Logo Change N Frame

[flundertaker]

I have a couple N frames and was just wondering what SN range the S&W logo on the side plate changed or moved? Both N SN range, one 1972, the other 1980. Gotta admit I prefer the later so it’s fully visible above target stocks. Was this the only reason the logo was moved?

 

[Doc44]

The S&W logo on the side plate is found on different locations on the side plate over the years. What you are observing has always occurred.

Bill

 

[flundertaker]

The S&W logo on the side plate is found on different locations on the side plate over the years. What you are observing has always occurred.

Bill

Thanks bill, I figured it moved around over time. I guess with magnas the location wasn’t much of a thought but no manufacturer intentionally partially obscures their logo indefinetly otherwise why have it, so with the prevalence of the larger target style stocks I assume it’s been moved to be more visible. I was just curious specific to the 27-2 and other N frames being made at the same time if there was specific Known SN at which the logo moved up on the side plate.

 

[Jason Demond]

They did it to later guns as well.

My 625-2 Model of 88 has it on the opposite side of my 625-5 Model of 89.

 

[bill-in-texas]

A “Visual” for Us Who Need One.

I don’t know if the logo was intentionally placed on the side plate to correspond with type of stocks (targets or magnas) but, here’s a picture to (hopefully) help.
I haven’t lettered either 28-2, so I’m not sure if the NYSP-marked HP shown here on left shipped with target stocks.

-Bill


You can see that the logo is evenly placed off edge of stock with each type.

 

[Jack Flash]

Good photograph, Bill!

When was each revolver made, approximately? IIRC, the -2 was in production for ten years or more, so they may be pretty far apart, time-wise. If you haven't figured out the approximate ship dates, list enough of the serial numbers so someone here can get an estimate.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Jack,

Scroll down this thread to read my post. There you will see the same two 28-2s with the specific details. (The one on the left has different grips in either post.)

-Bill

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...frame-ser-ranges-48.html?86433=#post141159981

 

[Hair Trigger]

In addition to the placement of the logo, I've always been curious about some other of the stamping, specifically the "Lazy Ampersand" that appears both on the barrel and in the stamping on the right side of the frame forward of the trigger guard. Some guns will have it both places, and some only on the barrel but not the other spot, and still others have a "standard" ampersand in both places. I felt is is the older guns with the lazy ampersand in both spots, and it changed at some point gradually, same as when P&R started disappearing.

Case in point is bill-in-texas's 1973 ship date M28-2, which was probably made in 1971 or 72, because it has a 5 digit N prefix; I can see it has the standard ampersand in both places, but my M28-2, made in 1973 (six digit "N" SN starting with '1') has the lazy ampersand on the barrel, but not the frame, and even though it came with magnas, the S&W logo is stamped higher on the side plate.

If there is/was a logical progression of these changes, I can understand it, but seems like it goes back and forth a bit