Dumb question? What is Dash/No Dash?

[TBerg]

With some fear I am asking what might be a dumb question? I'm still relatively new to the forum and occasionally I see terms that I can't figure out the meaning. The latest term I have encountered is dash or no dash in reference to some model revolvers. Trying to search for its meaning, I noticed that the term seemed to always appear in this forum (S&W Revolvers: 1961-1980). I read quite a few of the posts, but none explained it, they simply used it. I'm simply trying to understand what people are referring to when they use that term. I hope the question isn't too basic and I am showing my stupidity, but I was hoping to better understand what that means. Thanks.

 

[Barn Boy]

No dash

I am by no means an expert, but I believe it means that it was the first version of that model. A dash was added when there was a major change to the production design of the model.

So a no dash is the very first version and many models like the model 10 have a bunch of dash changes. So if you look at the crane stamp it will give you the model and the dash if there is one. 66, 66-1, 66-2. etc.

A good question and I don't think you will get roughed up on this board for asking newbie questions. You can use the forum thread tools to help you with some of the terminology questions too.

Randy Reinhardt

 

[Iggy]

BB covered it pretty well. The link below shows the changes he is talking about.


Smith & Wesson model changes

 

[Art Doc]

There is no such thing as a "no dash" model. That is an unfortunate term folks have adopted thinking that we won't know what is meant by simply saying "Model 27" or "Model 10" or whatever. When I read someone mention a Model 27 I assume he means the version made 1957-1961 and not the subsequent models 27-1, 27-2, etc. but apparently I am alone on this.

 

[Rugskipper]

There is no such thing as a "no dash" model. That is an unfortunate term folks have adopted thinking that we won't know what is meant by simply saying "Model 27" or "Model 10" or whatever. When I read someone mention a Model 27 I assume he means the version made 1957-1961 and not the subsequent models 27-1, 27-2, etc. but apparently I am alone on this.

While I agree in principle, in practice the no dash thing is kinda handy. When searching GB or other sites, many sellers for instance mistakenly refer to their model 686-6 as simply a model 686. Huge difference to someone looking for a pre-lock, no-MIM, square-butt revolver. Here on the forum, most of us know the difference, but the added distinction eliminates any doubts.

Welcome, TBerg!
We were all newbies once.

 

[WVfishguy]

If someone simply says "Model 27," I have no idea if they even know about model numbers. Not everyone is a S&W collector, and there is nothing "unfortunate" about saying "no dash." One cannot communicate too clearly.

 

[lagavulin62]

for the longest time I used to search gb using only 29-2. tired of looking at the same guns again and again one day I decided to check out other versions. so I entered 29 and lo and behold I got my share of 29-2's I had never seen before.

 

[j38]

WVfishguy is right on. Assuming everyone knows the correct nomenclature about S&W Model marking is asking a lot. Using the extra 6 characters that make up the "no-dash" removes any doubt - and doesn't bother me a bit.

Regards,

Jerry

 

[TBerg]

Thanks everybody. That helps alot. It also clears up the confusion I had when reading about different models as in the example in the last post. The link showing the different S&W Model changes was also very informative. I appreciate the replies. This is a great forum. Tom

 

[Art Doc]

Model 27.

No further clarification is needed or desired. Adding the unfortunate "no dash" only clutters things up.

Adding superfluous wordage doesn't contribute to clarity; doing so inhibits true clarity which springs from brevity.

Where are all the folks who go ballistic when terminology is used that was never a part of the S&W vocabulary? Or does the factory say "no dash?"

 

[Markcuda]

The more info that we have, the better.
I guess that some people here are smarter than all of us

 

[29aholic]

Well I have been drinking but I dont think anyone has addressed the OP's question.
The dash numbers indicate a major (to the factory) engineering change. When talking 44 magnums the designation 29 was assigned due to new federal regulations at the time that dictated the factory give rhyme and reason to their models. With the advent of the -1 it is commonly excepted the ejector rod changed to left hand threads the -2 was loosely the deletion of the 4th screw. The -3 was the end of the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder...etc,

 

[phils]

Iggy, thanks for that chart.