need help to identify

[Navy Goat]

Good evening everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help me get a model # for this 22lr. Serial # is Y439XX. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[Jaymo]

If it was made before 1957, it probably won't have a model number.
I forget when Smith stopped using the flat latch.

 

[00Buck2]

I'm guessing its a kit gun pre 1966.
Open the cylinder and look just above the yoke is there a Mod 64 stamped on the frame?
I don't understand the Y in the serial is that the number from the butt of the pistol under the stock?

 

[Green Frog]

I'm going to go with "pre-Model 34." I think that one is late enough to fulfill the "requirements" to be categorized in the "pre-Model..." category, but some folks get a little hinky about what to do with these examples. I can say for sure it is a J-frame, and with the shorter barrel it was at one time marketed as a "Kit Gun" by S&W. It appears that the grips are not original.

Froggie

PS If you go to some of the forums discussing earlier models (I would start with 1896-1961) you'll find extensive discussions about the changes that took place in the post-War to 1960s time frame. Hondo44 has put a lot of good pictures and explanations in there.

 

[66Park]

Mr. Goat, there is a very informative sticky on identifying your gun that you might find very helpful.

 

[Alk8944]

The number you posted is the guns assembly number, not the serial number. Take the stocks off, the SN is on the butt. With the flat latch there will not be a prefix letter. If there is no model number stamped in the yoke cut you have a 2" .22-.32 "Kit Gun" manufactured before 1957. If it was after 1957 it should be stamped "Mod 34" in the yoke cut.

 

[Navy Goat]

Thanks for all the responses and help.

 

[murphydog]

The short cylinder makes it an older (meaning definitely before 1957) 2" Kit Gun, so it would not have been stamped with a model number. You'll probably find a no more than 5 digit SN stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, which will help us with narrowing down when it left the factory.

Go Navy!

 

[Navy Goat]

There aren't any numbers on the handle.

 

[murphydog]

No number on the bottom of the grip frame, after removing the stock panels?

 

[Navy Goat]

correct. The only number on the entire gun was the one I posted. My friend has the gun and is thinking about selling it. I want to buy it for my kids, but I can't find out how much it is worth.

 

[sandspur6]

If there's no number on the bottom of the grip frame, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. I don't know about Kalifornia, but in Florida, its a felony to possess a firearm from which the serial number has been removed. With very few exceptions, all S&W revolvers since the late 1800's have had the serial number on the butt. If it ain't there, don't buy it.