"Pinned and Recessed"?

[Newguy1]

I am looking to get my first Smith and Wesson. I am going to look for either a Model 10, 15, 19, or a 25.

I have been looking at the various auction sites and see there is a huge price range for each model. I don’t have much experience with wheel guns, I own a Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt, a Single Six in 32 Magnum and an old Taurus snubbie in 357.

I see some references to “Pinned and Recessedâ€. What the hack does that mean? I am presuming that “Recessed†means it has a recessed crown, am I right? What does “Pinned†mean?

I am hitting the gun show tomorrow in Tampa, and I will see if anything jumps out and latches on.

One other quick question… I saw a Colt Diamondback lat month, is that a good gun?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Newguy1-

Welcome Aboard, My Friend! When you hear S&W's guru's
coin the phrase "Pinned and Recessed", here is what we
are talking about:

"Pinned" refers to a pinned on barrel; a feature
that was discontinued in 1982. Look carefully, and you
can see the "pin" through the frame and barrel.

"Recessed" means that each chamber is counter
bored slightly, to allow for the case heads to sit flush in
the cylinder. Another feature that was discontinued in
1982. Hope this helps?

And YES, the Colt Diamondback is an excellent revolver;
but gett'in kind'a pricey these days.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Newguy1]

What years are considered the best years of manufacture for Smiths? I see most models have a tack with an additional number. What do the "dashes" mean?

Can any of you point me to a good Smith and Wesson website? One that discusses the modificatons and various frame nomeclature.

What is each "Alphabet" frame best used for? I read about K, L, N, etc. but what does it mean?

Thanks,

Greg

 

[JNewell]

The -X numbers indicate engineering revisions. Examples include eliminating the barrel pin and recessed cylinders or changing from hammer-mounted firing pins to frame-mounted firing pins.

The frame letters indicate frame size, which increase with alphabetical order. J frames are compact, pocket size revolvers. K frames are mid-sized service revolvers, historically .38 guns. N frames are the large ".44" frame revolvers. L frames were developed to strengthen the K frame without increasing weight or bulk much -- the grip size is the same as the K but the frame is stronger. The new .500 S&W guns are "X" frames IIRC.

There are no bad years, really. Some people prefer older guns and won't buy anything that is after the change from pinned and recessed. Others don't like metal injection molded parts...others don't like the frame mounted firing pins or the new integral locks. Probably everyone would agree that the pre-WW2 revolvers were made to a standard that surpasses any post-war production. This is true of most manufacturers' products, or at least many feel that way. Though there are no bad years, there are bad revolvers and revolvers that used to be good but are worn out. Check the sticky at the top of the forum for a discussion of what to look for.

Hmm, just noticed this is post # 357. How's that for serendipity???

 

[Mike Irwin]

A couple of clarification points.

The pin is located in the frame above the barrel where it enters the frame, just forward of the cylinder.

Recessing was done only on revolvers chambered for magnum revolver rounds and .22 LR and .22 Magnum. Those guns chambering non-magnum rounds were not recessed. The rimfire revolvers still have recessed cylinders.

The worst general era for S&W revolvers is the mid 1970s. Bad economic times for everyone, and lots of cost cutting going on.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Here are the recessed cylinder and extractor of my trusty old model 27-2.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The pin is in the upper right corner of this shot of my trusty old model 27-2. Nota bene: the original factory barrel, circa 1978, never shot straight even after being replaced by Smith & Wesson. It's a fine shooter now that it's been refitted with a Clark barrel.