Aircrewman Revolvers

Retired W4 · #51 08-24-2021, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the cheat sheet, kwill1911. That one went to the printer for the library. I've been able to hold on to a box of M41 and two boxes of
SPECIAL, TRACER
CAL. .38, 120 GRAIN, from Remington Arms, Inc.
We carried some for signaling in case we ran out of pen gun flares. I don't know when they were manufactured. Head stamp just says REM UMC 38 SPL The boxes have lot numbers that are very close to each other.

Seven High · #52 08-24-2021, 07:08 PM

I fail to understand the rationale for requesting that the revolvers be produced with an aluminum frame and cylinder. The steel frame revolvers didn’t weight that much more.

kwill1911 · #53 08-24-2021, 07:17 PM

Please allow me to address a few of the comments/questions that have come up:

1. The M41 ammo was anemic. The high velocity stuff developed was PGU-12B and had a 130 grain bullet. There were tracer/signal rounds, AMU wadcutter ammo, standard velocity and probably some other loads I'm forgetting.

2. Why, indeed, would a few ounces on a revolver make any difference in a multi-ton aircraft? The Aircrewman revolvers came online about the same time that jet fighters and ejection seat technology did. The Air Force was worried about a hunk of metal laying on a pilot's chest when they punched out. They figured aluminum would hurt less than steel. Military intelligence.

3. One of the big auction houses has some USAF guns, including some Aircrewman revolvers, coming up soon. At least 2-3 of them are spurious. Compare the numbers and features to the cheat sheet.

Retired W4 · #54 08-25-2021, 09:12 AM

I never considered the ejection seat aspect of objects strapped to the pilot.
While I've never been in an ejection seat trainer, I know several people who have, one who was transferred out of the OV-1/Mohawk because of a bad back. A 1911 or anything else strapped to a survival vest become very heavy during that flash acceleration. Even an additional 4 ounces adds considerably to the load. Still, I would rather have something more substantial than an Aircrewman when I got my feet on the ground.

kwill1911 · #55 09-13-2022, 03:37 PM

I'm bringing this old thread to life because the Aircrewman database is now available to S&WCA members. Check it out: Databases – Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

mcb66 · #56 09-14-2022, 07:28 AM

Somewhere out there is one my dad TIG welded and scrubbed all the markings from back in the 1960s during Viet Nam. He was working construction and a co-worker brought it to him to "fix" it and make it clean. He said that when he finished with it, you would never know that it was a former service revolver. I think that it had a cracked cylinder.

EEResQ · #57 09-15-2023, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwill1911

Aircrewman Revolver Cheat Sheet
Copyright, Kevin Williams, April 29, 2013

There are three major variations of the S&W Aircrewman revolvers, and a number of relatively minor changes in markings.

• A.F. No. 1795—2399 (Qty. 605) – “Baby Aircrewman," AF Contract No: DA-19-059-ORD-721
o 4 screw, 5 shot J frame with steel bolster bushing.
o USAF medallion in stocks, right stock serial numbered.
o 3 digit assembly numbers.
o PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE on back strap.
o A.F. No. xxx on butt reads toe to heel. Also, the four digits are stamped on the bottom of the barrel, on the rear face of the cylinder, on the front face of the extractor star, and on the rear face of the yoke.
o AIRCREWMAN / .38 SPECIAL CTG. on right side of barrel.
o SMITH & WESSON on left side of barrel.
o Blue/anodized black finish.
o No markings on top strap.
o P factory proof mark above the front of the trigger guard on the left side.

Hello Kevin,
Thank you for creating the "Aircrewman Cheat Sheet" and sharing it with the masses. I have learned a lot by reading and re-reading your detailed descriptions of these interesting models. Especially, the section concerning prevalence of "fakes" on the market.

That said, what are the chances these mini Magna 'I' or 'J' frame round butt stocks, bearing serial number 570783, are genuine? Or, could someone over the last +71 years have salvaged a pair of USAF medallions and added them to this pair of mini Magnas?

Many thanks!
Mike

kwill1911 · #58 09-16-2023, 09:56 AM

Mike,
I think your theory about the medallions being replaced on those is correct.

Hondo44 · #59 09-16-2023, 11:36 AM

I agree!

The medallions have numerous marks on them front and back indicating they were removed and reinstalled.

In addition the serial # is from the .32 Hand Ejector serial range!

Hair Trigger · #60 09-16-2023, 01:14 PM

What was the USAF's replacement for the M13 Aircrewman? Was it the Model 12 M&P Airweight?
When I was in the USAF as a Flight Nurse, we were issued a small revolver to be worn inside our flight suit in a shoulder holster something like the M7 Tanker, but smaller. This was only for medivac missions into a potential danger area (Panama during Just Cause, or Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm) I was not an afficianado of S&W's back then, all I remember was it was a 6-shot, square butt with magna sized stocks, 2" barrel and was .38 Special. Seems like it had adjustable rear sight, but not 100% sure. What would that have been?

Model19man · #61 09-16-2023, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hair Trigger

What was the USAF's replacement for the M13 Aircrewman? Was it the Model 12 M&P Airweight?
When I was in the USAF as a Flight Nurse, we were issued a small revolver to be worn inside our flight suit in a shoulder holster something like the M7 Tanker, but smaller. This was only for medivac missions into a potential danger area (Panama during Just Cause, or Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm) I was not an afficianado of S&W's back then, all I remember was it was a 6-shot, square butt with magna sized stocks, 2" barrel and was .38 Special. Seems like it had adjustable rear sight, but not 100% sure. What would that have been?

Sounds like a Model 15 perhaps?

kwill1911 · #62 09-16-2023, 01:59 PM

The Model 15 became the USAF standard sidearm in the early 1960s. I have lots of invoices for them but none with a 2" barrel. All the purchases I'm aware of were 4" barrels.

EEResQ · #63 09-16-2023, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

I agree!

The medallions have numerous marks on them front and back indicating they were removed and reinstalled.

In addition the serial # is from the .32 Hand Ejector serial range!

Well, we win some... and we loose some.
While these stocks are not off an authentic Aircrewman, I was searching for a pair of mini Magnas to go on that .32 Hand Ejector, Improved I frame - 2nd variation, with serial number 611xxx.

Thanks to all for the clarification!