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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #51  
Old 05-11-2013, 03:11 AM
AKAOV1MAN AKAOV1MAN is offline
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As to the inquiry about powder residue buildup underneath the ejector star, this can happen to any revolver with ammo that does not burn completely, or mostly completely in the barrel. The "Treasury load" 110 gr +P+ load was particularly miserable in that respect. To get to +P+ specs(there are no recgonized industry specs-only what the particular agency wanted) one had to use a fast burning ball powder and a lot of it. The result was a lot of unburned powder. And a lot of it migrated to all parts of the revolver, but under the ejector star was a place where it could be trapped, and it was.
I have a 3" and 4" CS-1, both were "overrun" guns. I have fired both of them extensively, I never used the +P+ load, but the "FBI" or "Chicago" load in .38 special 158gr SWCHP, or full house 125 gr .357 mag loads. The only time I had the powder buildup problem was when I used handloads of my own that used 2400 powder, which is very slow burning and should only be used in longer barrel guns or rifles. I used it because I had a lot of it on hand and got it cheap. So the idea is to use a powder that will burn rapidly for the barrel lenght concerned so there will not be any extra unburned powder to gum things up. Ball powder due to its shape is particularly bad when trapped under the ejector star. YMMV-but not much.
The CS-1 guns were great guns, and probably the best duty revolver that S&W turned out-not counting the N frame .357s of course.
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  #52  
Old 07-11-2013, 01:13 PM
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Such a bunch of great info, thanks to all who contributed! I should be getting my 4" CS-1 on Monday or so, and hopefully soon thereafter take my father-in-law to the range to shoot it. He was a customs inspector for 30+ years, local union chapter president, too. He said it was his favorite gun to shoot, he's not a gun person, either.
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Old 07-15-2013, 12:31 PM
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Here's some pics of mine, pretty sure it didn't go to Glynco, it is lacking 2M on it. It's slick as all get out, DA pull is amazing, and it's got the tightest barrel/cylinder gap I've ever seen. doesn't look to have been fired after leaving factory, despite the cylinder ring.
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  #54  
Old 07-17-2013, 12:29 PM
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I was on Gun Broker this morning and queried "U.S. Customs". There is a CS-1 for sale for $1,700.00!! I'm glad I got mine for $369.00 when they first came out on the exchange sale program!
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  #55  
Old 07-17-2013, 03:54 PM
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I was on Gun Broker this morning and queried "U.S. Customs". There is a CS-1 for sale for $1,700.00!! I'm glad I got mine for $369.00 when they first came out on the exchange sale program!
Good luck getting that price. There is another dreamer on there as well who thinks these guns are worth a small fortune
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  #56  
Old 07-17-2013, 04:41 PM
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A few months ago a 3" model went for $2400 WITHOUT box. Bought my first one for $700 with box.

Last edited by BJoe; 07-17-2013 at 04:43 PM.
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Old 07-17-2013, 04:47 PM
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Good luck getting that price. There is another dreamer on there as well who thinks these guns are worth a small fortune

Look at the 3' 547 that recently sold for $3200, or the 671 for $2375. With S&W's no such thing as crazy prices these days.
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  #58  
Old 07-17-2013, 10:02 PM
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Look at the 3' 547 that recently sold for $3200, or the 671 for $2375. With S&W's no such thing as crazy prices these days.
Can you say shilled ????? it seems like the same sellers get those price's too. I have got a few high price's in my time , but for guns that there were less than 100-150 made not 4000 made.

Eric
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Old 07-17-2013, 10:03 PM
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I hear you Joe, I sold a 3" CS1 in original box last year for 1,100 and thought I got the better end of the deal, lol. This year I would beg to differ, lol.

