I’m at a crossroads, and would appreciate your collective “collector’s” opinions.

My S&Ws begin with .32 and .38 DAs and extend into 4-screws. I do have a few guns from the 70s and 80s, but they are carry guns or .44 Special N-frames I just couldn't resist. My problem is with two beautiful 4-screws: first-year M48 and M15. Within the next four months they will be C&R eligible, so it makes it much easier for me to ship them, and I’ve been thinking of selling/trading them for 5-screw or earlier guns. On the other hand, there are surely fewer 4-screws than 5-screws, and I suspect that 4-screws will eventually become much more desirable than they are now. Nevertheless, 5-screws will always be older.

Please give me your opinion on this issue.

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Peter #2091

Dosgatos, I agree with you that as a general rule the 4 screws are more scarce than the 5 screw guns and under appreciated in my opinion. I also agree that at some point the 4 screw guns will become more desirable among collectors, especially as they become C&R guns. If I had the two guns you have I would be inclined to keep them if you enjoy owning them.

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John. SWCA #1586

The affliction strikes in funny ways. Mine is non model marked 4 screw K frames. This is an even smaller window, 260xxx thru about 330xxx. In theory only 1 year, in practice more like 3. Maybe it's the hunt.
I can't say they are any more valuable, just harder to find. Another catch is that like most people, I do want nice ones, but I will shoot them, so the perfect ones are out.

Finding the N-Frame Dash Ones in 4 Screws is another challenge. Look what the Model 29-1's bring. Certain barrel lengths are almost unknown...


giz

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Non gratum anus rodentum

It's also a matter of what you like,I like the looks of a 5 screw gun with a tapered barrel and magna stocks( pre-27 )But I seem to like the looks of the 4 screw type sideplate with the more modern heavy barrel and coke stocks ( pre-29 ).I think that the older guns 4 or 5 screw are always going to bring a premium. Just my 2 cents.

I myself don't even own a 4 screw but I do have three 5 screws S&Ws. I have not really had the opportunity to buy a 4 screw at a reasonable price. Here's the thing: 4 screws have the upside of rarity but currently the 5 screws are more desirable. Trading off beautiful 4 screws to get 5 screws does not seem like a good idea because 1) it could change in the future, and 2) the 4 screws would be harder to replace. I think the wisest thing for you to do would be to keep the 4 screws and BUY some 5 screws. If you traded a 4 screw for a 5 screw, make sure you are getting a dynamite 5 screw, which would then make the deal worth it. Even if you got an awesome 5 screw such as a pre model 29, I personally believe you would still miss your 4 screws. So keep the 4 screws and BUY some 5 screws unless the 5 screws are rare birds. This way you don't have to miss any fine S&Ws that you once owned.....

I look at 4 and 5 screw S&W's the same way my dad used to look at classic cars, 67 mustangs and such. They are just one of the coolest, classiest things to collect as far as firearms are concerned, at least for me.

Takes you right back to the first half of the 20th century.

Right now I am looking for a no dash model 18.

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Aaron Terry

I have lots of 4 and 5 screw guns, but I would trade a couple for one good 3 screw...of course that would have to be a 29-1

Dosgatos, your initial post gave me a headache to read.

1. 5 screw guns whether N frames or K frames, are much more prevalent than 4 screw guns.

2. 4 screw K and Ns' will always be a 'niche' for collectors. Until the public becomes aware that 4 screws are more 'scarce'than 5 screw Smiths.

Non model marked 4 screws are scarcest, model marked 4 screws come second.

Keep all your 4 screws close. They will be worth more in the long run.

Good luck , Allen Frame 'The thread killer'

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I'm always looking for 4 screw guns.At first I thought it would be easy to get one of each model.No one seemed to put an extra price on them or appeared to care how few were made.Finding 4 screw K frames proved easy,saw at least one or two on a regular basis.There are some that are a lot harder to find than others.A pre or model marked 11 would be one if at all one exists.I've never seen a mod. 12 either.14's and 15's are very common,at least around here.Model 16's,well they are just model 16's.Try and find any of any screw number.Have a model 18.So that just leaves a model 19,seen lots of pics but none for sale.Oh I almost forgot, I see more 4 screw model 10's than any other.A pic of some of my 4 screws.

I'm giving away a 4-screw, non-model marked K22 with non-football diamond targets to a deserving younger person next week. Hey, it's Christmas!

I did this with a model 18 within the last year, it felt good. I'm getting rid of a few guns over the next couple of years, but I don't want the hassle of selling them at this time. I'm certainly not getting rid of all of them.

I like to encourage safe, responsible people who have an interest in shooting - what's better than a .22?

All your 4 screw guns are junk. Will never be worth anything. Send them to me and I will dispose of them for you. (Right into my vault!).

Just kidding, I look for them, but seldom see them any more. I have one, a Mod 10 from 1959, (I consider it my H S graduation present). I do have one other, but it's an 1899 1st mod M&P, which is a pre 5 screw 4 screw.

They are just neat.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244