Centennial

CZU · Feb 16, 2022

I never owned one of these, as a matter of fact never saw one out in the wild until yesterday. It's a 4 screw, 4th variation flat latch(I believe), bright blue finish, all the numbers match and it does have the pin for locking the grip safety. Serial number is 8551. It is not marked as a model 40. There wasn't a box or accessories with it. Underside of barrel does not have a "B" indicating the bright blue finish. Does anyone have serial numbers in this range and can maybe give an approximate ship date?

moosedog · Feb 16, 2022

Very nice catch. According to the book, it should be 1952.
Congratulations.

Wiregrassguy · Feb 16, 2022

Pre-Model 40 serial number 8216 was shipped in July 1956. Pre-Model 40 serial number 8929 was shipped in July 1958. I hope that bracket helps!

Hondo44 · Feb 16, 2022

That's a beauty! Nice find. Did you buy it?

The serial # likely indicates it was made/shipped after ~1955 when the bright blue was made standard once again.

Did you pull off the left grip and look for a factory date stamp?

Messer · Feb 16, 2022

I picked up SN 272 about 4 months ago - they are great guns.

I added a Tyler T-grip to mine to make it feel right to my hand.

Enjoy your new S&W!

Bob S.

CZU · Feb 16, 2022

Hondo44 said:
That's a beauty! Nice find. Did you buy it?

The serial # likely indicates it was made/shipped after ~1955 when the bright blue was made standard once again.

Did you pull off the left grip and look for a factory date stamp?

I did buy it, probably overpaid though. Concerning finish, I thought it was a late 50's gun because of the change back to bright blue during that period.

There weren't any factory stamps under the left grip.

Kansasgunner · Feb 16, 2022

My Centennial #6024 shipped in 1955. They were not very popular and were very slow sellers when introduced. I personally have an addiction for them.

RSinOR · Feb 16, 2022

Been carrying one for those off and on for several decades. Absolutely love them. Pretty good shooters too. Gets a bunch of looks when I take it to the range.......hey what's that thing sticking out of the backstrap, those
grips don't look like they fit too good, etc.

Frailer · Feb 16, 2022

I'm very pleased to own serial number 117. If I were restricted to owning only one vintage S&W, this is the one I'd keep.

Greymann · Feb 17, 2022

Nice find. I've been looking for a centennial for awhile, getting harder to find.

.

gmborkovic · Feb 17, 2022

Those really high horn grips really set that gun off.

jcelect · Feb 17, 2022

moosedog said:
Very nice catch. According to the book, it should be 1952.
Congratulations.

There was only ONE steel frame Centennial(pre40) sold in 1952, #104.
OP The gun numbers around yours in my database were shipped in mid 1956
jcelect

BAM-BAM · Feb 17, 2022

I think my Dad always wanted one... cus the minute he saw my 640 he asked me if I could get him one!!

Centennial

CZU

Member

moosedog

Wiregrassguy

Hondo44

Messer

Member

CZU

Member

Kansasgunner

RSinOR

Frailer

US Veteran

Greymann

gmborkovic

jcelect

US Veteran

BAM-BAM

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