Revolver manufacture dates.

[Com 45acp]

I will get the others this evening when I get home.
First is a S&W model 38 Bodyguard 30J4xx

 

[Flattop5]

Well, I tried dating a few guns. But somehow, the dates never worked out. I mean, you take them to dinner, take them to a movie, even give them flowers or roses, but, in the end, it just never works out. I dated a Model 29 for awhile, but despite her beauty and slick action, things just never clicked, ya know? Word to the wise: don't date inanimate, steel objects. It's a loser idea.




----------

 

[Com 45acp]

Some people just can't but help themselves. But I apppreciate the comment as it is people like you that makes the world turn.

 

[JP@AK]

30J4xx is probably 1971, maybe 1972.

Flattop5
You should have tried chocolate cartridges and a strawberry holster.

 

[Com 45acp]

S&W 10-5 D9890xx
S&W 686-4 CAY41xx
Thanks guys.

 

[JP@AK]

Model 10-5 D9890xx = 1977

S&W 686-4 CAY41xx = 1996 (probably)

 

[Com 45acp]

What can I use to polish the nickel and what gun cleaner after shooting to not damage the nickel finish?

 

[maxwell]

Timely comment!
I just picked up a nickel plated model 38 airweight bodyguard. Looks like someone used steel wool to remove surface rust. Plating is still there, but what to use to buff it out?
Also, could someone date it? Please? serial #J2406xx
(M38 on the right is my "floating J" from '72.)

 

[JP@AK]

could someone date it? Please? serial #J2406xx

Should be 1974. Could have shipped in 1975.

 

[murphydog]

Avoid heavy abrasives, as that will remove the plating. Many recommend Flitz but I use Renaissance Pre-Lim and Wax; the latter will preserve and protect the nice shiny finish.

Any solvent marked "safe for nickel finish' is fine. Many comment that Hoppes #9 will remove nickel because of the copper base layer, but S & W never used copper. That said, best to use and remove any solvent (even "safe" ones) quickly. A Lead-Away cloth is safe to remove burn rings from cylinder faces if you so desire.

 

[daddio202]

I love nickel guns but do not have many of them. We would like to see pictures when you can. As for cleaning you simply can not go wrong by using Ballistol. It is a wonderful cleaner, lubricant, protective that has been made for nearly 100 years. It is non toxic, does not harm wood and actually cleans and protects wood, it is even good for the skin on your hands. Some do not care for the smell but I like the smell of it myself. I use it on all my guns. Once the gun is clean I prefer Mothers Mag Polish. Many state to use it by hand wiping only then buffing off by hand but I have used it on the polishing wheel of my dremmel tool being very careful not to apply too much pressure and the results are simply stunning. It will take away all the fine scratches on nickel finishes. Ballistol can be kind of hard to find in any local stores but is easily obtained via the internet (ebay) and a large squirt bottle will last years. Good luck and enjoy

 

[mayburn]

What can I use to polish the nickel and what gun cleaner after shooting to not damage the nickel finish?

CLP (Break Free) works just fine for cleaning handguns with nickel plating. I use this for my old H&R and the original nickel is about 80%