The Smith & Wesson Model 438

I am very happy to discover that Smith & Wesson has brought back the Bodyguard frame style in the Airweight Model 438. I had the opportunity to examine one hands on at the past gun show, and the +P rated pocket revolver seemed to be a good choice for the concealed carrier who is looking for a brand new pocket gun.

The Model 438 is the modern incarnation of my beloved Model 38. There are, of course differences that do not appeal to my old fogey sensibilities. The integrated locking mechanism is of course, one of the new features that I do not like. Beyond that, I was quick to note the MIM trigger and hammer, and the exposed nubbin of the hammer seemed to be smaller and less well finished than that of the Model 38. I also did not care for the rubber boot grip, but that is easily swapped out. If the revolver had come with the rubber grip that is on the Model 640, I would have no complaint. The matte black finish is a plus in my opinion.

It is my contention that the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is one of the best pocket guns ever devised. As a revolver, it will not be thrown out of battery and refuse to fire when jammed into an attacker's ribs or under his chin. It is the ultimate "get the hell off me" gun.

I am fortunate to have a collection of five Bodyguards in several variations. In the Airweight variation, the J framed revolver barely weighs more than the five rounds it carries. Once loaded, it can be stuffed into a pocket holster and carried in a front pants pocket all day and forgotten about. The hump on the back of the Bodyguard frame helps the gun stay put in the carrier's pocket.

Another often uncited advantage of the pocket revolver is that a citizen can have their strong hand on their concealed gun in a firing grip while assessing a potential threat. The gun remains concealed, and the element of surprise is maintained until de-escalation options are exhausted and the introduction of the weapon is deemed necessary.

The other benefits of a pocket revolver for a person new to firearms and concealed carry are many. A round is always chambered and ready when the gun is fully loaded. There is no safety to disengage when presenting the handgun. Pull the trigger, and it goes bang. Maintaining concealment is as simple as finding a pocket large enough to contain a holster that will obscure the shape.

It will need some dry firing to smooth out the trigger, but I am happy to see that Smith & Wesson is producing a modern version of the Model 38. I have long maintained that the S&W Model 38 is the ultimate pocket revolver. If a person wants a new Smith & Wesson, the Model 438 may well be the closet they can get. If I can find one used I might just add it to my Bodyguard collection.

S&W Model 27-2 Jinks Letter

One of the real treasures in gun collecting is a "Jinks Letter" from the Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks. Often chocked full of information, and with the specifics of the date of shipment and configuration at time of shipment, a Jinks Letter is considered to be authoritative proof that a given Smith & Wesson gun is what it appears.

Mr. Jinks recently raised his price for a factory letter to fifty dollars, up from the thirty dollar fee he previously charged. Never the less, it is still one of the best investments a collector of Smith & Wesson handguns can make on a rare or unusual specimen. Here is a three page Jinks letter on a Model 27-2 that I had lettered for a friend. Click the photos to enlarge and read.



It turns out my friend's revolver was shipped on September 21, 1970, to Woodward Wright & Co. in New Orleans. It had a three and a half inch barrel and walnut grips.

Even though nothing extraordinary was discovered, the barrel configuration was confirmed to be original. Three and a half inch Model 27s are some of the hottest guns on the collector market, although a collector would desire a much more pristine revolver than this. This is on you don't have to worry about shooting.

I still wish I had beat Lester to that gun show table.

The S&W Heller Commemorative

In case you have not seen Smith & Wesson's Heller Commemorative revolver, here it is. Click the photo to see a close-up of the laser engraving. I'm not big on Commems, and even less keen on laser engraving, but I like the fact that Smith & Wesson is producing this little carry gun. I suppose it's fitting that their choice would be the S&W 442, one of the finest concealed carry guns available. It's an acknowledgement by Smith & Wesson that they understand the second amendment is about the right to self defense, and not about hunting. God knows Ducks Unlimited has put out enough hunting commemoratives. It's nice to see a gun maker advocating self defense for a change.

The first six revolvers will be presented to the six original plaintiffs in DC vs Heller, Shelly Parker, Tom Palmer, Gillian St. Lawrence, Tracey Ambeau, George Lyon and Dick Heller. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Second Amendment Foundation.

