Is this normal on a 66-1?

[angels-zero]

Hey guys.

I picked up this 66-1 to complement my nickel model 19 yesterday. Nice and tight, clean bore, timing is good, etc. After I got it home to clean up the typical crud, I noticed this "notched" type L shaped groove at the front end of the frame around the cylinder. It was hiding out under some build-up. Looks kind of like some sort of venting groove. My 19 does not have this, is this a problem or normal for a 66-1? Thanks

 

[DUNTOV]

Mine does not have it

 

[Nightowl]

They used to put a punch mark in that area when the gun was test fired. Mine has two punch marks there, but they are pretty subtle, not like yours.

 

[angels-zero]

Pix?

They used to put a punch mark in that area when the gun was test fired. Mine has two punch marks there, but they are pretty subtle, not like yours.

Richard, do you have any photos of yours showing this area? It definately looks intentional on mine, not like a fracture or failure. I hope it is not an issue...thanks, Tim

 

[viceunit]

They used to put a punch mark in that area when the gun was test fired. Mine has two punch marks there, but they are pretty subtle, not like yours.

Ditto on my 66-1 2-1/2". No photo currently.

 

[angels-zero]

Trigger job?

Further sleuthing reveals a few stamp marks that I wonder if it may have had some work done to it. One thing that allured me to this 66 was the glass-like action. Smooth as silk, although I have not fired it yet. Upon further inspection, I find numerous stamp marks that seem "non-factory" or maybe performance center? the yoke has three stamps on it. C13, 90045 & the letter "S". The butt has more. C13, 90045, "S", 2, 10 & F18 on the left side and 7438, K with circle around it, and A with triangle around it on the right side. I think the K and A are probably the inspector's marks, but what are the others. I guess a call to S&W is in order but that will have to wait 'till tomorrow. Anyone have insight on these markings and punch marks today?

 

[vrichard]

My s&w mdl.66 -1 ser.21K91XX dosen`t have it.
Dick

 

[angels-zero]

One more picture

as aquired with OEM S&W combat grips dated sep 1987 (obvious upgrade/replacement). I have noticed some 66-1's with the S&W logo on the left side (smaller to go with the speed loader gripset, I presume). Did they relocate the logo to accomodate the special emblem of interest (ie state emblem/special order type) on the other side or did they move it over to the left side altogether at some point? Curious...

 

[Rapidray]

My 19-3 has the punch mark.

I never noticed it before. It is a little light punch mark. That is interesting.

 

[Flint Ridge]

66-1 6" - Yep has a punch mark
66 no dash 4" - Yep heavier punch mark
66-1 4" - Double Yep - two very light marks

Interesting - any excuse to drag them out and have a look.

 

[angels-zero]

Learn something new every day...

66-1 6" - Yep has a punch mark
66 no dash 4" - Yep heavier punch mark
66-1 4" - Double Yep - two very light marks

Interesting - any excuse to drag them out and have a look.

Thanks for looking...was concerned as my 19's don't have that mark. Still wondering why they put it "there"? And why some have it and not others? I guess these days the spent shell would account for the test fire aspect. It looks as if I have some research to do on this particular piece as it is stamped all over. Part of my enjoyment of firearms collecting is just that...finding the history of the piece. I will call S&W tomorrow and see what I can find out. Follow up with results.

 

[NFrameFred]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that punch marks were random QC testing for Brinnell hardness ? Proper temper of a test specimen by inspection prior to shipment. I've seen a few with punch marks, but not like the one in the pic.

 

[Retired W4]

My 66-1 has the mark. It's a little to the left, compared to yours, but a significant punch mark. I can't remember noticing it before, but I bought it 35 years ago. I am interested in knowing what is discovered about this mark.

 

[minconrevo]

The "S" stamp indicates the metal in stainless steel. S&W and other primary, as well as aftermarket makers use it for a variety of SS parts. In their raw machined state, stainless and carbon steel look identical. The "s' stamp is merely a manufacturing key that the part is stainless.

 

[pilgrim6a]

Ya got me to look. Mine are all carbon steel. All but one have a punch mark in that spot. 'J', 'K', & 'N' frames.
Ranging from a .44 HE 3rd model (1928) to a 24-3 (1983).
The odd man out is my 21-4 (2007), no punch mark.

 

[Ranger Grant]

Another 66-1 4" with punch mark.

best, RG

 

[angels-zero]

Funny, S&W does not confirm

Talked to the local S&W gunsmith, he said that punchmark was normal, sees them often. Talked to Smith & Wesson, they said it was not. Go figure. In fact, the kid I talked to said "we don't even make those anymore, so good luck trying to find any info on that" Is this not the manufacturer? Geez Loise...goin to hell in a handbag... I am more apt to follow the many posts here which show otherwise...thanks for all your replies.

 

[Nightowl]

Richard, do you have any photos of yours showing this area? It definately looks intentional on mine, not like a fracture or failure. I hope it is not an issue...thanks, Tim

The marks are so light I don't think my old camera could get a picture. It is just very light round small punch right in the intersection at the bottom of the frame window under the barrel.

 

[Nedroe]

I'm Not Sure What It Is......

But all mine have it, even my flatlatch model 38 no dash airweight. I didn't check my RM, or my pre- 29, 5 screw, 4", but both 27-2, 3-1/2's do, as does my 25-2


Ned

 

[Fredo Batali]

My 66-1 has it. Just a small punch mark, but definately there on purpose. All of my Smith & Wesson revolvers have it.

De Oppresso Liber