Smith & Wesson Model 36 | |
---|---|
Smith & Wesson Model 36 revolver, which was issued to women in the New South Wales Police Force | |
Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1950–present |
Used by | See Users |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Unit cost | $110.00 (blued) (1976) $121.00 (nickel) (1976) |
Specifications | |
Mass | 19.5 oz. |
Length | 6.22' |
Barrel length | 2' or 3' |
Caliber | .38 Special |
Action | Double Action/Single Action |
Effective firing range | 25 yards (23 m) |
Maximum firing range | 50 yards (46 m) |
Feed system | 5-round cylinder |
Sights | Fixed rear, front blade (Model 36); adjustable rear, fixed front (Model 50) |
- Smith And Wesson Serial Numbering
- Smith And Wesson Serial Number Checker
- S&w Dates Of Manufacture By Serial Number
- Smith And Wesson Serial Number Lookup Model 10
Smith & Wesson Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece Revolver, serial # K 39357, cal. 22 LR, has a 6” pinned barrel with an excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain 85%+ original blue with some touchup.Click for. Your serial number was used by Smith and Wesson for the models 10,12,13,45,64,65,547.It dates this serial number to the year 1979. What year was a Dan Wesson 357 Serial? Dan wesson model 163305.
The Smith & Wesson Model 36 (also known as the Chief's Special) is a revolver chambered for .38 Special. It is one of several models of J-frame revolvers. It was introduced in 1950, and is still in production in the classic blued Model 36 and the stainless steel Model 60.
Congratulations, you are now the owner of a Smith & Wesson firearm. We are confident that you will receive years of reliable use. Please take a moment to fill out this brief product registration. Thank you for your time and thank you for choosing Smith & Wesson. Required fields are indicated with. Location: Richardson, TX. The number you listed for the 10-5 is the assembly number, which is arbitrary and basically meaningless. The serial number of a Model 10 is found on the bottom of the grip frame. It will be a 6-digit number preceded by a 'C' or a 'D'. The Model 19 is 1976 production.
History[edit]
The Model 36 was designed in the era just after World War II, when Smith & Wesson stopped producing war materials and resumed normal production. For the Model 36, they sought to design a revolver that could fire the more powerful (compared to the .38 Long Colt or the .38 S&W) .38 Special round in a small, concealable package. Since the older I-frame was not able to handle this load, a new frame was designed, which became the J-frame.
The new design was introduced at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) convention in 1950, and was favorably received. A vote was held to name the new revolver, and the name 'Chiefs Special' won.[1][2] A 3-inch (76 mm) barreled version design went into production immediately, due to high demand. It was available in either a blued or nickel-plated finish.[3] It was produced as the 'Chiefs Special' until 1957, when it then became the Model 36. The 'Chiefs Special' continued to be manufactured as a separate variant.
In 1951, Smith & Wesson introduced the Airweight Model 37, which was basically the Model 36 design with an aluminum frame and cylinder. The aluminum cylinders proved to be problematic and were abandoned in favor of a steel cylinder.[3]
In 1989, Smith & Wesson introduced the LadySmith variant of the Model 36. This was available with 2 in (51 mm) or 3 in (76 mm) barrel and blued finish. This model also featured special grips designed specifically for women, and had 'LADYSMITH' engraved on the frame.[4]
Approximately 615 Model 36-6 Target variations were produced. This variant had a 3-inch full lug barrel with adjustable sights and a blued glass finish.
In 2002, Smith & Wesson reintroduced the Model 36 with gold features (hammer, thumbpiece, extractor, and trigger), calling it the 'Model 36 Gold'. The gold color was actually titanium nitride.
In 2005, Smith & Wesson produced the 'Texas Hold 'Em' variant. This was produced with a blued finish, imitation ivory grips, and 24k gold plate engraving.
Many Model 37 variants with a lanyard ring attached were made for Japan. Part of this contract was cancelled, resulting in many of these being sold to a wholesaler, who then re-sold them for civilian use. These entered the civilian market in 2001. In 2006, the Model 37 was dropped from Smith & Wesson's catalog.
Serial number 337 was shipped to J. Edgar Hoover and is engraved with his name.
