mr.e moose
Member
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2010
- Messages
- 7
Hi, Looking for your help once again.Picked up a S&W Triple lock with a serial# of 7986 in .455. What would be the date on this one?
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Mosbyranger
Member
My Smith
This is my new to me Smith and Wesson model 19-3. Serial #9K4xxxx. As you see, it came with the original box, papers and a holster. No carbon rings on the cylinder face, top strap or forcing cone. No turn marks on the cylinder. Perfect bluing and target grips. I do not believe this revolver has ever been fired. The cost to me was a Vaquero and $250. My guess is that it is a mid 70's model, but I submit this for verification to our panel of experts.
This is my new to me Smith and Wesson model 19-3. Serial #9K4xxxx. As you see, it came with the original box, papers and a holster. No carbon rings on the cylinder face, top strap or forcing cone. No turn marks on the cylinder. Perfect bluing and target grips. I do not believe this revolver has ever been fired. The cost to me was a Vaquero and $250. My guess is that it is a mid 70's model, but I submit this for verification to our panel of experts.
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Radagast
Member
Mosbyranger:
1976. I would have made that deal. Congrats.
mr.e moose:
You have a .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 1st Model manufactured in 1915. This was a British govt. contract, roughly the first 6000 used the Triple Lock design.
A number of .450 Eley Triple Locks were converted to .455, these were mainly in the 12000 to 13000 serial range,so your gun is almost certainly a military contract gun.
These usually have British proof marks, often Broad Arrow govt. ownership marks and 'NOTENGLISHMAKE' stampings.
.455 Mark II refers to the cordite loaded cartridge that replaced the earlier black powder loads.
1976. I would have made that deal. Congrats.
mr.e moose:
You have a .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 1st Model manufactured in 1915. This was a British govt. contract, roughly the first 6000 used the Triple Lock design.
A number of .450 Eley Triple Locks were converted to .455, these were mainly in the 12000 to 13000 serial range,so your gun is almost certainly a military contract gun.
These usually have British proof marks, often Broad Arrow govt. ownership marks and 'NOTENGLISHMAKE' stampings.
.455 Mark II refers to the cordite loaded cartridge that replaced the earlier black powder loads.
CajunBass
Member
Couple of Model 15-2's.
S/N K672xxx and K617xxx
S/N K672xxx and K617xxx
Radagast
Member
CajunBass:
1966 & 1965.
1966 & 1965.
Newbie Here With A New Purchase
Always like the looks of the S&W revolvers but just bought my first one. It is a S&W 38 Special Ctg. A six shooter with the square grip. A 6 inch barrel with groove rear sight and fixed half moon front. The serial number stamped on the grip is 5095 and 5095 08 is stamped on the front of the cylinder and on the flat under the barrel. 61627 is stamped on the inside of the crane and on the flat part of the frame next to the crane. It is a 5 screw model. A local gun smith thought serial number odd but said it might have been shipped in 1926. He described it as a hand ejector pre 10 model. The revolver is worn with no original finish. Grips have been replaced with S&W grips. Fellow I got it from said he has been shooting it. The gun smith said it [the cylinder] was a little loose but he would shoot it. Any ideas as to the age and value of this relic?
Always like the looks of the S&W revolvers but just bought my first one. It is a S&W 38 Special Ctg. A six shooter with the square grip. A 6 inch barrel with groove rear sight and fixed half moon front. The serial number stamped on the grip is 5095 and 5095 08 is stamped on the front of the cylinder and on the flat under the barrel. 61627 is stamped on the inside of the crane and on the flat part of the frame next to the crane. It is a 5 screw model. A local gun smith thought serial number odd but said it might have been shipped in 1926. He described it as a hand ejector pre 10 model. The revolver is worn with no original finish. Grips have been replaced with S&W grips. Fellow I got it from said he has been shooting it. The gun smith said it [the cylinder] was a little loose but he would shoot it. Any ideas as to the age and value of this relic?
Radagast
Member
Kenny D:
5095 would make it a .38 Military & Police 1st Model, also known as the Model of 1899 Army-Navy Revolver. Unlike all other variants of this gun, there will not be a locking lug on the barrel in front of the ejector rod. The first model was round butt only, so this is probably not your gun.
If the serial number is 509508, then it is a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, manufactured around 1927. It will have a Made in the USA stamp on the right side of the frame. It will have an ejector rod locking lug.
If the serial number has been defaced (filed off) then the gun is contraband under ATF rules. If under close examination the serial number is still there, then your gunsmith may be able to re-stamp it.
5095 would make it a .38 Military & Police 1st Model, also known as the Model of 1899 Army-Navy Revolver. Unlike all other variants of this gun, there will not be a locking lug on the barrel in front of the ejector rod. The first model was round butt only, so this is probably not your gun.
If the serial number is 509508, then it is a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, manufactured around 1927. It will have a Made in the USA stamp on the right side of the frame. It will have an ejector rod locking lug.
