S&W M56 photos and questions

M1911info · #1 12-07-2016, 02:29 PM

I have some questions regarding the Model 56 S&W used by the USAF. I read somewhere online there are only 27 known in civilian hands? Does anyone know if that is accurate, and is the list of serial numbers published or available anywhere?

Here is what appears to be a nearly new condition M56 I currently have, and will be selling for a friend in the near future. I've only found one listed for sale online at a pawn shop. IIRC, that's where the "27 known" information came from. They cited some information from a reference book, but did not specifically credit that information to the authors.

Thanks for any information you may be able to provide.

Toyman · #2 12-07-2016, 03:51 PM

Hopefully KWILL1911 will se this post and answer your questions.

M1911info · #3 12-07-2016, 04:15 PM

Thanks. I know Kevin and will contact him.

H Richard · #4 12-07-2016, 08:40 PM

Model 56 38 Special, 2" Heavy barrel. Non serrated rear sight bar extends to the base of the front sight. Pinned barrel Walnut magna grips with diamond around the escutcheon, "U.S." marked on the smooth backstrap. Most were destroyed by the government but not confirmed. S/N range K500001 - K515205. Produced 1962 - 1963. Very scarce item, too few sales to establish real value, but estimates of mid 4 figure's.

M1911info · #5 12-07-2016, 10:14 PM

Thank you for the help. Also Kevin indicated there were 27 legitimate examples known in collections back when he wrote an article a few years ago. However, he also stated there are more known today.

shouldazagged · #6 12-07-2016, 10:56 PM

In a word, wow.

Lobster Picnic · #7 12-08-2016, 05:28 PM

Different from a 2" Model 15 how? Just the heavy barrel?

Texas Star · #8 12-09-2016, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lobster Picnic

Different from a 2" Model 15 how? Just the heavy barrel?

Going from memory, I don't think the rear sight base was grooved. These preceded the snub M-15. Presumably inspired it.

Unless you're an advanced collector, just buy a M-15.

CH4 · #9 08-28-2017, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

Model 56 38 Special, 2" Heavy barrel. Non serrated rear sight bar extends to the base of the front sight. Pinned barrel Walnut magna grips with diamond around the escutcheon, "U.S." marked on the smooth backstrap. Most were destroyed by the government but not confirmed. S/N range K500001 - K515205. Produced 1962 - 1963. Very scarce item, too few sales to establish real value, but estimates of mid 4 figure's.

FWIW, there was a M56 at the Big Reno Show. Seller was asking $5500.

flagman1776 · #10 08-29-2017, 10:39 PM

I own a M56. My pictures are on another thread listed below. Given the historical value I'd recommend getting a letter of authenticity.
Sighting @ LGS: Military Model 56 w/ US marking

ma96782 · #11 04-29-2019, 11:57 PM

I saw one today (4-29-2019) at a Pawn Shop in Vancouver, WA. The shop wanted $11,999.

Apparently, the shop owner must have read this thread too. As the guy also mention the low number known to exist as, "50".

Aloha, Mark