The Definitive Model 40/42 Thread

[los]

Greetings, Everyone.

I thought it would be cool to have a Thread that was totally dedicated and specific to the S&W masterpiece that started it all. The safety hammerless J-Frame Centennial / Model 40. I intend to start a detailed and accurate time line that documents all the models, changes and serial number ranges from year to year.

So please feel free to post all the photos you'd like of your Centennials, Models 40, 42, 40-1 and 42-1 and also share photos of your carry rigs.

A little history on your piece would really be welcomed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time Line for the Centennial and Model 40 :
(The Time Line will be amended and revised as information is obtained)

1952 - The Centennial Standard and Centennial Airweight (alloy frame) are introduced. The Centennial was named to commemorate Smith & Wesson's 100Th anniversary. The Centennial was designed with a [safety] hammerless frame and had a grip safety that required it to be depressed in order to allow the trigger to cock the internal hammer and strike the firing pin. Owner's had the option to disengage the grip safety by inserting a small pin that was supplied and shipped with each revolver. The subject Pin could be found in it's designated area in the frame between the stock panels. These handguns came with high horn smooth stocks and had a flat cylinder latch and a pinned barrel. They were produced with a numerical-only serial numbering system, that is, without a letter suffix. The frames had a 4 or 5 screw side plate. The Centennial Airweight had a weight of about 14.4 ounces as opposed to 20 ounces of the steel framed Centennial Standard. The Standard was available in Blue or Nickle finish. The Airweight was available in a Nickle or Matte Black finish.
SERIAL NO. range: - 0001,...11XX, -

1953: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range: - 248(April), -

1954: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range: - 3651(June), 3933(Nov), 455X, 5062(Nov), -

1955: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1956: Final year of production of the " Centennial Standard" and "Centennial Airweight". They are replaced with a new designated [model] name for the following production year.
SERIAL NO. range: - 8014 (May),...9720, -

1957 - The Model 40 and Model 42 [Airweight] are introduced. A notable change from the original Centennial is the re-designed side plate which now incorporates an improved internal bevel, eliminating the top side plate screw's original location, making it a 3-screw side plate. The model number is stamped and located on the portion of the frame that's covered by the cylinder crane. There will be no other variants produced until the re-introduction in 2008.
SERIAL NO. range: - *3647(Dec) - 13218,...15163 -

1958: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1959: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1960: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1961: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range: - 17699 (May)

1962 - Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range: -

1963: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1964: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1965: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1966: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1967 - This is the final year the numerical-only serial numbering system will be used. The last serial numbered piece is #30160. This is also the final year the flat cylinder latch will be used.
SERIAL NO. range: - 30160 (December)

1968 - Serial numbers are now assigned the letter "L" prefix. This new serial numbering system will continue until the end of production. The original flat cylinder latch is dropped for a re-designed latch. The new latch design will be used on all models until the end of series production. This is the final year the high horn smooth stocks will be issued.
SERIAL NO. range:

1969 - "Low horn" smooth stocks are now standard issue.
SERIAL NO. range:

1970: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1971: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range:

1972: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range: L137X.(June)

1973: Production continues without any changes to the series.
SERIAL NO. range: - L693X

1974 - Total production ends. The last known Model 40 to be produced was serial number L9861. According to Smith & Wesson data, total production numbers totalled about 40,000 units from 1952 to 1974.
SERIAL NO. range: - L9861

2007: The new Model 40-1 and 42-1 are introduced and shipped out to distributors in late 2007. The Model 40-1 is available in three finishes (Blue, Nickle and Case Hardened). The Model 42-1 is currently only available in a matte black finish. The only external difference between the new Model 40-1/42-1 and the original is the reinforced frame as indicated by the rib on the left side in front of the cylinder latch. The new models are rated for .38 Special +P ammunition and are stamped as such on the left side of the barrel. The barrels are not pinned and the stocks are low horn diamond checkered style.
SERIAL NO. range: - DBJ90XX(Nov)

2008:
SERIAL NO. range: -

2009:
SERIAL NO. range: - CML2648 (June)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




* Please refer to posts 49 and 50 of this Thread for clarification.


