help with S&W model numbers

[sigfan91]

Is there any rhyme or reason for S&W model numbers? I can't seem to find any. And that's before adding any "dashes" to the model numbers. It's really confusing with the number of revolvers made by S&W over the years.

[Black Majik]

Same with SIGs and Glocks, just gotta memorize them.

[sigfan91]

Same with SIGs and Glocks, just gotta memorize them.

Sigs originally were 3 models, P210, P220, and P230. P210 was the most expensive and old school design. P220 was a cheaper (HA!) and updated alternative to the P210 with modern features. P230 was a pocket pistol. Then all the P22x series came from P220. P23x series became the compact/subcompact line.

Glocks at least go by the number, as in 17, 18, 19...up to 39 so far.

S&W seems to jump around, some with 3 digits, some with 2, some with dashes, some not.

[Black Majik]

For semi-autos, I've always had to refer to this page. It does get confusing.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/152078-s-w-semi-auto-model-designations.html

The dashes denote a revision of the pistol/revolver.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Back in the mid-late 80's when Smith was putting out a ton of different 3rd gen model semi-autos, they actually had de-coder ring that broke down the model numbers.

copypasta from smith-wesson forums link:

FIRST TWO DIGITS
39: 9mm
59: 9mm
69: 9mm
10: 10mm
40: 40S&W
45: 45 ACP
35: .357 TSW

THIRD DIGIT
0: standard model
1: compact
2: standard with decocker
3: compact with decocker
4: standard with DAO
6: nonstandard barrel length
7: nonstandard barrel length with decocker
8: nonstandard barrel length with DAO

FOURTH DIGIT
3: aluminum frame with SS slide
4: aluminum frame with carbon steel slide
5: carbon steel frame and slide
6: SS frame and slide
7: SS frame and carbon steel slide

It does get confusing.

[sigfan91]

For semi-autos, I've always had to refer to this page. It does get confusing.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...ignations.html

The dashes denote a revision of the pistol/revolver.

Ok that makes sense.

[beauregard]

It's like a code. I can tell you that regarding revolvers, anything with the numbers "29" in it is bad a**.

[Saigon1965]

I had posted this in another forum -

S&W model number nomentaclure -

Take a peek -

http://bumpfire.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1786

[9mmepiphany]

S&W seems to jump around, some with 3 digits, some with 2, some with dashes, some not

M39 -1st Gen S&W autoloaders have two numbers
M439 - 2nd Gen had three numbers(finish/metal was the first number)
M3904 - 3rd Gen had four numbers (metal/finish is the 4th number)

[QuarterBoreGunner]

S&W seems to jump around, some with 3 digits, some with 2, some with dashes, some not

And it doesn't help that they recycle Model # sometimes:

Original Model 520:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=219372997

Recent Model 520:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=219097146

[9mmepiphany]

And it doesn't help that they recycle Model # sometimes:

That is very frustrating. But at least they are both highly desirable

The first 520 was a fixed sighted M28 (N-frame)
The last was a Light barreled 586 (L-frame) with a Ti cylinder