Question on 940 markings...

[JoeyBones]

OK, so I did a search, but did not find anything really pertinent to my questions...

I recently acquired a mint 940 (no dash), and there are a couple markings at various spots, which I am wondering what their significance might be:

- The number '6' stamped into the cylinder (on the side w/ the charge holes).

- An 'F' stamped into the crane (or is it a yolk?)

- A poorly-done electro-pencil '293' engraved into the inside of the crane (or yolk)

I am a revolver and S&W newbie, so I apologize in advance if these are dumb questions, or if my terminology is incorrect (If we were talking HK's or Sig's, I would probably know what I'm talking about - But Smith's - No way!!!)

Thanks in advance, all.

Regards,

Bones

PS - BTW the gun shoots wonderfully, and extracts everything I've tried so far (including HST 124 +P), except for WWB 115 FMJ... They occasionally stick ever so slightly... But I am thrilled to have finally laid my grubby mitts on a 940 for a steal of a price...

 

[Alk8944]

If you look closely you will find various letters, numbers and often some other symbols stamped on S&W revolvers. These are mostly fitters and inspectors marks and have no meaning outside the factory. They identify who was responsible for various steps in manufacture and the factory doesn't reveal who these are.

It is neither crane or yolk, eggs have yolks, S&W revolvers have yokes. Colt revolvers have cranes. Strictly a manufacturers nomenclature choice.

If it is truly an electro-pencil marking it is post-factory and could mean anything to whoever put it there. S&W never marked guns in any way with an electro-pencil. A photo would help in interpreting what it could be if it is a dot-matrix stamping like S&W has used.

 

[JoeyBones]

Thanks for the reply...

I figured out something I already knew deep down inside: I am an idiot!

That "6" on the cylinder is probably actually a "9" - For 9mm, I'm guessing...

And the '293' (which I called electro-pencil due to it's poor execution and hand-drawn appearance), actually matches up with a '293' similarly (but slightly better done) etched onto the side of the butt/grip...

So, I guess the 293 is a fitter's mark...

Thanks again!

Regards,

Bones

 

[Dnovo1]

I agree that the factory did not put that electro pencil mark on the gun. Added later perhaps by the retailer or first owner. Dave

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

The 9mm Cylinders that I have seen have a "9" on them & as others have said the other #s are just for assembly & don't mean much..
Enjoy the 940.. Sounds like you got a good one with a smooth chamber..
Gary/Hk

 

[H Richard]

Enjoy it, they aren't all that common. They are lots of fun. A comfortable but reliable load that doesn't bite is 3.8 gr. 231 behind a 124 gr. RNL. Chrono's 906 fps from my 2".

 

[tekarra]

My 940 no dash has a 9 on cylinder. Other marks are as previously noted. Great little revolver, enjoy.