Eric
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  #60  
Old 07-18-2013, 08:50 AM
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Maybe I should rephrase that: S&W' that are VERY clean with box, and docs, seem to be bringing the big bucks. That just isn't G-brok but all the recent gun shows.
I still look, and bid, on G-brok but the big bucks guys soon pass me up.
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  #61  
Old 07-26-2013, 11:40 AM
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Default cs-1 3"

Just want to thank all for all the info on the CS-1's. I'm very fond of my 3" that I purchased new back in 1988. Serial # AVTxxxx product code 104228 stamped with the 2 and M. Still have the box (blue & white as mentioned previously) and papers that came with it.
Would love to eventually pair it up with a 4" but funds won't allow that currently.

I'll try and post a pic this evening
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  #62  
Old 02-28-2014, 11:29 PM
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I carried one while stationed in TX and Alabama. There were many, many more Inspectors than Agents in the Service and we generally liked the CS-1. Since ours was carried on a regular gun belt, the weight and size was not an issue. We shot a ton of ammo, mostly 38 Special +p+. The tight tolerances did lead to function issues once the powder started building up but usually after 60 or so rounds. After the modifications, this problem mostly went away. The actions were smooth but not unlike the 686. In fact, accuracy was probably no different than the 686. I remember three of us getting challenged by a three goofy Army CID dudes who carried snub nosed revolvers and they kicked our butts even out at 25 yards. Two of them shot a perfect 300. Go figure.

We transitioned to the S&W 6906 which was mediocre at best. For a while we carried the wonderful Glock 9mm. Now we have the crummy H&K P2000 with the three-day trigger pull.

Overall, the CS-1 was a nice, dependable revolver. It always went bang when you needed it to. I wish I still had mine.

Last edited by Jackrancher16; 02-28-2014 at 11:41 PM.
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Old 08-23-2014, 11:19 PM
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Default CS-1

I fondly remember the CS-1. When I joined the Customs Service we were using the S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece. We transitioned to the CS-1 in The mid to late 80's. It is true that due to the close tolerences, the weapon would jam if you didn't clean it after 50 - 60 rnds. I found that it was more prone to fouling when firing .38+P. It was, in my opinion, probably one of the most accurate out-of-the-box revolvers I ever fired. In the early 90's I won 3 matches using this revolver. I am not familiar with the 3" and 6" models. (I base my experience from having been a firearms and tactics instructor for 11 years.) We later transitioned to the S&W 6946 9mm which proved to be a sub-standard piece, especially when using the Federal 147gr. Hydra-shock. I personally carried the 5906 which proved to be a far superior weapon.
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  #64  
Old 10-21-2014, 05:22 AM
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Nothing like bringing a thread back from the grave. Thanks for all the info folks.

I walked into a local gunshop and they had bought all of the guns from a collectors estate sale locally. I spotted a 3"ish barrel 686 that had a bead blasted finish and plunked some money down on it. It looked to be in decent condition, they wouldn't allow me to pull the trigger on it (for good reason, the DA pull was awful) but the inside of the crane said
CS 1
M
MOD. 686

It sounded familiar but the price was decent and I figured it would make a good concealed carry. Googled this on my phone after I left and almost peed myself with excitement.

Would never have had any idea without the wonderful information you folks have provided. Serial is AWP23XX By the way.
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  #65  
Old 10-21-2014, 05:46 PM
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Serial is AWP23XX
I have your gun's brother in my s/n collection: AWP22XX. It shipped in May 1988, and was a round butt 3-inch M686 marked "CS-1".
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  #66  
Old 10-21-2014, 07:54 PM
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I have your gun's brother in my s/n collection: AWP22XX. It shipped in May 1988, and was a round butt 3-inch M686 marked "CS-1".
Nice. So far I haven't been able to put more than a dozen rounds through mine as a function check.

