History of the Model 67?

Triggernosis · #1 03-26-2018, 10:13 AM

Can anyone post a dash-history of the Model 67, please?
That is, the list of changes that each subsequent dash incorporated.
Thanks in advance.

Desert Rat 416 · #2 03-26-2018, 10:31 AM

Not much to tell.

Model 67 was introduced in 1972, The 1977 "-1" moved the gas ring from yolk to cylinder

Desert Rat 416 · #3 03-26-2018, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert Rat 416

Not much to tell.

Model 67 was introduced in 1972, The 1977 "-1" moved the gas ring from yolk to cylinder

Sorry - that was supposed to be "yoke" to cylinder. More coffee helps my spelling quite a bit.

Triggernosis · #4 03-26-2018, 10:46 AM

I was thinking that at some point the red-insert front sight was introduced....and then the tapered barrel was done away with....and then they drilled a hole in the side of it and put a lock on it.... Etc.

DD357 · #5 03-26-2018, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triggernosis

I was thinking that at some point the red-insert front sight was introduced....and then the tapered barrel was done away with....and then they drilled a hole in the side of it and put a lock on it.... Etc.

It is offered again now with the lock & a red ramp.

Desert Rat 416 · #6 03-26-2018, 11:56 AM

Apologies, yep, S&W currently makes a revolver simply called the "Model 67," and now its in a caliber of one's choice. Kind of like Ford currently makes a car called "the Mustang," and I way missed the mark on the context of the question.

As far as the original Model 67 and a 67-1, I have one of each. Both have red ramp front sights, and are indistinguishable until you pull out the yoke and cylinder for cleaning.

Hope someone comes along soon with more info on the later models.

PALADIN85020 · #7 03-26-2018, 12:27 PM

Since you asked, here is an advance look at a future article on the Model 67 - it should answer your questions.

John

The S & W Model 67 .38 Special Revolver

Chevys. Fords. Hot dogs. Apple pie. Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. All have been around for quite some time, and are as familiar to us as the backs of our hands. Maybe you didn’t realize it, but revolvers chambered for the .38 Special cartridge have been part of our United States heritage since the dawn of the 20th Century. Smith & Wesson first introduced its .38 Military “Hand Ejector” in 1899. It was the very first S&W medium frame (later to be known as the “K-frame”) double-action swing-out cylinder revolver. This handgun was chambered for two .38 caliber cartridges; the U.S. service round, also called the .38 Long Colt, and the then-new and slightly longer .38 Special. The .38 Special was first charged with black powder. Soon thereafter, it was routinely loaded with smokeless powder. In 1902, the .38 Military was slightly modified to include an extractor rod lug under the barrel. This arrangement has continued to the present day.

Both the .38 Special and the S&W revolvers that chambered it became enormously popular. The .38 Special has become the most accepted center fire handgun round in the U.S. today. When introduced it quickly became the de facto standard for police forces nationwide. It’s also been used by our military, and many civilians have found that Smith’s K-frames handle “just right.” The .38 Special, first lacking some punch with low velocities and round nose bullets, is no slouch today. Strengthened guns, higher velocity loadings and expanding bullets have made modern rounds more than adequate for self-defense. Double action revolvers are perhaps the most reliable handguns made, and learning to use them is a piece of cake for almost everybody.

The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1935 by S&W in a heavy N-frame revolver. It could also chamber the shorter .38 Special. The gun became popular, but a steady demand for lighter .38 special guns continued. Many folks preferred them over the heavy-recoiling magnums; they were much more manageable and pleasant to shoot. Quick follow-up shots were much easier to execute, particularly in the medium-size K-frames.

The S&W K-frames have come a long way since they were first conceived so long ago. While the first ones could fire if dropped on their hammers, S&W soon developed a hammer block that allowed firing only when the trigger was deliberately pulled. The first method used could be less than reliable if rust or congealed gun oil inhibited the block from moving into position. During World War II, a second method was developed – a positively-activated sliding block that is virtually impossible to defeat in use. It’s still standard for external-hammer-equipped Smith & Wesson revolvers today.