** The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson list serial number blocks by the years that S&W used them. S&W would manufacture a large amount of frames, but would not use them for assembly for weeks, sometimes several years. Many times a frame with a later serial number would be assembled and shipped before an earlier serial numbered frame. It is important to know that the firearm's "age" or "build date" is actually documented by the date that it was shipped out of the S&W factory, not by the date of it's assembly. The only way to verify an exact date of your firearm is to obtain a letter from S&W, which can be requested through their web site for a minimal cost.


** Standard factory "J-frame" grips and aftermarket j-frame grips will not fit the Centennial - Model 40/42 series. The semi-circular area at the top of the grip is smaller than the other S&W J-Frame revolvers.




List of Forum Member Ownership:
** Centennial Standard ~ Centennial Airweight / Model 40 ~ 42 ~ 40-1 and 42-1 **
_____________________________________________________________________

NFrameFred: Centennial Standard; vintage 50s: Flat Latch ~ Smooth High Horns ~ Blue
H Richard:Model 40; 06/1972: Pinned barrel ~ Smooth Low Horns ~ Blue
29aholic: Centennial Standard; 05/1956: Flat Latch ~ Smooth High Horns ~ 4-screw side plate ~ Blue
TSmith49: Model 42; early 60s: Flat Latch ~ Smooth High Horns ~ 3 screw side plate ~ Matte Black
los: Model 40-1; 06/2009: ~ Nickle
Lt JL: Model 40; 00/1957: 4-screw side plate ~ Smooth High Horns ~ Nickle
NCBeagle: Model 40; 00/1973: Smooth Low Horns ~ Blue
Malysh: Model 40; 05/1961: 2" Barrel ~ Smooth High Horns ~ Flat Latch ~ 4-screw side plate ~ Blue
Malysh: Centennial Airweight; 06/1954: 2" barrel ~ Smooth High Horns ~ Flat Latch ~ 4-screw side plate w/bug screw ~ Blue







.

[NFrameFred]

Originally Posted by los

The first models came with smooth stocks. They had a flat cylinder latch and a pinned barrel. They were serial numbered without a lettered suffix. .

You mean like this one ? All original, safety block pin still in the frame, second year production ?, serial number 11XX . . .



Though technically, this one belongs in the "1896 to 1961" category.

[los]

Originally Posted by NFrameFred

...You mean like this one ? All original, safety block pin still in the frame, first year production, serial number 11XX . . .

Yes, Sir. Just like that one.

Early models, such as yours, came with tall, high horned [smooth] stocks. The smooth stocks would shorten a bit in coming years and eventually replaced with checkered sets.

Extremely apropo to start this thread with an early vintage Centennial.

THANKS for the photo.

[H Richard]

This one dates to June 1972.


And the 940 dates to Aug. 91.

but the predecessor 32 Safety Hammerless dates to 1921.

[los]

Very nice, H Richard.

I'll bet the 940 is a joy to shoot with those stocks. The .32 lemon squeezer looks to be in excellent condition.

Your Model 40 is a fine example period Piece.!

Thanks for the photos, and your participation.

I'll start maintaining a list of all who post Centennial/Model 40' Ownership, and document d/o/m on their Piece, if available.

[29aholic]

Shipped about 1954

[los]

Originally Posted by 29aholic

...Shipped about 1954

Awesome. Loaded, with a Shoe..!!

Is that a rubber Pachy grip adapter..?

..and Thanks. You're on the List.

[29aholic]

Originally Posted by los

Awesome. Loaded, with a Shoe..!!

Is that a rubber Pachy grip adapter..?

..and Thanks. You're on the List.

Actually, its a Smith and Wesson GA but probably made by Pachymahr.

I find the trigger shoe helps with the long double action. And yes it is almost always loaded

If I think about it I'll post the serial number when I get home.

[los]

Originally Posted by 29aholic

...If I think about it I'll post the serial number when I get home.

That would be a nice addition.

I'll also place a notation that yours is a 4-screw model. Definitely an early production Centennial Standard.