Any idea where yours was shipped to?
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  #67  
Old 10-21-2014, 08:06 PM
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If there is any thread that deserves to be resurrected from time to time, it is this one. Especially to those of us who carried it, the CS-1 is a very memorable firearm.
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Old 10-22-2014, 12:59 AM
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Any idea where yours was shipped to?
Unfortunately, I don't actually have a CS-1. I'm not a member of that elite group (you lucky dog). I have a CS-1's serial number (and even that's missing a few digits). Actually, I have a bunch of CS-1 s/n's and ship dates. As long as people keep posting them, I'll keep writing them down. But I always X out the last digit, even when people post the whole thing.
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  #69  
Old 10-23-2014, 01:14 AM
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One thing to note, if you have your blue/white box, and the serial matches, and your CS-1 was marked M2, consider yourself lucky. A lot of agents threw the boxes away after the guns were issued. Then when they were recalled from the filed, we firearms instructors usually just packed a bunch in a box to ship back to Ft. Benning.
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Old 01-07-2015, 01:28 AM
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I am considering purchasing a CS-1 and it has it's original box.
Question is were the mods done to those sold to the public or did all guns produced have to be sent back for mods??
What should I be looking at when I have the gun in my hands??
And what should I see on the box label??
Tom
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Old 01-07-2015, 11:47 AM
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I have a CS-1 M with 4" barrel and Pachmayr grips. It was an "overrun" purchased at a gun show from a large dealer when they first became available. I had a perfectly good Ruger Security Six (SS 4") that, for some reason, could NOT shoot to my potential. I had an action job done on it and off the bench it shot well. However, from field positions it was NOT "user friendly". I brought the CS-1 home and immediately saw SERIOUSLY better results. That was with both target wadcutters and full house .357's. I cast my own bullets and reload and was in excellent shooting shape, so was in a position to really appreciate the difference in performance.

A good friend wanted the Ruger and really liked it. I later added a 6" 686 and still have them both. As far as I am concerned (a shooter rather than a collector) the 686's are the best platform EVER for the .357 Magnum.

Here's mine:


FWIW
Dale53
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Old 01-07-2015, 02:34 PM
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There is one for sale locally with a 3" barrel and original box.
Asking price is $1,800 YIKES!!
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Old 01-07-2015, 02:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THREEDFLYER View Post
I am considering purchasing a CS-1 and it has it's original box.
Question is were the mods done to those sold to the public or did all guns produced have to be sent back for mods??
What should I be looking at when I have the gun in my hands??
And what should I see on the box label??
Tom
Hello there,
Here's a pic of mine with the box. I bought it new. Mine has NOT been back for the "M" modification. I have several thousand rounds through it without issue so no need to send it back. The finish should be a matte stainless with a black front pinned blade (like mine pictured). Mine came with RB PC magnas which are in the box (I prefer the combats). The 3" version came with rubber stocks-pachmayrs? not sure. You should be able to see the info from the end label of my box to verify yours. Good luck.

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Old 01-07-2015, 03:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale53 View Post
I have a CS-1 M with 4" barrel and Pachmayr grips. It was an "overrun" purchased at a gun show from a large dealer when they first became available. I had a perfectly good Ruger Security Six (SS 4") that, for some reason, could NOT shoot to my potential. I had an action job done on it and off the bench it shot well. However, from field positions it was NOT "user friendly". I brought the CS-1 home and immediately saw SERIOUSLY better results. That was with both target wadcutters and full house .357's. I cast my own bullets and reload and was in excellent shooting shape, so was in a position to really appreciate the difference in performance.

A good friend wanted the Ruger and really liked it. I later added a 6" 686 and still have them both. As far as I am concerned (a shooter rather than a collector) the 686's are the best platform EVER for the .357 Magnum.

Here's mine:


FWIW
Dale53
Should have bought a CS-1 back in the day......but I had my 686 no dash round butted and added the same pachmayr grips..years before the CS-1...........an action job and it was my PPC gun/and primary full .357 magnum carry gun for years. Totally agree on the 686 being the best 4 and 6 inch .357.

To me the 3" 686 is the 4516 of revolvers...too heavy for it's size. Might as well just carry a 4"! A better choice for a 3" is the 66.

