An M14 rifle shown from both sides without its. Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • History [ ] Early development [ ] The M14 was developed from a long line of experimental weapons based upon the rifle. Although the M1 was among the most advanced rifles of the late 1930s, it was not an ideal weapon. Modifications were already beginning to be made to the basic M1 rifle's design during the last months of. Changes included adding firing capability and replacing the eight-round with a detachable holding 20 rounds.,, and 's own offered different conversions. Garand's design, the, was the most popular, and T20 prototypes served as the basis for a number of Springfield test rifles from 1945 through the early 1950s.

T25 prototype In 1945, Earle Harvey of Springfield Armory designed a completely different rifle, the T25, for the new T65.30 light rifle [7.62×49mm] at the direction of Col. Rene Studler, then serving in the Pentagon. The two men were transferred to Springfield Armory in late 1945, where work on the T25 continued. The T25 was designed to use the T65 service cartridge, a Frankford Arsenal design based upon cartridge case used in the M1 service rifle, but shortened to the length of the case. Although shorter than the.30-06, with less powder capacity, the T65 cartridge retained the ballistics and energy of the.30-06 due to the use of a recently developed ball powder made by Olin Industries. After experimenting with several bullet designs, the T65 was finalized for adoption as the cartridge. Olin Industries later introduced the cartridge on the commercial market as the.

The S&W Model 10 military revolvers produced from 1942 to 1944 had serial numbers with a 'V' prefix, and were known as the Smith & Wesson Victory Model. It is noteworthy that early Victory Models did not always have the V prefix. During World War II over 570,000 of these pistols were supplied to the United Kingdom,.

After a series of revisions by Earle Harvey and other members of the.30 light rifle design group following the 1950 Fort Benning tests, the T25 was renamed the T47. The T44 prototype service rifle was not principally designed by any single engineer at Springfield Armory, but was a conventional design developed on a shoestring budget as an alternative to the T47. With minimal funding available, the earliest T44 prototypes used T20E2 receivers fitted with magazine filler blocks and re-barreled for 7.62×51mm NATO, with the long operating rod/piston of the M1 replaced by the T47's gas cut-off system. Lloyd Corbett, an engineer in Harvey's rifle design group, added various refinements to the T44 design, including a straight operating rod and a bolt roller to reduce friction. Infantry Board service rifle trials [ ]. Experimental T47 rifle The T44 participated in a competitive service rifle competition conducted by the Infantry Board at, Georgia against the Springfield T47 (a modified T25) and the, a variant of 's (from 'Fusil Automatique Leger', French for 'light automatic rifle').

The T47, which did not have a bolt roller and performed worse in dust and cold weather tests than both the T44 and the T48, was dropped from consideration in 1953. During 1952–53, testing proved the T48 and the T44 roughly comparable in performance, with the T48 holding an advantage in ease of field stripping and dust resistance, as well as a longer product development lead time. A article in July 1953 hinted that the T48/FAL might be selected over the T44. During the winter of 1953–54, both rifles competed in the winter rifle trials at U.S. Army facilities in the Arctic.

Springfield Armory engineers, anxious to ensure the selection of the T44, had been specially preparing and modifying the test T44 rifles for weeks with the aid of the armory's cold chamber, including redesign of the T44 gas regulator and custom modifications to magazines and other parts to reduce friction and seizing in extreme cold. The T48 rifles received no such special preparation, and in the continued cold weather testing began to experience sluggish gas system functioning, aggravated by the T48's close-fitting surfaces between bolt and carrier, and carrier and receiver. FN engineers opened the gas ports in an attempt to improve functioning, but this caused early/violent extraction and broken parts as a result of the increased pressures. As a result, the T44 was ranked superior in cold weather operation to the T48.

The Arctic Test Board report made it clear that the T48 needed improvement and that the U.S. Would not adopt the T48 until it had successfully completed another round of Arctic tests the following winter. In June 1954, funding was became available to manufacture newly fabricated T44 receivers specially designed for the shorter T65 cartridge. This one change to the T44 design saved a pound in rifle weight over that of the M1 Garand. Tests at Fort Benning with the T44 and T48 continued through the summer and fall of 1956. By this time, the T48/FAL rifles had been so improved that malfunction rates were almost as low as the T44.

The T44 was selected over the T48/FAL primarily due to weight (T44 was a pound lighter), simplicity with fewer parts, the T44's self-compensating gas system, and the argument that the T44 could be manufactured on existing machinery built for the M1 rifle (this later turned out to be unworkable). In 1957, the U.S. Formally adopted the T44 as the U.S. Infantry service rifle, designated M14.

Production contracts [ ] Initial production contracts for the M14 were awarded to the,, and. (TRW) would later be awarded a production contract for the rifle as well. 1,376,031 M14 service rifles were produced from 1959 to 1964. National Match M14 [ ] Springfield Armory produced 6,641 new M14 NM rifles in 1962 and 1963, while TRW produced 4,874 new M14 NM rifles in 1964.

Springfield Armory later upgraded 2,094 M14 rifles in 1965 and 2,395 M14 rifles in 1966 to National Match specifications, while 2,462 M14 rifles were rebuilt to National Match standards in 1967 at the. A total of 11,130 National Match rifles were delivered by Springfield Armory, Rock Island Arsenal, and TRW during 1962–1967. Production M14 rifles made by Springfield Armory and Winchester used forged receivers and bolts milled from AISI 8620 steel, a low-carbon molybdenum-chromium steel. Harrington & Richardson M14 production used AISI 8620 steel as well, except for ten receivers milled from AISI 1330 low-carbon steel and a single receiver made from alloy steel with a high nickel content. Deployment [ ].

Soldier with an M14 watches as supplies are dropped in 1967 during the. After the M14's adoption, Springfield Armory began tooling a new production line in 1958, delivering the first service rifles to the in July 1959. However, long production delays resulted in the being the only unit in the army fully equipped with the M14 by the end of 1961. The finally completed the change from M1 to M14 in late 1962.

Springfield Armory records reflect that M14 manufacture ended as TRW, fulfilling its second contract, delivered its final production increment in fiscal year 1965 (1 July 1964 – 30 June 1965). The Springfield archive also indicates the 1.38 million rifles were acquired for just over $143 million, for a unit cost of about $104. The rifle served adequately during its brief tour of duty in. Though it was unwieldy in the thick brush due to its length and weight, the power of the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge allowed it to penetrate cover quite well and reach out to extended range, developing 2,560 (3,463 ) of muzzle energy.

However, there were several drawbacks to the M14. The traditional wood of the rifle had a tendency to swell and expand in the heavy moisture of the jungle, adversely affecting accuracy. Fiberglass stocks were produced to resolve this problem, but the rifle was discontinued before very many could be distributed for field use. Also, because of the M14's powerful 7.62×51mm cartridge, the weapon was deemed virtually uncontrollable in fully automatic mode, so most M14s were permanently set to semi-automatic fire only to avoid wasting ammunition in combat. A rare M14 presentation model, serial No. 0010 The M14 was developed to replace seven different weapons—the M1 Garand, Springfield M1903, Enfield M1917,, Grease Gun,, and (BAR).

The intention was to simplify the logistical requirements of the troops by limiting the types of ammunition and parts needed to be supplied. However, it proved to be an impossible task to replace all four. The M14 was also deemed 'completely inferior' to the World War II M1 Garand in a September 1962 report by the. The cartridge was too powerful for the role and the weapon was simply too light to serve as a replacement for the BAR. Replacement [ ] The M14 remained the primary infantry rifle in Vietnam until it was replaced by the in 1966–67, though combat engineer units kept them several years longer. Further procurement of the M14 was abruptly halted in late 1963 due to the U.S.

Department of Defense report which had also stated that the AR-15 (soon to be M16) was superior to the M14. (The DOD did not cancel FY 1963 orders not yet delivered.) After the report, a series of tests and reports by the followed that resulted in the decision to cancel the M14. The M16 was ordered as a replacement for the M14 by direction of in 1964, over the objection of the U.S. Army officers who had backed the M14. (Other factions within the Army research and development community had opposed the M14 and the 7.62×51mm round from the start.) Though production of the M14 was officially discontinued, some disgruntled troops managed to hang on to them while deriding the early model M16 as a frail and under-powered ' toy' that was prone to jam. In late 1967, the U.S.

Army designated the M16 as the 'Standard A' rifle, and the M14 became a 'Limited Standard' weapon. The M14 rifle remained the standard rifle for U.S. Army Basic Training and troops stationed in Europe until 1970.

Army converted several thousand M14s into, which remained standard issue for this purpose until the adoption of the in 1988. In 1969, tooling for the M14 was sold to Taiwan and later many rifles were exported to Baltic countries and Israel. [ ] Post-1970 U.S.

