Need help to select a s&w revolver model that was produced in year 1972, which's my birth year. I want to have a classic revolver that has the same age as me and will keep it with me. Thanks!
Statistically, you are most likely to hit paydirt with a Model 10-5 or 10-6, or one of the J-frames, a Model 36 or variant. They were produced in large numbers annually and were popular as service weapons, so they moved off the shelves, there are quite a few surplus police guns on offer at all times, and if you go by the serial ranges in the SCSW supplemented by some research on lettered guns here in older threads, you're likely to be able to nail the year 1972 with relative certainty. We have folks here who keep track of serials in databases and may even be able to suggest serial number ranges. The Model 15 can be added to the list. As you move into the .357 and .44 Magnums, things will get a bit pricier and scarcer, as these are considered more desirable by many.
For the fixed-sight K-frame guns (Model 10 and variants), the serial ranges for production are D 330000 to D 420000 for 1971/1972 and D 420000 to D 510000 for 1972/1973.
There are always outliers with shipping dates, so there is never a 100% guarantee, but probability would suggest the closer you find one to the middle value D 420000, the likelier it will have shipped in 1972.
J-frames are trickier as 1972 was a year with the confusing "floating J", but any gun with a serial consisting of 5 numbers and the letter J interspersed toward the back, like xxxJxx, could be a candidate.
For the fixed-sight K-frame guns (Model 10 and variants), the serial ranges for production are D 330000 to D 420000 for 1971/1972 and D 420000 to D 510000 for 1972/1973.
There are always outliers with shipping dates, so there is never a 100% guarantee, but probability would suggest the closer you find one to the middle value D 420000, the likelier it will have shipped in 1972.
J-frames are trickier as 1972 was a year with the confusing "floating J", but any gun with a serial consisting of 5 numbers and the letter J interspersed toward the back, like xxxJxx, could be a candidate.
Good luck!
Man, this is really useful information, really appreciated!
Good luck on finding your "birth year" gun. As others have posted, it may take quite a while, but the research and search are part of the fun. For years I looked for a 1947 M&P 4" factory nickel (see my avatar), and two years ago finally found one from a private seller. And it's one of only 4 or 5 of my (too many) revolvers that will go to my sons.
1972 was a very good year for those beautiful S & W blued steel and walnut (or nickel if that be your pleasure) revolvers.
It looks to me that you have set your sights decently and are willing to research and wait it out.
In order to get you drooling I'll post some of my lettered 1972, and a couple that are close. Personally I really think you will have exactly what you want (once you define it for yourself) and probably under the $1k mark except for the Model 29 which in my opinion will be a tad more.
So without further adoo: left to right (I hope): Model 34-1, .22 cal., 1972: about $650 VG w/o box or docs, Model 10-5, .38 Spl, 1972, $650, Model 25-2, .45acp cal. 1972, $900, Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman, .357 Mag (1974 this one) $700,
Model 19-3 nickel, .357 Mag (1976 this one) $800.
Certainly I may be off $100 or more either way depending on where you live, what's up for sale at LGS/I-net, and your own negotiating skills, but I really believe you will find exactly what you want.
As others have said......stick with the folks on this forum...we love to help newbies and besides the more that accumulate S & W revolvers the more we get to see pics (and we get to drool too)!
N frames from N1 to N100,000 were 1969-1972 (357, 41 mag 44 mag etc)
K frame adj look for some 2K, 3K, 4K and 5K although some of the 4K and 5k are from 73-74 and some 2K below 2K59 were in 1971. (22lr-357)
For more info get a copy of Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. Copy the 1972 numbers from the pages starting about 485 and keep them with you. You could also join the S&W collectors Association and have them keep an eye out/ Plus, post an ad in the WTB section here.
As others have said, having a relative idea of serial numbers by years for different Models will help immensely with your search for a 1972 so probably the best investment you can make is jump on Amazon and order up a copy of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson...4th Edition This is the "bible" most of us live with and in today's age it is even easier, just pop a few cell phone pics of the pages with serial number range and models in the back of the book, and you don't even have to lug the bible around to gun shows, LGS while you are searching.