In 1958, Spanish manufacturer Astra developed a high quality revolver line based on this weapon, under the name of Astra Cadix, Astra 250 and Astra NC6. How to check ps4 pro manufacture date.
Design and features[edit]
Designed to be small and compact, the Model 36 has been produced with 2-inch (1.875 inch actual length) or 3-inch barrels with fixed sights. A version with an adjustable rear sight, the Model 50 Chief's Special Target, was also produced in limited numbers with both 2-inch and 3-inch barrels.
Like nearly all other 'J-frame' Smith & Wesson revolvers, it has a 5-round capacity in a swing-out cylinder, and features an exposed hammer. It features a nickel-plated or blued finish and either wood or rubber grips.
Smith And Wesson Victory Serial Number Chart
Users[edit]
- Japan: Shipped 5,344 Model 37s in 2003[5]and additional 5,519 in 2005 for the National Police Agency.[6]
- Malaysia: From 1970 to 2000, the Model 36 is standard sidearm for plainclothed detective in Royal Malaysian PoliceSpecial Branch or Criminal Investigation Division before Glock 17 adoption. It also used by RELA Corps Medium/Lower Rank Officer (permanent or volunteer) as training or self-defence weapon before the adoption of the Glock 19/26 and HK USP 9mm and is still used until today.
- Malta: It was standard issue for the Mobile Squad in the Malta Police Force until the arrival of the Glock 17 in 2007. They have since then been withdrawn from active carry, but they are still all being kept in the General Police Headquarters in Floriana.
- Norway: Although never a standard service gun in Norway, it is kept in the Norwegian Police Service inventory as a pure self-defensive option, for off-duty officers who meet certain criteria.
- South Korea: In 1974, it was used in the failed attempt to assassinate South Korean president Park Chung-hee, killing his wife Yuk Young-soo instead. Five years later, M36 Chief Special was, once again, used to assassinate Park.
- United States: For many years, the Model 36 was the standard police detective and 'plainclothes man' carry weapon for many police agencies including the NYPD. Many police officers still use it or one of its newer Smith & Wesson descendants as a 'back up' weapon to their primary duty pistol or as their 'off-duty' weapon. For several years in the mid-1970s, the Model 36 was issued to and carried as a duty weapon by administrative and command staff of the NC State Highway Patrol, but it was later replaced when all troopers were required to carry the then duty issue weapon, the S&W Model 66 .357, which was in turn later replaced with the last Smith revolver, the Model 686, before the agency switched to semi-automatics in the early 1990s.
References[edit]
- ^Ayoob, Massad. Greatest Handguns of the World (Krause Publications, Inc., 2010) p. 208
- ^Jinks, Roy G. History of Smith & Wesson (Beinfeld Publishing,1977), p. 225.
- ^ abArmed for Personal Defense by Jerry Ahern
- ^'Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson' By Jim Supica, Richard Nahas
- ^'Department of State Letter on May 18, 2003'(PDF). US Department of State. Archived from the original(PDF) on October 16, 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
- ^'US Department of State Letter on September 6, 2005'(PDF). US Department of State. Archived from the original(PDF) on October 16, 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Smith & Wesson Model 36. |
Smith & Wesson Model 29 | |
---|---|
Smith & Wesson.44 Magnum Model 629 with 83⁄8 inches (21 cm) barrel: a stainless steel version of the Model 29. | |
Type | Revolver |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
Used by | See Users |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
Produced | 1955–present |
Specifications | |
Mass |
|
Length |
|
Barrel length |
|
Cartridge | |
Caliber | .429 inches (10.9 mm) |
Action | Double-action |
Feed system | Six roundcylinder |
Sights | Open, adjustable rear |
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-actionrevolver chambered for the .44 Magnumcartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson.
The Model 29 was offered with 3, 4, 5, 6, 61⁄2, 83⁄8 and 105⁄8 inches (76, 102, 127, 152, 165, 213 and 270 mm) barrels as standard models. Other barrel lengths were available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths. The 5 inches (130 mm) barreled variant had a full length underlug. Finish options available included a highly polishedblued or nickel-plated surface.
At the time of its introduction the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun, although it was later overtaken by handguns chambered for the even larger .454 Casull and .50 Action Express cartridges. It was made famous worldwide by association with the fictional character 'Dirty Harry' Callahan.