Military service [ ]. An Army marksman in Fallujah, Iraq, using an M14 with a LR/T 10×40 mm M3 scope In the mid-1990s, the Marine Corps chose a new rifle for Designated Marksman (sniper) use, an M14 modified by the Precision Weapons Shop in called the (DMR). It is intended for use by security teams (, companies), and Marine in the cases where a would be more appropriate than the standard bolt-action rifle. The USMC Rifle Team uses the M14 in shooting competitions.

Although the M14 was phased out as the standard-issue rifle by 1970, M14 variants are still used by various branches of the U.S. Military as well as other armed forces, especially as a sniper rifle and as a, due to its accuracy and effectiveness at long range. Special active units such as the units of the use M14s. Few M14s were in use in the Army until the and. Since the start of these conflicts, many M14s have been employed as designated marksman and sniper rifles. These are not, but original production M14s. Common modifications include scopes, fiberglass stocks, and other accessories.

A 2009 study conducted by the claimed that half of the engagements in occurred from beyond 300 meters (330 yd). America's 5.56×45mm NATO service rifles are ineffective at these ranges; this has prompted the reissue of thousands of M14s. A using an M14 rifle to fire a shot line from the to. The 1st Battalion of the ('The Old Guard') in the is the sole remaining regular U.S. Army combat field unit where the M14 is still issued as the standard rifle, along with a chromed bayonet and an extra wooden stock with white sling for, parades, and other ceremonies. The Honor Guard uses a version of the M14.

Navy Ceremonial Guard and Base Honor Guards also use the M14 for in military funerals. It is also the drill and parade rifle of the,,,,,, and. Navy ships carry several M14s in their armories. They are issued to sailors going on watch out on deck in port, and to. The M14 is also used to shoot a large rubber projectile to another ship when underway to start the lines over for alongside refueling and replenishment.

A SEAL operator with an M14 rifle participating in maritime interdiction enforcement during. Various sniper variants have been used by the, often mistaken with in the overt literature, only one of them has received a standard name in the U.S. Military designations system: the, developed by the. SEALs also use the (EBR) for close-quarters battle and in a designated marksman role. ' units are known to have used M14 sniper variants. According to, the well-known account of the, Sergeant First Class, used an M14 for sniping from helicopters to provide support fire to ground troops. The ('Green Berets') have made some use of the M25 'spotter rifle'.

The M25 was developed in the late 1980s within the, which was charged to support Special Forces sniper weapons as well as the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course (SOTIC). The M25 was first planned as a replacement for the old M21, but after the Army adoption of the as its standard sniper rifle, the was intended to be used by spotters of the sniper teams, while the snipers would use the bolt-action M24. The M14 has remained in service longer than any U.S. Infantry rifle surpassing that of the, it also holds the distinction of serving as the standard infantry rifle of the U.S.

Army for a second shortest span of time than almost any other service rifle, only surpassed by the short lived US rifles and carbines. Service with other nations [ ] The Philippines issues M14 rifles, M1/M2 carbines, M1 rifles, and M16 rifles, to their civilian defense forces and various cadet corps service academies. The Hellenic Navy uses the M14. The M14 production Springfield tooling and assembly line was sold in 1967 to the Republic of China (Taiwan), who in 1968 began producing their Type 57 Rifle. The State Arsenal of the Republic of China produced over 1 million of these rifles from 1969 to the present. Other than the surface finish it is essentially a US rifle.

It is used by the reserves and as a backup defense weapon, and used by airport guards. In Mainland China, has produced an M14 variants for export, which were sold in the U.S. Prior to the importation ban of 1989 and the enactment of the of 1994. Rifles made by were imported to the US in the 1980s but were banned from further import in 1989 by the first Bush Administration. They are currently being sold in Canada, Italy and New Zealand. They have been marketed under the M14S and M305 names.

Rifle design [ ] Receiver markings [ ] Stamped into receiver heel: • U.S. Rifle • 7.62-MM M14 • Springfield Armory (or commercial contractor name) • Serial number Stock [ ]. M14 with magazine The M14 rifle was first furnished with a walnut stock, then with birch and finally with a synthetic (fiberglass) stock, which was adopted for use in damp jungle environments in Vietnam, since the wood versions would often become warped and swollen with moisture. The stock was also fitted with a hinged shoulder rest for improved user comfort when firing from a prone position.

Original equipment walnut and birch stocks carry the Department of Defense acceptance stamp or cartouche (an arc of three stars above a spread-winged eagle). These stocks also carried a proof stamp, a P within a circle, applied after successful test-firing.

Rifles manufactured through late 1960 were provided with walnut handguards. Thereafter synthetic, slotted (ventilated) hand guards were furnished but proved too fragile for military use. These were replaced by the solid synthetic part still in use, usually in dark brown, black or a camouflage pattern. Rifling [ ] Standard M14 rifling has right-hand in 1:12 inches with 4 grooves. Sholay 3d Songs Pk Free Download. Accessories [ ] Although M14 rifle production ended in 1964, the limited standard status of the weapon resulted in the continued manufacture of accessories and spare parts into the late 1960s and beyond. • with M8A1 sheath • M2 (Has 6 pockets, each containing 2 × 5-round Mauser-type clips for a total of 60 rounds, and a pouch for a magazine filler.

The sling was adjustable and was held in place with a matte-black steel ). Standard Operating Procedure was for the operator to use up the ammunition in the bandoleers before using the loaded magazines in the ammo pouches. The pockets' stitching could be ripped out to allow the bandoleer to carry 6 pre-loaded 20-round magazines. • Sling [The service rifle used a one-piece cotton or nylon webbing sling and the competition and sniping variants use the standard M1907 two-piece leather sling] • Cleaning kit (contained in the stock's butt-trap) included: a combination tool, ratchet chamber brush, plastic lubricant case, brass bore brush, four cleaning rod sections, cleaning rod case, and a cleaning rod patch-holding tip. • M5 winter trigger and winter safety • M12 blank firing attachment and M3 breech shield • Cartridge charger clip (holds five cartridges) • Magazine filler (or 'spoon') for charging detached magazines externally. (The M14 has a groove over the action that allows the operator to place a loaded clip and top off the attached magazine internally through the open action). • M1956 Universal Small Arms Ammunition Pouch, First Pattern (could hold 2 × 20-round M14 magazines horizontally).

• M1956 Universal Small Arms Ammunition Pouch, Second Pattern (could hold 3 × 20-round M14 magazines vertically). • M1961 ammunition magazine pouch. (Could carry 1 × 20-round M14 magazine. The bottom of the pouch contained eyelets for attaching a First Aid Pouch or 3-cell (6 pocket) Grenade Carrier that could tie down around the thigh.) • M2 bipod • M76 rifle grenade launcher • M15 grenade launcher sight • Mk 87 Mod 0/1 line (rope) throwing kit Types of sights [ ] • Rear peep, front blade, metric • Rear National Match peep with hood, front National Match blade, metric Variants and related designs [ ]. Border Patrol Agent, armed with a M14 rifle, tracking someone in harsh winter conditions on the northern U.S.

Military [ ] M15 [ ] The M15 Squad Automatic Weapon was a modified M14 developed as a replacement for the for use as a. It added a heavier and, a hinged buttplate, a selector switch for fire, and a. The sling was from the BAR.

Like the M14, it was chambered for. Firing tests showed that the M14, when equipped with the selector switch, hinged buttplate and bipod, performed as well as the M15.

As a result, the M15 was dropped and the modified M14 became the squad automatic weapon. Accuracy and control problems with this variant led to the addition of a, a folding rubber covered metal and a muzzle stabilizer. However, it was a poor suppressive fire weapon owing to 20-round magazines and it overheated rapidly. M14E1 [ ] The M14E1 was tested with a variety of folding stocks to provide better maneuverability for armored infantry, paratroopers and others. No variant was standardized.

M14E2/M14A1 [ ] Selective fire version of the standard M14 used as a squad automatic weapon. Successor to the full-automatic M14 with a bipod and the never issued M15. The developmental model was known as the M14E2.

As a conceptional weapon developed by the Infantry School, it was known as the M14 (USAIB) (United States Army Infantry Board). It was issued in 1963 and redesignated as M14A1 in 1966. It had a full pistol-gripped in-line stock to control recoil, a plastic upper forend to save weight, a muzzle compensator, the BAR sling, an M2 bipod, and a folding metal vertical foregrip mounted under the forend of the stock. Although an improvement over the M14 when in full-auto, it was still difficult to control, overheated rapidly, and the 20-round magazine limited its ability to deliver suppressive fire.

M14M (Modified)/M14NM (National Match) [ ] The M14M is a semi-automatic only version of the standard M14 that was developed for use in civilian rifle marksmanship activities such as the. M14M rifles were converted from existing M14 rifles by welding the select-fire mechanism to prevent full-automatic firing.

The M14NM (National Match) is an M14M rifle built to National Match accuracy standards. The M14M and M14NM rifles are described in a (now-obsolete) Army regulation, AR 920-25, 'Rifles, M14M and M14NM, For Civilian Marksmanship Use,' dated 8 February 1965.