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 01-07-2015 at 03:15 PM.
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Old 07-28-2015, 04:21 PM
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i have two 4 inch cs-1s would like to show them off if i was a computer genius.i cant seem to find how to download pics.this site is slightly hard to navigate
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Old 07-28-2015, 05:37 PM
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I bought a used 4" CS-1 a couple of years ago from a dealer who thought it was just a plain old 686. The price was quite good. It's a nice gun, but I sold it for a ridiculous price and was able to buy two, no dash 681's and a no dash 581 with change left over and no regrets. I really like the fixed sights on the service models, and I notice no difference in the actions. The 581, is actually much nicer, IMO.

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Old 02-06-2016, 06:43 AM
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I know this is an old thread but I reckon it could do with more photos. I wonder what the prices look like these days too...
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Old 02-06-2016, 07:11 AM
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Here's another pic of my 4" CS-1 with original box bought new by me back in 1987. Still have it and still shoot it.

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Old 02-08-2016, 02:26 PM
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My 3" 686 CS-1 is just about my favorite S&W



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Old 04-05-2016, 11:30 AM
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Enjoyed the read on the CS-1s. With that, I have a bead on one at a local shop.. 3in, original pachmyr grips with window, "2M" stamped. They have 1200 on the tag so I know I can get that down.. What is fair?
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Old 04-05-2016, 11:33 AM
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Enjoyed the read on the CS-1s. With that, I have a bead on one at a local shop.. 3in, original pachmyr grips with window, "2M" stamped. They have 1200 on the tag so I know I can get that down.. What is fair?
Whatever someone is willing to pay is probably 'fair'. You did not post your location, so if Cali, then it is probably priced low. In the rest of the free world, it might be pretty close to market assuming good condition.
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Old 10-02-2016, 12:10 AM
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Hello Folks,
I came across a CS1 today 3" and I had to get it after reading all of this for a long time. I have wanted one of these, I just never came across one until today.

Apologies for this question if it has been answered already, but what I don't understand is this: inside the crane it has CS 1 (top line), a deeply stamped 2 but NO M (line 2), and then Mod 686.

The serial prefix is AYU0xxx. The M means it went to S&W for the recall I believe, but what is the 2 for? Pictures will come as soon as I can get one up.

Thanks in advance
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Old 10-02-2016, 12:52 AM
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Some were stamped "M" and some, that went back a second time or a later time, where stamped with a "2M". Sounds like you got the "2" but not the "M", must of been coffee break time. S&W will have a record if it's been modified, call customer service.
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Old 10-03-2016, 08:02 PM
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I just received the letter from Roy Jinks on my CS-1. I lettered it because the box label showed a 1986 ship date which seemed rather early for a CS-1 "overrun" gun (no M stamp and ANC serial number prefix). Roy's letter says that my gun (3 inch) was shipped on December 4, 1986 with checkered walnut round butt grips to Sloan's South Inc., Ridgefield, CT. If anyone has an idea of when the earliest CS-1 shipped were, I would appreciate the information. Thanks, Kurt
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Old 10-04-2016, 12:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by florange View Post
.... If anyone has an idea of when the earliest CS-1 shipped were, I would appreciate the information....
June 13, 1986 is the earliest CS-1 ship date I've seen. It was a 4-inch gun.
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Old 02-03-2017, 06:39 PM
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Default CS-1

Hello All,
Thought I would post a few pics of my CS-1
for any who may be interested.
best regards
joe
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Old 03-29-2017, 01:27 PM
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Default CS-1 with gold bead front sight?

I'm amazed that this thread has been active for so long and truly thankful to everyone who contributed. I have a few S&Ws but am a real beginner when it comes to knowledge about them.

I'm buying a Hi Power from a guy this weekend & he mentioned other guns he's selling. One is a State Department revolver & there's one on GB with a Buy it Now of $2750 which made me light headed. It's has everything with it & I'm sure will fetch a nice sum. My seller originally said he'd sell his (no box, etc) for $700 but after he looked around he backtracked.

He also has a 686 CS-1 w/o box. He describes it as "M686 CS-1 4" bead blasted, gold bead front sight" but after reading this this thread I never saw a gold bead mentioned. He said it was one of his favorites & would probably "reluctantly" let it go for $800.