$575 MSRP

On Getting Beaten

I am often asked how I find the deals I do in firearms. I have a simple answer, I show up with cash and I look for them. I look at estate sales, garage sales, gun shows and pawn shops. I put the word out of what I am interested in. Often, putting the word out among women can be more fruitful than putting it out among gun nuts. Sometimes though, I am a day late or a dollar short, just like anyone else.

At a gun show last year, I was only ten minutes late. I had entered the auditorium on the West side, but one of my good friends entered on the East. When we met in the middle and shook hands, Lester opened his jacket to show me the Smith & Wesson revolver he had just purchased stuck in his belt.

It wasn't a collector's piece by any means. This was no revolver that had been purchased and then stuck on a shelf in the original box having never been fired. It was more interesting than that. This was a Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 with a three and a half inch barrel that had been carried. Whether it started as a blue gun or not was anyone's guess, but now the remnants of it's finish resembled parkerizing. It was honest wear, and a lot of it. The big N frame had spent it's life in someone's holster, not someone's drawer. To me, that was beautiful. To Lester and his daughter, it was beautiful too. He bought it for her, and then she left to go look at jewelry.

I was dumbstruck as I handled the weathered .357 magnum revolver. Here was one of the most desirable Smith & Wesson revolvers today, in a condition that invited carry rather than investment. The revolver locked up like a new Model 27. Then Lester told me the price he paid, and I almost fell over. $265. From a dealer. The dealer had tried to tell Lester it was a Model 28, and then had talked down to Lester when Lester tried to inform him otherwise. Lester's daughter had been the wise one. "Just buy the gun Daddy, I want it," she had said. Over the past year, Lester did do a couple of things to the old revolver. He swapped out the beat up original grips for stag, and he replaced the damaged rear sight blade.

Often times I feel like I have found a mini oasis in the gun collecting accumulating world. I enjoy the guns that show time spent in a holster. I enjoy the firearms that have been modified to make them more suitable to the job at hand. This gives me an opening and a chance to find many different firearms that I enjoy. Even so, I occasionally still get beat to the table.

The Smith & Wesson Model 27

The Model 27 is often called the Mona Lisa of Smith & Wesson revolvers. From 1957 to 1994 it reigned at the top of the heap of .357 magnum revolvers. As a finely tuned and polished N frame, it is the direct descendant of the princely Registered Magnum Smith & Wesson. There was a period of time from 1948 to 1956 when the .357 magnum Smith & Wesson is known as a "pre-Model 27." In 2000 the Performance Center released the eight shot Model 27-7, but with a frame mounted firing pin and a MIM hammer and trigger, it was not the same.

The Model 27 sold in either highly polished swimming pool deep blue, or resplendent in blindingly smooth mirror like nickel. The big revolver was available with the options of a target trigger and hammer, as well as target stocks. Barrel lengths ranged from three and a half inch snubbies to eight and 3/8 inch target guns. The three and a half inch Model 27s are enjoying a surge in collectibilty, but the five inch guns are actually more scarce. The longer barreled guns wore a Patridge front sight, while the shorter barrels had a Baughman "Quick Draw" sight up front, often with a orange insert. The top strap was checkered from the front sight to the rear adjustable sight. Indeed, the extravagant topstrap checkering is the hallmark of the Model 27.

It is difficult to predict the path that N frame revolvers will take in the marketplace. Whether the prices have reached their limit, or whether they will continue to climb remains to be seen. Most collectors expect the upward trend to continue. One thing is almost certain. Which ever path the prices go, the Mona Lisa of Smith & Wesson will remain on top.

Flamecutting

Often folks ask what "flame cutting" is. Here is what it looks like. Flame cutting is created by hot ignition gases escaping the cylinder gap of a revolver and burning away the top strap. It's primarily seen in .357 magnum and .44 magnum revolvers, but a .38 special firing hot loads can also receive similar damage. In most cases flame cutting is self limiting. Once the closer metal is eroded away, the erosion stops because the gases have room to dissipate.

Because flame cutting indicates hot loads being used in addition to a wide cylinder gap, end shake on such a revolver should be checked scrupulously.

The Stainless K Frames

Because of my affinity for the blue and nickel Smith & Wesson, many people are quite surprised to discover a few stainless revolvers in my cache. It is true, I do own some. Stainless is a quite durable finish material, and these are my working guns. Pictured at the top is a Model 66-2. As a .357 magnum revolver, it packs a whallop as well as the ability to resist wet dirty and abrasive conditions. It is often a back up car gun. It wears a rubber Hogue Monogrip.