.38 Special revolvers are still quite widely used, and S&W has continued to refine and improve the breed. The “Military and Police” K-frame revolvers evolved into what is now known as the Model 10 following Smith’s use of model numbers for its guns in 1957. Micrometer adjustable sights and a sloped (Baughman) front sight characterized the “K-38 Combat Masterpiece” revolver. This was considered the ultimate .38 revolver at the time for serious social work. It was available either blued or nickel plated. This fine revolver became the Model 15 in 1957. Many were used in our armed forces.

In 1972, S&W took the Model 15 a step further, making a new gun that was even more desirable for defense and severe usage. The Model 67 “K-38 Combat Masterpiece Stainless” was essentially the same gun as the Model 15, except that it was made with stainless steel rather than being blued or plated. It was a 6-shot handgun, and weighed 34 ounces empty. A 4” pinned barrel was standard, and the front sight soon after introduction was fitted with a red plastic insert for higher visibility. The first rear sights were also made from stainless steel, but these were soon changed to black to prevent sight glare. Both the rear sight leaf and the barrel rib were grooved. Unlike its .357 brother, the Model 66, the new 67s had no ejector shroud and the barrels were tapered to save weight. Walnut frame-fitting “magna” stocks were standard. The backstrap and forestrap had 10 grooves for better retention. An overtravel stop for the trigger was incorporated, but it can be easily removed if desired. This gun will handle +P and +P+ heavy loadings as well as the old 38/44 increased pressure rounds.

Many police departments from the 1940s through the mid-1980s still stuck with the .38 Special cartridge, and specified guns chambered for it as their standard issue. A good number of departments carrying .357 revolvers required their officers to use only .38 Special rounds in them, fearing over-penetration and liability for injury to nearby innocent bystanders. The Model 67 found its niche with the police, and many used examples will be found today with police identification markings.

Model 67s underwent some changes over the years. In 1977 with the Model 67-1, the gas ring was changed in location from the yoke to the cylinder. The handgun illustrated is one of these, and left the factory in April, 1978. It was obtained from the estate of an individual who bought it new but seldom fired it. The nostalgic pinned barrel was abandoned in 1982 to speed production. In 1988, the Model 67-2 appeared, featuring a new yoke retention system, a “floating” hand (the part that rotates the cylinder), a radius stud package that eliminated the pins in the hand, and a re-designed hammer nose bushing. 1993 saw the Model 67-3, involving a change in the configuration of the extractor. The frame was also drilled and tapped under the slightly modified rear sight leaf for scope mounts. Additionally, rubber Hogue grips were used. In 1996, the square butt was dropped in favor of the round version. Then in 1997, the shape of the cylinder release thumbpiece was changed to a “tear-drop” configuration, and the trigger became a metal injection molded (MIM) part.

With the Model 67-4 in 1998, the frame was changed to eliminate the cylinder stop stud, the grip frame grooving was stopped, MIM parts were used, and a floating firing pin in the frame necessitated some changes to the internals. The formerly graceful profile of the frame was, in my opinion, negatively affected. In 2001, to help comply with numerous regulations, a fired case was included with each gun shipped. In 2002, an internal key lock system was introduced with the Model 67-5. This was a sop to certain overzealous “gun control” politicians. The “ugly hole in the side” is still controversial, and many feel it has no place on any handgun, since possible malfunctions of the key lock could tie up the gun and be disastrous in defense situations. Interestingly, some “dash 5s” have been observed to have shipped as recently as late 2016; these were determined to be “cleanups” using in-stock older parts.

In 2004, a two-piece sleeved barrel was authorized for the Model 67-6. Also appearing were some heavy non-tapered conventional barrels with no ejector shroud. These were probably older parts cleanups. The Model 67-6 is still being made and continues to be popular.

Although semiautomatics and “plastic”-framed pistols have now become all the rage, the Model 67 is still in demand, particularly in the civilian sector. It has been continuously manufactured since 1972. Those who think the .38 Special cartridge is dead definitely have another think coming! It’s still well-liked and available everywhere. The Model 67 represents perhaps the finest example of a medium-frame revolver in this caliber, and occupies a singular place among the classics. The first ones and the “dash 1” examples are the most sought after and the prices on these earlier revolvers continue to escalate.

