I got a 5 shot, 3.5" barrel with Smith & Wesson on the left side and 22 long rifle ctg on the right side. It says made in USA, Springfield, Mass. Serial number is 6727 located on the inside of the cylinder AND under the wooden handle on the butt. No letters anywhere and the number is the same. Adjustable sights. ideas?

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Welcome! Are there any more numbers or letters on the butt? The letter could be further to the left of the numbers.

Pretty sure that's a model 1953 Kit gun, and I'll bet it's six shot, not five. When model numbers were assigned in 1957 it became the model 34. It's also wearing newer grips. The original grips would have a raised diamond surrounding the grip screw. Nice revolver.
John

The barrel is 4". Measure it from the muzzle to the end of the forcing cone (the part extended from the barrel that just barely meets the front of the cylinder. As jsfricks suggests, take the grips off and look for the number on the bottom of the butt. That will be the serial number.

Timetripper is right about the Kit gun and six not five shot. Give us more pics!

Yes I'm sorry, it's a six shooter. lil typo I can tell the grips are new because it covers a symbol, but there are no letters at all next to the 4 numbers. More pics when I get home, but the barrel is definitely 3.5". I'll double check and make sure I'm not retarded when I'm not driving

The air weights were 3.5". And they were 6 shots.


Charlie

If it is an Airweight it would be a pre model 43. They were the only Airweights that were not so marked on the barrel. Serial number for these were in the same range as the regular steel frame models, beginning with #5000 and all without any letter prefix. Does a magnet stick to the frame?
John

A magnet sticks to the frame and the barrel, but not the cylinder. Also, I found another number on the frame, 7814. It's definitely imprinted on the same piece of metal where there is a 6727 stamped. Here are some pictures.

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This is definitely a Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun. It shipped in 1955 or earlier. As mentioned previously, the stocks are later, and the barrel is probably 4" - measured from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. The latch is the second style, which also indicates early mid-50s.
Nice looking piece.
Hondo44 needs to take a look at this. I'll ask Lee to move this to the correct forum.
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The back of the front sight on a 4" barrel is just past the front of the lug, so that's a 3-1/2" barrel. It sure looks like a .22/.32 Kit Gun Airweight to me.

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"I also cook."

I see your point. But I'm having a hard time dealing with his magnet test results. I suppose it is possible that S&W fitted a 3 1/2" barrel to a standard Kit Gun, right? The barrel would be steel in either case.
Who knows?
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

In most areas there are steel parts inside the alloy frame, and a strong magnet would be attracted to them through the aluminum. Try the back of the grip frame away from the hammer spring. It looks to me like a very nice, very early airweight kit gun (pre-43).

Bob

The magnet I was using is very strong. It sticks to the barrel like crazy, but the frame is not near as strong. It's noticeably different so I tried it near the back of the grip away from the rest and it doesn't seem to want to attach at all. I think I tried it when the grip was off, but I can't remember.

Ya, at first I thought different, but the grip doesn't line up perfectly as the back slides down.


--So, what does this mean for the collect-ability of the gun? I regrettably sold a 1964 Colt .45 1911 Gold Cup National Match... I inherited it from my grandpa months ago, but I keep finding more and more guns as I go through his things. I found this and a ~1920 or so Remington Model 6 single-shot .22 rifle. Fascinating weapon. Not to mention I found an original box with papers for a S&W .38 Chiefs Special Revolver, except this obviously isn't it. 2" barrel, .38 etc..

Not having the grips hurt the collectible part, but its still a nice early desirable kit gun. Value would be in the $450 - $600 range.


Charlie

I agree. I would not let the lack of original stocks keep me from buying or hanging onto a gun like this. You can find period stocks if you want them badly enough!
This is a nice little Kit Gun - especially since it has now been confirmed to be an Airweight!
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

So what's the official full name I should use when speaking or posting about it?
Smith & Wesson .22/.32 LR Kit Gun Airweight Revolver pre-43 ? I'm not completely sure about the last part. Why isn't it something other than a "pre" model? Also, can I get a confirmation of the production year? I guess since it was roughly the 1,700th made, that might help? Any additional info welcome!

The correct name for your revolver is the "1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight". It is also known as a pre Model 43, as model numbers were not assigned under 1957.

A M43 would be stamped M43 on the frame, behind the yoke where the cylinder swings shut.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Well the mystery has been solved before I got here. As Muley Gil said, it is officially a "22/32 Kit Gun Airweight Model of 1955" (date it was 1st introduced was actually in latter 1954). It's a pre model 43 because in 1957 an order was issued to stamp guns with Model #s. So until it was stamped Model 43 it's a 'pre mod 43' in collector's trems, not a factory term. Made from 1954 to 1974.

You didn't show right side, does it have 3 or 4 screws in the sideplate? A 4 screw variation is earlier and probably what you have from your serial 6727. It is probably stamped in 6, maybe less locations. All other #s are assembly #s and meaningless now, but stamped in 3 locations. It has the 3rd style flat latch.

Obviously made then between 1955 and c. 1957-58, yours likely shipped Oct-Nov 1954 according to shipping date data I have recorded. BUT, they did not ship in serial # order and a $50 factory history letter can only tell you for sure.

It's pretty darn nice shape and are very collectible.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

It appears to have only 3 screws. Here is a better look. How will this affect the value? I'm trying to sell most of his guns to help out my grandma with money problems.

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if I wanted, where could I get some original grips?

There are three screws on the right side and one in front of the trigger. You can find grips on Ebay or there are some for sale right here on the forum in the Accessories section. Since these were your grandfathers I would really give a lot of thought to keeping them. As with the Gold Cup, you will probably regret selling them later on.

Might I suggest to the original poster, you yourself stated you are regretting selling the Gold Cup. But you are doing something to help your Grandmother. If possible, buy them yourself and that way Grandmother is taken care of and your Grandpa's guns stay in the family. Post some pictures and you will get honest appraisals of fair market value.

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NRA Cert. Inst. RSO

The best place to start would be an ad in the "Wanted to Buy" section of the classifieds. All you need to say is that you need a set for a 50's vintage Airweight Kit Gun. I'd think you could expect to pay around 50-60 bucks for a set that would match the condition of your gun....

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

I can't afford to buy them from her or I would. I should rephrase about the colt. I don't regret it, I'm just sad to see it go, but it was for a good cause. This is a very nice piece though. If I had the cash I'd definitely buy it. Unfortunately my grandpa has Alzheimer's and my grandma needs money.