I have a S&W model in .45 acp. The right side of the 6.5 inch barrel is marked with, " 45 CAL.Model 1955". What is the reason for that barrel marking?
25-2 question
- Thread starter fourb20
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That is the year that model was introduced. In 1955 S&W had not yet started using model numbers. The model 29 was just The 44 Magnum, the model 27 was The 357 Magnum, the model 25 was the Model of 1955, the model 28 was The Highway Patrolman and so on. I believe the change to model numbers like model 25 was 1957.
OP
I understand the model numbers starting late in the 50s but have never seen a model number on the barrel.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Prior to the Model 1955 was the 1950 Target Model which had a tapered barrel and would later become the Model 26. The Model of 1955 was distinguished by its heavy barrel. The "Model of" marking was to note the difference.
Over the years S&W has made many "Model of" XXXX year guns. Some are marked this way while most aren't.
My Model 25-7 is marked on the barrel as "Model of 1989". As were a few other models in the late 80s. There is no rhyme or reason to it. That's just how it is.
Over the years S&W has made many "Model of" XXXX year guns. Some are marked this way while most aren't.
My Model 25-7 is marked on the barrel as "Model of 1989". As were a few other models in the late 80s. There is no rhyme or reason to it. That's just how it is.
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On the barrel, it's not really a model number so much as a model name. As others stated, model numbers didn't come about until the late 50s, but S&W kept the "name" on the barrel to help older consumers understand that this is basically the same revolver they grew up with.
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OP
so, the model 1955 marking would be like the model 28 having the marking , Highway Patrol ?
StrawHat
Member
It's also convenient that they didn't use the ACP designation. That way when converting to .45 Colt there is no restamping required. : )
Neat S&W N frame's.....
The model 28 is marked "Highway Patrolman" on the barrel just like your model 25 is marked "Model of 1955". As far as I know the guns with names kept the names and added model numbers so both are present after '57.
No, when model numbers came into being, they were stamped on the frame, behind the closed yoke.
Before model numbers were assigned, all of the handguns had names; however, only a few had the names stamped on the barrel.
Even after model numbers came about, the names stayed in the catalog and on the boxes for many, many years.
Walter Rego
Member
And of course there are the approximately 1000 Model 25-2's that were made around September of 1976 that were accidentally rollmarked .45 CAL. MODEL 1950 on the barrel instead of the correct MODEL 1955.
StrawHat
Member
I really would like to know how that happened! The Model 1950 was discontinued in 1961, a quarter of a century earlier!
Kevin
Walter Rego
Member
I have often wondered why a roll die with the .45 CAL. MODEL 1950 lettering was even in the tool rack where it could be accidentally grabbed by the worker. You would think that obsolete items like that wouldn't be on the shop floor with the commonly used marking dies.
StrawHat
Member
45
The difference in the 2 guns is noticeable when you shoot them The Model 1955 feels like you are shooting a different cartridge. The 1955 has a lot less recoil than the 1950. The small changes in the 1955 seem slight but make a difference in the way it shoots.
The difference in the 2 guns is noticeable when you shoot them The Model 1955 feels like you are shooting a different cartridge. The 1955 has a lot less recoil than the 1950. The small changes in the 1955 seem slight but make a difference in the way it shoots.
