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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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  #1  
Old 08-10-2018, 05:38 PM
brianfede brianfede is offline
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S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial????  
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Default S&W pre-model 40 Centennial????

Here are the photos of my supposed model 40. I think its actually a pre-42. Weighs in just under 15oz and only the barrel and cylinder stick to a magnet. Serial # is 98XX, any idea when this was made and inside the crane it is mark 20480? no other markings.



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Old 08-10-2018, 05:51 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
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S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial????  
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Yes a Pre 42 from 1955 before the top sideplate screw was eliminated.

20480 is the assembly #; no help in dating it.

It should have the grip safety lock out pin in a hole in about the middle of the grip frame under the grips.
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Jim
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Last edited by Hondo44; 08-15-2018 at 01:42 AM.
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Old 08-10-2018, 05:55 PM
brianfede brianfede is offline
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S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial????  
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Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
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Old 08-10-2018, 06:51 PM
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Absalom Absalom is offline
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These weren't very hot sellers and also did not ship in strict chronological serial order. I can only come up with a reference to one Centennial Airweight in the general vicinity, a 94xx that shipped in 1956. That does not contradict Jim's placement. Only a history letter will get you a more accurate answer.
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Old 08-10-2018, 09:48 PM
brianfede brianfede is offline
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S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial????  
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Absalom, thanks for the info! I don't know what it is but I can't stop buying these old classic S&W's. Plan to carry this one.
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Old 08-15-2018, 12:34 AM
jcelect jcelect is offline
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Default Carry? ? ? ?

I think I would reconsider carrying that gun if I were you. The AL frame will show wear very quickly which leaves bright/shinny AL at the wear points! An early pre 42, with the "bug" screw, should be a safe queen (mine is)! Buy a modern 642 and carry with confidence!
IMHO, jcelect
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Old 08-15-2018, 05:45 PM
brianfede brianfede is offline
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S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial???? S&W pre-model 40 Centennial????  
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I completely understand your view on it being a safe queen but I really don't mind some honest wear on my guns. I won't be rotating this one a ton but wanted a classic carry piece. Picked her up for $495, seems like a pretty good deal for one of these. Albeit, the seller told me it was a model 40, kinda like the 42 better TBH. I put a few cylinders down range on Sunday, they are pretty accurate little revolvers.
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Old 08-15-2018, 09:16 PM
Lt JL Lt JL is offline
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42s are good little guns. Just remember to stay away from +P. Aluminum frames can only tolerate a limited diet of those. try some plain ol' wadcutters. Federal makes a standard pressure short barrel 135 grain load, too.
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Old 08-15-2018, 10:14 PM
brianfede brianfede is offline
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Thanks Lt JL, good advice...BTW, the model 13 is just awesome. Shot it with my old man on Sunday, he digs the Tyler T old school look.

Last edited by brianfede; 08-15-2018 at 10:16 PM.
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  #10  
Old 08-16-2018, 06:19 PM
Lt JL Lt JL is offline
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yeah, well, I'm an old school guy who hated gettin' his knickles rapped.
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Old 08-20-2018, 04:34 PM
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vrichard vrichard is offline
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A fellow had one for sale at the show last week end real nice 5 screw
no box $800.00.
Dick
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