pre model 17

[tom turkey 2]

I am looking at a pre-model 17 (no model number in the crane) the s/n is K35xxxx it has a 8.5 inch barrel but I think the guy meant 8-3/8 inch, their is no s/n on the back end of the cylinder or on the barrel where the cylinder rod goes. This person said it was all oringinal. My question is I thought the pre-model 17 only came with a 4 or 6 inch barrel and should the s/n be on the barrel and on the back of the cylinder?

 

[s&wchad]

K350,XXX is listed as late 1958, about the same time the 8-3/8" barrel was introduced. They stopped numbering the barrels and cylinders around then too, so it's very likely correct. Did you check for the serial number under the extractor (use a flashlight)?

 

[DCWilson]

My understanding is the same as yours: I do not know of a Pre-17 that had a barrel longer than six inches, though one certainly could have existed.

The aspect of this that makes me think there is a model designation error is the serial number. Guns in the K350xxx range were manufactured in 1959 or so, a couple of years after the changeover to model number designations. If the specific gun you are looking for did NOT have a MOD 17 designation under the yoke, I would tend to think the absence was a production oversight.

But even in 1959, I'm not sure you could have had a 17 with a long tube on it except by special order. Perhaps the gun you remember started shorter and was rebarreled at some point.

That's a lot of speculation on my part. Worth every penny you paid for it, too.

 

[29aholic]

FWIW
I have 2 4 screw 1957 vintage pre-29's without the serial numbers on the barrel or back of cylinder. Smith and Wesson did a hodgepodge of stamping in that timeframe so as always there is no definitive rhyme or reason to go on. Obviously only a letter will divulge the truth.

I will say this. If the gun will letter with that barrel given the vintage, it would be something special. I dont believe the long barrels have ever been all that popular. Of course there may be a reason for that.