Below it is a Model 67-1. Astute readers will quickly wonder why this stainless revolver has a case hardened action. When I purchased it for $179, it had a corroded hammer. I tried bobbing the hammer, but that just did not suit me. Finally, I swapped out the hammer and trigger for case hardened target units. I completed the revolver with a nylon Hogue Monogrip. It, too, is a revolver that can take a licking and keep on shooting.

Aircrewman?

Cabela's, the world's foremost outfitter, recently placed a .38 special firearm up on the internet for $699. The list it as a "Smith & Wesson U.S. Airforce Lightweight in 38 Special":

Smith & Wesson U.S. Airforce Lightweight in 38 Special. In 1953 the Air Force purchased a large quanity of Model 12s with alloy cylinders and frames. Smith and Wesson didn't designate the handgun Model 13 but the Air Force stamped M13 on the top strap. They were rejected do to alloy failures and most were destroyed by the government. Backstrap worn or may have been buffed. Stamped "US Property".

The serial number of the Cabela's revolver falls into the correct range. The revolver appears to be a four screw gun. The barrel lacks the "AIRCREWMAN" rollmark. It has "U.S. Property" stamped on the backstrap and then rubbed out. At right is a picture of my demilled M-13 Aircrewman frame to compare the topstrap markings. It has "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE" stamped on the backstrap. Go here for more information. Draw your own conclusions.

Humpback Hammers

Starting in the 1930's Smith & Wesson offered a special order hammer on some revolvers. The Humpback Hammer is most commonly seen on .357 magnum revolvers, but it is occasionally encountered on the Military & Police revolver as well. It is distinquished by it's flat top, and it's fine checkering from front to back. The Humpback Hammer is a very desirable Smith & Wesson option on a wheelgun sought after by collectors. The presence of this option can today raise the price of a revolver by a hundred dollars or more.

The Smith & Wesson M-13 Aircrewman

Experts say there are more fakes of this revolver on the market than real ones. The value is so high that fakers are willing to risk felony time just to alter a serial number to get a fake gun lettered as authentic. The Smith & Wesson M-13 Aircrewman was produced from 1953 to 1954 with an aluminum six shot cylinder. In 1954, the cylinder was changed to steel. There were approximately 40,000 produced, with nine known variations, and almost all were destroyed by the U.S. government. The cylinder had an objectionable habit of turning into a grenade when the cartridge inside it ignited. Production ceased in 1957.

M-13 Aircrewman revolvers were given serial numbers within the range of other production K frame revolvers such as the Model 12 Airweight. Some of these commercial models, with serial numbers in the correct range, where given fake markings to make them appear similar to an Aircrewman. Unscrupulously reproducing the stampings on the aluminum frame is pretty easy. The barrel markings are more difficult to forge. M-13 Aircrewman barrels were marked on the right side with "AIRCREWMAN" over the ".38 Special CTG". The caliber marking is in smaller type than commercial models. Serial numbers range from C247,000 to C405,363, but serial numbers of genuine demilled examples are best kept secret lest a felonious faker usurp the numerals for his "representative example" and then seek to have result lettered by Roy Jinks. Suffice to say, Aircrewmen with an AF prefix change hands in the $5000 range.

The M-13 Aircrewman and holster pictured here are genuine, the real deal. Alas, they are not mine. Most of us will never be so lucky as to find this revolver gathering dust on a pawnbroker's shelf. Marilyn Monroe is more likely to knock on our door and lavish us with a lifetime supply of ammunition and free gun cleaning services.

I was, however, fortunate enough to receive a M-13 Aircrewman. Mine, is regrettably the result of John Kennedy's administration trying to protect our fly boys. It was crushed to insure it would never be fired. Then it was sold off as scrap.

The "Property of U.S. Air Force" markings on the backstrap and the "Revolver, Lightweight-M13" markings on the top strap are still intact, as is the inspector's mark. The C prefixed serial number falls within the correct range. Because it is a crushed example, it is almost certainly the real article. It is inconceivable that a faker would fake a crushed frame. I will guard the serial number to prevent it from being used fraudulently. I was offered this chunk of aluminum by a friend who spotted it at a gun show. I happily accepted it, and placed it into my collection of revolvers, right beside a crushed Victory Model.