Paragraph 2, among other things, stated that the Director of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division,, (predecessor to the ) had ruled that M14M and M14NM rifles so modified would not be subject to the 1934 (NFA) and, as such, could be sold or issued to civilians. However, with the passage of the, the NFA was amended to prohibit sales of previously modified automatic weapons such as the M14M and M14NM to civilians. M14 SMUD [ ] Stand-off Munition Disruption, used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel to destroy unexploded ordnance. Essentially an M14 National Match rifle with. Mk 14 EBR [ ].

Main article: The M89SR is an M14 in configuration first introduced by Sardius in the 1980s. Later produced by Technical Equipment International (TEI) for the AWC G2A Sniper Rifle [ ] AWC G2A Sniper Rifle is a modified M14 with bullpup stock designed by Lynn McWilliams and Gale McMillian in the late 1990s. Produced and delivered for testing at the sniper school. M21, M25 sniper rifles [ ] The and are accurized sniper rifle versions, built to closer tolerances than the standard M14. These are the more standard sniper rifle variants of the M14. Commercial production [ ].

A Agent with M14 during a law enforcement memorial service Armscorp M14 [ ] From 1987 to 1994, Armscorp of America or Armscorp USA produced investment-cast semi-auto M14 receivers. During the first year of production, Armscorp receivers were supplied by Smith Manufacturing of Holland, Ohio, which were heat treated and finish machined by Armscorp. From 1988 to 1994, a few receivers with an 'S' serial number prefix were made of stainless steel. From approximately 1994 until 2008, Armscorps receiver castings were supplied by the Lamothermic Corporation of Brewster, New York. CAR 14 [ ] A product of Troy Industries the CAR 14 (Carbine Assault Rifle 14) is a smaller and lighter tactical version of the M14. Its barrel is 12.5 inches long and it weighs 7.9 pounds.

The rifle has select fire ability, a threaded flash suppressor for a suppressor, a tactical rail on top for sights and other attachments, and the operating rod cover. [ ] Federal Ordnance [ ] From 1984 to 1991, Federal Ordnance of South El Monte, California sold a semi-auto version of the M14 rifle. Initially named the M14 or M14A, the rifle utilized an aftermarket semi-auto receiver fitted with surplus USGI M14 parts. All receivers were machined from castings of AISI 8620 alloy steel.

Except for the first fifty receivers, the castings were supplied by Electro Crisol Metal, S.A. Of Santander, Spain, then imported to the US for heat treatment, finish machining, and exterior phosphate treatment.

M14 and M14A receivers were heat-treated using the carburizing process by a firm in Santa Ana, California, followed by finish machining on a CNC machine at Federal Ordnance in South El Monte. Federal Ordnance M14 and M14A receivers were heat-treated and carburized according to USGI M14 requirements. Each completed production rifle was proof fired, then tested for functioning by firing three rounds. USGI parts and bolts were used extensively in Federal Ordnance rifles through at least serial number 88XX. In 1989, Federal Ordnance renamed the rifle the M14SA and M14CSA. Rifles in the 93XX serial range and higher have modified receivers designed to accept Chinese-made bolts, barrels, and other parts owing to a shortage of original USGI components.

Approximately 51,000 complete Federal Ordnance M14 rifles and 60,000 or more receivers were manufactured before production was halted in late 1991. La France Specialties M14K [ ] The M14K is a commercial version of the M14 designed and built by Timothy F. LaFrance of of San Diego, California, most using forged receivers produced by Smith Enterprise of Tempe, Arizona. This rifle has a custom-made short barrel with a custom-made, shortened operating rod, and employs a unique gas tube system.

Fully automatic versions have a removable flash suppressor. Semi-automatic versions (of which very few were made) have a silver-brazed flash hider to comply with the requirement that Title I firearms have a 16' barrel.

Most M14Ks employ the M60 gas tube system. Some late-model M14Ks employ a custom-designed and manufactured gas system. Both are intended to control the rate of fire in fully automatic mode. The rear sight is a custom-made National Match type aperture, and the front sight is a custom-made narrow blade, wing-protected sight to take advantage of the additional accuracy afforded by the special barrel. The stocks and handguards on M14Ks are shortened versions of the GI birch or walnut stock, but make use of the original front ferrule. The front sling mount is relocated slightly to rear, to accommodate the shortened stock.

Most handguards are of the solid, fiberglass variety (albeit shortened), but a limited number were made with shortened wood handguards. The steel buttplate was deleted in favor of a rubber recoil pad, which greatly reduces perceived recoil. A limited number of M14Ks were manufactured with the BM-59 Alpine / Para folding stock. These too had the shortened stocks and handguards, making for an extremely compact package especially suited to vehicular and airborne operations. A couple of M14Ks were built for SEAL Team members using the tubular folding stock assembly on a cut-down M14E2 stock found on some of the Team's full-size M14s prior to adoption of the Sage International EBR stock for M14 applications. These are by far one of the rarest variants of the M14K. Norinco [ ] The Chinese firm manufactures versions of the M14 rifle known as the M14S (Sporter) and the M305.

There are two versions of the M305. The M305A/B, one with the same barrel as the regular M14 and one with a short barrel.

The M305A is a M14 chambered to fire 7.62x39 ammo. And the M305B is a M14 with a 18.5' barrel. Copies of the select-fire and semi-auto versions of the M14 were also made by Norinco.

These rifles have been banned from importation (1989 for all Polytech rifles) and (1994 for Norinco rifles) to the U.S., due to a Clinton era prohibition on Chinese made firearms. They are commonly sold and are popular in Canada for hunting and target shooting. Polytech Industries [ ] Polytech Industries of China made an unlicensed version of the M14 rifle known as the M14S. Polytechs, unlike Norinco rifles, were all banned in the 1989 firearm importation ban by the President George HW Bush administration. Smith Enterprise, Inc [ ] was founded as Western Ordnance in 1979 by Richard Smith in and the company made numerous types of rifles, but specialized in the and M14. In 1993, Western Ordnance reformed as Smith Enterprise and has built and rebuilt numerous M14 rifles for the US Military and the militaries of Colombia, Canada and other nations. Department of Defense has contracted Smith Enterprise to build and modify M14 rifles for use by soldiers, Marines and sailors in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Smith Enterprise played a major part in the M14 rifle modernization projects for various US military units which resulted in the development of the. The company's history included originally making forged receivers for M14 rifles and briefly switching to investment casting. Smith stopped making receivers for a few years, but reentered the market with receivers machined from bar stock in 2002. In 2003 Smith Enterprise Inc.

Created its version of the M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle known as the MK14 Mod 0, type SEI. The rifle used a medium heavy weight 18.0' barrel and was used as a basis to create the US Navy's Mark 14 Mod 0 with being tasked to supply the necessary machinery in cooperation with the. SEI builds an improved M14 gas cylinder as a component of their specialized rifles and a part for the military to upgrade older rifles.

The gas cylinder is assigned the NATO Stock Number: NSN 1005-00-790-8766. Springfield Armory [ ] of, produces a -only version of the M14 rifle.

The standard rifle is known as the. The company produces several variations of the basic rifle with different stocks, barrel weights, barrel lengths, and other optional features. The Springfield M1A and its model variants have been widely distributed in the U.S. Civilian market and have seen use by various law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Springfield Armory, Inc.

Also produce the SOCOM series and the Scout Squad Rifle, based on the short-barreled version of the M14. The SOCOM 16 comes with provisions to mount a and the SOCOM II adds railed handguards to the package. Springfield Armory's M21 tactical is a civilian version of the currently in use by the U.S. Gallery [ ] •. Duff; John M.

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Retrieved 2012-02-28. • Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V.

Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995).. Retrieved on August 20, 2016. Further reading [ ] • Duff, Scott A., John M. Miller, and contributing editor David C.

The M14 Owner's Guide and Match Conditioning Instructions. Export, Penn.: Scott A. Duff Publications, 1996.. • Murphy, Edward F. The Hill Fights: The First Battle of Khe Sanh. Novato, Calif.: Presidio Press, 2003.. • Pisor, Robert L.

The End of the Line: The Siege of Khe Sanh. New York: W.W.

Norton & Company, Inc., 2002.. • Rose, Alexander. American Rifle: A Biography. New York: Bantam Dell Publishing, 2008.. • Stevens, R. Rifle M14: From John Garand to the M21. Toronto: Collector Grade Publications, Inc., 1995..

External links [ ] Wikimedia Commons has media related to. • The short film is available for free download at the • • • • • • • • • • • at the.

Just found K-22, brought it home, couldn't resist, it was nice and an impulse buy that I will not regret. SN is K 180xxx I was told it has a custom spring, it is smooth and maybe 2-3 lb. Pull If this turns out to be an older gun (I am taking wild guess it's 80's vintage) where would I locate the original spring part number to make it original again? Sure appreciate the service your providing, wish I could wait to get the book, but am goin crazy not knowing the mfg. ALSO, will the S&W Catalog book give me details on the 'K' as far as the series, 5 screws,.22 & 38 cal etc. And will it give the spring part number as well???

