S&W Nomenclature: "no dash?"

[Legionnaire]

I know next to nothing about S&W revolvers (sorry, I'm a heathen, I know). Can somebody point me to a source of information about how the various models are named? I keep seeing guns referred to as "no dash" models. What does that mean? Were I to speculate, I'd guess that a "-3" was the third generation of a particular model, whereas a "no dash" version would be an original. Insights welcome!

 

[Radjxf]

Go by the S&W forum, you'll find all you need to know there. Generally, the "dashes" indicate a mechanical change such as eliminate pinned barrel, gas ring relocation, often small things you'll never notice.

 

[Lucky Derby]

You are correct. Each time S&W introduced an engineering change to a given model they added a "dash" A model 19 is the original model 19. Then came the 19-1 then 19-2 and so on. A good referance to these changes is "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" My copy was published ten years ago, so the newer models are not included. I believe an updated one is being worked on by the guys at smith-wessonforum.com .

 

[Pistol Toter]

Legionnaire, Do you have a specific question about a specific model? As the others have responded the dash number indicates an engineering change to a model. Prior to the time that S&W model numbered their guns, the guns had names like Masterpiece or Military & Police, etc and when S&W made a change they just simple stated 3rd change and so forth. I am a member over on the S&W as are many other here, I'm sure. Go over and visit, it's a wonder place to learn about S&W's; and if your into the Greatest Revolver In The World (I'm prejudice) join the forum. The new and improved Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, the 3rd edition, will be out late this year. The SCSW is the bible when it comes to S&W's. Jim Supica, a memeber if the forum and Richard Nahas have historically done a wonderful, wonderful job in putting a tremendious amount of information in a concise orderly fashioned manual. Regards P.T.

 

[Hobie]

A good referance to these changes is "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" My copy was published ten years ago, so the newer models are not included. I believe an updated one is being worked on by the guys at smith-wessonforum.com .

New edition out shortly. Amazon says they will ship about Thanksgiving.

 

[Legionnaire]

Thanks, all. Pistol Toter, no, I've no specific question about a particular model; was just interested in whether the dash indicated a different model altogether or an update/variant of a base model. Guess I need to get over to the S&W Forum just for educational purposes. Only S&W revolver I own is a 317 Kit Gun with a 3" barrel and adjustable/target sights ... which is scary accurate by the way. But I'm interested in their larger caliber models ... just have no knowledge or experience with them.

But thanks for answering my original question, and for pointing me in the right direction!