confused about J frame designations.

[photoman]

Keep us posted. Sounds like a nice gun.

 

[petitelady]

640-1 centeniel

I have a 640-1 Centeniel model which is very close to the 640 and I love it. It's stainless and a j-frame which makes it a perfect concealment gun for a small women.

 

[ol'jarhead]

I have an old (early) Mod 36 Chief's Special that I inherited. Once belonged to a local police detective who had a "trigger job" done on it. The gun is a liability for concealed carry. If fired from a cocked hammer it only takes a breath to drop the hammer. I need to know where to purchase a new factory original hammer for the gun. Any suggestions, anyone?

 

[ltxi]

Could also be due to a stretched frame if it was run with a lot of hot ammo/reloads. If it's an issue for you, having a good gunsmith evaluate it would be my advice.

 

[bdsorcic]

If I could only have one, that would be the one.

Old School is still the best!. ...

 

[hotrod150]

All vintage S&W's have "hair triggers" in single-action mode IMHO. Replacing the hammer won't help, heavier springs will increase the pull weight but probably not much in SA. You're better off shooting it i DA mode only. I own several Chief Spoecials, all but one have the hammer spur bobbed off. This prevents the spur from being snagged on clothes or poking flesh, the side benefit is making the gun (pretty much) double-action-only. Single action shooting has only very limited application in self-defense. Research the DAO "NYC" S&W's for more info.

 

[skrazo]

Copying This Thread

I tried to copy the part with all the data in it, so it could be taken with me when I go "browsing" S&W revolvers. Wordperfect just make jibberish of it. Is there something "special" that is required?

 

[Macinaw]

I tried to copy the part with all the data in it, so it could be taken with me when I go "browsing" S&W revolvers. Wordperfect just make jibberish of it. Is there something "special" that is required?

I had the same idea to make a copy for reference. I right clicked to "copy" then opened up Word Office. Then right click to "paste" That worked for me.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

Thanks to Valkyrierkl and ar15ed for comprehensive listing of J-frame versions, lots of work there.

I would recommend the 640 or 642 for personal defense carry because both are double-action only. No worry about getting challenged for accidentally shooting the gun in single action. And both conceal better without the hammer spur.

I have both, probably should stick to one or the other but like them both to much. Watch for canted barrels on any new ones you buy.

 

[skrazo]

I had the same idea to make a copy for reference. I right clicked to "copy" then opened up Word Office. Then right click to "paste" That worked for me.

I got it to work this time. After copying, the program (Word) displays a bunch of "squiggly" stuff. Just select it and "clear formatting" and all is well. What a great post!

 

[rwsmith]

Your perception is right....

Some years back, the continuity of the S&W model numbering system went south.

 

[AC5SM]

What is this one? I think made in 1954 or 55. There is no model number on it just a serial number in the 50XXX. From what I understand it is a Chief Special. I sure like it for Sunday carry.

 

[ibewbull]

Looks to be a:

What is this one? I think made in 1954 or 55. There is no model number on it just a serial number in the 50XXX. From what I understand it is a Chief Special. I sure like it for Sunday carry.

Nice old Chiefs Special flat latch .
I have carried the J frame more often than all my other handguns combined.
The only thing better is TWO of them.



Mine is a bit newer for an older one.

 

[Morgan88]

great list

What a great list. Looking back this list would have been and will still be a huge help. I am relatively knew to handguns and this site and still find it difficult when members throw around so many model numbers.
Valkyriekl, I will gratefully accept your gracious help.

Morgan88