[TSmith49]

This one's a 42 serial # 162XX, early sixties maybe.

[los]

Originally Posted by TSmith49

This one's a 42 serial # 162XX, early sixties maybe.

Our first Airweight.

The T-Grip blends in perfectly with your 42. Is yours a 4 or 5 screw model?

THANKS for the photo, TSmith49.

[ischia]

When did the "High Horn" stocks go away? Where they numbered to the gun? I have a set of the smooth later"Low Horn" type stamped "J" L&R and "8766" R only,2 pin holes each L&R. Black washers behind the silver S&W medallions. Perhaps a post on the classifieds is in order but I would like to know what I have first. Great idea as to a thread. Very informative with members pics to help learn all about an S&W model.

Thanks,
Ischia

[los]

Originally Posted by ischia

When did the "High Horn" stocks go away? Where they numbered to the gun? I have a set of the smooth later"Low Horn" type stamped "J" L&R and "8766" R only,2 pin holes each L&R. Black washers behind the silver S&W medallions.

Great idea as to a thread. Very informative with members pics to help learn all about an S&W model.

Thanks,
Ischia

Thanks, ischia.

I'm not exactly sure when the high horns were discontinued but I think they were replaced by 1969. The "low horn" stocks were placed on the Models 40 and 42 when S&W started the "L" prefix serial number sometime in 1968-69. I think we'll learn a lot of info and history as Owners participate and share photos and production/shipping dates of their handguns.

I'm looking forward to obtaining and documenting an accurate time-line pertaining to the changes and model evolution of these beautiful handguns.

[TSmith49]

Originally Posted by los

Our first Airweight.

The T-Grip blends in perfectly with your 42. Is yours a 4 or 5 screw model?

THANKS for the photo, TSmith49.

los,
It's a 3 screw.
You're welcome.
TS

[los]

Originally Posted by TSmith49

...It's a 3 screw.

Good to know.

They may have re-designed the frame [to 3 screws] by the time they designated it the Model 40/42 in 1957. (?)

** AMENDED: Confirmed that the 4 and 5 screw models were last produced in 1956.

[29aholic]

Centennial Pre-40 serial number 8014 shipped 5/1956. Incidentally, the grips do not match to the number of the gun which is interesting to me as only Centennial grips fit a Centennial.

[NFrameFred]

I'm sure, knowing these guys, that someone here has one earlier than mine and probably in 'as new' condition . . .

[flgolfer29]

Originally Posted by los

** Standard "J-frame" aftermarket grips will not fit the Model 40. The semi-circular area at the top of the grip is smaller than the other S&W snub nose revolvers.[/color]
~~ .

los,
which Tyler T-Grip should I order to fit the new Model 40? or is the T-Grip not affected?

thanks,
Joe

[29aholic]

Originally Posted by flgolfer29

los,
which Tyler T-Grip should I order to fit the new Model 40? or is the T-Grip not affected?

thanks,
Joe

Joe
The grip adapter for a "J" frame is the one you need. The one on mine is an S&W small. I dont know what Tyler's number is.

[los]

Originally Posted by flgolfer29

los,
which Tyler T-Grip should I order to fit the new Model 40? or is the T-Grip not affected?

thanks,
Joe

Hello, Joe.

According to their site, Tyler offers two models for J Frames. Centennial owners (thats us ) should order the #1 T-Grip.

- Jimmy

[los]

Originally Posted by 29aholic

Centennial Pre-40 serial number 8014 shipped 5/1956. Incidentally, the grips do not match to the number of the gun which is interesting to me as only Centennial grips fit a Centennial.

Thanks, Curtis.

Your stocks are obviously Centennial specific. It appears that the original (number matched) stocks were lost or ruined and the previous owner replaced them.?

[los]

She arrived this morning.

My first carry revolver. A Model 40-1 in Nickle.

[29aholic]

Congrats, very nice...very shiny

[flgolfer29]

Originally Posted by los

Nice looking piece, now waiting on the range report !! I wonder how it compares to the lighter 442, hmmmm.

My new Model 40 should be in by the middle of next week.

