The Definitive Model 40/42 Thread

[peter2772000]

An update in case anyone's interested...


Got my letter from Mr Jinks. Turns out that my l'il baby was built on May 9th, 1959 and delivered to Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods in Ontario Canada. Which is still in business, I'm pleased to add.
To quote;

"This revolver was shipped with a 2" barrel, blue finish and smooth high horn walnut grips. This is a rare variation having the extra locking screw preventing the top side plate screw form working loose."

Thanks for the interest, Mbliss. As requested

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Looks to me like that was a retirement gift from management. I guess they took QC a little more seriously back then.

 

[bettis1]

Since the revolver shipped to Canada, the likelihood is that QC stands for Queen's Counsel, a type of lawyer in Commonwealth countries.

Lots of opportunities for research with this one. You have the name, the date, and the location.

Bob

 

[jcelect]

Mod 042

Hey Bob
A little more history on the "Mod 042" from a factory letter! The guns were made to recover the cost of a problem(the factory never wasted anything). They were made on 642 frames that the factory was having problems producing a proper finish on for the 642! I have owned 2(still have one) of these and under close inspection you will find the mod 042 was stamped over the original 642 stamping. Both of the guns I have had were a high polished blue but I have seen a dull blue finish also. This model was never a catalogue item. These were sold in 1992 and 1993 with a total production of 4415 guns made. An interesting side note to scrap frames, the factory also produced a "Mod 032". These were produced on "cosmetically imperfect frames" of the 632 model. There were 180 of these made in 1992.
jcelect

 

[peter2772000]

Since the revolver shipped to Canada, the likelihood is that QC stands for Queen's Counsel, a type of lawyer in Commonwealth countries.

Lots of opportunities for research with this one. You have the name, the date, and the location.

Bob

Sorry guys, I guess I didn't make myself clear LOL

I know who Morton Greenglass is. He was a lawyer in Toronto Canada and he had, in the 60's -70's, a permit to carry. The issue I had was simply trying to figure out the manufacture year of this revolver. The markings didn't jive with that 3rd locking screw, it was driving me nuts...

Thanks for the comments though. I just wanted to post my findings. I hate it when newbs show up to a new forum and post questions, then never post their findings when they do discover the answers. Disrespectful in my opinion...

 

[mbliss57]

Another 42 Airweight for my collection

I bought this a couple of weeks ago from "noconeetrader" aka Handejector...
It is a very very nice early model 42 from 1958. S/N 12284. The interesting thing about this is the very late date to still have the "bug screw" on the upper side plate. I have some early examples from 1953/54 with the Bug screw. See earlier posts. July 18 2013.
However, Peter2772000 has one 50 numbers different from mine also with the Bug Screw. Sn 12234. So the Bug screw may have been used much later than stated in SCSW. It is also possible when the upper side plate screw didn't seat well they just used them randomly until there was a design change.
The pics are from "Noconeetrader" His are better than I could take.

 

[bettis1]

Joe,

Thanks for the info on the Mod. 042. Roy told me that the Mod. 042 was built from the left over frames of the original 642. The stainless steel yokes were finished in a black finish to match the barrel and cylinder and the frame was anodized in black. As you noted, there were 4415 of them made like this.

Since the box is marked 42, he said that the Factory just shipped them out to the distributors to fill the M42 orders and didn't pay any attention to how they were marked. The MOD. 042 was more for internal use than for the dealers.

Whatever the finish problems might have been, this little gun is one of the prettiest of the litter. Even with a magnifier, there is no indication of an overstamped model number.

Bob

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Here is my model marked 42 with all the pre model features and the Bug screw.The serial number is 12706.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98794472@N04/10274723886/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98794472@N04/10274723886/ by alex1961m, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98794472@N04/10274642884/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98794472@N04/10274642884/ by alex1961m, on Flickr

 

[mbliss57]

Those are 3 model marked model 42s from 1958/59 era with Bug Screws. Apparently they are alot more common during this era than the literature suggests. (SCSW by Supica and Nahas) See Post 143, 146 & 148.
Does anyone have anymore info or insight into this?
What is the latest known S/N with a Bug Screw on a Model 42? Show us some higher s/n...so far the highest I have ever seen at 12706 by 05carbondrz

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I am about 99% sure that these where left over frames that where model stamped after 57' and shipped out.

 

[craigevans013]

I just joined the forum. I thought I'd add my baby to the mix. Serial #49xx

 

[Dillyp]

My nickel m40 with 4th screw sn 16xxx
And blue m42 sn 19xxx like to keep a good thread going

 

[old tanker]

Late to the thread, but here it is...

Here's my Model 40, serial 29108, a little peace, love and understanding from the Sixties. A classic S&W 03 shoulder holster. All I need now is a Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT 390, although it was a Diamondback that graced Steve McQueen's "Bullitt" holster.

 

[wcpffa1]

This pistol appears to have a 1964 production date and is marked mod-40 in the crane recess with a 239xx serial number. But, the side plate is a 4 screw and it has the earlier cylinder release. Possibly another example of using parts made much earlier in a later assembly?

 

[wcpffa1]

Serial number 239xx second pic

Not sure why the pics are upside down and was unable to attach them on the same page,my apologies

 

[tt66]

I recently purchased this one from a Gunbroker auction. It is serial #20978. It has the 4th screw and is stamped Model 40 in the crane area.

 

[les.b]

My "new" Centennial!!!

Just received this early Centennial. Serial 3XXX. Have not had time to take my own photos yet, this one was supplied by the seller. Looks like it was made yesterday, except they don't, unfortunately, make them like this anymore. Wish they did! I have had the rare treat to see the old drop forge in action at the Smith factory back in the seventies. Even then, quality was falling off somewhat from its peak. But as much as I may lament the demise of the old hand fitting that was a trade mark of Smith craftsmanship, I must admit that modern metallurgy has allowed us to have 11.4 ounce Centennials that are only a fraction larger than this one, and capable of withstanding .357 magnum pressures. (Whether WE can stand the recoil is another issue!!!). Anyway, I have several of each, so I can enjoy the best of the past and the present. This one shipped December 1953.

 

[floppper]

digging up an old post

i recently purchased a model 42 serial# 131XX
looking to find out the year and approximate value.

 

[3S16]

I just finished reading the whole thread. What a goldmine of 40/42 info, but so many variations! I recently acquired a Mod 42 Airweight. High horn grips numbered to the gun. "BUG" screw on the top right side plate (5 screw?) Still has the lock-out pin under the grips.
In an earlier post, "Mbliss57" was looking for the highest serial number with a BUG screw. I think I'm the winner with S/N 13738.
I have no idea when it was shipped. Roy Jinks isn't accepting any more letter requests until Jan.1.
This is a really cool little gun in about 98% condition. I like it a lot - unfortunately so does my wife. I may have to get her a 642, so the 42 can retire to the safe.
Great thread. Keep it going!

 

[les.b]

Well, 3S16, I'm sure that I echo the feelings of the rest of the forum... How about a picture??? We love pictures!!! Especially of really neat guns like the one you describe...