(c) 2018 JLM

Triggernosis · #8 03-26-2018, 02:11 PM

Thanks, Paladin - that's exactly what I was looking for.

crazyphil · #9 03-26-2018, 02:23 PM

Here is my 67 no dash. I got it 10 or 15 years ago. It was in pitiful
condition. I had it bead blasted, put the red insert in the ramp, etc.

Show at right resting in one of it's favorite holsters. S.D. Myres #624.

UncleEd · #10 03-26-2018, 06:50 PM

Paladin,

Excellent article.

trailmix · #11 03-12-2021, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

Since you asked, here is an advance look at a future article on the Model 67 - it should answer your questions.

John

The S & W Model 67 .38 Special Revolver

Chevys. Fords. Hot dogs. Apple pie. Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. All have been around for quite some time, and are as familiar to us as the backs of our hands. Maybe you didn’t realize it, but revolvers chambered for the .38 Special cartridge have been part of our United States heritage since the dawn of the 20th Century. Smith & Wesson first introduced its .38 Military “Hand Ejector” in 1899. It was the very first S&W medium frame (later to be known as the “K-frame”) double-action swing-out cylinder revolver. This handgun was chambered for two .38 caliber cartridges; the U.S. service round, also called the .38 Long Colt, and the then-new and slightly longer .38 Special. The .38 Special was first charged with black powder. Soon thereafter, it was routinely loaded with smokeless powder. In 1902, the .38 Military was slightly modified to include an extractor rod lug under the barrel. This arrangement has continued to the present day.

Both the .38 Special and the S&W revolvers that chambered it became enormously popular. The .38 Special has become the most accepted center fire handgun round in the U.S. today. When introduced it quickly became the de facto standard for police forces nationwide. It’s also been used by our military, and many civilians have found that Smith’s K-frames handle “just right.” The .38 Special, first lacking some punch with low velocities and round nose bullets, is no slouch today. Strengthened guns, higher velocity loadings and expanding bullets have made modern rounds more than adequate for self-defense. Double action revolvers are perhaps the most reliable handguns made, and learning to use them is a piece of cake for almost everybody.

The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1935 by S&W in a heavy N-frame revolver. It could also chamber the shorter .38 Special. The gun became popular, but a steady demand for lighter .38 special guns continued. Many folks preferred them over the heavy-recoiling magnums; they were much more manageable and pleasant to shoot. Quick follow-up shots were much easier to execute, particularly in the medium-size K-frames.

The S&W K-frames have come a long way since they were first conceived so long ago. While the first ones could fire if dropped on their hammers, S&W soon developed a hammer block that allowed firing only when the trigger was deliberately pulled. The first method used could be less than reliable if rust or congealed gun oil inhibited the block from moving into position. During World War II, a second method was developed – a positively-activated sliding block that is virtually impossible to defeat in use. It’s still standard for external-hammer-equipped Smith & Wesson revolvers today.

.38 Special revolvers are still quite widely used, and S&W has continued to refine and improve the breed. The “Military and Police” K-frame revolvers evolved into what is now known as the Model 10 following Smith’s use of model numbers for its guns in 1957. Micrometer adjustable sights and a sloped (Baughman) front sight characterized the “K-38 Combat Masterpiece” revolver. This was considered the ultimate .38 revolver at the time for serious social work. It was available either blued or nickel plated. This fine revolver became the Model 15 in 1957. Many were used in our armed forces.

In 1972, S&W took the Model 15 a step further, making a new gun that was even more desirable for defense and severe usage. The Model 67 “K-38 Combat Masterpiece Stainless” was essentially the same gun as the Model 15, except that it was made with stainless steel rather than being blued or plated. It was a 6-shot handgun, and weighed 34 ounces empty. A 4” pinned barrel was standard, and the front sight soon after introduction was fitted with a red plastic insert for higher visibility. The first rear sights were also made from stainless steel, but these were soon changed to black to prevent sight glare. Both the rear sight leaf and the barrel rib were grooved. Unlike its .357 brother, the Model 66, the new 67s had no ejector shroud and the barrels were tapered to save weight. Walnut frame-fitting “magna” stocks were standard. The backstrap and forestrap had 10 grooves for better retention. An overtravel stop for the trigger was incorporated, but it can be easily removed if desired. This gun will handle +P and +P+ heavy loadings as well as the old 38/44 increased pressure rounds.