[Lt JL]

here's one that came in a Centennial box, but was marked model 40. SN 15163. I think maybe 1953 vintage

[los]

Originally Posted by flgolfer29

...Nice looking piece, now waiting on the range report !! I wonder how it compares to the lighter 442, hmmmm.

My new Model 40 should be in by the middle of next week.

Thanks a bunch. I hope to take her out this weekend. The 40 is a little heavier than the 442 so felt recoil should be a tad less punishable on the 40. It's pretty much all subjective anyway.

The 442 is a littel more comfy in pocket carry, i'm sure.

Be sure to post photos of yours when you get a chance and let's document the s/n range, too.

[NCBeagle]

Here is my contribution. This dates to 1973 (Serial No. L693X). I purchased it from a retired Kentucky State Police officer earlier this year. It was a police evidence gun sold at auction. It is in good shape except for a scratch on the side-plate. Grips are numbered to the gun, still has the little pin to hold the grip safety down. I carry it frequently.

[29aholic]

Originally Posted by Lt JL

here's one that came in a Centennial box, but was marked model 40. SN 15163. I think maybe 1953 vintage

1953 would not be model marked, I'd say yours dates to 57/58. Nice gun.

[los]

Originally Posted by Lt JL

here's one that came in a Centennial box, but was marked model 40. SN 15163. I think maybe 1953 vintage

Stunning specimen.!

I'll go forward and revise the list to show the s/n range.

THANK YOU very much for the photo and the valuable information.

[los]

Originally Posted by 29aholic

1953 would not be model marked, I'd say yours dates to 57/58. Nice gun.

I thought the 4/5-screw side plate was re-designed by the time the model 40 was introduced in 1957 ?

The s/n does place it at 57/58.. Hmmm...

[los]

Very nice, NC.

Could you provide the first few numbers of the s/n to document a year/month range?? You can PM me the info if you'd like.

Thanks.
- Jimmy

[NCBeagle]

Originally Posted by los

Very nice, NC.

Could you provide the first few numbers of the s/n to document a year/month range?? You can PM me the info if you'd like.

Thanks.
- Jimmy

Thanks Jimmy. I added the info to my original post after your suggestion. Should have done that the first time around. The serial no. is L693*.

[los]

Thank You, Sir.

[Malysh]

Mod 40 #17699 shipped 1961. Note the 4 screw frame. This Mod 40 was manufactured prior to 1957 but it wasn't sold for another 5 years.

[los]

Malysh, great looking Piece. Would you happen to know the month it was shipped..?

Another Member /Owner has reported in with a 4 screw Model 40 that was shipped in 57. Both yours and his are very unique, indeed.

I'll add your info to the Time Line.

Thank you very much for the photos and your contribution!

[Malysh]

Originally Posted by los

Malysh, great looking Piece. Would you happen to know the month it was shipped..?

Another Member has reporting in with a 4 screw Model 40 that was shipped in 57. Both yours and his are very unique, indeed.

I'll add your info to the Time Line.

Thank you very much for the photos and your contribution!

I have the letter upstairs in the safe. I'll get it out and let you know.

I also have Centennial Airweight #3651, lettered as sold in 1954 with the strain or bug screw imposed over the top side plate screw. I think that one was actually mfg. in 1953. As for 1952s, the first year of production for the Centennial Airweight and the Centennial, we don't find many of them that lettered in the "first year" as production of the Airweight started in Nov. 1952 and the Centennial production started in Dec 1952, so not too many of them were made during the "first year".

One can make a case that any 1953 Centennial Airweight or Centennial sold before the end of Nov and Dec 1953 respectively were made within 12 months of the beginning of production dates. Dates are from Roy Jinks' book "The History of Smith & Wesson"

[los]

Originally Posted by Malysh

..I have the letter upstairs in the safe. I'll get it out and let you know.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Malysh

...I also have Centennial Airweight #3651, lettered as sold in 1954 with the strain or bug screw imposed over the top side plate screw. I think that one was actually mfg. in 1953.

Valuable information, in deed. The s/n has been logged in it's designated area.

