On some of the Model 19 posts I've been browsing, I've read people mentioning that theirs is a "4-screw" or other. What does this mean?

Instead of the more modern 3 screws in the side plate there would be one up top. There is also a 5 screw on even older models with even another screw at the front of the trigger guard. Then you can even have buddy screws... Get a copy of the SCSW it is an excellent reference and will lead you to buy even more Smith's you did not know you wanted.

Hope this helps.

FR has it correct. For the model 19 and other medium frames, the 4-screw was from about 1957 to '61. Since these were made in smaller numbers earlier in the production run they are more desirable to collectors.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

M19 4 screw shipped 2-1960 to Williams Gun Sight Co. bought at last summers Reno show. One of the standouts in my meager collection. Big Larry

Prior to 1956, K and N (large) frame revolvers had a 5-screw frame. There were four screws in the side plate (the upper side plate screw was larger than the other three) and a cylinder stop plunger screw in front of the trigger guard. On September 7, 1955, S&W authorized the deletion of the upper side plate screw for K-frame revolvers (a year later for N-frame revolvers). The Combat Magnum (later the Model 19) was put into production in late 1955 and was the first model to be made with the 4-screw frame (i.e. three screws in the side plate and the cylinder stop plunger screw in front of the trigger guard). On November 28, 1961, S&W improved the cylinder stop that resulted in the deletion of the cylinder stop plunger screw. By 1962, revolvers with a 3-screw frame (i.e. three screws in the side plate) were being shipped.

Bill

So Bill, my 357 mag. 5 screw # S 163827, no XXX's, shipped 3-1957 is one of the last 5 screw 357's? Thanks, Big Larry

Big Larry...5-screw and 4-screw revolvers were shipped concurrently through the first six months or so of 1957. After that, most were 4-screw revolvers with a few 5-screws being shipped (some models that were slow movers like the 1950 Target 45 and 38/44 Outdoorsman continued to be shipped with a 5-screw frame until around 1960). The earliest 4-screws were shipped in February/March 1957 and had a serial number in the S167400 range.

Bill

Pictures always help.

Jim

So, it would appear that my 5 screw pre M27 is one of the last. I have two 4 screw Pre M14's shipped 1-57 and 2-57. Big Larry

Great pic! Thank you. Very helpful. Is this also what it means when something is described as 4-pinned?