long time coming- model 40

[beagleye]

I have been looking for the right deal on a centennial for a good long while. They're pricey and many are beat up from jingling in peoples pockets. And I am a forager, I check pawn shops, local auctions and auction sights too. Anyway, finally got one.

It is high 90s condition, in the 21 thousand range with high polished blue, flat latch, model marked, 4th screw and high horn grips, still got the pin. No box or accessories. I wonder if it may be one of the last ones to ship in this configuration. Here's some pics for your viewing pleasure:

 

[SAFireman]

I like it!

I got rid of one old one many years ago and sometimes wished that I had kept it.

Yours is a dandy though

 

[M29since14]

Very nice - congratulations on that one! I've always wanted one too, but made the mistake of buying one "too nice to use, " so I just make do with more modern stuff. Maybe some day a shooter grade gun will come my way. Enjoy your new "fivegun."

 

[Kansasgunner]

There's just something special about a Centennial with the high horns.
Congratulations!

 

[27 Man]

Congratulations on your model 40. I recently acquired a pre 40 with a 4 digit serial number in similar condition to yours. It belonged to the man that got me into pistol shooting 40+ years ago. He passed away a few years ago but was well liked and respected by many. I am lucky to have it.

 

[JcMack]

I've had a couple pre 40's and a 42 along the way. One of them was a shooter grade I wish I kept. The grip safety spring on all of them was stiff enough I would pin it if I were to carry it. I used to make grips that would fit the high horn crescent cut and put the high horn's up.
Nice gun Beagleye

 

[Engine 21]

Nice 40 - I have been on the look out for a high horned 40 in 90 % + condition for sometime and eventually will find one. Congrats.

 

[Hondo44]

It is high 90s condition, in the 21 thousand range with high polished blue, flat latch, model marked, 4th screw and high horn grips, still got the pin. No box or accessories. I wonder if it may be one of the last ones to ship in this configuration.

Absolutely beautiful and well worth the wait!

I'm gonna' say it's 'mid' production:

Before 1966 with its flat latch.
After June 1957 since it's model stamped.
And still having 4 screws, probably not far after 1957.

 

[beagleye]

Absolutely beautiful and well worth the wait!

I'm gonna' say it's 'mid' production:

Before 1966 with its flat latch.
After June 1957 since it's model stamped.
And still having 4 screws, probably not far after 1957.

Thanks for the help Jim. I guessed mine (serial number 21,056) to have probably shipped 1961 or 1962 from other guns which have posted on this forum. I thought that was pretty late for having the 4th screw. Is that sound logic?

Here's how I came up with this notion that it was late for this configuration.

I see a record on this forum of model 40 serial number 17,699 shipping in May 1961 with the same configuration as mine (4th screw, high horns, flat latch) and there being a few comments to the effect that it must have sat for some time since the top screw in the side plate was discontinued in 57. So I was quite surprised to see mine, 3,500 numbers later with the 4th screw.

Thanks, Pete

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks for the help Jim. I guessed mine (serial number 21,056) to have probably shipped 1961 or 1962 from other guns which have posted on this forum. I thought that was pretty late for having the 4th screw. Is that sound logic?

Here's how I came up with this notion that it was late for this configuration.

I see a record on this forum of model 40 serial number 17,699 shipping in May 1961 with the same configuration as mine (4th screw, high horns, flat latch) and there being a few comments to the effect that it must have sat for some time since the top screw in the side plate was discontinued in 57. So I was quite surprised to see mine, 3,500 numbers later with the 4th screw.

Thanks, Pete

Hi Pete,
Yes sound logic. The 4th screw that late is unusual except for M40s. Different models were produced in batches. It appears that many four screw frames and or side plates were produced before model numbers were assigned but not assembled until later. Market demand must have lagged behind S&W's production.

 

[beagleye]

Good to know. Do you or any others here know how late the 4 screw m40s lasted? Last 4 screw serial?

Thanks

 

[H Richard]

That's a very nice early one. I finally found one (L prefix) from 1972 a few years ago. They are not all that easy to locate as you found.

 

[Hondo44]

Good to know. Do you or any others here know how late the 4 screw m40s lasted? Last 4 screw serial?

Thanks

Sorry, I don't, but yours is the highest # so far in my small database. Just start keeping track of serial #s in threads like you did with #17699 that you posted.

You may find this thread interesting:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/191687-brief-history-centennial-revolvers.html

 

[beagleye]

Very interesting- good read.