Please explain the "Dash" variations

Emerson

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Can someone please enlighten me as to the differences between the various "no dash" and the "dash 1" "dash 2" etc etc

Thanks

Emerson
 
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Can someone please enlighten me as to the differences between the various "no dash" and the "dash 1" "dash 2" etc etc

Thanks

Emerson
 
It's real easy. I'll use my Model 37 as an example. Before S&W had model #s they made a .38 Chiefs Special Airweight from '51 to '57. S&W decided to start useing model #s for this gun in '57 and started stamping the # on the yoke. So - the guns that came before that can be called Pre-37.

As S&W made changes to the production of the gun they added the dashes to mark the changes.
For example in '88 they made a new yoke retention system/radious stud package and stamped the gun M37-1.

The year that guns got stamped with a model # are not all the same as the M37. The bottom line is that the dash #s mark production changes.

Hope that helps. The S&W Catalog really helped me to learn about these things.

Hill
 
For each model, there are manufacturing changes and factory modifications to the original design. Accordingly, the model with a dash will reflect the said modification or change.

If you have a copy of the "S&W Bible" AKA the "Standard Cataloge of Smith and Wesson" by Supica et al, there will be explainations of the various "dashes".

Hope this helps.
 
I've been waiting for a chance to appropriately post this.
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From the April 2004 Guns and Ammo magazine: page 26-

Q: Several years ago I purchased a stainless steel S&W model 625-3....I have been all over the other books and can only come up with info on the 625-2. The gentlemen at our local gun store says it's the same gun with maybe a small modification, hence the "-3" instead of the "-2". Is there anything else you can tell me?

The "professionals" on the staff responded:

A: The S&W 625 is the stainless version of the M25 and was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. All are roll stamped ".45 model 1988" on the barrel. The 3" and 4" versions were discontinued in 1991. The "-3" means that the model has achieved considerable sales success and does not necessarily indicate a change in design..."

funy.jpg
 
Another good reason to get the S&W Catalog. There are many-many variations in how S&W has done business over 150 years. hill
 
A: The S&W 625 is the stainless version of the M25 and was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. All are roll stamped ".45 model 1988" on the barrel. The 3" and 4" versions were discontinued in 1991. The "-3" means that the model has achieved considerable sales success and does not necessarily indicate a change in design..."

Gotta love that, it's printed so it has to be true, right? I laugh everytime I see that, at least it's 100% (wrong in this case)
 
Originally posted by RobO:
I've been waiting for a chance to appropriately post this.
icon_wink.gif


From the April 2004 Guns and Ammo magazine: page 26-

Q: Several years ago I purchased a stainless steel S&W model 625-3....I have been all over the other books and can only come up with info on the 625-2. The gentlemen at our local gun store says it's the same gun with maybe a small modification, hence the "-3" instead of the "-2". Is there anything else you can tell me?

The "professionals" on the staff responded:

A: The S&W 625 is the stainless version of the M25 and was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. All are roll stamped ".45 model 1988" on the barrel. The 3" and 4" versions were discontinued in 1991. The "-3" means that the model has achieved considerable sales success and does not necessarily indicate a change in design..."

funy.jpg

Hence the reason I no longer read any of the gun rags.
 
I understand that the different numbers, ie -2 -3 -4 signify changes.............my question is what are/were the changes?

Does it vary by Model? For instance is a M29-2 the same as a M24-2? as far as the changes? What about a 686-2?
 
Yes it does vary by model. If you want learn more about them I highly recommend you purchase the Smith & Wesson Standard Catalog. it cost around $30.00 (Discounted)and the 3rd edition is out. There is a lot of info to be had in it.
 
Emerson...for N-frame and K-frame models that were made in the 50s (29, 24, 19, etc.) the changes are as follows: change thread direction on the extractor rod from right to left-hand (-1), implement new cylinder stop with the elimination of the cylinder stop plunger screw (-2), eliminate barrel pin and counterboring of cylinder (-3). Changes can vary somewhat by model, but these are main ones when collectors talk about them. For the Model 57, the -1 signifies the elimination of the barrel pin and counterboring of the cylinder since this model never had an extractor rod with a right-hand thread or an older style cylinder stop. After the -3, K-frame and N-frame models underwent different changes that resulted in the -4 and later variations. When talking about changes it is best to follow a particular model and not try to generalize too much.

Bill
 
Doc44 & SixWillDo - Many thanks, that was exactly the answer I was looking for.
 
Originally posted by RobO:
I've been waiting for a chance to appropriately post this.
icon_wink.gif


From the April 2004 Guns and Ammo magazine: page 26-

Q: Several years ago I purchased a stainless steel S&W model 625-3....I have been all over the other books and can only come up with info on the 625-2. The gentlemen at our local gun store says it's the same gun with maybe a small modification, hence the "-3" instead of the "-2". Is there anything else you can tell me?

The "professionals" on the staff responded:

A: The S&W 625 is the stainless version of the M25 and was offered in 3", 4", and 5" barrel lengths. All are roll stamped ".45 model 1988" on the barrel. The 3" and 4" versions were discontinued in 1991. The "-3" means that the model has achieved considerable sales success and does not necessarily indicate a change in design..."

funy.jpg
LMAO!!!
icon_biggrin.gif
 
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