I was told by the owner that I could dry fire this K -22 rimfire. I did dryfire at time of purchase, but found S&W suggestion that rimfire's not be dryfired.any info on this? I have since placed empty brass in cyl to dryfire, is this ok to do? Just love this gun, can't wait to shoot it. One last Q, is this book a refrence with charts, photos etc, or is it more a historical novel with some refrence data?

Thanks many bunches for any help provided! Jgunter217: Your model 60 was made between 1974 & 1977. Serial number range for that period was R100000to R190000. Dead-Nuts-Zero: Your K22 dates to 1953, serial number range for that year was K175638 to K210095. The Standard catalog of S&W shows pictures of all major models, often with pictures of major engineering changes. There is short history and description of each model, a list of engineering changes by date, a list of special production runs and basic valuing information.

There are separate chapters on valuing, grips, serial number ranges, factory tools, factory boxes, advertising, manuals and factory other stuff. Pretty much ever answer given in this thread and the equivalent thread at www.thehighroad.org is from the SCSW. Tom Servo: Is the number 955844 taken from the bottom of the grip? If so then your gun is a post war production, probably around 1947 (serial number S990184 was used in 1948, S811120 in 1945.) The actual victory model run ended at SV811832. The Arrow is a British or Commonwealth acceptance mark, which suggests it is a wartime gun, FTR means Factory Thorough Repair: It was re-arsenaled in 1955 at a Commonwealth service center, the MA prefix refers to the center, but I can't tell you which one it is. The Commonwealth guns were usually in.38 S&W, not.38 special. The barrel should be marked.38 S&W CTG if this is a Commonwealth gun.

After the war many were re-imported into the USA as surplus and the cylinders bored through to allow.38 special to chamber. These should only be fired with standard pressure loads as the chamber will be oversize for the case at the extractor end -.38 S&W used a wider case than the.38 special. Tom Servo: Is the number 955844 taken from the bottom of the grip? If so then your gun is a post war production, probably around 1947 (serial number S990184 was used in 1948, S811120 in 1945.) The actual victory model run ended at SV811832. Here's where it gets weird.there's no 'S' prefix on any of the numbers. It's definitely a Victory, as it's parkerized, and the barrel isn't chopped.

The numbers on the heel have matches on the rear face of the cylinder and on the bottom of the barrel. The Arrow is a British or Commonwealth acceptance mark, which suggests it is a wartime gun, FTR means Factory Thorough Repair: It was re-arsenaled in 1955 at a Commonwealth service center, the MA prefix refers to the center, but I can't tell you which one it is. I've got a guy who thinks it might be Canadian as well, based on some other numbers. Gotta check on that tomorrow, as I don't have the gun with me. The Commonwealth guns were usually in.38 S&W, not.38 special. The barrel should be marked.38 S&W CTG if this is a Commonwealth gun.

After the war many were re-imported into the USA as surplus and the cylinders bored through to allow.38 special to chamber. These should only be fired with standard pressure loads as the chamber will be oversize for the case at the extractor end -.38 S&W used a wider case than the.38 special. I figured it might have been a.38-200 or.38 S&W, but the gun reads, '.38 S&W Special' on both the barrel and on the left side of the frame under the cylinder latch..38spl ammo sits tight in the cylinder. I know my Smiths fairly well, but this one's an oddity.

Radagast That was really nice of you to look this up for me. The piece has a custom grip that covers the screws, but was told it was a 5 screw so I knew it had some age on it. Don't know when the last of the 5 screws were produced. It has pined barrel and recess cylinder, I expect they still make the recessed cylinders yet today in a.22 cal.

I bought it from individual and was in poor lighting area, I could see it was in very good condition, but today looking at it in natural sunlight, it is in better condition than expected for a used gun. Now with knowing it's vintage (early 50's), is a bonus to me. Has no holster wear, not a speck of rust or even a slight ding anywhere, and no touchups that I can find. Bore was bright with crisp cut rifling.

I got to shoot it today, found some odd things. Maybe someone can help me out here???:confused: First, I was shooting at steel about 25-30 yds, didn't have any paper to see where it shoots or how tight the shots, but it was impossible to make a strike without blotching out the steel chicken at that distance. Went to adjust rear sight, there was no elevation play in the rear sight bar (like most of my guns) with no spring and click detents for elevation adjustment. Windage w/adjustment screw looks good. Is this normal for this type of rear sight? This is my only adjustable Smith, all others have fixed sights so can't compare them.

Rear sight bar appears to be made without a spring(?) Will this sight base flex if I were to turn the screw up or down? Looked to be all the way down so maybe can't do much to improve it.

Other thing I noticed, it was very difficult to eject the empty brass. Only because brass were very tight, no other problems within the ejecting system I can see. Works normal while empty. Used 3 brands of ammo in it, all ejected hard. Seemed like just the rims were over swelled.

Could it be due to the recess cylinder and because it's like new condition with little breakin maybe??? And lastly, I purchased it with custom rubber wrap-around thin target grips installed (grips do not cause the ejecting problem), have original woods that are like new. No original box, tools or manual came with it. Did get B-Sq. Clamp-on mount (replaces rear sight) and a very old looking red dot. I need to request a manual from Smith. I dropped 400 big ones for it with the grips, mount and red-dot Curious of it's aprox.

Probably worth 20% more today than a year ago with the Polosi Effect (she is the one really in charge ya know).:barf::barf::barf: Whatever it's value, I am very pleased so far, that’s what really matters to me. Its much better quality than I expected. I looked at auction sights prior to trip to see this one, they seem to be 400 plus but shown in many different variants. Do you think that 400 is within the ballpark for this piece? I will try to get a book ordered soon so I won't keep beggin for info.it's just the excitement of finding an older piece in such great shape and that makes me very happy indeed!:) Any comments from you Radagast, or anyone else is encouraged.thanks again for the original info you sent.

Tom Servo: I guess I had a senior moment then. Serial number 955844 places it at the end of the.38 Military & Police model of 1905 4th change run in 1941 or 1942. Serial numbers in the 760000 range were shipped in 1941 and the serial number range ended at 1000000 in 1942. The.38/200 British Service Revolver was made in the same serial number range in.38 S&W, both guns were followed by the Victory model starting at V1. A half remembered memory says MA is an Australian code, and a quick google finds FTR MA55 on Australian surplus victory model revolvers.

The parkerising would have happened when the gun was FTRed. A lot of American forces staged through Australia during the Pacific theater of WWII, It's quite possible this one was left behind or lend leased and ended up in the hands of the Australian army. As an Australian I feel honor bound to protect my countries martial heritage. Please package your revolver up and send it to me for conservation. I promise to let you know how it shoots.:P.

Dead-Nuts-Zero: The upper side plate screw was deleted in 1955, the screw in the trigger guard was deleted in 1961 with the 17-2. My fathers 2003 manufactured model 617 has a recessed cylinder, so yes they are still available with recessed cylinders. I'm not an expert, just a guy with a book, so take the following with a grain of salt. The adjustable rear sight on the 617 lacks a spring but there is a definite click as the rear screw is rotated to allow for elevation. It appears to rely on the sight bars position on the the thread of the screw to hold it steady, there is a square block on the end of the screw that engages with the frame so it doesn't move up and down when pressed on. I'm assuming the 1950's era sights worked on the same principle.

It's possible there is some irregularity in the chambers that polishing may help, I suggest you start a new thread in either the revolver or gunsmithing forums. One of the more knowledgeable members may be able to advise you. Don't mess with the gun without expert advise though. According to the Standard Catalog of S&W, in 2006 a Postwar K22 Masterpiece, 3rd model in excellent condition was worth $600 in 2006. As you mentioned, prices have gone up on collectible Smiths since then. Of course, with the world economy tanking this may change. For the moment, for paying $400 for a near new K22, you are officially a pirate.:D.

I have a few older hand-me down guns, mostly rifle & shotguns of average quality, all are multi-purpose hunt, target guns. I shoot & enjoy them often and know plenty about them as they were family hand-me-downs. When I purchased this K 22, I was looking for a reliable target shooter that I could afford (no interest in a tricked out pro-target gun). Wanted 6'barrel in DA, in a Colt, Smith, or similar quality. Found exactly what I wanted in this K-22, however I didn't realize I had a gun as old as I am.

After researching the Serial Number, I realized I needed to know more about the gun, (that's what makes shooting so much fun), so once again, TFL Forum is my favorite hang-out. Its all hats off to the posters who have fed me the info I am looking for. My next move will be getting my hands on a copy of the S&W Catalog book. Thanks to all who have assisted me, I am off to the revolver and rimfire forums, maybe see ya all over there??? Next question is what ammo do I feed my Smith? I have dozens of assorted ammo to tryout.this is another reason shooting sports are so much fun.