Many police departments from the 1940s through the mid-1980s still stuck with the .38 Special cartridge, and specified guns chambered for it as their standard issue. A good number of departments carrying .357 revolvers required their officers to use only .38 Special rounds in them, fearing over-penetration and liability for injury to nearby innocent bystanders. The Model 67 found its niche with the police, and many used examples will be found today with police identification markings.

Model 67s underwent some changes over the years. In 1977 with the Model 67-1, the gas ring was changed in location from the yoke to the cylinder. The handgun illustrated is one of these, and left the factory in April, 1978. It was obtained from the estate of an individual who bought it new but seldom fired it. The nostalgic pinned barrel was abandoned in 1982 to speed production. In 1988, the Model 67-2 appeared, featuring a new yoke retention system, a “floating” hand (the part that rotates the cylinder), a radius stud package that eliminated the pins in the hand, and a re-designed hammer nose bushing. 1993 saw the Model 67-3, involving a change in the configuration of the extractor. The frame was also drilled and tapped under the slightly modified rear sight leaf for scope mounts. Additionally, rubber Hogue grips were used. In 1996, the square butt was dropped in favor of the round version. Then in 1997, the shape of the cylinder release thumbpiece was changed to a “tear-drop” configuration, and the trigger became a metal injection molded (MIM) part.

With the Model 67-4 in 1998, the frame was changed to eliminate the cylinder stop stud, the grip frame grooving was stopped, MIM parts were used, and a floating firing pin in the frame necessitated some changes to the internals. The formerly graceful profile of the frame was, in my opinion, negatively affected. In 2001, to help comply with numerous regulations, a fired case was included with each gun shipped. In 2002, an internal key lock system was introduced with the Model 67-5. This was a sop to certain overzealous “gun control” politicians. The “ugly hole in the side” is still controversial, and many feel it has no place on any handgun, since possible malfunctions of the key lock could tie up the gun and be disastrous in defense situations. Interestingly, some “dash 5s” have been observed to have shipped as recently as late 2016; these were determined to be “cleanups” using in-stock older parts.

In 2004, a two-piece sleeved barrel was authorized for the Model 67-6. Also appearing were some heavy non-tapered conventional barrels with no ejector shroud. These were probably older parts cleanups. The Model 67-6 is still being made and continues to be popular.

Although semiautomatics and “plastic”-framed pistols have now become all the rage, the Model 67 is still in demand, particularly in the civilian sector. It has been continuously manufactured since 1972. Those who think the .38 Special cartridge is dead definitely have another think coming! It’s still well-liked and available everywhere. The Model 67 represents perhaps the finest example of a medium-frame revolver in this caliber, and occupies a singular place among the classics. The first ones and the “dash 1” examples are the most sought after and the prices on these earlier revolvers continue to escalate.

(c) 2018 JLM

Hey, I realize that this is an old thread but you seem knowledgeable on 67s. I noticed your history mentioned late shipments of 67-5 models which caught my interest. I just purchased a new 67-5 earlier this week. The shop owner says that two 67-5 showed up in a recent shipment, do you know why S&W is shipping -5 models in 2021? FWIW the S/N is DNL44xx. My S&W book does not list this S/N.

PALADIN85020 · #12 03-12-2021, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailmix

Hey, I realize that this is an old thread but you seem knowledgeable on 67s. I noticed your history mentioned late shipments of 67-5 models which caught my interest. I just purchased a new 67-5 earlier this week. The shop owner says that two 67-5 showed up in a recent shipment, do you know why S&W is shipping -5 models in 2021? FWIW the S/N is DNL44xx. My S&W book does not list this S/N.

I suspect that it was a cleanup of older parts - S&W doesn't like to waste any parts than can be used for saleable handguns!

John

trailmix · #13 03-12-2021, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

I suspect that it was a cleanup of older parts - S&W doesn't like to waste any parts than can be used for saleable handguns!

John

Did they just have some spare bits lying around and throw them together? I wonder what the date range for the S/N is.

PALADIN85020 · #14 03-13-2021, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailmix

Did they just have some spare bits lying around and throw them together? I wonder what the date range for the S/N is.

The last time this happened was 2016 - as you may probably know, S&W does not ship in serial number order. The short answer to your questions is "Who knows?"

