in 1998 with a square butt, again in 1999 with Mountain Gun laser etched on the right side and again in 2002 & 2005.
Anyway, congratulations on your new toy, I hope you have fun shooting it.
The Next run of Mountain Guns was in 1993 and again in 1994, both with Hogue grips. There was another run of 50 in 1998 with a square butt, again in 1999 with Mountain Gun laser etched on the right side and again in 2002 & 2005.
Anyway, congratulations on your new toy, I hope you have fun shooting it.
Just bought this S&W Model 19-5. Birthdate ?
a) .357
b) 4"
c) Square
d) six shot
e) RR-WO with target trigger and hammer
d) K
Pistol is a nickel plated S&W Model 19-5. Serial # 167K62x.
Anyone information as to the age of this fine looking pistol would be much appreciated.
a) .357
b) 4"
c) Square
d) six shot
e) RR-WO with target trigger and hammer
d) K
Pistol is a nickel plated S&W Model 19-5. Serial # 167K62x.
Anyone information as to the age of this fine looking pistol would be much appreciated.
Ric
Member
I got one for you.
My Son in Law picked up a pinned and recessed 357 model 19, square butt.
7K23346
The 7 is not lined up well with the rest of the sn. Does that mean anything?
thanks
My Son in Law picked up a pinned and recessed 357 model 19, square butt.
7K23346
The 7 is not lined up well with the rest of the sn. Does that mean anything?
thanks
breezeyguy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2011
- Messages
- 2
need help trying to id S&W
total newbie here:
Marked S&W
38 S&W special ctg. on barrel
4"
6-shot
fixed sights
D935443 on frame
L 25887 on cylinder hinge
Is this gun capable of shooting +P ammoo safely
Thanks
total newbie here:
Marked S&W
38 S&W special ctg. on barrel
4"
6-shot
fixed sights
D935443 on frame
L 25887 on cylinder hinge
Is this gun capable of shooting +P ammoo safely
Thanks
Radagast
Member
breezeyguy:
A six shot .38 Special revolver with a D prefix to the serial number probably your gun a Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police tapered barrel or a 10-6 .38 Military & Police Heavy Barrel. Potentially it could be a 10-7 or 10-8, the respective 1977 updates to the two variants. It was manufactured in 1976 to 1977, serial range for those years was D870001 to D999999. It should be fine with any PlusP ammunition.
L25887 is an assembly number, used to track aprts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is assembled.
GraveMAL:
?
Ric:
Your Son-in-law's Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1974.
the offset 7 is just a poor stamping, it is part of the serial number.
kemper:
Your Model 19-5 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1982.
A six shot .38 Special revolver with a D prefix to the serial number probably your gun a Model 10-5 .38 Military & Police tapered barrel or a 10-6 .38 Military & Police Heavy Barrel. Potentially it could be a 10-7 or 10-8, the respective 1977 updates to the two variants. It was manufactured in 1976 to 1977, serial range for those years was D870001 to D999999. It should be fine with any PlusP ammunition.
L25887 is an assembly number, used to track aprts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is assembled.
GraveMAL:
?
Ric:
Your Son-in-law's Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1974.
the offset 7 is just a poor stamping, it is part of the serial number.
kemper:
Your Model 19-5 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1982.
pittspilot
Member
Howdy,
Possible purchase
Model 58, glued.
Pinned and recessed.
N234776 on the butt, A953144 on the crane.
Thanks,
Possible purchase
Model 58, glued.
Pinned and recessed.
N234776 on the butt, A953144 on the crane.
Thanks,
breezeyguy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2011
- Messages
- 2
Thanks Radagast!!
Thanks Radagast. I really appreciate the info and your response. It's nice to know about the gun and that I can shoot the +P. You're awesome!!
Thanks Radagast. I really appreciate the info and your response. It's nice to know about the gun and that I can shoot the +P. You're awesome!!