One last thought.Think of this. Just 15 years ago, it would have taken months to get this far with my research. Therefore I must say thanks to TFL Forum, its staff and sponsors, you have a fantastic forum here.

Last & Least I send a Huge Thank You to: The Creator of the InterNet The Honorable:cool: Al Gore:cool:.. Kingofcoins, I can't help you with gunsmithing questions, ask in the gunsmithing subforum. Regarding your serial number, TVC7046 was used in 1991, TZUxxxx in 1993, so your gun falls somewhere in between. Occ33: Serial number C68xxxx should fall in the period 1963-1965, between C622700 and C810532. The model number stamped on the frame under the crane should be 10, 11, 12, or 45. Barrel length measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle should be 4 inches. If the barrel length is 3.5 inches it may not be OEM.

What caliber is the gun? I too am having trouble identifying my gun. It seems to look the most like a K22 in a 22LR. There are 3 different sets of numbers on it. Bottom of the butt and both sides of the grip. The serial number is the one on the bottom of the butt.

Some pictures will help with ID because there's a possibility that it's an I or J frame, which would make it a.22/32 rather than a K-22. A 'K' somewhere in the serial number nails it down as a K-22, and a 'J' nails it down as a J frame. (Who'd a thunk?);) i found it. It is ACV32xx Mid-1983.

Very close to my 586-M no-dash, which is ABE10xx.:). I picked up what looks like a little used 9 mm S&W Mdl 3913, and the serial no is. TZF5083.would some one please tell me what year have I got? Also I found that the trigger pull is well over 12#'s. I can't squeeze off this 3913 even into an 8' sometimes 12' group.

Is the pull supposed to be this terrible, and have 3/8+' play? I'm a bit confused. Does this trigger problem occur when firing DA or SA? The DA trigger should be somewhat lighter, maybe 10#, but I could see 12# if the gun's trigger mechanism is a bit sticky. The SA trigger is a 2-stage type that should have some takeup at the start of the pull, but it should have a fairly crisp (if not quite SIG- or tuned-1911-crisp) ~6# break after you get past the takeup. The accuracy problem is a little harder to figure out. How does it group at short range?

Have you tried shooting it off a sandbag rest or letting someone else try it out? Can you hold it perfectly steady while dry-firing? This is a bit off-topic, so I'd recommend reposting this in the 'Semiauto' TFL subforum or the 'S&W Smithing' section of the S&W forum. Also, S&W has excellent customer service and will probably fix the gun for free if something is wrong, although you'll probably have to pay to ship it to them first. Rickga: The.32 Double Action 4th model was made between 1883 & 1909 in the serial number range 43406 to 282999.

Models made before serial number 209301 in 1898 are considered antiques by the BATF. To get an exact shipping date (and address) you would need to contact Roy Jinks at S&W and pay a fee of $50 to get a factory letter. For the purposes of guesstimating your guns age, 22,232 3rd models were made between 1882 & 1883. Your gun is approximately 21,000 later in the serial number range, so if production levels remained constant your 4th model may have been made around 1884-1885.

Sako: There is no 2g prefix listed in the Standard Catalogue of S&W. Is the stamping the same as the rest of the serial number? If the serial number is 739xx then it is a.38 special model of 1905 4th change, probably manufactured between 1940 & 1942.The 4th change was produced from 1917 to 1942.

To help refine it down, S&W made the British service revolver concurrently in the same serial number range of 700000 to 1000000 during this period. I assume the.38 S&W has a five shot cylinder on a smaller frame than the.38 special, if so then it is either a prewar.38 Regulation Police. These were made between 1917 & 1940, in a serial number range 1 - 54474. The round butt.38/22 Terrier variant was introduced in 1936 at serial number 38976, so your gun should date from 1936-1940. Bsi022604: Process of elimination follows: It isn't a.32 Rimfire, the Number 2 Old Army didn't go that high in the serial range. It isn't a.32 Single Action, ditto as above.

It isn't a New Model Number Three, ditto as above. It isn't a K32 Masterpiece, as it lacks the K serial number prefix. It isn't a K32 Hand Ejector as their serial number range is higher than the number you quote. It isn't a.32 Military & Police, they have a C or S prefix tot he serial number. That leaves the following options: It could be a.32 Double Action 4th Model, serial number range was 43406 to 282999, manufactured between 1883 & 1909. This was a top break five shot revolver with an external hammer, caliber was.32 S&W.

It could be a.32 Safety Hammerless Second Model, serial number range was 91418 to 170000, manufactured between 1902 & 1909. This was a top break five shot revolver with an internal hammer and a grip safety. Caliber was.32 S&W. It could be a.32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 - 5th Change.

This was a six shot swing out cylinder revolver on the small I frame, similar in size to today's model 60. It came with a 4.25 inch or 3.25 inch barrel, caliber was.32 S&W Long. Manufactured between 1910 & 1917 in the serial number range 102501 to 263000 between 1910 and 1917, if this is your father-in-law's gun it probably dates to 1910. It could be a 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 - 4th Change.

This was a 6 shot swing out cylinder gun chambered for the.32-20 cartridge, using the square butt medium sized K-frame. Barrel marking should be.32 W.C.F CTG. These were manufactured between 1915 & 1940 in the serial number range 65701 to 144684. If it doesn't fit any of the above categories then a photo will be needed to identify it. Peeve88: Your gun was made in 1978-79 in the serial number range 25k0001 to 56k9999. It is built on the K frame, S&Ws medium frame that has remained in production since 1899 in a variety of models and calibers.

The majority of police and service revolvers from the last century were built on the K frame. What you have was designed as a target or training gun. If it has a four inch barrel with a ramped front sight, then it is a Model 18 K22 Combat Masterpiece. This was basically a.22lr version of the very popular model 15 service revolver in.38 special. Think cheap practice and a great holster gun for walking around on a farm or in the woods. If it has a 6 inch or 8 &3/8 inch barrel with a square cut Partridge sight then it is a Model 17 K22 Masterpiece.

This is the.22 target version of the K38 Target Masterpiece revolver popular at the time for centerfire bullseye competition, The K22 & K38.were designed to have the same weight and balance for ease of cross training. The K22 has been in production in various forms since 1931, when it was introduced as the K32 Outdoorsman, it continues today in a much modified form as the 617 in stainless steel with a full length barrel under-lug and the option of a ten round cylinder. The model 18 was produced from 1949 to 1985, when the four inch Model 17 was introduced. A four inch stainless steel model 617 is still available and S&W are offering the reintroduced model 18 Classic this year - if you have a thousand dollars to spend.:P. WonderingWoman: The Serial number prefix BHE was used in March 1991, the prefix BHJ in July 1991, so your guns date of manufacture should fall between those two dates. Some of the three letter codes were manufactured out of date sequence, but it's a fair bet that your gun dates to that period.

The model 10-10 is the 10th engineering change to the model 10, which was the model number given in 1957 to the.38 Military & Police revolver. The.38 military & Police was the evolution through many engineering changes and two world wars of the.38 special Army & Navy Revolver introduced in 1899. It is a fixed sight blued or nickeled steel revolver with a swing out cylinder built on the medium K frame. Caliber was.38 special, except for a small number chambered for and marked as.357 Magnum. The 10-10 was introduced in 1988. The model 10 in all it's variations was probably the most common police service revolver in the world and only lost favor when semiautomatic pistols became more common. The model 10 is still in production today.

As to value, the Standard catalog of S&W gave a value of $365 for as new in box & $275 for excellent (used) condition in 2006. Prices seem to have shifted a lot since then so I suggest you check out sites such as www.gunbroker.com www.auctionarms.com or www.gunsamerica.com to find out more current pricing. If you sell it to a dealer you will not get a retail price, they will discount the amount they pay you so they can sell it for a profit.

JGPrince: The.38 Double Action 3rd Model was manufactured between 1884 & 1895 in the serial number range 119001 to 322700. For an exact shipping date & address you would need to get a factory letter from Roy Jinks at S&W (cost $50.00). The C prefix serial number was introduced in 1948 at C1, C223998 was used in 1951, so your gun falls somewhere in the middle. Per the standard Catalog of S&W you don't have model of 1905 fifth change, you have a.38 Military & Police (postwar) or Pre-Model 10, but that's just nit-picking. Need some help identifying a S&W hand ejector revolver. Barrel marked '38 S&W SPECIAL CTG' 4 inch barrel with a 4 screw side plate. It has a mushroom shaped ejector.

Serial number on bottom of the rounded handle is 304XXX but on the bottom of the barrel it is prefixed with either a small 'R' or a small but not fully stamped 'B' then 304XXX. Any ideas of the year and approximate value would be great. I'll try to attach two pics to show the condition. Thanks, JHILDE. JHILDE: You have a S&W.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th change. Manufactured between 1915 & 1942 in the serial number range 2000, heat treated cylinders were introduced at serial number 316648. As yours is earlier than that it is probably safest if only shot with standard pressure loads.

