1st Year Guns

[USBP SW]

Thanks Steve, very nice. I think those deserve letters. Is it possible the Model 53 was ordered with the upgrades?

I doubt that the upgrades on the model 53 came standard on the revolver. The revolver has virtually no erosion, so may have never seen much use, if at all. The rosewood target grips are not period correct, until I saw this model 53, I had never seen one equipped with red insert/white outline sights and likely would have not been aware of a target hammer being available for the model 53.

 

[Hondo44]

Jim, Steve was talking about upgrades to the Model 53, not the Kit Gun.

Oops thank you. I confused myself…once again!

 

[theHairyOne]

My first-year gun is a model 1917, s/n 8530. I bought it at a local hardware store April, 1966, as a very inexpensive home-defense weapon. It's served that role well; I've never needed to use it.

 

[kscharlie]

While I personally do not consider my Model of 1955 a first year gun, it does create an interesting conundrum. It is a 5-screw gun that was not shipped until March 3, 1959. The serial number is S130822. Roy says the frame was made in 1955. He explains the apparent discrepancy in dates in the letter.

So is it a first year gun or not? I don't know, but I do know it is a first year frame. Does that count?

 

[DARE]

What a nice gun. Very cool that you know it was manufactured in 1955 but not shipped until 1959. Probably not many 5-screw guns that shipped in 1959.
Seems like we usually talk about ship date because manufacturing date is unknown.
So a new category for you. 1st year of manufacture gun.

 

[boykinlp]

Following your sound logic, this K-22 Outdoorsman that shipped in January of 1932 is a “first year gun”. It does have the single screw rear sight of the earliest version.

It’s my understanding that the only K-22s shipped in 1931 went to the US Army for the 1932 Olympics. Please correct me if that is incorrect.

TheTinMan, this last part isn’t correct. I own a very early shipped K22 Outdoorsman that shipped on January 17, 1931.
Larry

 

[LEO918]

Here are two of my "first years". A Combat Magnum and a Model 14-1.

 

[quietman123]

My Outdoorsman is serial number 634XXX, first year? Does have gold bead

 

[DARE]

They started at 632124 so I would think almost certainly 1st year. I assume in addition to the gold bead you have the one screw rear sight. We love pictures if you have one.

 

[A10]

Here are two of my "first years". A Combat Magnum and a Model 14-1.View attachment 778344View attachment 778345

Cokes on a Combat Magnum? I've heard rumors but never seen factory Kframe Cokes.

Also, cool thread! Date of Birth for S&Ws is generally considered ship date, but date of manufacture seems open for debate.

I know many will have a different opinion, my thought is the first full year of manufacture (i.e., June through May) would be a first year gun. The .44 Mag is a great example, since few were manufactured in December of '55. I would consider all manufactured through November '56 first year guns.