Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-24-2018, 09:01 PM
RoyS's Avatar
RoyS RoyS is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 183
Likes: 719
Liked 539 Times in 103 Posts
Default Why 1980..?

Gentlemen,

Forgive this elementary question but I'm new to collecting S&W revolvers, so just eager to learn.

So why is the year of 1980 the cut off between this area of the forum and the next?

Does it have some significance in regards manufacturing etc or is there some other reason?

Thanking you in advance for your patience..

Cheerio,

Roy
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-24-2018, 09:22 PM
-db-'s Avatar
-db- -db- is offline
US Veteran
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,569
Likes: 13,995
Liked 5,918 Times in 1,761 Posts
Default

'81, give or take, was when the factory stopped pinning barrels and recessing cylinders.
__________________
SWHF #448
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 05-24-2018, 09:26 PM
RoyS's Avatar
RoyS RoyS is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 183
Likes: 719
Liked 539 Times in 103 Posts
Default

Thank you for that.

I suspected it may be something along those lines, so good to know.

Cheerio,

Roy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-24-2018, 09:31 PM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,906
Likes: 41,494
Liked 29,147 Times in 13,778 Posts
Default And instead of improvements.....

Starting with the recessed cylinders and pinned barrels, 'improvements' were more cost cutting measures or fixes for bugs. Like the 686 recall and a host of other controversies.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Last edited by rwsmith; 05-24-2018 at 09:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-24-2018, 09:42 PM
k22fan k22fan is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,835
Likes: 5,161
Liked 5,242 Times in 2,483 Posts
Default

The Owner/Administrator's long winded explanation is here: NEW Category Explanation >- 1-26-09

It's been years since I read handejector's explanation. All I remember is that 1980 was about the time that mini-mart signs started to be dominated by low cost specials on BEER beer so that probably was the reason. Either that or a change in great ape mating season rituals?

Last edited by k22fan; 05-24-2018 at 10:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 05-24-2018, 10:02 PM
UncleEd UncleEd is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 2,829
Liked 9,062 Times in 3,180 Posts
Default

If I recall also Smith dropped the
grooved triggers for wider, smooth
ones, and at the time may have
introduced a "larger" cylinder
retention screw.

And the tapered barrels such as
on the Model 15 were dropped for
the straight "heavy" barrel.

I think of the cutoff date being 1981 with
the changes coming in 1982.

Then internals were changed somewhere
along the 1990s such as the armature
for the hammer spring, it no longer being
pinned but free to fall out.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-24-2018, 10:18 PM
JP@AK's Avatar
JP@AK JP@AK is offline
US Veteran
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 14,477
Likes: 5,111
Liked 18,981 Times in 6,862 Posts
Default

Re: pinned barrels and counter-bored charge holes, the change started in 1980 with the introduction of the L frame. Those never had the two notable features. P&R hung around on the K & N frames for two more years, and were phased out in 1982. Same for pinned barrels on the J frames (no "R" in that frame size).

So, the 1980 date corresponds to the disappearance of P&R - or the start of it. That was one factor in the decision to make the break at that point. At least, that is what Lee told me when I asked him about it privately, a short time I joined this Forum.
__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 05-24-2018, 10:34 PM
EarlB EarlB is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: North Texas
Posts: 633
Likes: 475
Liked 2,338 Times in 376 Posts
Default

I guess they had to draw the line somewhere, but there are no hard and fast rules. I have a 4" 25-5 that was a factory special order in 1983 and it still has a pinned barrel.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 05-24-2018, 11:50 PM
RoyS's Avatar
RoyS RoyS is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 183
Likes: 719
Liked 539 Times in 103 Posts
Default

Thank you for all your informative replies gentlemen.

I have certainly learned a lot this evening, no doubt more to come but such details keep this passion interesting.

Cheerio,

Roy
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-25-2018, 10:20 AM
JohnRippert's Avatar
JohnRippert JohnRippert is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Meadows Place, Texas
Posts: 5,779
Likes: 24,888
Liked 16,283 Times in 4,141 Posts
Default

Nice even number, or maybe because I was about to graduate from high school?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-25-2018, 11:58 AM
kobsw's Avatar
kobsw kobsw is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SW Suburbs - Phila, PA
Posts: 753
Likes: 4,261
Liked 1,229 Times in 284 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RoyS View Post
Thank you for all your informative replies gentlemen.

I have certainly learned a lot this evening, no doubt more to come but such details keep this passion interesting.