The grips are correct for the age of the gun, checkered walnut with gold monogram inserts and an un-checkered diamond around the grip screws. Square butts were available, but the round butt (like yours) was more common. The Standard Catalog of S&W notes that guns with serial numbers in the 500000 range shipped in 1927, so yours dates from somewhere between 1915 & 1927. Most of the bluing is missing, so condition would be fair to good. Per the SCSW this meant a value of $135 to $200 in 2006. Edit: A post by XavierBreath, moderator at the www.thehighroad.org notes that the change to heated treated cylinders occurred in September 1919. So if he is correct then 1915-1919 is the age range.

Square butts were available, but the round butt (like yours) was more common. Radagast, I read on some internet sites including these blessed forums that the sq butt vs rd butt is a typo in the SCSW. I of course have a 1905 4th change, 253XXX, with the original grips and a nickel finish. At first I thought I got a great deal since I know nickel is more rare, and the sq butt was said to be more rare in SCSW. I have the SCSW so don't bother looking up my SN;) In my independent research and from what I've seen, the rd butts seem to be more scarce making it in fact vice versa. I also discussed it with a guy from S&W and he said that most revolvers back then were sq butt. What have you seen?

Did you bother investigating the typos that are all through the SCSW? Just curious as to your experience and opinions. I read on some internet sites including these blessed forums that the sq butt vs rd butt is a typo in the SCSW.

+1; Jim Supica, one of the SCSW co-authors, has acknowledged that he got this backwards.:o I don't have my books handy, but IIRC the square-butt frame debuted approximately midway through the model run of the.38 M&P Model of 1902, 1st Change, although it was not catalogued. Some collectors consider the very early SB guns to be a separate transitional model, a 'pre-Model of 1905' so to speak, rather than a Model of 1902 per se. IIRC the SB frame quickly overtook the original RB frame in sales once the Model of 1905 officially debuted. If the RB frame ever outsold the SB frame, it only happened early in the production run of the Model of 1905.

Whether it happened at all, and if so, for how long is a matter of some debate. Winchester-73, carguychris, thanks for the correction there. I'm in Australia, so although I have shot or handled more models than most people I know ( I am a part time employee of a gun dealer, formerly I've qualified for the Australian practical pistol team & I lost track at the number of different models of pistol I've shot sometime after number 67), I don't have access to the full range of experience that you guys do. Answering questions here and at The High Road, I stick to what the SCSW says and generally point out that I'm referencing it. Off the top of my head I've actually shot the following guns: S&W 60, 64, 640, 66, 63, 28, 627, 625, 629, 29, 15, 686, 617, 59, 2206, 422, 22a, 586 Webley MKIII, MKIV, Enfield No.2. Walther PP, PPK, P1, P99, P22 Colt SAA, Woodsman, 1911 Gold Cup, 1991A1 9mm Uberti SAA, Uberti 1851 cartridge conversion Glock 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27, 27L, 31, 34, 35 Mauser Broomhandle Ruger SP101, Single Six, MKII, 22-45 Otis A. Smith Top Break Iver Johnson Model of 1900 STI 2011 standard gun in.40 & open gun.38 super Norinco 45, 9mm single stack, 9mm double stack 1911s.

Springfield Armory 1911 single stack 9mm, 1911 double stack 40 &.45 Para Ordnance P16-40, P14-45 Bul M5 double stack in.40, 9mm, &.38 super CZ75B, CZ75SP01, CZ85 Beretta models 86, 92fs, 92, 92G Elite II, 96, Tomcat, Tokarev TT33 Browning Buckmark, High Power HS2000 (Springfield XD) tactical in 9mm. There are probably a few more that I can't remember.

These day's I'm taking an interest in S&Ws, looking up peoples queries gives more of a feel for the guns than reading SCSW from cover to cover. .old S&W Mod 29.44 Mag 4' s/n 24xxx.

Purchased 1967 in England. That's not a valid postwar serial number. It's probably an assembly number. The serial number is on the butt and should have an 'S' prefix in that era. You may have to remove the stocks (grips) to view it. Mod 10 4'.38 spl Ser # 383xxx. And Mod 12.38 spl Airweight Ser # 56xxx If the Model 10 is actually stamped MOD.

10 inside the yoke cut, that serial number should have a 'C' or 'D' prefix. If it's not model-numbered, no prefix =.38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change produced in the 1930s; 'V' or 'SV' prefix, it's a Victory Model produced during WWII circa late 1943. The number from the Model 12 is probably an assembly number unless it has a 'D' prefix. K frame serial numbers were a 'C' prefix followed by 6 digits when.38 M&P Airweight production began.

G729: Your model 64 should date to July 1987. Serial prefixs AVB & AWW are both recorded in the Standard Catalog of S&W for that month, yours fall in between.

Kiwilarry: The model 29 serial number you quote is incorrect, it should have an S or an N prefix. If you are quoting a number from inside the crane then it is probably an assembly number used to track fitted parts as they moved through the factory.The serial number is always on the bottom of the grip frame, you may have to remove the grips to see it.

The Model 12 should have a D or C prefix, ditto the model 10. Check the bottom of the grips and post the numbers you find on each gun and I'll be able to answer your queries. Utah, sorry, I didn't open the second photo.

The S&W model 27-2 was introduced in 1961 and continued in production until 1982. The serial number should have an S or an N prefix. If the serial number is N108xxx then it was manufactured in 1973. If there is no S or N in front of the number you are quoting then it is not the serial number, you will need to remove the grips, the correct serial number is on the bottom of the grip frame.

Other numbers stamped on the gun would be assembly numbers to help track fitted parts through the factory. In excellent condition the Standard Catalog of S&W gave a value of $500 in 2006.

Yours appears to be the 3.5 inch barrel, which would command a slight premium. Values may have risen since then, check out the online auction sites such as Gunbroker to get a better feel for value. Jlwman: Following info taken from the Standard Catalog of S&W. Prices are from 2006. Offering it at at www.smith-wessonforum.com may get you a higher offer from a collector who needs one to fill a hole in his accumulation. The model 43 was also known as the 1955.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight. J frame alloy target frame.

Aluminum cylinder. Square butt, round butt very rare. 3.5 inch barrel, 2 inch barrel is rare. Blue or Nickel finish, Nickel finish is very scarce. Walnut diamond Magna grips. Flat thumb latch prior to 1966, Small S&W trademark on the frame, not marked Airweight.

Produced 1954-1974. Your gun falls in the serial number range for 1971-1973, being M30001 to M60000. In ANIB condition: $425. Excellent condition:$325.00 A 22 magnum chambered gun has been reported but not verified. I was hoping someone could help me find the manufacture date for a S&W Model 36, serial number 717XXX. I'm carrying it as a backup and wanted to make sure it would stand up to some proper +P defensive loads.

Regarding +P, an older all-steel J frame like your Model 36 can handle limited amounts of +P ammo just fine. It may shoot loose if fed a steady diet, but it's a premature wear issue, not a gun-destroying kB! Issue.:) OTOH older alloy-frame Airweights should only be fed standard-pressure ammo because the frames are known to crack or stretch, and many written sources recommend against ever firing an early alloy-cylinder Airweight. Protwin: Your model 57 serial number N77501 dates to 1980.

The 57-1 was manufactured between 1982 & 1988. The serial number prefix AJJ should have been used between July 1985 & November 1985. The serial number should only have four digiets though: AJJxxxx. The serial number is sometimes stamped under the crane with the model number, there are often 'assembly' or parts numbers to confuse things.

The Serial number is always stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, you will need to remove the grips to see this. If it is different to AJJxxxxx get back to us and one of us will look it up for you. Crashband 7: 1980. Serial number range was 57K0001 to 91K6800. Zippo7883: 1952. Serial number range was K136691 to K175637.

Assuming your gun has a ramp front sight then it is a Pre-Model 18, the K22 Combat Masterpiece. Rusherbob: 1974.Serial number range was 7k1 to 7K26043.

The other number is an 'assembly number' used to track fitted parts as they moved around the factory. J A: 1990, probably around July, as BFL 1101 to BFL1535 is recorded for that month. Some of the three letter serial prefixes are out of date sequence that year, so it may have been made earlier or later, but that's the best guess without paying $50 for the S&W historian to look your gun up for you. The 686-3 was made from 1988 to 1993. Buckit: When you say under the shroud, I assume you mean under the barrel? The number under the yoke is probably an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. The serial number should be under the barrel, on the cylinder and on the bottom of the grip frame.

Assuming 387xxx is the serial number, you have a.32 Hand Ejector Third Model, a six shot gun built on the small I frame & manufactured between 1917 & 1942 in the serial number range 263001 to 536684. Heat treating of barrels began at serial number 321000 in 1921, so I would place your gun in the early 1920s.

