C&R S&Ws theory--correct?

[Mike A]

Looking thru the Standard Catalogue of Smith and Wesson I noted that S&W seems to have begun stamping the model numbers of its various revolvers inside the cylinder cranes in 1957. So a K-38 becomes designated Model 14 in 1957, a "Kit Gun" becomes a Model 34, and so on.

If this is so, can one assume that a Smith WITHOUT a model designation on it is "pre-'57" and thus 50 years old, C&R eligible and can be sold and/or recieved by an FFL dealer, and recieved by a C&R holder in CA?

This would be a useful "rule of thumb" if true. Anybody know for sure?

[bwiese]

When you're close-to-the-edge and a criminal violation could result, I'd not recommend something that could vary with manufacturing peculiarities.

Unless you had a blanket statement that "all Smiths w/crane markings were built after XX/XX" from Smith, I'd not be confident. Production across the boundary year coulda used some old inventory, etc. [Similarly, Colt has been really freaky with AR15 configurations/designations.]

[Also, are these markings really on the crane? I don't think you'd wanna rely on a vintage indicator on a removable part if the model# were indeed on the crane. I'm foggy now and I don't have an S&W wheelgun handy right now, but IIRC weren't they on the the *frame* under the crane and not the removable crane itself? ]

There are probably reliable lists of serial # range vs. year for more common runs of S&W, I'd rely on those more. Also S&W factory may be able to tell you this without formalities/delay of a Roy Jinks letter ($30-$40ish, and takes time).

S&W Forum guys probably have good details too - there are some real detail freaks/collector types there.

[yzErnie]

IIRC weren't they on the the *frame* under the crane and not the removable crane itself?

You are correct. The model numbers are actually on the frame itself and not on the crane. Some models have the serial numbers below the model number in that area. Some have the serial numbers on the bottom of the grip frame.

[1911su16b870]

IIRC it is your burden of proof to show the S&W revolver that you C&R-ed is 50+ years old when you get it without DROSing it in CA. Thus you should have a reliable document to show what year that wheel gun is before you buy.

[bwiese]

IIRC it is your burden of proof to show the S&W revolver that you C&R-ed is 50+ years old when you get it without DROSing it in CA. Thus you should have a reliable document to show what year that wheel gun is before you buy.

Um, it's not really your burden of proof to show you're OK -- it's the government's burden to show you're wrong/illegal. But having clarity here certainly makes life easier and eliminates risk.


[It stops Iggy from seizing your C&R gun at the Cow Palace show because of misidentification as a C&R gun - and then sheepishly handing it over a month or so later in a brown paper bag in a supermarket parking lot, without LEGR form completed, saying, "Nothing more needs to be said of this." (approximate statement). ]

[Mike A]

Thanks, Bill and others. Yeah, I meant on the frame in the crane cutout. Some do have the serial on the butt, mostly older guns that are C&R without a doubt. I wouldn't buy a gun just on the evidence of it not having a model number, of course, but want this to be a useful "rough cut"--if someone advertises a Smith as a "10-3," then I read no more, for example. If they say it's an "M&P," then I read on.... And if I really want to verify that it's CA/OK, then I go to a reference book and look up the DOB (or, as you suggest, ask on the S&W forum--those guys know their Smiths!).

A happy and ATF-free 2008 to all!

Mike Armstrong