Pinto versions

[OLMDDat71]

Not sure if this or the next section, But can anyone here tell me when they started offering tie Pinto version of revolvers and how long the made them. Thanks for any help.

 

[Vettepartz]

I assume that you are asking about the Pintos that left the factory originally in that two-tone configuration. There seems to be quite a few out there that were sent back to the factory to have their finish re-done.
The one I have is a pre-27 that was shipped on June 29, 1953 as verified by a factory letter. So we know that they made them at least 67 years ago. Someone else will probably chime in with older ones.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I have no clue when S&W made its first two-tone, but it's been quite a long while ago.

The last ones I know of (before the IL) were 1999 when S&W created two-tone Chiefs Special Model 36s that were actually serial numbered in line with ones shipped in the early '70s. They were cobbled together from parts left over from that era. As I recall there were 75 in that production sequence.

They're gorgeous, and I covet one!

 

[murphydog]

I have seen them from the early '50s to sometime in the mid-late '70s. Of course, a letter of authenticity is needed to verify originality, as they are easily assembled from parts.

 

[RKmesa]

There were a bunch made in the 1950's that were shipped to H.H. Harris in Chicago, Rex Firearms in NYC and Oshmans in Houston TX. I have .357 pintos that shipped to each of those destinations.

There were two tone guns produced by S&W in the late 1800's and early 1900's as well.

 

[Hondo44]

The original S&W revolvers going back to the first Model 1 were all what we call Pintos nowadays: a combination of Nickel plated parts and blued parts.

At the time of the S&W Centennial in 1952, it appears someone in production had the idea of pulling popular models from inventory and making Pintos in honor of the earliest S&Ws.

Since then they appear usually at the end of the fiscal year by modifying guns in inventory to reduce inventory. Of course anyone could special order a two tone finish at anytime. There were no special orders or production runs of Pintos. There are large groups of some models.

Modern Pintos usually have nickel barrels and cyls because those are easiest to make from completed guns, but the reverse is also found as the one example above.

 

[comfortsource]

This one shipped December 1967 in current form per the Factory Letter.

From what I understand, many "pintos" are not factory made (unless verified by letter). But they sure look good when all done up! Good luck in your quest. Always something new to learn here.

J

 

[two-bit cowboy]

This one shipped December 1967 in current form per the Factory Letter.

That's a handsome Chiefs Airweight, and it has diamond grips -- a great feature for such a late shipper!

 

[H Richard]

This is a Model 1, 1st Issue, 3rd Type. Shipped in 1858. So you can see they offered two tone guns from day one.

 

[OLMDDat71]

Thanks for all your responses, i had a 19 back in 1970 or 1971 that is long gone. I am looking for N frame 4 and 5 screw guns now, but would love to find a N frame Pinto ( yes I just missed one on Gun Broker that I should have jumped on ) snooze and loose fits .