PLEASE only post FAQ information here. No generic replies.

If you have FAQ info to post that you'd like to add a picture to and don't have a place (or know how to) post it, email me.

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Please post any suggestions or comments on the FAQs here.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BigBores,

Here are some grip pics:

Round Butt K-Frames grips, 1910-1919


Square Butt K-Frame grips, 1910-1919

From Walter Rego:
If anyone's interested in the details, the stag panel at the top is presumed to be pre-war, the service style without the medallion at lower left is from a 1922 M&P, the two service style stocks showing small vs. large medallions date from the late 1920's to late 1930's. The small medallion stock looks like the medallion is off-center, but that was caused by the panel not being square with the scanner glass. Interestingly enough, while both have some oil staining inside as evidence of having been installed on a gun, neither have serial numbers stamped inside, so I can't give very accurate dates on them. They are made of Circassian Walnut. The panel on the lower right is from a 1944 Victory Model.

Links to some FAQ answers:

MODEL THREES - How to identify the various large frame top-break S&W revolvers made by S&W ca. 1870 - early 20th Century (Americans, Russians, Schofields, New Model Number Threes, .44 Double Actions), plus general background:
http://armchairgunshow.com/Mod3-info.html

More info on SCHOFIELDS:
http://armchairgunshow.com/Schof-info.html
More info on RUSSIANS:
http://armchairgunshow.com/Russ-info.html

TIP-UPS - Identification & background info on the earliest S&W revolvers - Models One, Two, and One & a half; plus copies, infringements & evasions:
http://armchairgunshow.com/SWTU-info.html

SMALL & MEDIUM FRAME TOP-BREAKS - general info on .32 & .38 caliber Single Action, Double Action, and Safety Hammerless models:
http://armchairgunshow.com/SW-TB-info.html

HAND EJECTORS - some very general info on S&W swing-out cylinder revolver, primarily frame size (K-frame, N-frame, etc)
http://armchairgunshow.com/SWHE-info.html

I hope this is appropriate for this FAQ section, if not just email me & I'll edit/delete as requested. I thought it would save loading time if I just posted the links rather than the full info w/ pix, but if you prefer I can transfer the info & photos directly here instead. -- Jim

Not my website, but this is a very helpful table of S&W Model designations:

http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp

Some very good info here on RMs.

I have an old S&W .38 police special. Probably late 20's. Anyway to tell from the serial number when it was made?

Also, the pistol was nickel-plated and the plating began to wear off a long time ago, particularly above the grips and on the frame around the hammer. Is there any good way to refurbish the plating?

List of CORRECTIONS to STANDARD CATALOG OF S&W, 3rd Ed., by Nahas & Supica are posted here:

http://armchairgunshow.com/scsw3-corrections.html

Special thanks to Richard Nahas for compiling this list. -- Jim

Link to the 38/44 Heavy Duty Website:

http://www.38-44heavyduty.com

SHOULD YOU REFINISH / RESTORE AN OLD SMITH?

Here's a link to a poll of forum members on the topic:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/540103904/m/6231085462

The original question which prompted the poll, and which includes extensive discussion of the pluses and minuses of modifying old guns appears here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/540103904/m/9341007362

If you wish to respond to those threads, please be sure you are doing so in the threads, and not here in the FAQ's.

NEW MODEL NUMBER THREE LIST OF KNOWN SURVIVORS

Link to a list of New Mod. #3's w/ shipping dates, configurations, and other characteristics as reported by forum members:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/540103904/m/2791086052/p/5

Please be sure to post your additions to or questions about that list in that thread, NOT this one.