Centennials
- Thread starter Batjac
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29aholic
Member
Welcome to the forum
I think Centennials are one of the coolest J-frames made. I looked for a beater older model for a long time for a carry gun with no luck and had resigned myself to the fact I was gonna have to buy one of the new versions, when I lucked on the one below.
It had been parkerized for some reason, but it fit my need perfectly. Shipped in about 1955.
I think Centennials are one of the coolest J-frames made. I looked for a beater older model for a long time for a carry gun with no luck and had resigned myself to the fact I was gonna have to buy one of the new versions, when I lucked on the one below.
It had been parkerized for some reason, but it fit my need perfectly. Shipped in about 1955.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I have routinely packed an old M40 (1964) for the past 15 years. Got this one about 20 years ago cheap because it was stored on a boat and corroded all over. Works fine, just ugly as sin. Got the genuine stags off ebay for $6.
Couple years back I bagged this almost pristine example made in 1962 but can't bring myself to carry it. Closest thing I have to a safe queen.
Couple years back I bagged this almost pristine example made in 1962 but can't bring myself to carry it. Closest thing I have to a safe queen.
MJS5678
Member
#4083
Do I like Centennials?
Here's a couple, and the bummer is, I haven't got them all yet!
jcelect SWCA#LM723
Here's a couple, and the bummer is, I haven't got them all yet!
jcelect SWCA#LM723
cflier
Member
Ive got an old premodel 42 that I carry occasionally. I have been wondering how the old ones from the 50s & 60s compare to the new ones?
Any one have any experience in shooting both?
Mark
Any one have any experience in shooting both?
Mark
p0838
Member
Nice Original Flat Latch Centennial Instruction Sheet (no date but 1960 parts prices) on sale in this ACCESSORIES / MISC - For Sale or Trade section
Almost bought an absolutely pristine model 40 with box and papers for $475 at a gun show this past weekend. Possibly never fired since leaving the factory. I passed. I am now wondering about that.
Malysh
Member
I've got Centennial Airweight #3651 with strain or bug screw. Sold in 1954 according to Mr. Jinks' letter.
I also have Centennial #16,999 sold 1962. The revolver was most probably made by 1957 or earlier because it's a 4 screw frame.
I also have Centennial #16,999 sold 1962. The revolver was most probably made by 1957 or earlier because it's a 4 screw frame.
DHENRY
Member
Absolute best carry revolver out there.
Don
Don
Batjac,
I love 'em too!. Here are a couple of 98-99%ers. You will note that they are early ones where the box only says "38 Chiefs Special". One is sn 7xx which shipped May 1953 to Wolf & Klar in Ft. Worth; and the other is sn 46xx which shipped December 1954 To Arizona Hardward in Phoenix.
Yours is slightly later and has a rubber stamped "Centennial" on the box. The gun that MSJ5658 shows is later still with the label printed with "Centennial".
A few years ago a table mate at a Dallas show forced me to buy a mint NIB Model 042 from him. I bought it with the thought that I would let my wife have it for a carry gun. However, it is so beautiful that I haven't been able to even bring myself to show it to her yet
.
To also show my affection for the Centennials, I have been carrying an early nickel M442 on a daily basis since 1993.
Bob
I love 'em too!. Here are a couple of 98-99%ers. You will note that they are early ones where the box only says "38 Chiefs Special". One is sn 7xx which shipped May 1953 to Wolf & Klar in Ft. Worth; and the other is sn 46xx which shipped December 1954 To Arizona Hardward in Phoenix.
Yours is slightly later and has a rubber stamped "Centennial" on the box. The gun that MSJ5658 shows is later still with the label printed with "Centennial".
A few years ago a table mate at a Dallas show forced me to buy a mint NIB Model 042 from him. I bought it with the thought that I would let my wife have it for a carry gun. However, it is so beautiful that I haven't been able to even bring myself to show it to her yet
.To also show my affection for the Centennials, I have been carrying an early nickel M442 on a daily basis since 1993.
Bob
Last edited:
Bob, excellent pics! I guess that proves the serial number rule, that there is no rule. Here also is #174X, it has the rubber stamp Centennial label also
And here is a Model 42 I picked up at one of Jim Supica's auctions
And here is a Model 42 I picked up at one of Jim Supica's auctions
tjsguns
Member
Here's one of my fave's!
Check out the serial #!!!
She really needs a box! Anybody know where I can get a proper one?
Check out the serial #!!!
She really needs a box! Anybody know where I can get a proper one?
Gatorbaiter
Absent Comrade
tjsguns, I'm going up you one better, this one is SN 147!
This one is a 32 Mag:
This one is a 32 Mag:
A high school classmate is an FFL, and came home from a Chicago gunshow about 5 years ago with a 4 diget serial # Model 40. Says a family member of a Chicago police officer sold it to him. I bought it, about 95% condition, no box. When I got it home, I found the first initial, and a last name engraved on the frame under the grips. I googled the name, and came up with a fairly famous Chicago detective. To add butter to the popcorn, my friend called about a week later and told me he was going through all the stuff he bought in Chicago, and had a pair of genuine mother of pearl grips for the M40. He gave them to me, no charge. The only thing missing was the original pin that disables the grip safety, but other pins will work.
tjsguns
Member
Gatorbaiter,
You Win!! (and engraved to boot??? WOW!!!)
Still need a good source for correct box....anybody??
You Win!! (and engraved to boot??? WOW!!!)
Still need a good source for correct box....anybody??
Gatorbaiter
Absent Comrade
Bob, The 32M was engraved by "JM", haven't been able to determine who JM is. The 38 doesn't have an engravers mark, no idea who did it.
Hugh
Hugh
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