Radagast
Member
Lori:
Your Model 10-6 .38 Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1978.
Your Model 10-6 .38 Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1978.
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast
Member
davidnssbm:
I've no clue which year the clear coat finish was introduced, try starting a new thread in either the revolver or gunsmithing forums. I'm sure someone with a little more info than me will answer you.
I've no clue which year the clear coat finish was introduced, try starting a new thread in either the revolver or gunsmithing forums. I'm sure someone with a little more info than me will answer you.
Radagast
Member
haveme1:
You have a .22/32 Hand Ejector, also known as the .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target or the .22/.32 Bekeart Model. Built on the small .32 caliber I frame, hence .22/.32; it was still a larger frame with adjustable sights than the original .22 long fixed sight M frame, hence Heavy Frame Target; the .22 on a .32 frame was originally suggested by San Francisco dealer Philip Bekeart, hence Bekeart Model.
Your gun dates to 1935, serial number 525600 shipped that year.
You have a .22/32 Hand Ejector, also known as the .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target or the .22/.32 Bekeart Model. Built on the small .32 caliber I frame, hence .22/.32; it was still a larger frame with adjustable sights than the original .22 long fixed sight M frame, hence Heavy Frame Target; the .22 on a .32 frame was originally suggested by San Francisco dealer Philip Bekeart, hence Bekeart Model.
Your gun dates to 1935, serial number 525600 shipped that year.
Thank you very much. This was my first shooter. It's still in great shape and I will enjoy it for many more years.
ps. I found a "B" on it.
Radagast
Member
haveme1:
If the B is under the barrel, followed by the serial number it simply means the barrel is original.
Chris64:
Serial number 391733 shipped in 1966, yours probably did too.
If the B is under the barrel, followed by the serial number it simply means the barrel is original.
Chris64:
Serial number 391733 shipped in 1966, yours probably did too.
velocette
Member
Radagast;
I have given you incorrect information.
"S&W second model, .32 rimfire, round butt, 4" barrel.
Action opens from hinge at top front of frame via a latch just forward of the spur trigger. Serial # 108518."
The actual barrel length is 3 1/2". Does that make any difference?
Roger
I have given you incorrect information.
"S&W second model, .32 rimfire, round butt, 4" barrel.
Action opens from hinge at top front of frame via a latch just forward of the spur trigger. Serial # 108518."
The actual barrel length is 3 1/2". Does that make any difference?
Roger
Workhorse
Member
Can someone offer any info on a smith and wesson model 640 s/n CEN19xx... I was told it was an early model but what they meant I don't understand....any help would be appreciated... Thanks
krudig
Your picture was a big help, but unfortunately it shows that you’re revolver is not a genuine Smith & Wesson, but rather a counterfeit made in Europe – most likely Spain during a time period between the two World Wars (1914-1939). Most of them were exported to, and sold in, Mexico, Central America and South America where a buyer might be tricked into thinking it was the real thing. They were for the most part made in small shops or factories out of dubious materials. Workmanship was at best poor. It is an interesting relic with a very modest collectable value. Given its construction I recommend that you don’t shoot it.
Your picture was a big help, but unfortunately it shows that you’re revolver is not a genuine Smith & Wesson, but rather a counterfeit made in Europe – most likely Spain during a time period between the two World Wars (1914-1939). Most of them were exported to, and sold in, Mexico, Central America and South America where a buyer might be tricked into thinking it was the real thing. They were for the most part made in small shops or factories out of dubious materials. Workmanship was at best poor. It is an interesting relic with a very modest collectable value. Given its construction I recommend that you don’t shoot it.
Radagast
Member
Velocette:
I think you have a Model Number Once-and-a-half new model.
Round butt, fluted cylinder, 3.5 inch round ribbed barrel, manufactured 1868-1875. Serial range 26301 to 100700, with serial number 41993 shipping August 1st 1870, so 1870 to1875 for yours.
The Model Number Two serial range only reached 77,155.