Cheerio,

Roy
RoyS, Remember as well that not ALL S&W revolvers had recessed cylinders prior 1980.

The only ones I'm aware of were guns chambered for magnum rounds and rimfire guns.

Maybe there is some obscure exception but I'm unaware of it.

Regards,

Kobsw
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 05-25-2018, 01:48 PM
Jack Flash's Avatar
Jack Flash Jack Flash is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,291
Likes: 33,745
Liked 10,944 Times in 3,944 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by k22fan View Post
The Owner/Administrator's long winded explanation is here: NEW Category Explanation >- 1-26-09

It's been years since I read handejector's explanation. All I remember is that 1980 was about the time that mini-mart signs started to be dominated by low cost specials on BEER beer so that probably was the reason. Either that or a change in great ape mating season rituals?
Gosh buddy, show some respect! "Long winded"? He gave a detailed explanation, which he was NOT required to do, but to let us know it wasn't something just written on a napkin during in a late night drinking session. Do I agree with every word? No, but the decision has been made. That ship has sailed, etc., etc.

I hope you were just trying to be funny. But let's keep it respectful, please!
__________________
They lack our altruism.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 05-25-2018, 01:55 PM
silentflyer silentflyer is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Roanoke, Va
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1,697
Liked 1,284 Times in 640 Posts
Default

The bean counters took over....
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-25-2018, 02:41 PM
UncleEd UncleEd is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: North Georgia
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 2,829
Liked 9,062 Times in 3,180 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by silentflyer View Post
The bean counters took over....
Yes, those darn bean counters. They should let
the old, expensive and antiquated ways continue
until the company fails and shareholders have
nothing.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 05-29-2018, 07:43 AM
bananaman's Avatar
bananaman bananaman is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Hillsdale, Mi.
Posts: 7,473
Likes: 6,985
Liked 7,014 Times in 2,927 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RoyS View Post
Gentlemen,

Forgive this elementary question but I'm new to collecting S&W revolvers, so just eager to learn.

So why is the year of 1980 the cut off between this area of the forum and the next?

Does it have some significance in regards manufacturing etc or is there some other reason?

Thanking you in advance for your patience..

Cheerio,

Roy
Welcome to the FORUM from Ohio! Bob
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 05-29-2018, 07:55 PM
Frogwalking's Avatar
Frogwalking Frogwalking is offline
US Veteran
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: East Ternnessee
Posts: 64
Likes: 28
Liked 54 Times in 31 Posts
Default

So, I have a model 63 made in 1981, but pinned and relieved. In which forum should I ask questions? Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 05-29-2018, 09:17 PM
bananaman's Avatar
bananaman bananaman is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Hillsdale, Mi.
Posts: 7,473
Likes: 6,985
Liked 7,014 Times in 2,927 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frogwalking View Post
So, I have a model 63 made in 1981, but pinned and relieved. In which forum should I ask questions? Thanks.
1980 to present would be best. Bob
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 05-29-2018, 10:50 PM
k22fan k22fan is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,835
Likes: 5,161
Liked 5,242 Times in 2,483 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frogwalking View Post
So, I have a model 63 made in 1981, but pinned and relieved. In which forum should I ask questions? Thanks.
Since all manufacturing changes were transitioned in over time, no date will completely separate revolvers by features. If separating revolvers by manufacturing advances was the goal, the sub forums could have been short action hand ejectors, long action hand ejectors and for the earliest group, top break and tip up revolvers. The question is would that be simpler for new members who are not avid collectors to use. Of course, someone would find that system's platypus. All classification systems have their platypus.

I like the revolver discussion separated into broad areas of interest. Fortunately, picking the boundaries was not my chore.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 05-30-2018, 08:09 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,550
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

In addition to the previous discussion, I’ve never seen anyone chastised severely if they post about a gun that is a year (or three) out of that forum’s range. It may be called to their attention, but it’s not an unpardonable sin. The basic divisions give guidance that makes things easier to find, but sometimes there is a valid reason for a gun to stray out of its “designated space.” Remember, with S&W, the main rule is that rules seem to be made to be broken.

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 05-30-2018, 10:45 AM
Tom_R's Avatar
Tom_R Tom_R is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 616
Liked 2,433 Times in 873 Posts
Default

Major engineering changes were afoot.

Regarding the pinned barrelsand recessed Cylinder being discontinued you will get a few different years. I have heard 1881, 1982 and even 1983.

I think the reason is because some guns took longer to make the change than others.