Design[edit]
The Model 29 will chamber and fire .44 Special cartridges, as the .44 Magnum was developed from the .44 Special. The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .44 Special.
History[edit]
Elmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the .44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. His intention for the new round was for it to be used in sidearms for hunters of large, dangerous game, rather than for self-defense, though with today's specialty cartridges, it can be a good defensive round.[1]
S&W's production of a large N-frame revolver in .44 Magnum began in 1955; the Model 29 designation was applied in 1957.[2]
At the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun. There were a number of custom calibers that were more powerful, as in the old Howdah pistols of the 19th century.
It remained primarily the province of handgun enthusiasts, some law enforcement personnel and hunters until 1971, when Clint Eastwood made it famous as 'the most powerful handgun in the world' in the movie Dirty Harry. After the release of the movie and its sequels, retailers had trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock.[3]
In the late 1990s, Smith & Wesson discontinued production of many models of revolvers, including the 'basic' Model 29; since then, at various times, the model, in limited or 'custom' configurations, has been manufactured in as many as 10 evolutions.[4]
Variants[edit]
The original Model 29 was superseded by the Model 29-1 in 1960, with modifications made to the ejector-rod screw. The Model 29-2 replaced it the following year, with one screw that had secured the cylinder-stop spring being deleted. The barrel length was shortened from 61⁄2 to 6 inches (170 to 150 mm) in 1979. These two versions are known as 'pinned and recessed'. 'Pinned' means that the barrels are screwed in, and secured by a pin driven through the frame and a notch in the barrel. 'Recessed' denotes the rear of the bored cylinder holes being countersunk, so that, when loaded, the cartridge rims are fully enclosed by the cylinder. In 1982, the cost-cutting Model 29-3 dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels.[2]
The -4 and -5, produced from 1988 and 1990 respectively had changes to improve durability for heavy use. In 1994 the 29-6 began production, now fitted as standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue to replace the previous wooden items, standard tapped holes also being provided for attaching scope mounts. The 29-7 started production in 1998 with changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process.[2]
Model | Year | Barrel Lengths | Modifications |
---|---|---|---|
29 | 1957 | 61⁄2 inches (170 mm) | |
29-1 | 1960 | 61⁄2 inches (170 mm) | ejector rod screw |
29-2 | 1961 | 61⁄2 inches (170 mm), changed to 6 inches (150 mm) in 1979 | one screw that had secured the cylinder stop spring dropped |
29-3 | 1982 | dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels | |
29-4 | 1988 | retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane strengthened, studs in frame were radiused; 8 3/8' version offered with integral scope mts. | |
29-5 | 1990 | longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, bolt and inner mechanism changed to reduce battering under recoil | |
29-6 | 1994 | standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue | |
29-7 | 1998 | changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process. | |
29-8 | 2001 | new frame design with internal lock | |
29-9 | |||
29-10 |
Starting Number | Years |
---|---|
N1 | 1969-1972 |
N100000 | 1973 |
N200000 | 1974-1977 |
N300000 | 1975-1976 |
N400000 | 1977-1978 |
N500000 | 1978-1980 |
N600000 | 1979-1980 |
N700000 | 1980 |
N800000 | 1980-1983 |
N900000 | 1982-1986 |
Model 629[edit]
Introduced in 1978, the Smith & Wesson Model 629 is a stainless steel version of the Model 29.
The 629 model designation derives from Smith & Wesson's practice of denoting a stainless steel version of one of their already existing designs by placing a 6 in front of the model number of the original weapon. The 629 Classic variant features a full-length barrel underlug, other variants include the 629 Stealth Hunter.