John

trailmix · #15 03-13-2021, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

The last time this happened was 2016 - as you may probably know, S&W does not ship in serial number order. The short answer to your questions is "Who knows?"

John

Thanks, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I was just confused when I ran across this, I assumed that when the -6 came out that the -5 was history but obviously that is not the case.

Charlie Foxtrott · #16 03-13-2021, 02:19 PM

My current carry piece is a model 67 no dash in an El Paso Saddlery Sky six rig.

MG-70 · #17 03-13-2021, 03:57 PM

Great, short, article! I'm partial to stainless, and find the 67 with the tapered barrel to be one of, if not The classiest, stainless, revolver, ever produced. I even prefer the looks of it over the more functional, or beneficial, models with an ejector rod shroud.

Thank you for posting the article!

Buford57 · #18 03-13-2021, 04:38 PM

A no-dash 67 with the stainless rear sight has been my wife's house gun since the late 70s. Evidently it was NOS and had been in inventory for awhile. She owns other handguns, and even other .38 Specials, but when she says "my .38" there is no question what she means.

bananaman · #19 03-15-2021, 09:10 AM

My 67 no dash shipped in 1973. This example has the all stainless rear sights. S&W got complaints about glare from them. They later changed them to blue to remedy this. Bob

PeteC · #20 03-15-2021, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bananaman

My 67 no dash shipped in 1973. This example has the all stainless rear sights. S&W got complaints about glare from them. They later changed them to blue to remedy this. Bob

I like the stainless sights just fine, but then again the gun was made to be used under all conditions, not just at the range. Besides, it is sort-of fun to have a "first-year of manufacture example,

Until I got the SCSW book I did not realize there was a full five years between the Model 60, and the 64, 66 and 67. Never had the time to investigate.

Mine is s/n 3K59xxx, so around 1972~73.

Ameshawki · #21 03-15-2021, 04:28 PM

My no dash has stainless front and rear sights. 1972, first year of production.

jbtrucker · #22 08-09-2021, 08:06 AM

Have Model 67-1 on the way non pinned barrel , don't know if black has worn off barrel rib and front sight or just grime.

AveragEd · #23 08-10-2021, 08:26 PM

I have posted these photos in other threads but this is a no-dash Model 67 I bought two or three years ago for $300 plus some shipping costs with no stocks. Now before anyone accuses me of grand theft revolver, I should mention that it had been polished to a blinding shine that would make a 1969 Cadillac's bumpers envious and was maybe a tad rough around the edges. The seller apparently was not S&W savvy and was over-the-moon happy to get that much for it.

My gunsmith charged me $115 to restore the original brushed stainless finish and while it was completely apart for that service, he cleaned and lubricated the entire gun. I bought a set of the correct flat-bottom Magna stocks for it but I think it looks better in stocks from my collection of checkered targets.

My only problem is that I hate to shoot it and ruin that unfired appearance.

Ed

CH4 · #24 08-10-2021, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DD357

It is offered again now with the lock & a red ramp.

Yeah, it’s a 67 in name only. I think the latest iteration also has a two-piece barrel. Hard to beat the venerable 67.

Moo Moo · #25 08-11-2021, 04:40 AM

Here is my 67-1 with Combat Stocks.

History of the Model 67?-img_6537-jpg

Peter_G · #26 12-16-2023, 08:56 AM

Hi guys, I have the opportunity to purchase this revolver, marked Model 67-7 (?), but not mentioned in history by John (Paladin85020 post). Does anyone know anything about this version? I'm also wondering if it's possible to replace the Hogue rubber grips with wooden ones for the classic look, but there is no mounting screw visible from outside. Thanks for advice.

(used pictures are from advertisement)

Ingramite · #27 12-16-2023, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_G

Hi guys, I have the opportunity to purchase this revolver, marked Model 67-7 (?), but not mentioned in history by John (Paladin85020 post). Does anyone know anything about this version? I'm also wondering if it's possible to replace the Hogue rubber grips with wooden ones for the classic look, but there is no mounting screw visible from outside. Thanks for advice.

(used pictures are from advertisement)

Thanks for using the search function to bring up this old thread, made for informative reading on my favorite revolver.

