S&W Model 1955

[Drug Store Cowboy]

I just registered with this forum and would like to ask for some help.
I just bought my father's S&W 45 acp Model 1955 5 1/2 " barrel from my sister. The serial # is "S 159784" . It has 5 screws on the right side of the receiver. It is in pretty rough shape. Some rust and pitting with a lot of the bluing worn off.
The last time I shot it was about 40 years ago and really shot well. I don't remember the condition it was in at that time. It may have been just as bad.
Should I send this off to a gunsmith to get refinished and re-blued? Would this not be advisable due to the age of the pistol?
I also have a S&W model 586 357 magnum with a 4" barrel which I really like. It is in real good condition and is also fun to shoot.
Thanks.

 

[Drug Store Cowboy]

Correction to above...it only has 4 screws.

 

[jmace57]

Cowboy - I think most of us would love to see some pictures before we can make a recommendation. The knee jerk reaction here will be to say to NOT refinish it, unless it is in truly terrible condition.

Welcome to the forum.
Jim

 

[sodacan]

You should re-measure the barrel from the end of the forcing cone (the part of the barrel that goes through the frame and meets the cylinder) because I don't believe that model came with a 5 1/2" barrel. Also post photos to let the experts see what you're describing. You'll get some solid feedback here. At any rate, it would not hurt to let a qualified gunsmith check out the mechanics of the gun. Based on the serial number, your gun was made around 1956 which would make it a "pre-model 25", a model that is not seen that often. Any other forum members, please feel free to correct this information. We would all like to see it. Good luck.

 

[sodacan]

Correction to above...it only has 4 screws.

It probably has 5th screw at the front of the trigger guard, which would make a 5 screw revolver.

 

[Art Doc]

Pitted? Lost cause. Pitting cannot be fixed. I would clean it up as best as possible and shoot it.

Probably made right before model numbers were used and this becomes the Model 25.

 

[Drug Store Cowboy]

I re-measured the barrel length from where the cylinder touches it. It is almost 6 1/2 ".
The gun looks structurally sound. Just cosmetic issues. I am going to shoot it tomorrow. If you don't hear back from me then, well, you know.
I have a request to the forum tech support on how to post pictures. I will attempt it when I hear back from them.
Thank each of you for your replies.
Wow, this is a pretty old gun...kind of like myself!

 

[Glynngaddy]

Photos for Drug Store Cowboy

 

[samandglove1]

That gun has plenty of life left in her, from the looks of it. If it functions ok and the timing is right, I would just have to give her "the treatment". Take the stocks (which look nice) off and give the revolver a 2-3 day bath in Kroil or Marvel Mystery Oil to loosen everything up. I would then take some fine bronze wool and, while there is still plenty of oil on the gun, gently rub all around the problem areas. Use light pressure as to not harm the finish any further. Wipe down the gun when finished.

After this clean up and a light application of Renaissance Wax, I think you will be surprised at what you have.

 

[Drug Store Cowboy]

Thanks for the cleaning tip. I will try it.

 

[Drug Store Cowboy]

One more thing. There was a safety recall on my model 586 357 magnum about 10 + years ago for the hammer. Is there any outstanding recalls for this model 1955?
Thanks

 

[iwanna]

Candidate for engraving job? Hmm.

 

[Muley Gil]

One more thing. There was a safety recall on my model 586 357 magnum about 10 + years ago for the hammer. Is there any outstanding recalls for this model 1955?
Thanks

Welcome to the Forum.

No.

Some of these revolvers had issues with oversized cylinder throats. This affected the accuracy, but there were no safety issues.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Since no one has mentioned this yet, the serial number puts it as shipping in 1956 (most likely), which would have been before it was named the model 25 in 1957. It looks to be a solid shooter and cleaning it up as described above is a good idea.

 

[Drug Store Cowboy]

Muley Gil.
I was told the recall was because of the way the hammer designed/operated, such that if you dropped it on the hammer, it could accidently discharge. I had to send it back to the factory.
When they returned it, I noticed they put an "M" which was supposed to mean "modified", below the barrel in front of the cylinder. This may be where the assembly number is located, I don't really know.
Thanks.

 

[cmichini]

Welcome to the forum!!

My opinion (for what it's worth) is to follow samandglove1's advice - clean it, protect it, leave the rest as it is, and go shoot it.

I have an old K38 masterpiece I picked up that looks about like yours. I just let it ride and shoot it as is. Folks with "pretty guns" who poo-poo its rough looks tend to shut their yappers when they can see how well it groups.

Good luck!!

 

[Göring's S&W]

It probably has 5th screw at the front of the trigger guard, which would make a 5 screw revolver.

Not quite because 4 screw N frame revolvers and K frames for that matter have the screw in front of the trigger guard. This 1955 is a five screw revolver because it has the upper side plate screw. there are four screws on the side plate and one in front of the trigger guard for five total. The grips on the gun are covering a screw on the side plate. For I and J frames the screw removal order is reversed.

Nice gun - i like the custom grips - might they be sanderson's?

 

[Drug Store Cowboy]

The pistol has four screws on the side (one under the grip) and one in front of the trigger guard.
I do not know who made the grips. They do look nice, I agree. I have a large, skinny hand and it fits me very well.
I shot two cylinders through it yesterday and it really feels great.
Thanks

 

[Muley Gil]

Muley Gil.
I was told the recall was because of the way the hammer designed/operated, such that if you dropped it on the hammer, it could accidently discharge. I had to send it back to the factory.
When they returned it, I noticed they put an "M" which was supposed to mean "modified", below the barrel in front of the cylinder. This may be where the assembly number is located, I don't really know.
Thanks.

The L frame revolvers had problems with the firing pin bushings. The hole was too large and allowed the primer to flow back, binding the gun. Yes, the ones that went back to the factory were marked with an "M".

 

[Dave T]

I too would recommend you clean it throughly and shoot it. If you re-finish the gun you will reduce the value as an original and the added cost of refinishing will mean you have more invested in the gun than it is worth. They shoot just fine with a little age showing, just like some of us geezers. (smile)

Dave