If you believe you have an Aircrewman in your possession, one of your best recourses is to post photos of the revolver on the S&W Forum for evaluation. Then consult the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson for more information. Finally, get the revolver lettered. If you are buying even then confirm and consult as much as possible.

As I was photographing my M-13 along with an ejection handle I had brought home from my military service as a souvenir, I noticed the "Smith & Wesson Lifetime Service Policy" emblazoned on the blue counter mat. I wonder.........

The S&W K-38 Combat Masterpiece

One of my favorite revolvers is a weathered .38 special handgun that I found on a pawn shop shelf years ago. It possessed incredible balance, and one of the smoothest double action triggers I had ever pulled. I suspect it received a professional trigger job at some point. The .400" wide serrated target trigger cranked back a matching 0.5" wide target hammer with ease, releasing it with no stacking or grittiness. I negotiated the price down to $179 from a tag reading $200. The old gun bears an exterior that has seen better days. If it were not for the cold blue painted on, it would likely have more metal than bluing glistening in the sunshine. Never the less, the appearance of the revolver belies it's performance.

The time worn revolver wore incorrect 1970's style magna grips when I purchased it. I took it to the range with a bucket of .38s, and I was amazed at it's inherent "handiness" and accuracy. When I finally found a Colt Python in my price range, the old Smith & Wesson was my standard of comparison in a range report. In my hands, wearing a Hogue Monogrip, the old Smith beat the snake. It is still the standard by which I judge other wheelguns.

The weathered old war horse I speak of is the venerable Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece. Now, wearing proper diamond magna grips, my K-38 is still the sweetest wheelgun in my collection. The K-38 Combat Masterpiece was a beautifully blued revolver, with a four inch ribbed barrel and a Baughman Quick Draw front sight paired with an adjustable rear sight. It has serrations fore and aft on the metal portion of the grip frame. The package included the short fast action and an anti-backlash trigger. My revolver, serial number K2208XX, was produced in 1954, just in time to still be a five screw revolver. In 1957, the K-38 Combat Masterpiece evolved into the Model 15 with the introduction of model numbers.

My K-38 Combat Masterpiece had obviously spent a life in a holster when I purchased it. I suppose it was the sidearm of a peace officer at some time. I have to believe that this peace officer knew his stuff when he armed himself with this fine piece of sweet triggered ordnance.

The Pre-Model 10

The Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 10 M&P was produced just after WWII. It has the best qualities of the Pre-War M&P, as well as the later improvements. For many Smith & Wesson shooters, it is a zenith of revolver design. These revolvers have the half moon front sight, the silky smooth long throw hammer action, and an effective hammer block safety. They are stocked with the transitional diamond magna grips. The blued finish on the Pre-Model 10 revolver is more understated than previous or subsequent variations.

Serial number S811120 began in 1945. Some aficionados say the S prefix began as early as December 27, 1944 around serial number S769000. Almost certainly, at serial number S990184, on April 7, 1948, the short throw hammer was introduced. On March 22, 1948, the serial number prefix was changed to a letter C and began anew with C1. The Pre-Model 10 officially became the Model 10 in 1957 with the assignment of model designations by Smith & Wesson. This example, S8419XX sports an uncommon five inch barrel and it's original diamond magna grips. I purchased it off a pawn shop shelf along with it's holster for $89. It is an excellent shooter.

108 Years

The Model 10. It's the ubiquitous, essential revolver. A basic, a primal, enduring and effective means of personal defense. The Model 10/Military & Police line of Smith & Wessons is my favorite gun collecting sector, rich with history and variants. Read more about it at A Tennessee Gun Nut's Blog.

Military & Police Anthology

I'm going to lighten the blog mood a bit again. Here's a slew of M&P iron.

First revolver is a Model of 1899.

Next is a Depression era Model of 1905 4th change.

Center is a Victory Model.

Then a Transitional M&P.

Finally, a Model 10-5.

The S&W "Bodyguard"

Sayeth the seller:

"This auction is for a rare factory 3 inch S&W Model 49 Bodyguard. I have never seen an all original factory 3" Bodyguard offered for sale. This gun in in fantastic condition. It easily rates 99%. Please look closely at the pictures.

