rotti, welcome to the forum.
The previous posters covered S&W "designations" for you, and will continue to do so, cause sooner or later someone is going to bring up the "pre" models, the "R Ms", and of course the "Chief's Special".
In the "Smith" world you gotta be bi-lingual. Maybe "Tri-lingual".
I will pass this on from my experience. I held onto, but wasn't allowed to shoot, a Smith&Wesson revolver in 1945 or 6. I had "eyed it" with envy for some time before that.
Further, except for the time I was away in the Army, I cannot recall a time there was NOT a S&W in my principal residence. Not always mine, but there, nevertheless.
My point ? Well two actually. First, you have come to a place that houses the most astute, dedicated Smith&Wesson, people in all the land.
A few hours spent here will reveal more S&W knowledge, than the average "brain pan" can hold. So you will not likely "get it"; all in one session.
Second. Having been around the S&W for quite a few years, (as I said), there are still large gaps in my knowledge.
Partly, because at best, I am only a casual "gatherer" of any S&Ws; and partly because for most of the early years, in my rural areas you would not normally see more than 1 or 2 , and often they were identified only by the ammo they shot.
Model numbers came along about 1957,(?) but even then, most folks just referred to them by caliber.
I applaud you for starting this S&W information "hunt". Hopefully it will all fall into place for you, and you will become one of the guys here that "knows his stuff"; and move over from the asking; to the answering side.
I used to be surprised, (sometimes) in gun shops, talking to "gun-people", when I ask of someone examining a S&W;....."wow, is that a three inch model 66" ?, and the reply is.."naw, it's a Smith and WESTERN" !
I equate learning S&W lingo, with that other American icon; the "Harley". I expect most of us more likely learn by rote, than by intensive "cramming".
