Questions about my latest find.

[mrchick]

I bought this 19-6 today and am trying to figure out if it's all original. It has a product code of 100705 and a BHB serial prefix. The SCSW says the RB 100705 was made 1996-99, but the appendix says BHB is 1991. Maybe I'm just struggling with the feature codes. My big question is about the stocks. Are they original?
Gun came with box and no manual.

Gun has no holster wear and a slight wear ring.

Unusual Smith and Wesson stocks.

The gap between the stock and the frame makes me think they aren't original.

SCSW product code list.

Box label.

What do you guys think about year of manufacture and stocks?
Thanks!

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The Spec Order#, 1100, tells you it was made on the 100th day of 1991 (Apr. 10, 1991).

The box says it came with target stocks (TS).

The SCSW isn't always right.

Congrats on your find.

.

 

[Tadeus67]

I think grips were custom adjusted by the previous owner. They look good.

 

[mrchick]

The Spec Order#, 1100, tells you it was made on the 100th day of 1991 (Apr. 10, 1991).

The box says it came with target stocks (TS).

The SCSW isn't always right.

Congrats on your find.

.

Thanks for the info. I appreciate the help.

 

[mrchick]

I think grips were custom adjusted by the previous owner. They look good.

You are correct, the stocks are definitely modified. I'll have to dig in my box of stocks to see what I have that will fit. These stocks are comfortable, but I can't live with the big gap.

 

[MetalMan]

I think grips were custom adjusted by the previous owner. They look good.

From the off-center placement of the serial number, is it possible that the grip frame itself had been modified?

 

[824tsv]

No offence, but something doesn't look right with that one. I would be sending a PM to member Kernel Crittenden who would be my forum go to for information. I wouldn't pay to much attention to the SPC. ORD. code as it's been proven that they don't always refer to production date. It's hard to tell from your pic's but if the front of the grip frame has been cut at an angle, it was modified for some grips (probably a pair of Fuzzy Farrants). Do a google search on Fuzzy and you will see several pic's.

 

[MetalMan]

From the off-center placement of the serial number, is it possible that the grip frame itself had been modified?

Found this on another forum....

"I also see Product code 100705, which seems to list both SB and RB. Interesting.. I never noticed that before.

So, they made the SB under that Product code from 1984-95 and as a RB under that Product code from 1996-99? That's the way I read it, anyway.."

And from a search of this forum from 2017....

"Product code 100705 in the Standard catalog of Smith & Wesson #3 shows two runs of this gun 1984-95, 4" B TS SB 36 oz. and 100705, 4" B RB SG DT 1996-99. Unfortunately I do not have the fourth edition which I believes gives special order number. Maybe someone else will chime in."

So, if your example dates to 1991 based on the Spec. Ord. code, perhaps this one did start out life as a SB?

 

[Dregg]

Nice looking revolver but the grip base does look to be machined/cut. The grips also look like they've been cut down or sanded at the bottom. Let us know what you find out about this piece.

 

[Farmer17]

They just look like standard Target grips that were shortened and rounded but the gap at the front of the frame is odd. I wonder if they were for an N frame?

 

[Dieseltech56]

Any pics with the grips off? I have a 686-3 with a BHB prefix and I always thought 1991 also

 

[mrchick]

Any pics with the grips off? I have a 686-3 with a BHB prefix and I always thought 1991 also

Looks normal to me.

 

[mrchick]

Nice looking revolver but the grip base does look to be machined/cut. The grips also look like they've been cut down or sanded at the bottom. Let us know what you find out about this piece.

I don't see signs of frame mods. To verify, I took the grips off of my M&P First Model and they fit just fine. It looks like I just need to buy some RB grips.

 

[MetalMan]

I'm glad to see that the resolution was as simple as that.....

Congratulations!

 

[BAM-BAM]

I think grips were custom adjusted by the previous owner. They look good.

Ditto^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[k22fan]

The fact that factory round butt stocks match the frame shape does not prove the frame was not round butted after it left S&W. Custom round butts are usually modified so they can use standard stocks.

In the mid 1990s S&W discontinued all square butt frames. I am not surprised that they did not change the product code when square butts were discontinued. I do not remember any round butt 4" Model 19s before all square butts were discontinued. However, I've forgotten more important things from that time period.

 

[mrchick]

I'm glad to see that the resolution was as simple as that.....

Congratulations!

Thanks. Now I get to hunt for some new stocks[emoji12]

 

[mrchick]

The fact that factory round butt stocks match the frame shape does not prove the frame was not round butted after it left S&W. Custom round butts are usually modified so they can use standard stocks.



In the mid 1990s S&W discontinued all square butt frames. I am not surprised that they did not change the product code when square butts were discontinued. I do not remember any round butt Model 19s before all square butts were discontinued. However, I've forgotten more important things from that time period.

I think you are probably correct. Since verifying it's a 1991 100705, it seems to have left the factory as a square but. Whoever did the conversion appears to have done a nice job. The ten groove back strap looks pretty good.

The front side is not as well done. And was concealed by the stocks.

I'm surprised somebody went to this trouble to hardly shoot it. The rest of the gun is in very nice condition. I'm going to replace these homely stocks and shoot this gun a lot. I'm still happy with the purchase. Thanks for your input.

 

[Peak53]

So, you've got a M19, 4", RB from before SW thought it was a good idea. I actually like the look, including the reshaped target grips. Fire away!