Quote:
Originally Posted by drdan314
After getting some help from the forum members on trying to identify whether my .45 acp/auto rim Model 1950 Target with factory swivel (S85XXX) was an early 'military' 1950 Target or a factory ordered Pre-model 26, I read your 2013 article...learned a lot. Was wondering if you might be able to add some info on the question.
Thanks
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You can determine if your swivel is original to the frame or added by Smith in response to a special order BEFORE shipping the revolver new.
Factory swivels original to the frame and factory swivel installations are always 1/10” forward of center. The serial number on the butt will be stamped off center if original to the frame. Also a swivel may be drilled thru the factory serial # for installation of a lanyard ring either before initial shipping or if sent back to the factory for a swivel. But in those two cases the s/n is re-stamped on the left side of grip frame, under the left stock.
If a small order came in for a gun or a few guns with swivels, and those guns were already built w/o swivels, they did NOT build guns to fill the order. They drilled existing guns in inventory in this manner.
Also-
A factory swivel will NOT always letter. IF S&W threw it in on the deal for free, it is NOT on the invoice, so there is currently no way to document it unless SWHF research turns up correspondence about the order.