I think you have a Model Number Once-and-a-half new model.
Round butt, fluted cylinder, 3.5 inch round ribbed barrel, manufactured 1868-1875. Serial range 26301 to 100700, with serial number 41993 shipping August 1st 1870, so 1870 to1875 for yours.
The Model Number Two serial range only reached 77,155.
Radagast
Member
Workhorse:
1989 was the year of introduction for the 640. CEN prefix indicated a Centennial model. S&W then returned to their normal consecutive alpha-numeric system with serial numbers starting with a B.
So your gun is from 1989 or early 1990.
1989 was the year of introduction for the 640. CEN prefix indicated a Centennial model. S&W then returned to their normal consecutive alpha-numeric system with serial numbers starting with a B.
So your gun is from 1989 or early 1990.
Workhorse
Member
Thanks once again Radagast
oldpapps
Member
"We'd need to know :
a) caliber
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)
c) grips shape (round or square)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores
e) type of sights.
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip
g) Model number if it is under the crane.
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).
A picture or two is worth A LOT of words in this case..."
A) 32 S&W
B) 3 1/4 inches
C) Round
D) 5 rounds
E) front - fixed 'moon' blade, rear - fixed small shallow 'V' on break pivot latch
F) 96630 (on both the bottom of butt and rear face of cylinder
G) none
Nichol plated, top break.
Listed on top rib:
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. Pat'd Jan 17 24, 65 July 11 65 Aug 24 69 July 25 71 May 11 188 (0 or 6)
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=177343&stc=1&d=1357590075
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=177344&stc=1&d=1357590075
Thanks,
a) caliber
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)
c) grips shape (round or square)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores
e) type of sights.
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip
g) Model number if it is under the crane.
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).
A picture or two is worth A LOT of words in this case..."
A) 32 S&W
B) 3 1/4 inches
C) Round
D) 5 rounds
E) front - fixed 'moon' blade, rear - fixed small shallow 'V' on break pivot latch
F) 96630 (on both the bottom of butt and rear face of cylinder
G) none
Nichol plated, top break.
Listed on top rib:
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. Pat'd Jan 17 24, 65 July 11 65 Aug 24 69 July 25 71 May 11 188 (0 or 6)
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=177343&stc=1&d=1357590075
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=177344&stc=1&d=1357590075
Thanks,
Attachments
Radagast
Member
oldpapps:
You have a .32 Single Action, also known as the Model One and a Half Centerfire. The original Model One & a Half was a .32 rimfire.
Manufactured between 1878 & 1892 in the serial range 1 to 97574, serial numbers in the 8837x range shipped in August 1887, so your gun dates to 1888-1892.
You have a .32 Single Action, also known as the Model One and a Half Centerfire. The original Model One & a Half was a .32 rimfire.
Manufactured between 1878 & 1892 in the serial range 1 to 97574, serial numbers in the 8837x range shipped in August 1887, so your gun dates to 1888-1892.
Happy New Year, Radagast ...
I just picked this one up, and would be most appreciative of any info:
S&W ".22 Long Rifle CTG"
6" pinned barrel, w/grooved top strap
Square grip, K frame, grooved backstrap
6 shot cylinder
Serial # K 308xxx
No model # in crane area; small '1' inside circle over small 'k'
Lazy ampersand
Thank you!
I just picked this one up, and would be most appreciative of any info:
S&W ".22 Long Rifle CTG"
6" pinned barrel, w/grooved top strap
Square grip, K frame, grooved backstrap
6 shot cylinder
Serial # K 308xxx
No model # in crane area; small '1' inside circle over small 'k'
Lazy ampersand
Thank you!
Radagast
Member
jframer:
Happy new year to you too!
you have a K22 Masterpiece manufactured in 1956. Model numbers were introduced in 1957, the K22 becoming the Model 17.