As others have said also when looking for your 1972 also toss the Model 14, and Model 15 in the search. They are both 38 Spl but real fine guns too. I didn't have 1972, but the 14-3 "long tom" is 1967, and the 15-3 is 1969. The Model 29-2 is 1980 but like I said earlier...I think you'll need to get over the $1K mark for sure in the hunt for one of the biggies.
The Letter (see copy for my 25-2 , .45 acp) from Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation is the ONLY way that I know of to positively say you have a 1972 gun. At least that is the only provenance that I go by. So...one can be reasonably sure by checking serial number dates with SCSW 4th, but to be positively sure you need the Letter.
Birth year gun is a great idea! But I've so many holes in my collection that I'm bound to pull the trigger on the next nice pre-80's revolver to come my way...wife permitting.
Hello and welcome. There has been a great deal of great information and suggestions given here. I can only add don't get so focused on the acquisition that you overlook the journey. In 1979 I was able to acquire my first handgun, a 6" Colt Python. It was made in 1978, the year I graduated High School. Well 28 years later I came across a 4" Colt Python that had also been made in 1978 (which I added to my collection). During that 28 years I came across many fine handguns, most I still have. Yes many of those fine handguns are S&W, in fact most are. Which do I like more? Each has its own individual appeal. The point to this is enjoy the search as you will find many fine handguns along the way.
Nothing says 70s S&W more than a Model 66. The one on top was shipped to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department in Oct. 1972. It belonged to Patrolman Larry Childress who was killed in the line of duty almost 10 years later. It has a place of honor in my safe.
This forum is loaded with great people and quality posts, I really enjoy being here and feel lucky to have you guying giving me so many great suggestions. Looking for a nice gun will take time and need to be patient, but as many of you said, "research and search are part of the fun", learning from others are also fun too.
You're missing one good model, 31-1. I have one I bought new in box in June 1972 for the wife and it's never been fired.
Still have the original box of S&W 32 longs, hope they are still good. Good luck with your search.
I looked at what I have and there are plenty of 1971s and several 1973s (including some spectacular commemoratives). I only have one 1972 Smith and Wesson. . . but it is a good one
Model 50 Chief's Special Target.
I guess we can not call this representative of the early seventies since there were so few of them produced.
I hope you have better luck than I have had. Try a birth year of 1942. I finally got a [likely] 1942 Victory. But it is in such bad condition (Not disclosed by the Gunbroker seller) that it is barely useable as a paper weight.
For Ole Joe Clark and Twiki357, since I am waaaaay younger than you old timers I have stumbled on just what you both need.
S&W Victory (like yours.....ugly, ungainly, wrong grips, missing the lanyard swivel and pin, Black Magic finish), but...US Navy and April to Dec 1942 all the way!
Ithaca 1911A1, all correct, 1943 per research.
Unfortunately I am birth year 1945 so like you guys...relegated to probably WWII, but I am still on the lookout for a Registered Magnum that one of the S&W craftsman made during his spare time in between cranking out Victories and those sub machine guns.....and factory guys just forgot to register it in the logs.
PS: My Victory I believe was dropped overboard on a North Atlantic convoy run, and recovered years later when Ballard found the Titanic...at least from the finish condition...but sheesh...she still puts them in the black if you do your part
Sorry for the highjack OP, glad you snagged a SCSW 4th..you will quickly find that you cannot turn a single page without jotting down whatever you see on that page and "starting" your wish list. You will probably quickly forget the birth year and start sliding down the S&W slippery slope known as "collecting".
Came across a no dash model 67, year 1972. Over all condition's pretty good, comes with original grip, has turn line but quite light, clean barrel, locks tight . But there are "black spots" around hammer area, also on top of the barrel; as seen in the last photo, the owner obviously used the wrong tool to open the side plate for some reason and the screws are kind of ruined.
Anyway I decided to take it and will try to put some recovery effort on it. Question is that, will some polishing good enough to remove the "black spot" or should I send it to s&w; where can I find the OEM replacement screw? [edit] ok, Numrich Gun Parts has everything
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Last edited by microtough; 09-02-2017 at 12:05 AM.
