How old is this revolver? What does CTG mean?

[Teddington]

I have just bought a used S&W revolver, which I was told is a model 35-1. It appears to be in excellent shape. The only wear of the surface is a small area at the handle end of the cylinder opening, and there is a very minor scratch around the cylinder. Otherwise, the surface looks pristine. The last number of the serial number is not easy to read. I used an 8x magnifying glass and found it is 82289. In the attached photo, the last digit appears to be a 6, but it is clearly a 9 when seen under magnification. Here are my questions, and please remember that I am a new gun owner.
1. The right side of the barrel is engraved:
".22 LONG RIFLE CTG". What does CTG stand for?
2. When was this revolver manufactured?
3. Is it OK to use inexpensive ammunition in this revolver?

Any other comments on the condition or the care of this gun would be appreciated.

 

[logictox]

CTG = Cartridge

 

[fyimo]

That always seems to get some people but it just means it takes standard 22LR ammo in any flavor including hyper velocity.

 

[gunlovingirl]

You have a model 35-1, 22/32 Target revolver. I believe your 35-1 was the start of the J frame for this model, and yours is probably early to mid 1960's. Someone else will probably reply and give you a more exact date. It looks to be in very nice condition and has probably seen very little use. You asked if it's ok to shoot inexpensive ammo. Most .22 ammo is inexpensive, which is part of the reason the .22 revolvers are so popular. Just keep it wiped down with a light coat of oil, and clean the bore after shooting sessions. Welcome to the forum by the way!

 

[oldafsp]

Congrats on your Model 35 and welcome to the forum.

It's in very nice condition. Enjoy it.

Some types of ammo are dirtier than others. That is, they will create more powder fouling than others.

Stay away from the Remington Thunderbolt .22, they are the worst I've seen in a long time.

Best I have found: CCI Mini-Mag and Federal Champion. Minimal fouling and great accuracy.

 

[fat tom]

Welcome! That Model 35 is a fine way to start. Congrats.
f.t.

 

[Teddington]

Thanks for your comments. I am excited about starting to shoot, but I haven't even bought any ammo yet. The CCI minmag are about $7 per 100, but I was hoping to be able to use ammo I could get for $20 for 500. Thanks to oldafsp for the warning about staying away from Remington Thunderbolt. Last evening, I was pricing ammo at WalMart. Besides the Tunderbolt, the other 3 types of inexpensive ammo they had were: Winchester 555 (36 grain, 1280fps, hollow point, copper plated), Remington 22 Golden Bullet (high velocity), and a basic Federal 550 round value back (36 grain, copper plated hollow point). I have heard several positive comments about the CCI minmags, but I would rather not spend $35 for 500. I would appreciate any feedback on the WalMart ammo. Thanks again!

 

[Sgt Neutron]

I use the Federal bulk .22 (550 round box)in my S&W Model 18 and have never had a problem with it. It is also very accurate. I agree with oldafsp. Stay away from the Remington .22 ammo. The stuff I tried had very hard extraction from the cylinder.

 

[Art Doc]

Always astounded that so many people are baffled by CTG.

 

[snowman]

Another vote for the Federal Value Pack -good stuff. Accurate, clean.

Andy

 

[Hammerless-12]

Another vote for the Federal bulk pack for Chinaworld. Ive not had any issues with it and it seems accurate enough. Yep your on the right track.

 

[TNFrank]

CTG = Cartridge

Ahh, man, you had to go and spoil it on the first post. I was going to tell him "Custom Target Gun" and have a little fun.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Keep it clean under the extractor star and that will be half the problems from dirty .22's right there. I'm another Federal bulk box user.

 

[smitholdtimer]

Nice Find, M-35-1.

The ammunition is certainly important for accuracy and cleanliness so choose wisely. The reason for my reply to your great acquisition is that I personally know of several people here who are actively seeking the Model 35 without any success. I have only seen Three for sale since I learned what they are. You are very fortunate to have obtained one as your first Gun and should be very proud to have obtained such a fine example and welcome to the forum!

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on a great acquisition.

Your gun was made after 1968 based on its features but the serial # you gave doesn't jive. Which part of the gun did you get the # from? Did you leave out a J? Your gun has the Mod 35-1 stamped in the yoke (joint) when the cylinder is swung out. The serial # is on the gun butt.

 

[rags]

CTG explained here...in detail!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/222707-i-just-picked-up-ctg.html

 

[nedlate]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on a great acquisition.

Your gun was made after 1968 based on its features but the serial # you gave doesn't jive. Which part of the gun did you get the # from? Did you leave out a J? Your gun has the Mod 35-1 stamped in the yoke (joint) when the cylinder is swung out. The serial # is on the gun butt.

I see in his picture he took the assembly number off the crane.
Ed

 

[Teddington]

First of all, thanks for your warm welcome to the forum. It feels like I've joined a family. Also, thanks to Jim (Hondo44) for pointing out that the serial number is on the gun butt and is not the number inside the cylinder area. I took off the large grips and found the serial number: M37950.

On the left side of the butt, the number 82289 is stamped (same as on the cylinder), but there is a stamped mark, like an upside down capital L between the last 8 and the 9.

On the right side of the butt, there are 2 stamped marks: a capital P in a circle, and a capital K in a triangle. There are 2 other series of small marks that appear to be small rectangles in a pattern to the left and the right of the triangle K, in this pattern:
|
_ | | |
| | / \ |
| | | / K \
--------

The actual marks are small rectangles, not just lines, and the triangle has rounded corners.

Sorry if I'm giving too much detail, but I am truly excited about target shooting and about getting this revolver.

Also, I'm somewhat amazed that the small grips fit so well and look and feel better that I thought they would.

 

[Teddington]

Marks on Right Side of Gun Butt

Sorry, but my attempt to use text to show what the rectangular marks look like didn't work. I'm attaching a small file that shows about where the marks are located. They vary in size my than my sketch, and some of them have a line horizontally across the middle - almost like an 8.

 

[sophie]

Always astounded that so many people are baffled by CTG.

Me too, and just think--these people know how to text.

James