If the serial number has been defaced (filed off) then the gun is contraband under ATF rules. If under close examination the serial number is still there, then your gunsmith may be able to re-stamp it.
Thanks For The Help
It does have the locking lug and the " Made in USA" stamp but the 08 digits are not stamped on the butt and the digits do not appear to have worn off or have been defaced. The patina on the gun does not appear to have been disturbed either. So I can't tell if the 08 was ever stamped on the butt. :banghead:
It does have the locking lug and the " Made in USA" stamp but the 08 digits are not stamped on the butt and the digits do not appear to have worn off or have been defaced. The patina on the gun does not appear to have been disturbed either. So I can't tell if the 08 was ever stamped on the butt. :banghead:
Radagast
Member
Call it a mis-stamped gun and don't worry about it. It was made long before there was an ATF to require non duplication of serial numbers. So the number on the butt is the legal serial number.
Good news is it was made after S&W started heat treating cylinders and should be safe to shoot with standard pressure lead loads. S&W does not recommend use of +P in guns made before 1957.
Good news is it was made after S&W started heat treating cylinders and should be safe to shoot with standard pressure lead loads. S&W does not recommend use of +P in guns made before 1957.
manufacture date request
I have a S&W 357 65-3. Number stamped on metal piece in front of cylinder when cylinder is open. Number is 69512. A 1 is stamped over the 2 making it, I guess, 69511. The 1 that is overstamping the 2 is slightly larger and a different font from the other "1" in the number. any info on this revolver is appreciated!
I have a S&W 357 65-3. Number stamped on metal piece in front of cylinder when cylinder is open. Number is 69512. A 1 is stamped over the 2 making it, I guess, 69511. The 1 that is overstamping the 2 is slightly larger and a different font from the other "1" in the number. any info on this revolver is appreciated!
Radagast
Member
maverikc:
The Model 65-3 .357 Military & Police Heavy Barrel Stainless was manufactured from 1982 to 1988. The numbers you quote don't match the serial numbers from that period and are probably assembly numbers, used to track fitted parts during the manufacturing process. The serial number will be stamped on the bottom edge of the grip frame. You may need to take off the grips to see it.
Get back to me with the serial number and I will date it.
The Model 65-3 .357 Military & Police Heavy Barrel Stainless was manufactured from 1982 to 1988. The numbers you quote don't match the serial numbers from that period and are probably assembly numbers, used to track fitted parts during the manufacturing process. The serial number will be stamped on the bottom edge of the grip frame. You may need to take off the grips to see it.
Get back to me with the serial number and I will date it.
slicksleeve
Member
I've got three N frames that I'd love to know the year of manufacture on.
The first is a Model 28-2, Serial # S32230x.
The second is a Model 57, no dash, Serial #N61769x.
The third is a Model 657-2, Serial #BJC844x.
Thank You guys in advance!
The first is a Model 28-2, Serial # S32230x.
The second is a Model 57, no dash, Serial #N61769x.
The third is a Model 657-2, Serial #BJC844x.
Thank You guys in advance!
Radagast
Member
slicksleeve:
Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman dates to 1968 0r 1969. Serial range for those years was S305000 to S329999, so 1969 is more likely.
Model 57 .41 Magnum Target was manufactured in 1979 or 1980, with 1979 more likely.
Model 657-2 .41 Magnum Target Stainless dates to 19890r 1990. The serial number dates to 1989, but the 657-2 variant was first offered in 1990. My guess is a 1989 build or shipping in 1990.
kain00:
If the number you are quoting is from under the cylinder yoke/crane, then it may not be the serial number. The serial number is always found on the bottom edge of the grip frame, it is sometimes duplicated under the cylinder yoke.
That said, if the serial number is 616xx then it could be one of two guns.
Option 1: .38 Military & Police Model of 1902, 1st Change. This is a medium or K Frame gun, with a round, not square butt. The barrel should be marked '.38 S&W Special CTG & U.S. Service CTG'. The extractor rod is exposed.
These guns lack a positive hammer block safety and should be treated as 5 shooters, with the hammer down on an empty chamber. They predate heat treatment of cylinders and I recommend they only be shot with standard pressure lead loads, no jacketed or +P marked ammo.
Option 2: .38/44 Heavy Duty (Pre-War). This was a .38 caliber handgun using the .44 sized large 'N Frame', hence .38/44. These guns were intended to shoot a high velocity load and any commercial standard pressure or +P load should be safe to shoot in it. As with the Military & Police it lacks a positive hammer btlock safety. The cylinder is heat treated. Shrouded ejector rod. Barrel stamped .38 S&W Special CTG on the right side, Smith & Wesson on the left and patent dates on the top. Collectable. Falls into the period 1935 to 1943. Serial range 43954 to 62335. My guess is it shipped in 1939 or early 1940, before war production began.
Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman dates to 1968 0r 1969. Serial range for those years was S305000 to S329999, so 1969 is more likely.
Model 57 .41 Magnum Target was manufactured in 1979 or 1980, with 1979 more likely.
Model 657-2 .41 Magnum Target Stainless dates to 19890r 1990. The serial number dates to 1989, but the 657-2 variant was first offered in 1990. My guess is a 1989 build or shipping in 1990.
kain00:
If the number you are quoting is from under the cylinder yoke/crane, then it may not be the serial number. The serial number is always found on the bottom edge of the grip frame, it is sometimes duplicated under the cylinder yoke.
That said, if the serial number is 616xx then it could be one of two guns.
Option 1: .38 Military & Police Model of 1902, 1st Change. This is a medium or K Frame gun, with a round, not square butt. The barrel should be marked '.38 S&W Special CTG & U.S. Service CTG'. The extractor rod is exposed.
These guns lack a positive hammer block safety and should be treated as 5 shooters, with the hammer down on an empty chamber. They predate heat treatment of cylinders and I recommend they only be shot with standard pressure lead loads, no jacketed or +P marked ammo.
Option 2: .38/44 Heavy Duty (Pre-War). This was a .38 caliber handgun using the .44 sized large 'N Frame', hence .38/44. These guns were intended to shoot a high velocity load and any commercial standard pressure or +P load should be safe to shoot in it. As with the Military & Police it lacks a positive hammer btlock safety. The cylinder is heat treated. Shrouded ejector rod. Barrel stamped .38 S&W Special CTG on the right side, Smith & Wesson on the left and patent dates on the top. Collectable. Falls into the period 1935 to 1943. Serial range 43954 to 62335. My guess is it shipped in 1939 or early 1940, before war production began.
Radagast
Member
Last patent date is '01, so it probably is a Model of 1902.
Grips appear to be pearl, so there is a good chance they are original and special ordered with the gun.
Reading further in the Standard Catalog of S&W I found that the first square butt variants were in the 58000 range.
So yes, you have a Model of 1902 1st Change probably manufactured in 1904.
Grips appear to be pearl, so there is a good chance they are original and special ordered with the gun.
Reading further in the Standard Catalog of S&W I found that the first square butt variants were in the 58000 range.
So yes, you have a Model of 1902 1st Change probably manufactured in 1904.
Radagast
Member
My pleasure.
Radagast
Member
Gun nutty:
Your Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured 1984. It is subject to a recall. With some .357 magnum ammunition the primer may flow back around the firing pin. locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways and install a new firing pin and bushing.
If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number in the cylinder yoke cut out.
If you want to have your gun modified, give S&W customer service a call and they will send you a shipping label.
Your Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured 1984. It is subject to a recall. With some .357 magnum ammunition the primer may flow back around the firing pin. locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways and install a new firing pin and bushing.
If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number in the cylinder yoke cut out.
If you want to have your gun modified, give S&W customer service a call and they will send you a shipping label.
wf4933
Member
Smith & Wesson 357 mag
ACF 9209
Model 586
B- 15
X 6782
Bottom of frame under grip handle
Circle with K in it & Triangle with J in it with 04706 between circle and triangle.
Recently acquired from fathers estate before sale. Into black powder mostly so don't
Know much about S & W 's. Would appreciate any info on age and value.
THX.
WFH
ACF 9209
Model 586
B- 15
X 6782
Bottom of frame under grip handle
Circle with K in it & Triangle with J in it with 04706 between circle and triangle.
Recently acquired from fathers estate before sale. Into black powder mostly so don't
Know much about S & W 's. Would appreciate any info on age and value.
THX.
WFH
Radagast
Member
wf4933:
Your Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum dates to 1983.
ACF 9209 is the serial number, the other markings are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory.
I am Australian, so my knowledge of current US prices is lacking. Assuming excellent condition, I'm guessing it will go for around $600-$650, I suggest starting a new thread if you want more informed opinions.
Your gun is subject to a recall. With some .357 magnum ammunition the primer may flow back around the firing pin. locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways and install a new firing pin and bushing.
If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number in the cylinder yoke cut out.
If you want to have your gun modified, give S&W customer service a call and they will send you a shipping label.
Your Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum dates to 1983.
ACF 9209 is the serial number, the other markings are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory.
I am Australian, so my knowledge of current US prices is lacking. Assuming excellent condition, I'm guessing it will go for around $600-$650, I suggest starting a new thread if you want more informed opinions.
Your gun is subject to a recall. With some .357 magnum ammunition the primer may flow back around the firing pin. locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways and install a new firing pin and bushing.
If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number in the cylinder yoke cut out.
If you want to have your gun modified, give S&W customer service a call and they will send you a shipping label.
wf4933
Member
Radagast,
Thank you for your time it is appreciated.
WFH
Thank you for your time it is appreciated.
WFH
