S&W 78G

22lrfan · Dec 1, 2023

I had to go out of town for a couple of days and I'm headed home tomorrow. I hit several gun and pawn shops today but only saw a couple of interesting ones. One was a nickel 3" RB 13-3 on consignment for $1000 In another I spotted a S&W 78G. I had never heard of these. I wasn't interested in it so I didn't look at it or take any photos. I think it was marked $175. I googled it and now I'm wondering if I need to go back by there tomorrow and have a closer look at it. Anyone have any experience with the 78?

Model52guy · Dec 1, 2023

$175 is not a bad price. I bought one 6 months ago for 165. Looking for a deal on the 79G now.

22lrfan · Dec 1, 2023

Thanks. Is there anything specific I need to check if I go look at it?

Onomea · Dec 1, 2023

There's a lot of info on these here: Those pellet guns that look like Model 41s...

22lrfan · Dec 1, 2023

Thanks. I tried to search for info but didn't find anything.

paulleve · Dec 7, 2023

22lrfan said:
I googled it and now I'm wondering if I need to go back by there tomorrow and have a closer look at it. Anyone have any experience with the 78?

Smith made a great pellet gun in the 78g and 79g! They have the weight and feel of a real pistol and are a huge step up from the stamped sheet metal bb and pellet pistols of the 1970s and 1980s.

$175 is a bit expensive for a standard 78g unless it comes with a box and, if you're lucky, some original accessories. They were produced from 1971 until 1978, so at the very least you're looking at a pistol that's 45 years old. It will need to have the seals replaced, so figure around $30 in parts if you can do the job, or $100 or so if you need to send it out.

Rick Sanborn · Dec 7, 2023

I just bought one off EBay, where’s a good place to find a seal kit and disassembly instructions?

paulleve · Dec 7, 2023

Rick Sanborn said:
I just bought one off EBay, where’s a good place to find a seal kit and disassembly instructions?

I've gotten rebuild kits from Mac1, JGAirguns.biz, and from a seller on eBay with the username Crosman600repair and business card that says Henry Ford. I like the kits from Henry Ford, and have used them for a variety of 1970s to 80s airguns. His 78/79g kits are about $30 shipped.

Look for a kit that includes a urethane (white) seal for the CO2 piercing cap and a new exhaust valve. If you'd rather keep your original brass exhaust valve, JGAirguns will rebuild it for you for $20. You do want to replace that valve. The cheapest kits on eBay don't include one. It would be a shame to spend a few hours disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling your pistol just to hear CO2 escaping the first time you pierce a CO2 cartridge!

As for directions, there are several videos on Youtube that have directions for disassembly and reseal.

leonardocarrillo · Dec 7, 2023

I have one that I bought new in 1980, over the years I had to repair it twice (change gaskets and rubber seals), I think two repairs in 40 years is not bad for a gas weapon. Very accurate and fun to shoot.

22lrfan · Jan 14, 2024

I made it back to the pawn shop the third week of December and bought it for $140 OTD. I ordered the rebuild kit and finished it yesterday. I put a CO@ cylinder in it and shot it a few times. It's still holding pressure after 24 hours so I think it's good to go now. It took a while to get it disassembled. All the orings had deteriorated and everything was stuck together. I hope to take it upstairs this afternoon and shoot it some.

When I opened it up it had one of the S&W CO2 cylinders in it.

robvious · Jan 14, 2024

very cool... I scored a N.I.B. at the last gunshow I was at... didn't realize it was N.I.B., was planning on shooting it... it now sits waiting for me to decide what to do with it...

ACORN · Jan 14, 2024

I saw a 79 at the show yesterday with box, papers, S&W pellets and CO2. He was asking $345.00. YIKES!!

paulleve · Jan 24, 2024

22lrfan said:
I made it back to the pawn shop the third week of December and bought it for $140 OTD. I ordered the rebuild kit and finished it yesterday. I put a CO@ cylinder in it and shot it a few times. It's still holding pressure after 24 hours so I think it's good to go now. It took a while to get it disassembled. All the orings had deteriorated and everything was stuck together. I hope to take it upstairs this afternoon and shoot it some.

When I opened it up it had one of the S&W CO2 cylinders in it.

Congratulations on the reseal! I've found that if they hold air for a day they are usually good to go. Your pistol looks like it's in nice shape. The serial number tracks to about 1975, and it would have come with a box of 5 CO2 cartridges like the one you found in it and a tin of 250 pellets. They are great shooting pistols!

danalex · Jan 25, 2024

79G

Mine after some modifications

S&W 78G

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