Pre-Model 18

H

Hot Stepper

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Hi All -
First post here on the forum.
I inherited an old S&W .22 revolver 5-6 years back. I wasn't into really in to revolvers at the time so it was just an 'old S&W .22 pistol'...
Lately I have been getting more interested in old timey revolvers and thanks to this fine forum, I have come to understand that it is likely a pre-model 18 which is a model to hold dear. It is in pretty good shape and I am proud to own it and would like to now more about it. It is serial #1578XX - can anyone confirm when it was likely manufactured?
 
Doh!
Yes the serial definitely begins with K and there is a space separating it from the 1578XX portion of the serial #. The barrel is 4" long.
Looks like it is from 1952 - thanks!
 
Hot Stepper said:
the serial definitely begins with K and there is a space separating it from the 1578XX portion of the serial #.
Click to expand...

For a while after the war, the jig was still set up with a space for the swivel hole. Most of the early prefix units had the gap between the prefix and the digits for that reason.
 
Congratulations. You have an excellent revolver. I had a '55 Model myself, and foolishly let it get away from me, but it was eventually replaced by a '65, 18-2 that ain't going nowhere.

As an aside, (sigh) another '52 turns up. You see, I'm a '52 Model myself and have been looking for a '52 anything for years. Never found one. I've had them from all around 52, but never on the target. Sort of like my shooting, now that I think of it. The closest I've ever come is a K-22 Masterpiece (6" barrel version of the same gun really) that I thought for a long time was a '52. Turns out it was shipped 12/51. :) Close, but no cigar.

The hunt continues. And the hunt is really the fun. :D
 
This one shipped in December 1952 one week before my birthday. It has the post WW2 matte finish in excellent condition. It had aftermarket grips that were not to my liking so I purchased correct like new magnas from a forum member. I have some Ken Driskell stag grips as well. A great gun.
 

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Wow some real nice samples showing up on this thread!
Most are nicer than the one I have - I guess it is more of a shooter than pristine example...
I will have to get it cleaned up a bit and take some pics to show off.
 
Hot Stepper said:
Wow some real nice samples showing up on this thread!
Most are nicer than the one I have - I guess it is more of a shooter than pristine example...
I will have to get it cleaned up a bit and take some pics to show off.
Click to expand...

The one I have above was purchased by Tom LeBleu, Chief of Police, Seminole, TX. Chief BeLeu also formed a shooting club and my gun, which I got from the estate of his son, Max was likely used for club shooting. Tom also bought three 3 1/2" 357's for his small department.

Have fun with yours, High Stepper. They are fun to use.
 
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