Model 16-3 in .38 Special

[WVfishguy]

The wife and I just got back from a gun show, where a dealer had a Smith & Wesson Model 16-3 in .38 Special. At least, it said "Model 16-3" on the yoke. I repeat - the inside yoke was marked Model 16-3, clear as a bell.
It looked like a Model 15, had Smith & Wesson on the barrel with a lazy ampersand, and was clearly marked ".38 S&W Special." It was blued and had a 4" barrel.
I think maybe someone put a Model 15 cylinder and barrel on a Model 16.

What do y'all think?

 

[H Richard]

It is not unheard of to have a mismarked frame. I almost dropped one on a glass counter in a local gun store a few years ago that had "16" stamped in the yoke area, but it was a 38 also, a 4" Mod 15.

 

[Art Doc]

It's actually quite common to find S&Ws with the incorrect model number. Doesn't affect value.

 

[S&Wdave]

Mismarked Mod 15

Just bought a Mod 15 Combat Masterpiece 4" that is marked Mod 16-3. What show did you see that one at? S&W says it was to be a K 32 but ended up a K-38. Same frame. I was told this is not uncommon. Year 1971

 

[PMRet]

I have a 16-3 that has a "6" clearly stamped over a "4" on the model number inside the crane. I have seen pictures of this before, sometimes with a 6 over a 4 and sometimes with a 4 over a 6. Keep in mind that in the "old days" the K-32/Model 16's were not very popular, with a total of only 3630 produced between 1947-74. Because of this, my theory is that sometimes S&W had unused model 16 frames laying around that they would assemble as 14's, and on occasion they would have an order for a model 16 and have to use a model 14 frame. It stands to reason that this could also happen with a model 15 since the frame is the same for all three models.

 

[PWJones0]

I have a model 16-3 it is plainly marked no mistake, SN-5K13XXX
I am just trying to find when it was made.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have a model 16-3 it is plainly marked no mistake, SN-5K13XXX
I am just trying to find when it was made.

Welcome to the Forum.

Looks like 1973.

 

[PWJones0]

Thank You Muley Gil.