Looking for information.

[ma454mike]

I'm doing research for a specific revolver. I'm thinking a 38 special or a 357 built in 1953. Can someone give some model numbers of where to begin my search. I'm thinking blued.

Thanks


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[clang444]

There were no model numbers in 1953 for S&W revolvers

 

[JP@AK]

I'm thinking a 38 special or a 357 built in 1953. Can someone give some model numbers of where to begin my search.

Model numbers didn't show up until 1958, but here are your 1953 options for .38 Special (from small frame to large frame):

J Frame
Chiefs Special
Chiefs Special Airweight (nearly impossible to find)
Centennial
(That's about it - the Bodyguard Airweight didn't show up until 1955)

K Frame
K-38 Masterpiece
.38 Combat Masterpiece
.38 Military & Police
.38 Military & Police Airweight

N Frame
.38/44 Heavy Duty
.38/44 Outdoorsman's

Here are your 1953 options for a .357 Magnum:

J Frame
None

K Frame
None (the Combat Magnum wasn't available until 1955)

N Frame
.357 Magnum (updated version of the prewar gun, introduced in 1935)

That's it, since the Highway Patrolman wasn't introduced until 1954.

 

[Hondo44]

Excellent run down Jack!

 

[glowe]

A 1953 S&W is way too modern for me, but I am thinking that there aren't any S&W revolves made in the early 1950s without a caliber marking on the barrel, except for maybe a snub-nose??

 

[DWalt]

You did not specifically mention that the revolver you are seeking had to be a S&W. In 1953 Colt also made several different versions of .38 Special revolvers, and one in .357. Those would be the Detective Special, the Cobra (the alloy frame version of the Detective Special), the Police Positive Special, and the Official Police. The .357 was called simply the Colt .357 and was a variation of the Colt Official Police frame with adjustable sights. There was also a similar target model variation of the Official Police frame in .38 Special called the Officer's Model Match. Colt did not use model numbers either. Additionally, both Colt and S&W revolvers were available in different finishes and barrel lengths.

 

[ma454mike]

Thanks Dwalt. I'm looking for a nice revolver for a good friend. He was born in 1953. So this will be a very special gift for him on his 65th birthday next year.

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[Doc44]

A S&W .357 Magnum (Pre-Model 27) or .38/44 Outdoorsman (Pre-Model 23 in .38 Special caliber) revolver in the S90000 to S95000 serial number range would be a good place to start. Each of these models is a large frame, target sighted revolver. The serial number range should date to 1953, but with S&W's manufacturing and shipping practices, nothing is guaranteed.

Bill

 

[JP@AK]

A 1953 S&W is way too modern for me, but I am thinking that there aren't any S&W revolves made in the early 1950s without a caliber marking on the barrel, except for maybe a snub-nose??

I believe that's true, Gary. Even the Chiefs Special and the 2" M&P had 38 S&W Spl CTG stamped on the barrel.