The only sign of use is a fine turn line. There are no shadows on the recoil shield and the case coloring on the trigger is vibrant. Any flaws you see in the pictures are either reflections or lint. The grips are also in near mint condition but do not number to the revolver. No box or accessories but I will include the original S&W factory historical letter that identifies this revolver as having shipped with a 3 inch barrel. I have no doubt that in a few years my price of $2499 will seem like a bargain basement price for this revolver."

A three inch Model 49 is indeed a rare gun. This particular one is lettered as being genuine. It is in great condition. The finish likely is 99%. The flatlatch makes it even more desirable.

The grips, however admittedly do not number to this revolver. There is no box or papers. I give the seller a lot of credit for his honesty. Unscrupulous sellers have been known to stamp numbers into grips and have serial numbers magically appear on brand new box labels.

Now here is the goocher........a ANIB Model 49 with a two inch barrel lists at $400 in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition. An "excellent" Model 49 lists at $350. Is an extra inch of barrel worth $2149? As the photo to the left illustrates, I am a big fan of the Bodyguard frame. I believe it is the best pocket revolver ever designed, bar none. The only way to improve the gun was to make it lighter and stronger. If Smith & Wesson were to produce this frame in scandium, I might buy it today, regardless of the new gun price.

A buyer not only has to wonder if an extra inch of barrel is worth two grand, plus a Franklin and a half, but was it even a good decision when this revolver was special ordered? The Bodyguard revolver is a primo pocket gun, made for discreet, but instant self defense. It carries easily in a standard pocket by virtue of it's odd humpback shape. The shrouded hammer did allow single action as well as double action fire, but the real benefit of the Bodyguard frame is maintaining an upright and ready position all day long in a trouser pocket. These revolvers were not target guns, they were dedicated, life saving fighting guns. They were intended to be used at ranges under 20 feet, deployed swiftly from nowhere, and lit off at close range.

The three inch barrel would require a deeper pocket, and it would destroy the balance of the Bodyguard within the pocket, as well as slow the draw. The advantage of the three inch barrel is not in the increased sight radius for accuracy. If anything, the longer sight radius would be slower to come to sights if the sights were even going to be employed.

No, the advantage of the three inch barrel was a full length extractor rod, allowing for complete cartridge extraction and therefore greater insurance of a swift, sure reload. To reload the gun, of course, one must carry the weight of extra cartridges in a speedloading device. It begs the question, however, if a rapid and certain reload is the goal, why not carry a pair of two inch Model 38 Airweight Bodyguards and employ the New York reload? The total weight would be comparable to the heavier Model 49 and a prepared speedloader, the technique is faster, even more certain, and your pants are evenly weighted.

So getting back to the auction at hand.......I, personally, would not buy. The barrel length was an arguably poor decision when it was ordered, making the revolver an aberration, a deviation from a design that was at it's zenith. I give the seller kudos for honesty, but the revolver lacks original grips and the original box. That removes it from the collector realm, at least in that price range. The flatlatch and barrel length does make the revolver unusual and therefore desirable, but to me, it seems to be priced about two grand too high. Of course, the seller could be right, and a buyer may just be buying it a few years early at that price.

More on the S&W Bodyguard

The Smith & Wesson Model 15

The Smith & Wesson Model 15 is one of my favorite all around revolvers. It's an exceptionally shootable revolver, precisely accurate with a rare trigger of exquisite smoothness. The Model 15 has a long and storied history, starting with the Model of 1899 and the Military and Police revolver. Target sights were an option on the Model of 1905, but were rarely ordered. Occasionally a man might have a gunsmith install adjustable sights.

After WWII, Smith & Wesson finally took notice of this trend, and eager to offer new products, they added a target sighted 38 Special K frame revolver to their line. It was a six inch model, made for target shooting. Smith & Wesson dubbed their new revolver the K-38 Target Masterpiece. The FBI and police departments around the country soon requested the same revolver with a four inch barrel and a Baughman Quick Draw front sight. Smith & Wesson was quick to honor this request, and the K-38 Combat Masterpiece was born. The K-38 Combat Masterpiece rocked the police shooting competitions. Many officers selected it as a duty gun. Whereas the old M&P had been a duty gun often pressed into target use, the K-38 Combat Masterpiece was a target gun suitable for duty use.