The 629 was pinned and recessed until 1983, the model 29 stopped being pinned and recessed earlier than that.

In 1980, you als had some new generation Revolvers like the L Frame coming over the horizon.

Plus 1980 was the year that Disco officially died.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 05-30-2018, 06:01 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,550
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom_R View Post
Major engineering changes were afoot.
Plus 1980 was the year that Disco officially died.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 06-02-2018, 10:01 PM
SuperMan SuperMan is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Rochester, NH USA
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 1,620
Liked 4,900 Times in 1,701 Posts
Default

Since it has been a long time since the divisions were established I would like to see one more divide at the 2002+- mark for guns made between 1980 and the introduction of the IL. Besides the IL there have been major engineering changes to the revolvers such as two piece barrels that were not there in the 1980s and 90s.....

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 06-06-2018, 03:50 PM
ISCS Yoda's Avatar
ISCS Yoda ISCS Yoda is offline
US Veteran
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,386
Likes: 2,475
Liked 13,044 Times in 4,531 Posts
Default

RoyS, I have three comments:

1. FASCINATING discussion. I loved it. And I don't think that k22fan was being intentionally disrespectful. I think it was his way of saying you got the short answer, here's where to look for a long detailed answer.

2.
Quote:
Plus 1980 was the year that Disco officially died.
Which is total proof that there is a God. Now if the focus could land on rap/hip-hop....

3. Oh, dear - Roy S, the moderators are going to be ALL OVER YOU for that last post - quick as you can, delete it and put it where it belongs, in the WTS Forum, and follow all of the rules. You haven't been here long, the mods might cut you some slack, but it would be so much better if you get ahead of it and move it.

Last edited by ISCS Yoda; 06-06-2018 at 03:54 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 06-06-2018, 04:34 PM
RoyS's Avatar
RoyS RoyS is offline
Member
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 183
Likes: 719
Liked 539 Times in 103 Posts
Default

Thanks for that.

No I have no idea how that 'for sale' post ended up in this section as I know I had put it in the appropriate area...very confused..:confused. I know I didn't put it here.

I thought the mods had pulled it due to falling foul of something but now it's shown up here. O well!

Cheers,

Roy

Last edited by RoyS; 06-06-2018 at 04:43 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 06-09-2018, 01:09 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

1962 – J frames only (c. #295,000 on the Chiefs Spl.), the hammer to spring strut junction changed from ball/socket to the fork/pin.

1965 - Bangor Punta on boxes and paperwork. Bangor Punta Corporation headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut didn't exist until 1964, when it appeared out of the merger of old Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in Maine with the Punta Alegre Sugar Company & RR of Cuba. BP finalized the purchase of S&W in 1965.

1967 – Relocation of the rear sight front tang screw forward,14-3, 15-3 & 18-3.

1966 - change from 3rd style flat latch to standard thumbpiece on J frames and probably Airweight K frames.

1968 - delete diamond around escutcheon October 11, 1965 and escutcheon nut on Magnas January 11, 1966 and marked the beginning of the change to stocks without the diamond. Magnas w/o diamond reported as early as 1966. 1968 - Order to delete the diamond on NT and KT stocks December 28, 1967

1973 - Stock med washers (circles) changed from black to stainless and the countersunk silver screw escutcheons to flat brass

1977 change from gas ring on yoke to cyl and back again 10-7 & 8, 14-4, 15-4 & 18-4, etc.

1979 - Stock numbering ceased, (with the Model 520 being one of the last models w/#d stocks although seldom matched the gun!)

1980 – New style extractor star, serial # no longer stamped on it.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 06-09-2018, 09:32 AM
Imissedagain's Avatar
Imissedagain Imissedagain is offline
US Veteran
Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..? Why 1980..?  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: South Florida
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 3,455
Liked 4,166 Times in 1,870 Posts
Default

Disco never died..... salsa overtook ketchup in 1980 as the #1 condiment and the 3 Step took over..... these days ya gotta write Salsa into a Texas line dance.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
WTS/WTT BHP (1980) Robert V GUNS - For Sale or Trade 0 06-06-2017 10:26 AM
66-1, 1980, is here S&W Fan S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 12 04-16-2015 09:44 PM
1980 All Over Again sixdeuce S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 43 03-30-2014 12:39 PM
1980? eveled S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 10 03-29-2014 12:48 AM
S&W 520 from the 1980's mojave30cal S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 26 08-01-2013 05:35 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:00 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)