Another S&W ID Problem

[kscharlie]

OK, I am looking at what I think is a .22/32 Kit Gun. It is in good condition with considerable wear. The serial number is 532417 which would indicate it is a pre-war sample, probably ca. 1940. However, and this is the problem, there is a large S&W insignia on the side plate. According to SCSW 4, the S&W insignia should be underneath the thumb latch, and it should be a small insignia.

The revolver has a 4" barrel, adjustable rear sight, and the front sight blade looks like a Call sight with gold bead. The blade is pinned through the sight boss. It has a 4 screw side plate. Cannot tell from the pics if there are any other screws on the frame or not.

So, should I "assume" that this is, in fact, a pre-war .22/32 Kit Gun or perhaps a post-war transitional or something else???? Any thoughts or additional information or things to look for would be much appreciated.

-Charlie

 

[Muley Gil]

If it doesn't have a barrel rib, it should be pre WW II. Can you post pictures?

 

[kscharlie]

There is no barrel rib. Here's the best I can do for pics. I realize the stocks are not original, along with the t-grip.

 

[handejector]

I haven't read SCSW completely, but that logo is correct after about 1935.
That is a Pre-War gun.
It needs to be cheap!

 

[DWalt]

Serial numbers are all over the place on these, and accurate shipping dating without a letter is not possible. But it is safe to say yours shipped during the later 1930s based upon the S&W logo stamped on the sideplate. Also, post-WWII serial numbers began at about 537xxx, a little greater than your SN 532417. So no need to assume it is pre-war. It is.

 

[Skeetr57]

Also, the lack of a rib on the barrel just shows that is pre-1953. The I frame adjustable sight guns were redesigned later than the K and N frame guns.

 

[murphydog]

The factory was known to install and number replacement 4” barrels onto 6” .22/32 Targets, so looking for matching numbers and a letter of authenticity would be needed to confirm it is an original Kit Gun.

 

[kscharlie]

I haven't read SCSW completely, but that logo is correct after about 1935.
That is a Pre-War gun.
It needs to be cheap!

With everything that is "wrong" with this revolver, cheap was exactly what I was thinking too. If I can get it at the right price, it would be a handy little knock around gun. My Model of 1953 is just a tad too nice for that.