I looked at what I have and there are plenty of 1971s and several 1973s (including some spectacular commemoratives). I only have one 1972 Smith and Wesson. . . but it is a good one
Model 50 Chief's Special Target.
I guess we can not call this representative of the early seventies since there were so few of them produced.
I, too, seek a '72 -- a Chiefs Special -- the year I joined the 'Force.
Came across a no dash model 67, year 1972. Over all condition's pretty good, comes with original grip, has turn line but quite light, clean barrel, locks tight . But there are "black spots" around hammer area, also on top of the barrel; as seen in the last photo, the owner obviously used the wrong tool to open the side plate for some reason and the screws are kind of ruined.
Anyway I decided to take it and will try to put some recovery effort on it. Question is that, will some polishing good enough to remove the "black spot" or should I send it to s&w; where can I find the OEM replacement screw? [edit] ok, Numrich Gun Parts has everything
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Well, that was a short search - it took several years (?!) of not particularly intensive searching to find one near my birth year.
There is no harm in trying to get the black marks out of the metal. Start with a light abrasive and pressure; you may get the black out but there may be underlying pitting.
If the forwardmost side plate screw needs replacing (the "yoke retention" screw), be forewarned that is fitted so the cylinder assembly opens and closes smoothly and doesn't fall out of the gun with action open and muzzle down, so if you buy a new one it may need minor filing. Also, the one under the stock panel has a flat head to clear the wood.
Suggestions from my list of revolvers with 72 dates. 25-2 with s/n N627xx dates to Oct. 72 ship date. J Frame Mod 40 s/n L137x shipped June 72. Keep in mind S&W did not always ship in s/n order. (No, I don't wish to sell either of these).
Ok, some updates here. Ended up sent my model 67 no dash to S & W, people over there did some great job and made it feels like new. Took it to the range yesterday and put some rounds through it. Picture #3 shows the target after 50 rounds at 10 yards. I love this gun!
I've sort of informally looked for a "birth year," 1952, gun for years. I've had 51's and 53's, but the only 52 I've ever seen was a Terrier in 38 S&W. I knew it was a '52, because it came with a factory letter.
I passed on it because it was chambered in 38 S&W, not 38 Special. I figured something else would come along. It hasn't yet.
My advice, when you find what you're looking for, don't hesitate.
[QUOTE=microtough;139730816]Came across a no dash model 67, year 1972. Over all condition's pretty good, comes with original grip, has turn line but quite light, clean barrel, locks tight . But there are "black spots" around hammer area, also on top of the barrel; as seen in the last photo, the owner obviously used the wrong tool to open the side plate for some reason and the screws are kind of ruined.
Anyway I decided to take it and will try to put some recovery effort on it. Question is that, will some polishing good enough to remove the "black spot" or should I send it to s&w; where can I find the OEM replacement screw? [edit] ok, Numrich Gun Parts has everything
I was going to suggest you find a 67ND since 1972 was the first year for that model too. Don't catch the fever like me though. I'm a sucker for anything made in 1948.
Came across a no dash model 67, year 1972. Over all condition's pretty good, comes with original grip, has turn line but quite light, clean barrel, locks tight . But there are "black spots" around hammer area, also on top of the barrel; as seen in the last photo, the owner obviously used the wrong tool to open the side plate for some reason and the screws are kind of ruined.
Anyway I decided to take it and will try to put some recovery effort on it. Question is that, will some polishing good enough to remove the "black spot" or should I send it to s&w; where can I find the OEM replacement screw? [edit] ok, Numrich Gun Parts has everything
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Excellent first choice to scratch that itch until you find “The one”
These are great shooters as you have already found out. I love mine. Enjoy it while you continue your search.
Need help to select a s&w revolver model that was produced in year 1972, which's my birth year. I want to have a classic revolver that has the same age as me and will keep it with me. Thanks!
1972???? Geezus boy-I've got hemorrhoids older than that
Looking for a s&w revolver produced in year 1972
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