Is anyone aware of that configuration? He's 3 hrs away so I can't pop over to look at it but if it was the "window" grips wouldn't that point towards a Customs Service gun? We've exchanged 18 emails & some texts but he's a busy guy & can't often respond quickly. I've asked about the "M" markings but haven't heard back so any insight on this would be helpful.
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Old 03-29-2017, 02:06 PM
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As (possibly?) mentioned somewhere in this thread, the CS-1 revolvers had a black plain ramp front sight blade and came with a variety of stocks. Most of the issued guns I have seen had Pachmayr Compacs with the bottom cutout for seeing the SN. Also, there were a fair number of production overrun guns, so if your goal is to have a USCS issued gun there is no way to tell short of a history letter.

Having said all that, $800 is not a bad price for a CS-1 of either barrel length, and the front blade can be replaced. May want to buy it before the seller jacks the price up even higher .
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Old 03-29-2017, 02:30 PM
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I read about the thin black front sight and that's what threw me. I think S&W is famous for using what they had in stock sometimes vs. building to a particular spec like they had to do for contracts.

FWIW - what do you think the current value of the gun is even without the "proper" sight? I haven't seen a photo of it yet but the photos I have seen of his guns show them to be in VG or better condition.

He also has a 3" M66 that he originally offered at $700 but was on a local forum (dang it!) & saw one go for $1100 which everyone thought was fair. It has a pair of beautiful Keith Brown grips and a custom handstitched OWB holster but he decided to keep it for obvious reasons.
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Old 03-29-2017, 02:32 PM
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If it has a 2-M stamp, then most likely it was issued to an agent, from what I have read. They are great shooting guns. Good luck and keep us posted.
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Old 03-29-2017, 03:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
........
Having said all that, $800 is not a bad price for a CS-1 of either barrel length, and the front blade can be replaced. May want to buy it before the seller jacks the price up even higher .
Agreed that $800 is not a bad price.

To the front sight, all the CS-1 guns came with pinned in front sights. The kicker here is that they were 1/10" wide, while the rest of the modern S&W pinned in front sights are 1/8" wide (as well as the later CS-3 models). I've found it virtually impossible to find any replacement 1/10" wide sights, either ramp and patridge, they are just not making them anymore, so replacing that sight might be a challenge. Have also checked with aftermarket makers like SDM to no avail...
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Old 03-29-2017, 03:24 PM
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Thanks for that info & I just sent the seller info about issued vs. civilian guns & the differences in the sights. It's possible someone replaced the thin black one & I can understand the scarcity of an OEM one.

So if I buy it at $800 do I have an $800 gun or a $900 gun if you catch my meaning? He said he's reluctant to sell it but he has a bunch of guns for sale & mentioned taking his son on college campus tours. I think college costs are why he's parting with them.
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Old 03-29-2017, 03:42 PM
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I don't know if this helps, but I wouldn't sell my CS1, shown in post 79 of this thread for $800, I would not sell it for twice that, it is one of my favorite S&W's and it gets shot on a regular basis
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Old 03-29-2017, 04:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmithNut View Post
Agreed that $800 is not a bad price.

To the front sight, all the CS-1 guns came with pinned in front sights. The kicker here is that they were 1/10" wide, while the rest of the modern S&W pinned in front sights are 1/8" wide (as well as the later CS-3 models). I've found it virtually impossible to find any replacement 1/10" wide sights, either ramp and patridge, they are just not making them anymore, so replacing that sight might be a challenge. Have also checked with aftermarket makers like SDM to no avail...
I just heard from the seller & he said he installed the gold bead sight. I asked if he kept the old one but haven't heard back. Hope he did.
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Old 03-29-2017, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by PDX1953 View Post
I just heard from the seller & he said he installed the gold bead sight. I asked if he kept the old one but haven't heard back. Hope he did.
I wouldn't necessarily avoid buying it due to the front sight, you have not said if it's a ramp or patridge style, either way it could be a good feature for shooting purposes.

