Model 46

gobbler · Aug 15, 2015

Today I purchased S&W Model 46 serial number 73XXX with 7-inch barrel. This is first Mod 46 I've ever personally come across. I notice in Standard Catalog of S&W that only 4,000 or so were produced. So, in equal condition, do 46's typically sale for more than Mod 41's?

Were the 46's serial numbered in the same range as the 41'? I'm having difficulty (or overlooking) finding the date of manufacture of my Mod 46 in the Standard Catalog of S&W. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, any chance of finding the correct barrel weight for the Mod 46?

Thanks

g8rb8 · Aug 15, 2015

The SCSW gives a vague serial # range as follows:
S.N. 1001 starts in 1954 for models 39, 41, 44, 46, and 52 and continues to S.N. 115000 in 1970 when the A prefix starts.
The Model 46 was produced 1959 - 1968. Using logic and a rough guess your S.N. 73XXX might be about mid-1960's?

Guesstimating in vague generalities and just considering standard 7" barrels in similar condition I would estimate a model 41 might bring about 20% more than a model 46. A quick look a Gun Broker seems to confirm that notion.

We are not supposed to post links to live auctions so I won't but I think it is okay to tell you there is at least one active auction on Gun Broker for a barrel weight for a model 46 right now with a starting bid of $75.

Good luck.

Aussie Collector · Aug 16, 2015

gobbler said:
Today I purchased S&W Model 46 serial number 73XXX with 7-inch barrel. This is first Mod 46 I've ever personally come across.

Congrats on your purchase, they are just as good as the Model 41. I'm sure there are a few collectors that would purchase a Model 46 over a (Pre A) Model 41. I personally buy them both.

gobbler said:
I notice in Standard Catalog of S&W that only 4,000 or so were produced. So, in equal condition, do 46's typically sale for more than Mod 41's?

You would think that the value would be higher due to the rarity, generally the older Model 41s sell at higher prices.

gobbler said:
Were the 46's serial numbered in the same range as the 41'?

yes they were in the same semi-auto series. with the model 39, 41 52 and 59.

gobbler said:
I'm having difficulty (or overlooking) finding the date of manufacture of my Mod 46 in the Standard Catalog of S&W. Any help would be appreciated.

Your model 46 would most likely be 1965 manufacture, possibly 1965 or 1966 shipping. only a letter will tell.

gobbler said:
Also, any chance of finding the correct barrel weight for the Mod 46?

As pointed out, the auction sites. they do come up quite regularly.

gobbler said:
Thanks

your welcome cheers.

smithfan4152 · Aug 16, 2015

46 value

At some point in time, I believe the model 46 will be worth as much if not more than the early model 41 seeing how the numbers are so few in comparison. I believe 2500 seven inch, 1500 five and one half, and only 500 five inch versions were made. The barrel weight typically runs $75.00, and hopefully that will include the mounting screw.
Congrats on your purchase.

SWSC · Aug 16, 2015

A lot of people don't know of the 46. But with the surge in prices for the pre 39s I would expect that to carry over to the 46s. Only 4000 made and military connections also. I have seen the 5 1/2 top condition offered for $1700. This was several years ago.
Only 500 made in the 5 1/2 inch. per Stan Cat add 25-75 %.
Only 1000 in the 5 inch.
Only 2500 7 inch

TOM BECKWITH · Aug 16, 2015

S&W 46 730XX Mar-65
S&W 46 734XX Jun-65
As noted above, Jinks/S&W for your ship date. Two suggestions
Do a detailed cleaning if you plan to shoot it - replace slide/recoil spring
Shoot only std velocity due to weaker rail.
If you buy weight, suggest you be sure to get the correct screw with it.

gobbler · Aug 16, 2015

Thanks everyone for the information on my Model 46. Very helpful. I am very happy to have found one.

Model 46

gobbler

Well-known member

g8rb8

Well-known member

Aussie Collector

Well-known member

smithfan4152

Well-known member

SWSC

Well-known member

TOM BECKWITH

US Veteran

gobbler

Well-known member

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