Questions on a Pre-model 12 - Aircrewman??

[aHFo3]

I made an impulse buy on a what I thought was a pre model 12 today. I thought it may be something unique because it said revolver, lightweight, m13 on the topstrap. I'm a sucker for snubbies, and when I noticed it was a 4 screw, round butt with the diamond grips that was extremely clean I jumped. I paid their price and left. In my truck I noticed it had U.S. stamped on the back of the frame on the grip, then I noticed that the cylinder is aluminum.

I got it home and did some research and found that it could be a aircrewman, but is likely an attempt at a copy.

Then I noticed that the frame is cracked under the barrel - $%@!&*

I called the store and they will refund my $.

I've posted this question on thehighroad.org THR but I'm looking for advice on what to do.

I don't have a large gun budget, so my gun purchases are for shooters. I thought this would be a cool "carry lots, shoot little" gun, or that I could possibly flip it.

Here are the details: serial # C402xxx; where the cylinder swings out is the number 46086, then a larger L 9. It looks like there is a zero on the yolk. The grips match the serial number, and the frame under the grip repeats the 46086 with the zero above it. The side of the frame is stamped with the letter "p" at the 10 o'clock postition in relation to the trigger guard.

the barrel is marked .38 spl.ctg* on the left side, and smith&wesson on the right.

The back of the grip is simply marked U.S.

What are your thoughts?

Is it a copy, or is it legit. Should I get my $ back, keep it or sell it?

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[dbarale]

Do not return the gun until the experts give you an informed opinion.
Also you may want to change your title or re-post with "aircrewman" in the title to get more attention. Great looking gun and possibly quite valuable...

 

[handejector]

Sit tight awhile. I emailed a fellow with a link to this thread. He is one of the guys you want to hear from.

 

[opoefc]

aHFo3, Don't take that gun back! I'm 99% sure you have a 100% rare Aircrewman revolver. You probably bought it for 20% of it's value! Tell me the complete serial number and I may have it entered in my database. Very close numbers are shipped to Robbins AirForce base by S&W. The other numbers you mention are the assembly number used to build the gun and have no relation to the ser., C402??? That ser. # should be on the barrel, cylinder, grips and all match, however it's possible that the gun is a restored demilled gun, as you mention a crack in the frame. If it's restored, then the numbers probaly won't match, however a correctly restored gun still has collector value, due to the rarity of these guns. Good luck, Ed #15

 

[aHFo3]

Okay, so here are more pictures: I blurred the serial numbers. If you'd like to know the serial number, just message me. The cylinder doesn't have the serial number on it, and the barrel flat doesn't either. Let me know if there are any pictures that are missing. Thanks for all of your help!

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[handejector]

Pic of topstrap??

 

[dbarale]

 

[aHFo3]

Thanks Daniel, the topstrap pic I took last night was blurry.

 

[opoefc]

That's a righteous Aircrewman. I have no doubts. The high numbered late shipped guns are seen w/o numbers on the barrels or cylinders. My guess that the AF contract didn't specify that, so S&W left them off as a minor cost savimg step. Ed.

 

[Texas Star]

These guns were withdrawn from service because the cylinders were too weak, weren't they? Guess the frames crack around the barrels, too, but we don't know who shot what in it, or how much.

However, S&W's alloy revolvers are known for frame cracks. It seems to happen ofen enough that I've never bought one.

T-Star

 

[mel023]

Is this Aircrewmen safe to shoot or does it fall into the collect only - don't shoot category?

 

[Camster]

Do not shoot a gun with a cracked frame.It's a collectible only.I wouldn't shoot a non cracked one either,for fear of rendering firing damage to it also.Plenty of cheap steel snubs around for that.

 

[Skip357]

under aircrewman 1948-1967 c1-c999999

 

[aHFo3]

Thanks Camster, I was planning on using it for its intended purpose when I purchased it, but when I discovered that it has the aluminum cylinder and that it is collectible, oh yeah and cracked frame I will not shoot it. I'm going to get the letter from Mr. Jinks, and probably sell it. I'll let you all know before I sell it.

Skip, I'm not sure what your post is about.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Thanks for posting the good photos of your revolver. Other than the unfortunate crack it appears to be quite nice. It is an item that is not often seen, even in photos.

 

[aHFo3]

bmc, no problem, it is my pleasure, I've been showing it to all of my gun friends.

 

[handejector]

Is this the gun aHFo3 bought?
If not, a pic of his is what I meant. I already know what they look like.
I wondered what HIS looked like....

 

[Duffy]

The aircrewman was issued when I was in the air force(1956-1960). After 250 rounds fired the revolver was taken out of service and special ammo was used,it was 130 gr.FMJ loaded at low vel. Most of the time we fired the 1911A1...

 

[aHFo3]

I wondered what HIS looked like....

Yes, that one is mine. The pic was found THR thread that I linked in the original post.

 

[aHFo3]

Duffy, did you actually fire an aircrewman while in the air force?

If so, I'm jealous! It is difficult for me to hold a gun that I know I can never shoot.