In 1957, all Smith & Wesson revolvers were given numerical model numbers. The K-38 Target Masterpiece became the Model 14, and the K-38 Combat Masterpiece became the Model 15. In 1999, the Model 14 was dropped. Subsequent six inch target sighted .38 caliber K framed revolvers were called Model 15's. Pictured at right are a Model 15-3 Combat Masterpiece from about 1974, a "two T" five screw Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece circa early 1950s, and a Smith & Wesson Model 15-9 from 2002.

A Model of 1905 4th Change Oddity

I learned a bit this morning. I had always considered this particular revolver to be Pre-Depression. A curious reader raised an incongruity in it's appearance. (Update: It's actually OK, it is pre-depression.)

According to the mushroom shaped ejector knob, this revolver would date prior to 1930.

According to the "Made In USA" mark on the frame, it would date post-1938 after May, 1922.

There is no indication that the gun was ever tampered with. Odd indeed, until one considers the .32WCF caliber.......Ah ha! This is a Model of 1905 4th Change in .32-20 also known as .32WCF. 78,983 of these revolvers were manufactured between 1915 and 1940, compared with 758,296 of the .38 Special version during the same time period. The .38 Special saw a production run roughly ten times as large as the .32WCF!

Thus, it is highly likely that a surplus of .32WCF barrels and cylinders were manufactured prior to 1930, when the chambering was presumed to be the hot item. The pre-1930 barrels had a notch cut to accommodate the mushroom ejector knob. Thus, the older style knob continued to be used on later .32WCF M&Ps long after it was discontinued on the .38 Special M&P.

The frame of the .32WCF M&P, however, was the same as the .38 Special version, with serial numbers contained within the same range. The "Made In USA" mark dates the frame with certainty after 1938 after May 1922. Thus, the revolver must have been produced post-1938 May 1922 (and there really isn't an issue). .32WCF production was discontinued with WWII, and this revolver has a six digit serial, 1087XX which places it late in the production run.

Thus, what I originally had determined to be a Pre-Depression era M&P, is indisputably not. A firearm is dated by it's frame, not it's ancillary bits, but this .32WCF Military & Police revolver is still correct. Apparently, stockpiled pre-depression .32WCF barrels and cylinders were used to produce .32WCF revolvers much later, using the later Military & Police frames. Because of it's scarcity compared to the .38 Special M&P, Supica's Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson lists this revolver at about $400 in it's present condition.

I purchased this Model of 1905 4th Change revolver at a gunshow a few years back. I had made the rounds, and saw nothing on the tables that I could not leave without. I was watching for walkers (private sellers) meandering about the crowds. Finally, I spotted a weathered old hayseed farmer in coveralls, complete with a battered straw hat. He was pulling what appeared to be a Smith & Wesson M&P from a canvas tote sack to show to a dealer. Like a leopard, I drew closer and overheard the farmer trying to sell the revolver for $200. The dealer counter offered $100. The sunburned old coot wasn't having any of it.

When the farmer walked away disgustedly, I approached him and asked to examine the gun. I had thought it was a .38 Special, and I was disappointed to find an unfamiliar caliber. I offered what I felt was a fair price, minus a bit due to the oddball caliber......$150. The farmer refused, and stuck the gun back in his tote sack. We went on our separate ways ambling about a rather boring show.

The farmer and I ran into each other again several hours later. I had done pretty well selling off a couple of pairs of stag grips and a Kart barrel for a 1911. I asked the old gentleman if he still had his revolver. He did. I asked to see it again. As I saw the hope emerge in his grizzled and wrinkled face, my haggling skills were dulled. With a twinkle in his eye, he removed the old faded blue revolver from his sack. He gave it to me with a wink and a yellow smile. I spontaneously decided to transfer my good fortune over to him. With a handshake and a smile, I gave him two crisp Franklins for the old Smith & Wesson. I'm glad I did. The karma has come back to me.

Epilogue: It appears I had some spurious information somewhere, so I went to the expert resource, the S&W Forum and Neal & Jinks. There, I found the "Made In USA" stamp actually appeared in May, 1922. Thus.......The oddity was not an oddity at all. There are 8 years of wiggle room. I've corrected the erroneous information I relayed. Thank you to my readers who set me on the straight and narrow.....