Originally Posted by Malysh

...As for 1952s, the first year of production for the Centennial Airweight and the Centennial, we don't find many of them that lettered in the "first year" as production of the Airweight started in Nov. 1952 and the Centennial production started in Dec 1952, so not too many of them were made during the "first year".

Affirmative. Although I have a member/centennial owner reporting in with a s/n 11xx, shipped in 1952. It would appear that S&W was very busy at the end of 52 shipping out a large amount of Centennials.

Originally Posted by Malysh

...Dates are from Roy Jinks' book "The History of Smith & Wesso

Sounds like an authoritative source. I needs to get me one of those...

[Malysh]

Los, you forgot to mention the introduction of the Mod 640 sometime in the early 90s. These were the first Centennials reintroduced after the L prefix model was discontinued in 1974. I feel this is a true Centennial even though it did not have the grip safety feature. Mod 640s also have the larger frame cutout for standard size S&W washers and grips.

[los]

Originally Posted by Malysh

Los, you forgot to mention the introduction of the Mod 640 sometime in the early 90s. I feel this is a true Centennial even though it did not have the grip safety feature. Mod 640s also have the larger frame cutout for standard size S&W washers and grips.

I actually thought long and hard about including the venerable 640. It's definitely a direct descendant of the original Centennial.

But I wanted to keep the Thread specific to the Centennial and it's variants that incorporated the grip safety feature.

Heck, I'm having a tough time just keeping up with the history and all the changes that took place with the Model 40/42 before it was canned in 74.

[Malysh]

Originally Posted by los

I actually thought long and hard about including the venerable 640. It's definitely a direct descendant of the original Centennial.

But I wanted to keep the Thread specific to the Centennial and it's variants that incorporated the grip safety feature.

Heck, I'm having a tough time just keeping up with the history and all the changes that took place with the Model 40/42 before it was canned in 74.

It's your thread and your call. The Mod 640 is a genuine Centennial and has the distinction of being the first Centennial model to be reintroduced after production of the L prefix series ended in 1974. It lead the way, so to speak, for the 642 etal, and the "Classic" Centennials that were introduced a few years ago.

[Malysh]

Centennial Airweight # 3651 was shipped from the factory on June 21, 1954 (my parent's anniversary) to Morley Brothers Co. Saginaw MI.
It was shipped with a 2 inch barrel, blue finish, and smooth walnut high horn grips.

Centennial Mod 40 # 17,699 was shipped from the factory on May 9, 1961 (not 1962 as I misremembered) to Charles Daley Co. Emsford NY.
It was shipped with a 2 inch barrel, blue finish, and smooth walnut high horn grips.

[los]

Originally Posted by Malysh

...The Mod 640 is a genuine Centennial and has the distinction of being the first Centennial model to be reintroduced after production of the L prefix series ended in 1974. It lead the way, so to speak, for the 642 etal, and the "Classic" Centennials that were introduced a few years ago.

I concur.

For me the 640 stands out as being the first stainless made [safety] hammerless and the first 357 mag Centennial variant, and of course, the first Centennial variant sans grip safety.

I think it's fair to say that the original Centennial is the grand daddy of all the safety hammerless variants, including the ultra-lite framed, laser equipped models in current production.

[Malysh]

"Affirmative. Although I have a member/centennial owner reporting in with a s/n 11xx, shipped in 1952. It would appear that S&W was very busy at the end of 52 shipping out a large amount of Centennials." - Los

I wonder how accurate the time line is? I find it hard to believe that S&W produced 1100 or more of these in 1952, considering that Centennial Airweight production started on Nov. 21st 1952 and Centennial production started Dec 1, 1952. That would mean that they made 1100 of them in 40 days. Seems like a lot considering that Mr. Jinks stated that full production did not start until August 26, 1953, some 10 months after the first ones were made.
There are always anomolies in doing this type of research. Similar mysteries are found with other noted companies like Colt and Walther.

If you want any help with this research let me know, I'd be happy to help. Centennials and Centennial Airweights are of special interest to me.