This is a 67-1, not a 67-7.
It has a pinned barrel. The revolver you are buying may be a different one from the one shown in these pictures.

The rubber grips on this one are attached by a screw in the butt. There is a small metal saddle that straddles the bottom pins, This saddle can be removed and wooden grips, or stocks can be attached.

This is a very nice Model 67 that I wouldn't hesitate to buy if the price was in my wheelhouse.

murphydog · #28 12-16-2023, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_G

Hi guys, I have the opportunity to purchase this revolver, marked Model 67-7 (?), but not mentioned in history by John (Paladin85020 post). Does anyone know anything about this version? I'm also wondering if it's possible to replace the Hogue rubber grips with wooden ones for the classic look, but there is no mounting screw visible from outside. Thanks for advice.

(used pictures are from advertisement)

Welcome! Good information in the post just above. Just adding the 24K serial number prefix seen in the second image dates to late 1977, so is in the 67-1 time frame.

Peter_G · #29 12-16-2023, 09:48 AM

Thank you both very much.

sw dan · #30 12-16-2023, 02:11 PM

hi folks, yes a cherry would have been nice, to have the 67 in 2" or 2 1/2" stay safe.....dan

Ingramite · #31 12-16-2023, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sw dan

hi folks, yes a cherry would have been nice, to have the 67 in 2" or 2 1/2" stay safe.....dan

I've thought that too....then I pick up mine. It's perfectly balanced and naturally pointing. I don't think a snub would or could be an improvement on the 4" barrel.

There is the semi-rare Model 67-5 L Comp with the 3" barrel and the port ahead of the front sight....interesting but....perfection is something that I don't want to mess with and my No-Dash 1st year is just about perfect.

71vette · #32 12-16-2023, 10:59 PM

I very much love my 67. I found it at a local FFL early this year. A little grimy but otherwise fine. It’s an early no dash with stainless sights. I put some early magnas on it and a Tyler T-grip.

Other than my model 17 8-3/8” it’s the revolver I’m most accurate with. Here she is with my 15-5 2”.

Peter_G · #33 12-17-2023, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo Moo

Here is my 67-1 with Combat Stocks.

History of the Model 67?-img_6537-jpg

A very nice combo, the knife at least doubles the value of the gun...

Inland7-45 · #34 12-17-2023, 10:02 AM

Here is my early no dash model 67. I was looking for a model 15 at the time when this one came in at the local gun store.

The 67 really is one of the best. As much as I like blued carbon steel I have to admit that stainless has its advantages. The front sight insert was done before I bought the gun.

If I could only have one handgun this would be it.

Inland7-45 · #35 12-17-2023, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG-70

Great, short, article! I'm partial to stainless, and find the 67 with the tapered barrel to be one of, if not The classiest, stainless, revolver, ever produced. I even prefer the looks of it over the more functional, or beneficial, models with an ejector rod shroud.

Thank you for posting the article!

As far as style goes the model 67 and 4” model 15 are among the best looking S&Ws. Here is mine next to my model 64. I have had the 64 since 1993 and the 67 since 2006. Both came from the same LGS at a decent price. When I bought the 64 it seemed like you could not give away anything that looked like a traded in police gun. When I bought the 67 things had changed at least in this market and what you could buy for $150 in the early 90s was now more like $300.

After I bought the model 67 I sent it back to S&W for an action job and a CT trigger. The gun now has the slickest DA pull that I have ever found. After I got the gun back I showed it to a retired LEO who asked me why I did’ nt go for a model 66.

My answer is the same now as it was then. The model 66 is a great gun, but the 67 is all that I really need.

CajunBass · #36 12-17-2023, 12:22 PM

I'm glad this got bumped up again too. I hadn't seen it and have enjoyed reading every post.

I got a 67-1 a few months ago. Like most of it's kind, I'm sure, it really likes 148 grain wadcutters over the standard charge of Bullseye.

It doesn't have a pinned barrel, and the S/N is a triple letter, AHYXXX, which as best I can figure is from about 1985. That -1 had a good, long run.

Still looks pretty good. I've added a BK to it, but that's about it.