Radagast
Member
pittspilot:
Your Model 58 .41 Magnum Military & Police was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. The last half of the N2xxxxx range was used for the Model 28 & Model 58, so its hard to guesstmate a year based on the serial number.
There were only 20,287 Model 58s manufactured between 1964 & 1977 when production was discontinued, so they are not particularly common.
Your Model 58 .41 Magnum Military & Police was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. The last half of the N2xxxxx range was used for the Model 28 & Model 58, so its hard to guesstmate a year based on the serial number.
There were only 20,287 Model 58s manufactured between 1964 & 1977 when production was discontinued, so they are not particularly common.
DeepSouth
Random Guy
Can I be next
Got me my first Smith, I think I'm in love.
caliber.... 45acp
bbl length.... 5.5 (I think)
grips shape.... Target grips
number of shots.... 6 shot
type of sights.... Adjustable rear sight
serial number.... N712508
Model number.... 25-2
Got me my first Smith, I think I'm in love.
caliber.... 45acp
bbl length.... 5.5 (I think)
grips shape.... Target grips
number of shots.... 6 shot
type of sights.... Adjustable rear sight
serial number.... N712508
Model number.... 25-2
Quoheleth
Member
Radagast,
I have a Smith 10-10, 6-shot, .38 Special, square butt, 4" heavy barrel, fixed rear sight and ramp front sight, SN BDFXXXX.
Can you give me a DOB?
These Smith revolvers are addictive. Is there a cure?
Thanks,
Q
I have a Smith 10-10, 6-shot, .38 Special, square butt, 4" heavy barrel, fixed rear sight and ramp front sight, SN BDFXXXX.
Can you give me a DOB?
These Smith revolvers are addictive. Is there a cure?
Thanks,
Q
Last edited:
Radagast
Member
DeepSouth:
Your Model 25-2 / Model of 1955 .45 Target Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1980. In 1979 the 6 inch barrel was introduced, repalcing the 6.5 inch barrel. I would guess that is what you have. Measuring the barrel from the forcing cone to the muzzle is the standard method.
Quoheleth:
The Model 10-10 was introduced in 1988 and continued in production until 1997. Your gun should date to 1997, as serial numbers in the BDCxxxx range shipped in Febuary and by April they were already in the BDYxxxx range.
Some doctors recommend addicts try Rugers, as they are analogous to methadone, giving you the revolver without the buzz.
Your Model 25-2 / Model of 1955 .45 Target Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1980. In 1979 the 6 inch barrel was introduced, repalcing the 6.5 inch barrel. I would guess that is what you have. Measuring the barrel from the forcing cone to the muzzle is the standard method.
Quoheleth:
The Model 10-10 was introduced in 1988 and continued in production until 1997. Your gun should date to 1997, as serial numbers in the BDCxxxx range shipped in Febuary and by April they were already in the BDYxxxx range.
Some doctors recommend addicts try Rugers, as they are analogous to methadone, giving you the revolver without the buzz.
ArizonaBorn63
Member
Model 10-8 .38 Special
Thank you for your help with all these requests..
My dad gave me a SW .38 Special with original box, which was purchased by his dad. Model on box is 10-8, finish is blue, 4" barrel, and stock "S".
Beside box labeld "Special Feature" is hand written "HB" in red ink.
Serial on bottom of squared butt is 8D02XXX
Do you have any manufacture date or information on this, and maybe what the "HB" stands for. I have the box, receipt (purchased in 3/81 for $248), and owners manual.
I appreciate the help because of the family connection to this gun.
Thank you for your help with all these requests..
My dad gave me a SW .38 Special with original box, which was purchased by his dad. Model on box is 10-8, finish is blue, 4" barrel, and stock "S".
Beside box labeld "Special Feature" is hand written "HB" in red ink.
Serial on bottom of squared butt is 8D02XXX
Do you have any manufacture date or information on this, and maybe what the "HB" stands for. I have the box, receipt (purchased in 3/81 for $248), and owners manual.
I appreciate the help because of the family connection to this gun.
