Wondering how old these new purchases are.

dogzebra · #1 07-25-2018, 02:26 PM

One revolver is a Model 40 Centennial, serial #346xx, the other a Model 36, serial#J9869xx.

Thanks!

dcopper · #2 07-25-2018, 03:53 PM

3rd editions shows 1981 for the Model 36, does the centennial have a letter at the front of the 3? Can't find anything in 3rd edition.

Sorry
Larry

dogzebra · #3 07-25-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcopper

3rd editions shows 1981 for the Model 36, does the centennial have a letter at the front of the 3? Can't find anything in 3rd edition.

Sorry
Larry

Thanks for the 1981 on the model 36.

Reading from my receipt, there is no letter preceding the serial number on the 40. Here's a pic of the model stamp. I don't have the pistol at hand in order to remove Pachmayr grips... maybe Friday.

dcopper · #4 07-26-2018, 12:01 AM

That will be fine!

Absalom · #5 07-26-2018, 12:17 AM

There is something not right with the Centennial’s serial, as the SCSW shows non-prefix serials ending at 30160 in 1971. The following L-prefix only goes to L 9861 in 1974.

PS: May be coincidence, but I’m noticing the assembly number on the yoke has the same partial sequence as your partial serial. I wonder whether that number was mistaken for the serial.

ABPOS · #6 07-26-2018, 02:52 AM

Those are 2 gems. Thanks for sharing. I don't think I've ever seen a centennial with a polished blued finish. And I would love to see how a square butt J frame would fit me. I feel like it would fit better than a round butt.

dogzebra · #7 07-26-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

There is something not right with the Centennial’s serial, as the SCSW shows non-prefix serials ending at 30160 in 1971. The following L-prefix only goes to L 9861 in 1974.

PS: May be coincidence, but I’m noticing the assembly number on the yoke has the same partial sequence as your partial serial. I wonder whether that number was mistaken for the serial.

This is going to make for a fun discussion tomorrow when I go to pick the up these little jewels. We'll have to see what numbers are under the grips.

From what I was told, the Model 40 came from Chicago, leading me to believe that this gun belonged to an LEO or maybe an alderman. I like a good mystery, but hope this doesn't turn into an old Perry Mason rerun.

dogzebra · #8 07-26-2018, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABPOS

Those are 2 gems. Thanks for sharing. I don't think I've ever seen a centennial with a polished blued finish. And I would love to see how a square butt J frame would fit me. I feel like it would fit better than a round butt.

I had a Model 64 with a three inch barrel. It had Hogue rubber grips that actually fit my hand. I let it go during a trade for a Ruger Alaskan. I miss my old 64 and do love a nice snubbie, and when these two showed up at the LGS, I was hooked.

These little J frames don't fit my hand so well, but they do fit into a pants pocket without difficulty. I'll probably attach a grip adapter and see if that helps.

dogzebra · #9 07-27-2018, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

There is something not right with the Centennial’s serial, as the SCSW shows non-prefix serials ending at 30160 in 1971. The following L-prefix only goes to L 9861 in 1974.

PS: May be coincidence, but I’m noticing the assembly number on the yoke has the same partial sequence as your partial serial. I wonder whether that number was mistaken for the serial.

Brought the Centenial home today. I told Dave he owed me a big time discount for pointing out the serial number discrepancy. He pointed at a large bowl of last year's Halloween candy. I ate your cut on the drive home. Serial #L90XX was located.

Peak53 · #10 07-27-2018, 08:09 PM

I really like that 40! Even the Pachs look pretty good on it. Just be sure to clean under there. I'll trade my 642 straight across for it

dogzebra · #11 07-28-2018, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peak53

I really like that 40! Even the Pachs look pretty good on it. Just be sure to clean under there. I'll trade my 642 straight across for it

This snubbie resided in close proximity to perspiration judging from the looks of the cylinder, maybe an ankle holster.

This piece was kept in good order. Lots of life left in it. After removing the stocks, it was given an ultrasound bath of mineral spirits. Slobbering cold blue here and there helped camouflage the spotting.

Don't like the way the Pachmayrs feel, so I ordered a set of Ergo Delta grips today.

Here's before/after pics and an example of Delta grips.

dogzebra · #12 03-22-2021, 07:20 AM

I no longer carry the Model 40 and would like to replace the original grip panels & safety lever.

I've the original grips, safety lever and latch, but am not sure of the safety latch orientation. Anyone have pics of an M40 with its sideplate removed?

jcelect · #13 03-22-2021, 10:16 AM

You're missing 3 pins! One to hold the lever at the bottom of the grip frame, the spring will go into the recesses in the middle of the grip safety and the frame, another to hold the safety catch in the frame at the rop, and the last goes into a spare hole in the grip frame to be used if you wish to lock out(hold in) the grip safety!
jcelect

dogzebra · #14 03-22-2021, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcelect

You're missing 3 pins!

You explain it well. The pins aren't much of a problem, I've plenty of small drill bits to suffice for pins. Guess I'll have to pop the sideplate off for further inspection. Still, a pic would be nice.

jcelect · #15 03-23-2021, 11:08 AM

Will this help?

ken158 · #16 03-23-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogzebra

This is going to make for a fun discussion tomorrow when I go to pick the up these little jewels. We'll have to see what numbers are under the grips.

From what I was told, the Model 40 came from Chicago, leading me to believe that this gun belonged to an LEO or maybe an alderman. I like a good mystery, but hope this doesn't turn into an old Perry Mason rerun.

This has been discussed here a zillion times... Just look on the butt of the grip and you shall see the serial number... all other numbers are probably manufacturer / build numbers that mean nothing.

dogzebra · #17 03-23-2021, 06:09 PM

I did a Model 40 images search and found a pic of Model 40's innards.

Once I figured out the safety latch's orientation, it assembled without a hitch.