The K22 was S&Ws premium target revolver, there was also a .32 S&W long K32 and a .38 Special K38, all made to balance alike and intended for use in the three matches at Camp Perry. The K in the model designation refers to the medium sized 'K' frame. Earlier target .22s were built on the smaller I frame.
Happy new year to you too!
you have a K22 Masterpiece manufactured in 1956. Model numbers were introduced in 1957, the K22 becoming the Model 17.
The K22 was S&Ws premium target revolver, there was also a .32 S&W long K32 and a .38 Special K38, all made to balance alike and intended for use in the three matches at Camp Perry. The K in the model designation refers to the medium sized 'K' frame. Earlier target .22s were built on the smaller I frame.
Jimfern
Member
Hi,
I thought I'd ask about the 629 I bought from a fellow member:
a) caliber - 44 Magnum
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) 8 3/8"
c) grips shape (round or square) round, Hogue rubber S&W marked
d) number of shots/cylinder bores 6
e) type of sights. rear adjustable with white square "u" outline, front fixed with red insert
f) serial number BSM73XX
g) Model number if it is under the crane. MOD 629-4, 113 on swing out part of crane
That number, if it is the s/n, should co
I thought I'd ask about the 629 I bought from a fellow member:
a) caliber - 44 Magnum
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) 8 3/8"
c) grips shape (round or square) round, Hogue rubber S&W marked
d) number of shots/cylinder bores 6
e) type of sights. rear adjustable with white square "u" outline, front fixed with red insert
f) serial number BSM73XX
g) Model number if it is under the crane. MOD 629-4, 113 on swing out part of crane
That number, if it is the s/n, should co
Snake Plisskin
Member
Hello I have a S&W Model 19-3 4" blued S/N 2K78499 what can you tell me about it, thank you
Last edited:
Radagast
Member
Snake Plisskin:
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1972. Built on the medium K frame, it was introduced in 1955 as a result of a campaign by Border Patrolman & gun writer Bill Jordan. Early .357 Magnums used the large .44 sized N frame. The K frame was originally used for low pressure .32-20 & .38 special cartridges and the forcing cone leading to the barrel is not as robust as the forcing cone on the N frame. Because of this the Model 19 suffered from cracking of the forcing cone when shot with 125 grain magnum loads. Stick to .38 specials or 158 grain magnums and you will be fine.
Jimfern:
If your gun has a full underlug then it is a Model 629-4 .44 Classic Stainless. If the underlug only covers the ejector rod then it is a .44 Magnum Stainless. Year of manufacture should be 1995. If a .44 Magnum Stainless the -4 refers to the top strap being drilled and tapped for a scope mount. The Classic was always drilled and tapped. Product code for the Classic was 106340, for the .44 Magnum Stainless it was 103609.
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1972. Built on the medium K frame, it was introduced in 1955 as a result of a campaign by Border Patrolman & gun writer Bill Jordan. Early .357 Magnums used the large .44 sized N frame. The K frame was originally used for low pressure .32-20 & .38 special cartridges and the forcing cone leading to the barrel is not as robust as the forcing cone on the N frame. Because of this the Model 19 suffered from cracking of the forcing cone when shot with 125 grain magnum loads. Stick to .38 specials or 158 grain magnums and you will be fine.
Jimfern:
If your gun has a full underlug then it is a Model 629-4 .44 Classic Stainless. If the underlug only covers the ejector rod then it is a .44 Magnum Stainless. Year of manufacture should be 1995. If a .44 Magnum Stainless the -4 refers to the top strap being drilled and tapped for a scope mount. The Classic was always drilled and tapped. Product code for the Classic was 106340, for the .44 Magnum Stainless it was 103609.
Snake Plisskin
Member
Thank you, I just bought this Model 19-3 this past weekend at a gun show,I am very excited to know about the details.
Last edited:
Jimfern
Member
Radagast, thanks very much for the information. It's not a full lug, so it's a Stainless. The pistol did come with a base and rings (not S&W brand) for a scope mount.