Cwcollins: AFAIK S&W never chambered guns in the.32 colt round, the.32 Hand Ejectors were chambered in.32 S&W Long. Serial number 218075 places it as a.32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 Fifth Change, manufactured between 1910 & 1917 in the serial number range 102501 to 263000. These guns were built on the I frame which was a little smaller than today's J frame Chief's Special. The.32 S&W long is still manufactured, the gun will also chamber.32 S&W (sometimes referred to as.32 S&W short). Old Western Scrounger lists it: http://www.ows-ammo.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21/products_id/298.

Thank you for the information Radagast. I have been aware of the recall for some time on the 686 but have never done anything about it.

I think the mod has something to do with the pin not striking deep enough with certain ammo. I have had the gun do this. Odd thing is I have had the 15-4 do it also, in fact just two times ago at the range. I pulled through that round again and it fired. I guess I should have both guns checked.

Can any gunsmith do the recall on the 686 or does it have to go to Smith & Wesson? BTW, both of these guns are awesome.

I bought the 686 used in 1986 or 1987 for $275. It came with upgraded sights, a worked trigger, a Bianchi beltless holster, the original wood grips, and the Pachmayr grips. I bought the 15 used for $250 in 1988.

It came with a black police style holster, two speed loaders, and a matching speed loader case. The guy I bought it from got it from a retired L.A. Police officer. Both guns shoot very smooth and accurate. Unfortunately, both are a little too large to carry concealed. I'm thinking of picking up a 9 or 380 to carry with the CCW permit.

I just purchased my first handgun, S & W 686 with 4' barrel. The store clerk said that it was new, but I have my doubts about that. To my untrained eye, it looked to be in very good shape and the price was $599. I can pick it up in 3 days to comply with the mandatory waiting period. I sent Smith and Wesson an email through customer service a few days ago to request any info on this weapon, but have not heard back from them. The serial number is CHZ9xxx. Can anyone give me an idea when the date of manufacture is?

The reason my suspicions are up is because, I told the clerk I would be willing to pay a bit more for a NIB revolver. She replied that the 686 was getting scarce and may be hard to find. The gunpowder residue on the cylinder was from test firing at the factory?? She put the handgun in a smith and wesson box with the manuals, but I have a feeling it was someone else's trade-in or such. Still $600 did not seem like a bad deal, so I agreed to the purchase.

However, if it is more that 5 or 6 years old, I may just have them order a new one anyway. Update: The S & W folks did get back to me just a few minutes ago. They say it was manufactured in 2005 at Springfield, MA. Open the cylinder, if there isn't an M stamped after the model number then it is subject to a recall for modification. S&W will pay the shipping.

With soft primers and magnum loads it's possible for the primer to flow back around the firing pin and lock up the gun. The modification replaces the firing pin and pushing to prevent this from occurring.

You should call S&W before sending it in because I've heard that they recently stopped 'M'-stamping recalled guns, so your gun may have been fixed even if there's no 'M' stamp. Smith and Wesson K frame (model 10 or M&P - it isn't stamped) serial number 746xx. The latest patent date is Dec 29, 1914 The serial number would indicate a.38 M&P Model of 1905 1st Change made in 1906, but the 1914 patent date doesn't match this theory. Does the gun have a 'V' serial number prefix? I think it's a WWII Victory revolver. The 'V' may be on the other side of the butt, or it may be partially obscured by poor refinishing, which is common on WWII Victory revolvers that were resold on the commercial market.

The matte grey-black phosphate finish on the Victory wartime guns is ugly even in pristine like-new condition, so resellers often refinished them simply to increase their appeal. The serial number on a K frame from this era should also be found on the cylinder face and the barrel flat under the ejector rod. Check those places too. 9K42*** and 9K88*** 1975-1976. Thanks for the info Chris. Your description of the various places to look for the serial number has helped a bit. I think the frame/cylinder may be from '06 as you described.

The barrel has a different sn which leads me to think that the barrel was replaced at some point. The sn of it is 448259 with a B to the left of the number. There's no 'V' on any of the parts.

I've seen the finish of those victory models before and like you say, they're ugly. There isn't much of the original finish left on this one, but it doesn't appear to me to be like the victory models. If it is from '06, I might not carry it loaded with shot shells in the swamp anymore. I'll still shoot it some because that's what a gun is for, but maybe I'll be a little more cautious about where I carry it. I inherited it from my grandfather and have no idea how he came to get it, but my Dad remembers it being around when he was kid in the fifties. Thanks again for your time and help.

I'll post pics when I get a chance. Jomommy: You have a S&W.38 Military & Police model of 1905 4th Change. 4th change refers to an engineering change, these days engineering changes are shown with -xx after the model number under the crane, where xx is the change number. The numbers stamped under the crane on your gun are assembly numbers used to track fitted parts in the factory.

Your gun predates model numbers, which were introduced in 1957. The 4th change was manufactured between 1915 and 1942, serial numbers in the 748000 to 760000 range shipped in 1941, so your gun made in 1941 or 1942. When the serial range hit 1000,000 it started again at V1 as the Victory Model. Starting in 1899 on the medium K frame as the Military & Police 1st model and continuing in production today as the Model 10, the Military and Police revolver with various engineering changes has been in mass production for over a century and was the platform that the.38 special was introduced on.

Subsequent evolutions included the six inch barreled Target Masterpiece with adjustable sights, the four inch barreled Combat Masterpiece with adjustable sights, the model 19 (blued) & 66 (stainless steel) Combat Magnums, the model 67 stainless Combat Masterpiece, the model 13 fixed sight.357 magnum, the model 64 military & Police stainless & the model 65 stainless steel.357 magnum. Your 686 is also an evolution of the Military & Police. The model 66 & model 19 were prone to cracking of the forcing cone and erosion of the top strap with some magnum ammunition, so the slightly larger, more robust model 686 was developed as a replacement. Bailey4765: You have a S&W.38 Miltary & Police model of 1905 4th Change.

Heat treating of cylinders began somewhere around 1917-1920 at serial number 316648, serial numbers in the 500,000 range shipped in 1927, so between 1917 & 1927 with the early 1920s being most likely. White Boot Infidel: assuming you have a.38 special or.38 S&W K frame gun, then around 1940, the British started buying bulk K frame S&Ws in 1940 starting at serial number 680,000. Tattooed Bard: 1971-1972. Serial number range for those years was D330001 to D420000. The problem with his is that the 10-8 wasn't introduced until 1977. If the serial number is 1D3414xx then your gun was made in 1979 or 1980.

Ryenhawk It sounds like you have a Model K200.38/200 British Service Revolver, later sold as the Model 11. These were the.38 Military & Police model of 1905 4th Change ordered by the British Government and chambered in.38 S&W rather than the usual.38 S&W Special. Prior to WWII Britain chambered its Webley & Enfield service revolvers to suit a 200 grain bullet in the short.38 S&W case, when WWII broke out they ordered guns directly from S&W and later received then through the US government through the lend lease program. K200s were manufactured in 4, 5 & 6 inch barrel lengths, with 5 inches being the more common. These were manufactured between 1940 & 1942 in the serial number range 680,000 to 1,000,000 in a variety of finishes and grip types, before the introduction of the Lend Lease program and US government markings, with the serial number starting over again at V1 and continuing until V769000.

After WWII a large number of these guns were re-imported into the USA and the chambers bored through to allow.38 Special cartridges to be used. If your gun has been modified in this fashion you should only shoot standard pressure ammunition through it as the chambers will be oversize and cases may bulge or split.

Short summary: Classic S&W from WWII, probably saw service with Britain or one of the Commonwealth nations, chambered for the low powered and expensive.38 S&W round. If bored through for.38 special it has no collectors value, if all original and in very good condition it may be worth $300 to $500 to a collector. Its a 4' J-frame (or maybe a prior frame size) with nickel finish.

The cylinder length is about the length of a.32sw long cartridge The predecessor of the J frame is the I frame. Your gun sounds like one. FWIW a good way to quickly identify an I frame is to look for a strain screw at the base of the frontstrap, in the same place you'll find a screw on a K, L, N, or X frame. Pre-1950s I frames use a leaf mainspring like the other frame sizes, so they have strain screws like the others do. J frames and later 'Improved' I frames (mid-50s thru 1963) have coil mainsprings and lack the strain screw.

FWIW the serial number on some older I frames is found on the frontstrap, not the butt. It should also be repeated on the face of the cylinder and on the barrel flat under the ejector rod, but many older nickel-plated revolvers have been refinished, which often wipes out the shallower markings in these places. Ltdave: Your second gun is most likely a.32 Regulation Police (square butt). FWIW prewar.32RPs aren't built on true square-butt frames. They're fitted with so-called 'extension' stocks that extend the grip to a larger square-butt shape.

