Some I-frame ?'s

[jward01]

got it.

Hondo44, thanks for info. ser. # is 538342 curious to when it shipped. and where is 6 screw? james

 

[Hondo44]

James,

Your gun likely shipped the last quarter of 1951 or early 1952. But no guarantee because they did not ship exactly in serial # order, only generally and occasionally not even that.

 

[Green Frog]

Hondo44, thanks for info. ser. # is 538342 curious to when it shipped. and where is 6 screw? james

"6 screw" is a sort of verbal shorthand some of us use to indicate (on I-frames only) the presence of a strain screw near the bottom of the front grip strap. This immediately identifies the gun as an UN-improved I-frame with leaf spring like the larger guns rather than coil spring like the J-frames. I believe your pictures display a shadow of that screw, right?

Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

Hondo44, thanks for info. ser. # is 538342 curious to when it shipped. and where is 6 screw? james

The leaf spring tension screw, bottom of front grip strap. I see it in both photos.

The '6 screw' screw count is only relative to the I frame and only included in the screw count because with the coil spring Improved I frame as Froggie posted, it's eliminated as are the 5th and 4th screws later on. The 6 screw count terminology distinction was first recognized and initiated by Froggie. And hopefully included in the edits to SCSW 4th edition due out this spring.

The tension screw (6th screw) is never eliminated on the K & N frames, therefore not included in their screw count; only the 5th and 4th screws are eliminated on those frame sizes.

 

[James E. McCall]

I have a S&W ( which I believe is a pre WW1 "I" frame) It is a 5 screw with a screw in front of trigger guard, black rubber stocks w/ S&W logo at top, inside right grip is stamped the serial # which is2258xx as well as the round butt, cylinder which has at end a mushroom shape on the end of pushrod and barrel has cut underneath to accomodate same, was possibly a 4 inch with serial same as rest of gun. Barrel has been cut removing front sight just in front of 3 lines top being Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass, U.S.A. Second line patented MARCH. 27. 94 AUG 4 96.DEC. 22. 96* 3rd line OCT.8.01 DEC.17.01 FEB.8.08 SEPT.14.09 * Gun is blued with Smith & Wesson logo stamped on right side, gun is 99% Dark bluing , but has slight wear marks on cylinder (possible holster marks) and on left side of barrel is marked *32 LONG CART*, when cocked cylinder locks real tight and same look be harly fired and barrel is shiny and bright. I am lookin for another barrel for this gun so if anybody on the Forum knows where I could a full length barrel it would be appreciated..