Smith & Wesson Revolver Collecting

I was asked recently how to get into Smith & Wesson revolver collecting. It was an odd question, but a reply of "just go buy a few" did not seem sufficient. So, my advice was to first buy "America's Right Arm" by John Henwood if his wife still has any copies. Next, buy Supica's "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson". Get these first. They are your Bibles.

Next, wrap your head around the idea that finish wear is acceptable, interesting, and actually pretty cool.

Now look at the evolution of the .38 caliber Smith & Wesson K frame revolver, starting with the Model of 1899. Hand Ejectors, and their myriad variations. They are plentiful enough, still, that if you can accept finish wear, you can find nice, original examples for not too awful much. The big money goes to the 95% or greater guns, especially the older variations that were only produced for three or four years in the M&P development. Go to gunshows. Go to pawn shops. Buy one or two, and then repeat the process. Hey....That topbreak is about the same dimensions as a K frame.......Don't forget the .32WCF revolvers, they are also K frames. Now those 38/44s are .38 caliber, but an N frame. Heck, since you've bought an N frame now, you may as well buy that Model 28 for nothing.....Then you gotta have that three and a half inch Model 27. Now that you have that, a Registered Magnum is a consideration someday.........

My Next Smith & Wesson (I Hope)

One Smith & Wesson revolver I am still looking for is a M&P snubbie. A two incher with a round butt, and a half moon front sight.

At one time, these fine carry pieces apparently cost all of $55. Heck, for that kind of money, I would buy twenty and then another twenty next pay day!

I have several Model 10 snubs, but the M&P snub seems to be as unusual as turtle teeth around here. When I finally do find a Military & Police snub, I hope it will be finish worn, so I will consider it for carry.

The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum

In 1954, Smith & Wesson asked Bill Jordan to design the ultimate revolver for a lawman. Jordan simply instructed the engineers at Smith & Wesson to take the K38 Combat Masterpiece and chamber it in .357 magnum. Thus, in November 1955, the 357 Combat Magnum was born. It was a lightweight K frame for easy all day carry, yet still had the power of .357 magnum. In 1957, the Combat Magnum was designated the Model 19, and cost all of $95, either in blue or nickel. The 357 Combat Magnum wore a Baughman Quick Draw front sight on a four inch barrel, and had a shrouded ejector rod housing. The revolver came with an adjustable rear sight and square butt walnut magna or target stocks.

In 1963, a six inch barreled version with a partridge front sight was added to the line up. In 1965, 150 Model 19-2's were ordered by the US Navy SEALs with four inch barrels and round butts. In 1966, a snubby two and a half inch barreled round butt version was placed into production. Three and five inch barreled Model 19s were produced, but they are exceedingly rare.

Because the Model 19 was built on a K frame, it has one compromise in it's design. It was beefed up in the yoke area and designed to shoot 158 grain lead .357 magnum ammunition. To clear the cylinder and ejector rod, the forcing cone on .357 magnum K frames has a flat area at 6:00. This area is prone to cracking when 125 grain .357 magnum ammunition is used. For specifics, click here or here for some of the best research. Of course, others disagree. The regrettable thing is no more Model 19 barrels are available, anywhere. If the forcing cone cracks, the revolver is basically a parts gun.

Last summer, I paid $279 for my four inch Model 19-4. It was absolutely pristine, a pinned and recessed masterpiece with a nickel finish. I admit I do not shoot a lot of magnum rounds through it. To me, it is a very nice, accurate .38 special revolver with a recessed cylinder and the ability to occasionally shoot 158 grain magnums.

Earlier this week, I found a six inch Model 19-4 for $239. I purchased it immediately. The rubber grips were well worn, so I swapped them for walnut magnas. I took it to the range, and with 130 grain .38 specials it shot cloverleafs in the center of my targets.

I've always wished the .38 special Smith & Wesson revolver cylinders were recessed, but the fellows at Springfield never saw the need. The Model 19 is accurate, damned accurate, with .38 special. With it's additional weight from the ejector rod shroud, and the slightly longer cylinder, it is easily one of the best handling revolvers I own. If I find a two and a half inch nickel Model 19, I'll make it mine as well!