It has an older sibling, a 15-2 that I like quite a bit too. Which one I like best, depends on which one I'm holding at the time.

wcat94 · #37 12-17-2023, 12:50 PM

[QUOTE=Inland7-45; The front sight insert was done before I bought the gun. [/QUOTE]

Are you sure the front sight insert was added?

I recently picked up model 67 # 5K97535 with stainless sights.
The front sight looks exactly like yours and appears factory.

Lots of good info in this thread, all of the dash changes mirror the model 66.

Inland7-45 · #38 12-17-2023, 01:28 PM

Good point regarding the front sight insert. The gun came with the original box and still has the store price tag with $175 hand written. The S&W label is still attached to the end of the box and readable.

When I get a chance I will check the label since front and rear sight options are listed.

Xfuzz · #39 12-17-2023, 01:41 PM

S.S. has never been a favorite but I could
not pass this NIB 1975 vintage model 67 this past spring.

Inland7-45 · #40 12-17-2023, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcat94

Are you sure the front sight insert was added?

I recently picked up model 67 # 5K97535 with stainless sights.
The front sight looks exactly like yours and appears factory.

Lots of good info in this thread, all of the dash changes mirror the model 66.

Another piece of information about this gun is that it was purchased new by an auxiliary police officer who sold it back to same store in 2006. The policy may have been different from city to city but I know that some of the local jurisdictions required the auxiliaries to purchase their own weapons and there seemed to be
some leeway on what they could carry as long as it was a .38 Special. After appointment as a city police officers they were required to carry department issue weapons only while on duty.
At least that is how it was in the town where I lived at the time.

I grew up about a 20 minute drive from the S&W plant. It was an entirely different situation back then. I had several neighbors who worked there and I also worked there for about a year in the early 70s.

I also belonged to an indoor pistol league and our club as well as the other participating clubs had at least a few S&W employees.

If you knew someone who worked in the service department or in management it made things easier to have gun worked on and to be sure that their best guy worked on it.

If you lived close enough it was never a problem to bring your guns in and pick them up in person when done. They were also very helpful to law enforcement customers so the original owner of my model 67 may have had the sight done with a quick turn around.

Up until 1977 the factory was able to work on most of the very old guns. That was the year that there was a fire in the service department. At the time the service was located across from the main gate. From what I understand most of the older replacement parts were heat and water damaged and had to be scrapped. This included many parts for long action revolvers and even breaktops. I am not certain as to how accurate this information is. If the are any forum members who know the
whole story please correct me if my recollections are off.

wcat94 · #41 12-17-2023, 03:31 PM

Inland 7-45
I have no history on mine. It came to me from a shop in the east coast.
It was in need of a good cleaning but otherwise in great shape. The stocks were these poorly refinished targets.

I suppose it is possible the red inserts could have been added also. I had figured they were a change later in the first ones having the stainless sights.

Interesting write up, thanks.

mchom · #42 12-17-2023, 04:02 PM

Here are a few. Left to Right, Top to Bottom
ND, -1, -2
-3, -4
ND marked SCPD-R (Suffolk County PD I believe), ND marked CHP, -1 marked DPR (CA Dept Parks and Rec I believe)
ND marked CPD (?), ND marked OHB (Over stamp CHP)

Inland7-45 · #43 12-17-2023, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchom

Here are a few. Left to Right, Top to Bottom
ND, -1, -2
-3, -4
ND marked SCPD-R (Suffolk County PD I believe), ND marked CHP, -1 marked DPR (Dept Parks and Rec I believe)
ND marked CPD (Chicago ?), ND marked OHB (Over stamp CHP)

That is a nice collection of 67s. My newest firearm is a model 64 made in 1979 or 80. As a rule my interest ends with the last of the pinned barreled guns.

The exceptions would be .32 caliber J frames especially the short run stainless and adjustable sight versions, Model 24-3 , Model 16-4 and the model 67. Especially law enforcement marked guns.

Peter_G · #44 12-22-2023, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_G

Hi guys, I have the opportunity to purchase this revolver, marked Model 67-7 (?), but not mentioned in history by John (Paladin85020 post)...

I've got it!
... and a comparison with the .32 grandfather from 1887...

SA trigger weight feels incredibly light, much ligher than my 2011 3.0 lbs (1.36kg) trigger, so I decided to check it ... 0.846kg (1.87 lbs)! Is that OK?