Registered Magnum Questions

[Dan M]

Hello everyone,
I have purchased an RM, have not recieved it yet but want to make sure all is right, and I have a few questions

I have read my 3rd edition and still can't figure out these questions

1.What is the earliest known serial # of a Registerd Magnum?
2. What were the stampings and where were they located?
3. Does anyone have a picture of the Butt of an RM with a serial # stamping?

Thanks

Dan M

 

[Dan M]

Hello everyone,
I have purchased an RM, have not recieved it yet but want to make sure all is right, and I have a few questions

I have read my 3rd edition and still can't figure out these questions

1.What is the earliest known serial # of a Registerd Magnum?
2. What were the stampings and where were they located?
3. Does anyone have a picture of the Butt of an RM with a serial # stamping?

Thanks

Dan M

 

[Onomea]

Dan, I think SN is 45808.

If you like, I will send you the Roy Jinks 1989 article on RMs, but it is 6 MBs or so. The article is no longer definitive, but it is the best published comprehensive coverage of RMs that there is.

 

[Dan M]

Thanks Onomea,

I sent you an email and then I got your 1st one.

Dan

 

[rburg]

We've had many discussions on this topic over the last few years. I'd suggest you take Arlo up on his offer and get a copy of the file. Then print it and keep copies under your pillow, next to your easy chair, and anyplace you work on guns or think about them. Make notes in the margins, too.

Don't equate serial numbers with registration numbers. They don't move in lock-step at all. its not unusual to find a gun with a reg # several hundred numbers different from what you expect. The factory just didn't bother to make guns in numeric sequence.

If you've got some time, just start browsing back thru the oldies section and reading all the posts on RMs. It will be a lot of reading, and we've rehashed Roy's article many times. There are mistakes in it, but those aren't glaring.

 

[glypnir]

Here are some pictures of mine:

Serial number of the butt:

serial number on the cylinder:

registration number (under crane), serial number - on barrel, and assembly number on crane

To see the three numbers together, flip the cylinder out. The serial number is in the extractor shroud, and the other two are normally hidden under the crane.

 

[Dan M]

Thanks guys,

Here are some pictures of my new Aquisition, I wont recieve it until Tuesday so I cant verify anything here. Am told is Serial # 45099 reg # 3450. any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Dan M

 

[j38]

Dan, Congratulations and enjoy! You have a very nice RM there. Let us know how it shoots when you get around to it. Regards, Jerry

 

[kwill1911]

Dan,

I think either the serial number or the registration number is wrong, perhaps both, especially if the tag about "1st year production" is right. Please report back when you get the revolver in your hands. I would also recommend lettering it. It only costs $30 and may add value to the gun.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[Dan M]

kwill1911,

I think you are correct about the serial #, the freind who snapped the pictures for me had a hard time reading the serial # although he said it was the same in the Lug Cuttout, he didnt look at the cylinder. He's a shotgun guy. I am extremely anxious to get this little jewel in my hands. I will then take some better pictures and also send in a Request for a letter from Mr. Jinks.

Dan

 

[MikeyL]

Dan, nice revolver! I was really interested in this post, since I have an early RM and the rear sight configuration is just like yours...checkered frame top and barrel rib, but a polished sight extension. I thought that the sight might have been replaced, but it looks like yours. Mine was shipped October of 1937 (ser. No. 540xx, Reg. No. 3027), with a 5" barrel and Call gold bead sight. Nicest action on any of my S&Ws. Thanks!

MikeyL
SWCA #2010

 

[bettis1]

Mikey,

The checkered topstrap and smooth polished sight base is correct for the Registered Magnum. On the Model 27 the top strap and the sight base are both checkered.

Bob

 

[Art Doc]

I not really trying to be all negative and such, but I can't help but notice that this revolver exhibits a very pronounced turn line on the cylinder. In my limited experience with RMS (and all early S&Ws for that matter) the timing was so close that very little wear was created as the locking bolt snapped home in the bolt cut. The guns made in the 1970s and later usually have the deep and wide turn line but I don't see them this bad on the earlier guns. Or is it just my imagination?

I can't help but wonder if some work was done on this gun at some point that rendered the timing less precise thus producing the exaggerated turn line?

 

[Memphis]

Also, wouldn't an early Reg Mag have the small S&W logo instead of the large one. And the magna's, weren't they only on the later ones? I definatly love the gun though. I still want a blued one instead of my nickled one.

Nice one

Roger

 

[Art Doc]

I believe the Magnas were introduced with the RMs in 1935 and any RM could have them.

I didn't notice the large logo. Isn't it supposed to be small? Not sure.

 

[JayCeeNC]

I have an RM that shipped in March, 1939. It has the large logo same as Dan's.

 

[1Aspenhill]

Dan,
On Dec 2, 1936 the factory ordered that all Hand Ejectors would have large S&W Monograms on the side plate. On Sep 5, 1936, the order to adjust stocking fixtures to manufacture magna stocks with metal stock circle insert for .357 Mangum revolvers. If the registration number is correct, then the grips will be correct.
Nice gun!
Hope this helps,
Bill

 

[glypnir]

Originally posted by SaxonPig:
I can't help but notice that this revolver exhibits a very pronounced turn line on the cylinder.

I can't help but wonder if some work was done on this gun at some point that rendered the timing less precise thus producing the exaggerated turn line?

That way he doesn't have to worry about shooting it a lot, at least if it works right now, right?

Who knows what happened to the old lady throughout her lifetime? She won't tell much.

 

[Dan M]

Thanks for sharing the info on your guns guys. I dont know about the Turn Line and RM's, but I know turn lines can happen when a gun is not being used properly. I will be able to tell more when I get the gun in hand. the other thing is the pictures themselves and the use of the flash could exaggerate the turn line. we will see.

I dont take stock in hang tags on used guns, the previous owner probably never did research it, he just thought it was a 1st year gun. he was proud of it I am sure though. I will get to meet him this week and try and get some history too.

Dan

 

[dant]

Well they were made to "shoot" and the few I saw over the years were just that "shot" and shot a LOT.... some of them coppers were target shooters too, took their shooting 'serious' not like some of them today who consider the "gun" just one of their 'tools', would go to the range to "qualify", just to get "days off" ( true story, thats how it was in the city of Cleveland)