Smith And Wesson Serial Numbering
Model | Start Year | Barrel Lengths | Modifications |
---|---|---|---|
629 | 1979 | ||
629-1 | 1982 | dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels | |
629-2 | 1988 | changed yoke retention, radius studs, floating hand | |
629-3 | 1989 | hardened yoke and frame, longer stop notch, bolt block, fixed hand | |
629-4 | 1993 | changed rear sight leaf and extractor | |
629-5 | 1997 | Eliminate cylinder stop stud and serrated tang, MIM trigger and hammer, floating firing pin | |
629-6 | 2001 | Internal lock added | |
629-7 | 2005 | Two piece barrel | |
629-8 | 2006 | Slab sided barrel |
Quiet Special Purpose Revolver[edit]
Some S&W model 29s were rebuilt by the AAI Corporation to make the Quiet Special Purpose Revolvers (QSPR). These had new, short, smoothbore barrels 35 millimetres (13⁄8 in), with 10 millimetres (0.39 in) bore, with cylinder chambers reamed to accept special QSPR ammunition which externally resembled metal-cased .410-bore shotgun shells but internally worked as a piston to trap the gases. This special ammunition was made by AAI.[5]
This pistol was developed from 1967 to 1971 to be used by tunnel rats in the Vietnam War. The QSPR was tested on the battlefield in 1969, and an improvement and testing program ran from 1970 until 1971. At least officially it never entered service. The US withdrawal from Vietnam reduced interest in the QSPR weapon, and the program ended in about 1972,[5] although unsubstantiated rumors claim the QSPR may have been used by CIA assassins during the Cold War, and continues to be used by so-called 'Black Book teams'.
A Russian handgun introduced in 2002, the OTs-38 Stechkin silent revolver, is described as using a system virtually identical to the QSPR.
Mountain Gun Variation[edit]
The Mountain Gun was introduced in 1989 as a lightweight version of the Model 29 designed to be 'carried often and shot little'.[6] The barrel profile is a reprise of the original design. Early version 29-4 backpacker with 2.5' barrel, (Very rare).
A Smith & Wesson Model 629 with a 3' barrel called the 'Trail Boss' was produced for the distributor, RSR.[7]
Other variants[edit]
Smith And Wesson Serial Number Checker
- On January 26, 2006, Smith & Wesson announced the 50th Anniversary Model 29.[8] Identical to the previous models except for the gold inlaid trademark on the side cover, the new internal lock mechanism, and a non-fluted cylinder.
- On January 1, 2007, Smith & Wesson announced the reissue of the Model 29 as an engraved model in S&W's Classics line.[9]
- The Smith & Wesson Model 629 Stealth Hunter has a 71⁄2 inches (190 mm) ported barrel with a full-length under lug for increased stability and recoil reduction.The barrel-cylinder gap is 0.006 inches (0.15 mm), with a ball-detent lockup between the frame and cylinder crane that provides increased strength. The entire revolver is made of a stainless steel, with a glare-reducing matte black finish. It comes with slip-resistant synthetic grips.[10]
- The 329NG is a scandium-framed revolver with PVD-coated cylinder and tritium sights. It is part of the NightGuard line.[11]
Users[edit]
Smith Wesson Serial Numbers Year Manufactured
- United States: Used by the Washington Police Department
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Campbell, R. K. (December 2011). 'General Purpose Handguns'. The Complete Illustrated Manual of Handgun Skills. Zenith Imprint. p. 90. ISBN978-1-61059-745-6. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ abcJohn Taffin. Gun Digest Book of the .44. pp. 147–150. ISBN0-89689-416-9.
- ^Hornaday, Ann (Jan 17, 1999) 'Guns on film: a loaded issue', Baltimore Sun
- ^Smith, Clint (2007). 'The do-all death-ray: SDM's custom .44 Magnum'. American Handgunner. 24 (4).
- ^ abPopenker, Max R. 'Smith & Wesson/ AAI Quiet Special Purpose Revolver/ QSPR/ Tunnel Revolver Archived 2010-04-18 at the Wayback Machine', world.guns.ru. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
- ^Egusa, Alan (April 2010). Martial Art of the Gun: The Turnipseed Technique. Dog Ear Publishing. p. 55. ISBN978-1-60844-226-3.
- ^Shideler, Dan (10 May 2011). The Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2011. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN1-4402-1890-0.
- ^Smith & Wesson press release announcing the Model 29 Anniversary EditionArchived 2006-11-13 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^'Smith & Wesson Classics: Model 29 Engraved'(PDF). Smith & Wesson. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007-09-27.
- ^Shideler, Dan. The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN9781440218903. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^Mann, Richard Allen; Lee, Jerry (20 November 2013). The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900-Present. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media. p. 220. ISBN978-1-4402-3752-2.
S&w Dates Of Manufacture By Serial Number
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Smith & Wesson Model 29. |