(These stocks cover the butt, which is why the serial number was moved to the frontstrap.) The backstrap is round, but has a shoulder in it where the extension stocks fit; the top half of the backstrap is visible, but the bottom half is hidden under the stocks. The distinct shoulder and the extension stocks identify the gun as a.32RP rather than a.32HE.

BTW this sometimes creates confusion amongst some collectors because most.38RPs were marked '.38 REGULATION POLICE' on the barrels, while the.32 Long versions were seldom so marked. Some people erroneously conclude that a Regulation Police is identified by the barrel marking alone; this is incorrect, the difference is in the backstrap, not just the barrel marking. SPECIAL CTG S/N: C 341xxx It's a.38 Military & Police built in the 1956-1957 timeframe.

It was produced right around the time when S&W began their modern model numbering system, at which point this gun became the Model 10. It may have a model number stamped inside the yoke (the part of the frame that's visible when the cylinder is swung out); it should say MOD. PS - Any idea on value? Value is highly dependent on condition. The.38 M&P / Model 10 was a standard law enforcement gun for 3 generations and S&W's top seller for decades. Over 5 million of them have been produced, so not very many are considered unique and valuable. Several years ago, you could pick up a poor to good example in the $75-$200 range and a very good to excellent example from $250-$325, but the general increase in demand for handguns in the last 2 years or so has caused these prices to climb ~$100 across the board.

You can figure $150 for a barely functional beater to $450 in like-new condition complete with the original box, tool kit, and documents. Original nickel finish will add 5%-15%.

Guns with the uncommon and carry-friendly 2' barrel command a 15%-20% premium, as do guns with a 5' or 6' barrel in conjunction with a round butt grip frame, which is an uncommon combination. Some collectors will pay extra for the somewhat less common 5' barrel, but this varies regionally. Today I traded for an older chrome of nickel? S&W 38 Victory V675XX with 4' Barrel Marked Smith & Wesson on one side of the Barrel and marked 38 S & W Spicial CTG on the other side of the Barrel. It does not have a S&W circle stamp in front of handle but it does say MADE IN USA on the right side just under the Barrel. The Finish appears to be Chrome or Nickel. It is very shiny.

Finish is not perfect but pretty good. A really nice peice. It has Bone handles that look like stag. Random grooves with brown color in the grooves. The bone has turned yellow with age.

It has the original sights as far as I can determine. The lanyard ring is still on it as well. I think it was made in the early 40's. Not sure if I made a good trade? I traded an old boat that I was asking $350 for but would have taken a little less. My questions are? What round does it shoot and how much is it worth?

Many great answers are on this thread and I was hoping someone could help? I can send pics to someone if you want to see it?

Prodigalmike: Your gun was manufactured sometime between 1942 (serial no.V1) & September 1944 (serial no.769000). The nickel finish was not standard on these guns, and there should be a S&W logo stamped on the side plate, so I would say your gun has been polished and refinished. Most of the refinished guns are nickeled, but chrome is also a possibility. Caliber is.38 Special, also known as.38 S&W Special. Value is not high as it is a refinished gun, and has no collectors value. If it shoots well then you have a gun you want vs a boat you didn't want, so that seems like a deal to me.

Allsop: AAF6xxx dates it to around October 1982, the Standard Catalog of S&W records AAF9000 in that month. There is a recall for all 686 & 686-1 guns, some of them experienced primer flow back around the firing pin, locking up the gun. Recalled guns were fitted with a new firing pin and firing pin bushing to prevent this. If there is no M stamped after 'model 686' under the crane, then the gun is still subject to recall. S&W will pay shipping both ways. The 686 series is fine to use with.38 Long Colt,.38 S&W Special,.38 S&W Special PlusP &.357 magnum loads. The only rounds that should not be used are reloads designated for Ruger Only.

My grandfather recently passed away, and in the cleanup of his items, we found an older S&W revolver, that none of us even knew he owned. I have no idea how long he has owned it for, so I am trying to get an idea of the age and model of the gun. It states on the top of the barrel, Smith & Wesson Springfield Massachusetts USA Patented Feb 6, 06, Sept 14 09, and Dec 29 14 On the sides of the barrel: Smith and Wesson and 32 Long CTG On the inside of the cylinder housing is a stamped number of 55734 which I think is a part number of the cylinder housing. The serial number is 330XXX stamped on the bottom of the handle, and on the cylinder itself. It is both SA and DA, and fires quite accurately, as I cleaned it up(probably hadnt been cleaned in 40 years), and took it out to the range and put a half a box of standard S&W 32 Long through it. If anyone could tell me the model and approximate age it would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks all I am going to upload a pic in case that helps. I aquired this S+W revolver years ago in a trade. The 4' barrel is marked (Offical Police.38 Special CTG). The serial # is 868XXX with an IL below the #. The arm support on the cylinder is marked with the same # without the letters.

I removed the wooden grips and there are no numbers on the frame. The grips have a #43 written on the inside of both? The DA is smooth and the bore is pristine. There is holster wear on the end of the barrel.

I have put probaly 100 rounds thru this over the years. It is a good shooter. I have no idea of the model # or its age.

It seems to have been more carried then fired? I keep this as my home defence weapon.

Any info would be appreciated. I have an old Smith and Wesson chambered in.32 WCF. 5 inch blued barrel, and fixed sights. My dad got it from his dad. Pop told me he thought it was probably made in the 40's. Kept under the mattress on his side of the bed. I remember firing it as a kid, using 32-20 ammo, which I understand is the correct ammunition.

The serial number on the bottom of the grip is 5 digits- 760xx Any ideas? Most likely a.32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 4th Change, manufactured from 1915 to 1940, with S/Ns ranging from 65701 to 144684. The SCSW doesn't provide any information tying serial numbers to specific years of production, but as yours is much closer to the beginning of the range I'd guess it's older than you think.

Most likely a.32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 4th Change, manufactured from 1915 to 1940, with S/Ns ranging from 65701 to 144684. +1, two other quick notes about the gun. 1) Some.32-20 ammo is meant for Winchester rifles and is loaded hotter than what your S&W can handle. AFAIK all modern ammo is safe, but if you find some older ammo, check the label carefully for a disclaimer saying something like 'SAFE FOR REVOLVERS' or 'RIFLES ONLY'. Using 'Rifle' ammo in your.32-20HE could result in a gun-destroying kB!:eek: If you handload, the load books usually also separate.32-20 ammo into 'Rifle' (too hot!) and 'Pistol' (just right) sections.

Choose your ammo wisely! 2).32-20HE 'Target' models with an adjustable rear sight are quite rare and have become quite valuable in recent years. Many were produced on a special-order basis, so some have been found with some highly unusual factory options such as McGivern gold-bead front sights and extra-wide checkered(!) triggers. If you have a.32-20 Target, we'd be eager to see pictures of it.:D.

Hi i was wondering if anyone can give me some info on my s&w 38 special, i inherited this gun from my grandfather its very clean sows just minor handling wear. The serial number is on the bottom of the grip and it is 4D04xxx. Your Smith was produced in 1979, and is either a Model 10 or 12 (if blued), or a Model 64 (if stainless). The model number should be stamped on the frame inside the yoke - swing the cylinder out to see. You should see either 10-8, 12-3, or 64-3, indicating the basic model number and the 'dash' variation, which corresponds to various engineering/design changes made to the original configuration.

Ok, i visited another site and this cool guy gave me the info i needed on my S&W, here is what he told me incase someone else out there have a gun like mine. You have a Smith & Wesson.38, Model of 1905. It was also known as the.38 Hand Ejector, Military & Police, 3rd.

This variant of the.38 M&P was made between 1905 and 1906, within a serial number range running from 62,450 to 73,250. Standard barrel lengths were 4, 5 or 6 1/2 inches. Six-shot cylinder chambered in.38 Special, but as noted the military standard.38 Long Colt cartridge could also be used in it. Standard finishes were either nickel plate or blue, with color casehardened hammer and trigger. Regular stocks were black hard rubber, but checkered walnut was offered as an option.

If the present stocks are original to the gun you find the serial number stamped or penciled inside one or both of the grip panels. Given its age be very careful what you shoot in it. Heat treated cylinders were not offered until much later during the early 1920's.

I'm looking for the year my mom's model 36 was made/shipped. The serial is 44xxx. We think it's old enough to be an original stainless steel but we may be wrong. As FlyFish points out, a M36 should not have stainless finish, and S&W wasn't producing anything with stainless finish in the era indicated by your serial number. If it's silver-colored and shiny, it's nickel plating, not stainless.

Most older replating jobs are fairly easy to identify. Here's two red flags: 1) The hammer and trigger should have a color case finish. If you're a n00b to guns, color case finish appears dull grey but with colorful green, blue, pink, and purple swirls in it. A nickel plated hammer and trigger indicate a refinish. 2) The ejector star should be blued (black), while the cylinder pawls (the 5 little tabs at the center of the star) should be natural metal. Nickel plating in these areas indicates a refinish.