At what time/model did S&W change the rotation direction of the Cylinder on K frame .38 pistols ??

Good Shooting

Lindy

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NEVER FRY BACON WHEN YOU'RE NAKED !!

The K series cylinder has always rotated counter clockwise.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I was under the impression that Smiths were all CC and Colts were Clockwise. Smith had an ejector rod change from right hand to left hand, perhaps that's what you were thinking of. There will be others with far more knowledge along shortly.

I am not an expert on the subject, but I am under the impression that S&W's K-frame cylinders have rotated counter-clockwise (when viewed from the rear) from the very beginning (with the Model of 1899).

The break tops were clockwise.
Eddie

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

S&W changed the threads on the ejector rod to LH in the mid-60's (or so), to prevent loosening due to the CCW cylinder rotation.

Colt cylinders turn CW, which places less stress on the crane than Smith's CCW rotation. Smith's have a latch on the ejector rod for that reason, Colt does not.

As stated above. Top breaks turn clockwise due to the hand on the opposite side. All hand ejectors turn counter clockwise.

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Bobby SWCA #4067
SWHF #1144

What about the "Victory" model M&P 38 spl Outdoorsman,
Could this model have a CW rotation of the Cylinder ?

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NEVER FRY BACON WHEN YOU'RE NAKED !!

I guess I depends on which end you're on.

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Bobby SWCA #4067
SWHF #1144

I think I prefer to be on the back end .

Eddie

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

Like on crocodile Dundee. "That's the dangerous end. "

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Bobby SWCA #4067
SWHF #1144

"What about the "Victory" model M&P 38 spl Outdoorsman, Could this model have a CW rotation of the Cylinder?"

The Victory and the Outdoorsman are different revolvers. There is no Victory Outdoorsman. S&W made different K-frame and N-frame revolvers with the name Outdoorsman. All had adjustable sights. The Victory is basically an M&P made during WWII, and has fixed sights. ALL have cylinders which turn counterclockwise if you are looking at the rear of the revolver as you hold it. Colt revolver cylinders (at least the more modern ones) turn the other direction. The earliest solid frame Colt DA revolvers with swing-out cylinders also turned counterclockwise.

Never! From introduction in 1899 until today they are all the same.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Thanks to all that replied.
I'll be sending the replacement cylinder that was bought on line back to the seller with a CCW note attached.

Good Shooting

Lindy

__________________
NEVER FRY BACON WHEN YOU'RE NAKED !!

I'd sure like to hear, "the rest of the story", on this thread. (In the lounge of course).

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wanna do right-- not right now

There were some Spanish knockoffs with clockwise rotation. They were styled to look like a S&W H.E. but were entirely different mechanically. That might be the source of the OP's cylinder.

An explanation of why the cylinder is rotated counter clockwise from S&W's 1931 catalog.

Bill

The modern (alloy/polymer) .38 Bodyguard has a clockwise rotating cylinder, but is more J frame sized. As noted above, the cylinder you received may have been K frame sized but of a different origin.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

A Smith & Wesson K-frame and a Colt D-frame (Detective Special, etc.) use the same speed loader size so it could be that the mystery cylinder is from a Colt, which has clockwise rotation of course.

I'm thinking along those same lines Judge. I have contacted the seller and He has agreed to take back the assembly with a full refund.

Good Shooting

Lindy

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NEVER FRY BACON WHEN YOU'RE NAKED !!

Except one, always exceptions with S&Ws. Although it's a top break, it's unusual with it's hand ejector action; therefore the 38 Perfected Model is CCW.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

That's a common understanding but only applies to the K and N frames in ~1961. Too many I frames (and pre '61 J frames) have been bubba'd because of it.

The I frame change was immediately upon re-introduction after the war.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

My 1877 top break Baby Russian rotates CCW

The large majority of Ebay sellers of gun parts have no clue as to what the part they are selling might fit, so it's alway "Caveat Emptor" Just be sure you are bidding on a part that the seller will allow returns. Ed.