[los]

Originally Posted by Malysh

...I find it hard to believe that S&W produced 1100 or more of these in 1952, considering that Centennial Airweight production started on Nov. 21st 1952 and Centennial production started Dec 1, 1952. That would mean that they made 1100 of them in 40 days.

Perhaps the assembly and subsequent shipping of sequential s/n Centennials was breached..? I think an accurate reference will eventually be established as more owners chime in with their handguns in the coming weeks and months....

I'm looking forward to it..!!!

Originally Posted by Malysh

..If you want any help with this research let me know, I'd be happy to help. Centennials and Centennial Airweights are of special interest to me.

Thanks. I'll most likely be taking you up on that offer, sooner or later.

[los]

Originally Posted by Malysh

Centennial Airweight # 3651 was shipped from the factory on June 21, 1954 (my parent's anniversary) to Morley Brothers Co. Saginaw MI.
It was shipped with a 2 inch barrel, blue finish, and smooth walnut high horn grips.

Centennial Mod 40 # 17,699 was shipped from the factory on May 9, 1961 (not 1962 as I misremembered) to Charles Daley Co. Emsford NY.
It was shipped with a 2 inch barrel, blue finish, and smooth walnut high horn grips.

Extremely valuable information.!

Your Airweight has to have an enormous amount of sentimental value. I sincerely appreciate you sharing that information with us.

Again, THANK YOU very much.

[los]

I took her out today to take some photographs in her factory attire. I'll post a few more photos once the stags and the t-grip is installed. It may be a while before I find a t-grip, though.

I'm hoping to take her out to the range tomorrow.

Here's a few photos...

[flgolfer29]

Excellent photo skills los. Your 40 looks almost too good to alter...

[los]

Thanks, golfer.

I think all s&w handguns are a thing of beauty. They're sorta like the Beauty and the Beast, all in one package.

[jcelect]

Hey los
You wrote "Perhaps the assembly and subsequent shipping of sequential s/n Centennials was breached..? I think an accurate reference will eventually be established as more owners chime in with their handguns in the coming weeks and months.... " which is a true statment! However it is also a wrong statement! Mr. Jinks has stated many times that the factory did not manufacture nor ship guns in ANY serial number sequential order. I have been tracking serial number/ship date data for a couple years now to be used in a research project on Sun Burst boxes. I have four serial numbers of pre 40 and pre 42 models which exemplify Mr Jinks statement;
#3647 - pre 42 - Dec 1957
#3651 - pre 42 - Jun 1954
#3933 - pre 40 - Nov 1954
#5062 - pre 40 - Nov 1954
Thank you Malysh for providing #3651 however it will not be used in my research as I only use numbers from the boxes!


There are a couple of Centennials in this picuture that fit the critera of this thread! ? ! ?
jcelect SWCA#LM723

[los]

Originally Posted by jcelect

Hey los
You wrote "Perhaps the assembly and subsequent shipping of sequential s/n Centennials was breached..? I think an accurate reference will eventually be established as more owners chime in with their handguns in the coming weeks and months.... " which is a true statment! However it is also a wrong statement! Mr. Jinks has stated many times that the factory did not manufacture nor ship guns in ANY serial number sequential order. I have been tracking serial number/ship date data for a couple years now to be used in a research project on Sun Burst boxes. I have four serial numbers of pre 40 and pre 42 models which exemplify Mr Jinks statement;
#3647 - pre 42 - Dec 1957
#3651 - pre 42 - Jun 1954
#3933 - pre 40 - Nov 1954
#5062 - pre 40 - Nov 1954
Thank you Malysh for providing #3651 however it will not be used in my research as I only use numbers form the boxes!

SWCA#LM723

Thank You, Sir.

You've provided valuable information that brings much needed clarity to the Thread. I appreciate that. I'll revise the TL to reflect the data.

I'm hopeful that the Time Line will eventually accumulate enough [accurate] information for it to be utilized as a useful reference.

If anything, it should at least provide a good estimation on shipping dates and fully document any and all factory changes that took place, in chronological order.

Do you have any data regarding production numbers from year to year?