As to value, the more original it is - and of course condition - will have an impact.

For me, if it's a patridge style with gold bead, I'd like that as patridge front sights offer a better sight picture than ramp, IMO. Having said that, for $800, I'd say to buy the gun and then go on a search for a front sight if you want it to be original, either way the gun would not lose any value. The CS-1 guns have been bringing north of $1k for quite some time, they are sought after models and you can't get hurt, especially if you actually shoot and enjoy it.
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Old 03-29-2017, 05:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmithNut View Post
I wouldn't necessarily avoid buying it due to the front sight, you have not said if it's a ramp or patridge style, either way it could be a good feature for shooting purposes.

As to value, the more original it is - and of course condition - will have an impact.

For me, if it's a patridge style with gold bead, I'd like that as patridge front sights offer a better sight picture than ramp, IMO. Having said that, for $800, I'd say to buy the gun and then go on a search for a front sight if you want it to be original, either way the gun would not lose any value. The CS-1 guns have been bringing north of $1k for quite some time, they are sought after models and you can't get hurt, especially if you actually shoot and enjoy it.
Thanks for all of your help. I usually get a lot of flack for saying this but this is an investment vs. a shooter & I have quite a few of them. I refer to them as my 401(g) & some day when I'm dead & gone they'll go to my sons who are now in their early 40's. A nephew gets my SBR b/c he lives in America and my son here in OR wouldn't know how to dispose of it properly. My other son lives in Commiefornia although he hopes to leave in a few years after his son turns 18 b/c he shares custody with an extremely spiteful ex. Everything is in a Trust which lays out instructions for my Executor anyway so hopefully one day they'll be able to sell at a good profit or enjoy what they keep.

The seller said he doubts if he has the old sight but will look. I'll be seeing him Saturday & if I buy it I'll post photos.
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Old 03-29-2017, 10:24 PM
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Got some photos from the seller. He can't find the OEM sight, it has a Hogue Monogrip w/o the "window" & the s/n is ANS367X.
Looks pretty clean to me & would appear to be worth $800 if he'll sell it.
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:17 AM
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Edited...... Nice looking gun, the CS stamping looks like 09 to my eyes... .... interesting sight, I wonder where he found it.... just for fun, measure the width of the sight, it should be 1/10" wide...

As to the M37, the $650 price is more than a tad high, something like $375 - 400 would be in line with what I've seen.
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Old 03-30-2017, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by SmithNut View Post
Edited...... Nice looking gun, the CS stamping looks like 09 to my eyes... .... interesting sight, I wonder where he found it.... just for fun, measure the width of the sight, it should be 1/10" wide...

As to the M37, the $650 price is more than a tad high, something like $375 - 400 would be in line with what I've seen.
I made the same mistake about the CS 1. Even after I magnified the photo I was seeing 09 1. It wasn't until I emailed the guy & asked how he knew it was a CS 1. After he pointed out the obvious I did a forehead slap & apologized for being a nitwit. The serial is ANS3676 which, after consulting my new e-reader S&W book from Amazon equates to a 1987 mfg date but the digits must just be within a range vs. referencing a specific date (?) As far as a replacement OEM sight I'll try Jack First Gun Parts. I've found a couple of obscure parts there & they also manufacture parts.
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Old 04-02-2017, 08:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 824tsv View Post
Here's another pic of my 4" CS-1 with original box bought new by me back in 1987. Still have it and still shoot it.

Very interesting!! I just bought a 4" CS-1 M yesterday with a s/n only 239 lower than yours. Does your's have the 1/10" wide front sight? The guy I bought mine from replaced the original sight with a gold bead.

I can't even find the ANS prefix in the S&W catalog (edit - actually I did find it & referenced it in an earlier post.....) so knowing that you bought it in 1987 really helps. I'll have mine lettered but am very excited to see one so closely related. Where are you located? Do you remember what it cost new?
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