Hello I thought that someone may like this Reference of K-Frame serial number's. Post-War K-FrameSerial Numbers List. 1946- K-101-614 1947-K-615 Post-War K-Frame Serial Number Sequence - SMITH SHOOTERS FORUM.
SAFETY HAMMERLESS
.32 Safety Hammerless (aka .32 New Departure or .32 Lemon Squeezer) 1st Model
- .Note that a number of N frames with serials in the S138000-S140000 range (and the range may be wider either way) are seen that were shipped much later than the serial would suggest should be the case. In one known example a gun with serial S136431 was not shipped until June of 1958.
- This identification proves that the handgun is an authentic Smith & Wesson pistol. Locate the serial number on the left side of the pistol's frame. The standard location for the serial number is above the trigger guard. Some serial numbers are located underneath the frame in front of the trigger guard.
- Dating a Smith & Wesson Revolver: This list is merely a general guide and not meant to be exact. There is some dispute regarding the dates on some serial numbers. Your gun may actually be a year off from what is listed. The precise shipping date as 'lettered' can be several years off depending on model.
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Push button latch serial number 1- 91417. Built 1888-1902. NOTE: Add 50 percent premium for revolvers built before 1898.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.32 Safety Hammerless 2nd Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
T-bar latch pinned front sight. Serial number 91418-169999. Built 1902 to 1909.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.32 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model
T-bar latch integral forged front sight. Serial number 170000-242981. Built 1909 to 1937. NOTE: Add 200 percent for 2' barrel Bicycle Model.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action 1st Model
Similar in appearance to .32 1st Model. Having a straight cut side-plate but chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Grips are checkered. Serial Range 1-about 4000. Manufactured circa 1880.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action 2nd Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
Similar in appearance to .32 2nd Model but chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Approximately 115,000 manufactured between 1880 and 1884. Serial range about 4001-119000.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action 3rd Model
Essentially the same in appearance as .32 Model but chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Also offered with 3.25', 4', 5', 6', 8' and 10' barrel. There were numerous internal changes in this model, similar to .32 Double-Action 3rd Model. Serial Range 119001 to 3227000. Approximately 203,700 manufactured between 1884 and 1895.
.38 Double-Action 3rd Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action 3rd Model
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action 4th Model
This is .38 S&W version of 4th Model. Identical in outward appearance to 3rd Model. Relocation of sear was the main design change in this model. Serial Range 322701 to 539000. Approximately 216,300 manufactured between 1895 and 1909. NOTE: Add 20 percent premium for revolvers built before 1898.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action 5th Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
This model same as .32, except chambered for .38 S&W cartridge. Serial Range 529001 to 554077. Approximately 15,000 manufactured between 1909 and 1911.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Double-Action Perfected
A unique top-break, with both a barrel latch similar to other top-breaks and thumb-piece similar to hand ejectors. Also the only top-break where triggerguard is integral to the frame, rather than a separate piece. Produced from 1909 to 1920 in their own serial number range 1-59400.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Safety Hammerless 1st Model
Z-bar latch. Serial number range 1 to 5250. Made 1887 only. NOTE: Add 50 percent for 6' barrel. RARE!
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Smith & Wesson Serial Number Lookup Images
.38 Safety Hammerless 2nd Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
Push button latch protrudes above frame. Serial number 5251-42483. Built 1887-1890.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model
Push button latch flush with frame. Serial number 42484-116002. Built 1890-1898.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Safety Hammerless Army Test Revolver
Approximately 100 sold to U.S. government in 1890. They have 3rd Model features, but in 2nd Model serial number range 41333-41470. Fitted with 6' barrels and marked 'US'. CAUTION: Be wary of fakes. NOTE: Rarity makes valuation speculative.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
Produced in .38 S&W only. The only difference in 4th Model and 3rd Model is adoption of standard T-bar type of barrel latch as found on most of the top-break revolvers. '.38 S&W Cartridge' was also added to the left side of barrel. Approximately 104,000 manufactured between 1898 and 1907. Serial number range 116003 to 220000.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
.38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model
Courtesy Mike Stuckslager
Last of the 'Lemon Squeezers'. Only appreciable difference between this model and 4th Model is the front sight blade on 5th Model is an integral part of the barrel, not a separate blade pinned onto the barrel. Approximately 41,500 manufactured between 1907 and 1940. Serial number range 220001 to 261493. NOTE: Add 50 percent for 2' barrel version.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
First Model American
This model represented a number of firsts for Smith & Wesson Company. It was first of the top-break automatic ejection revolvers. Also first Smith & Wesson in a large caliber (chambered for .44 S&W American cartridge as well as .44 Henry rimfire on rare occasions). Also known as 1st Model American. This large revolver offered with an 8' round barrel with a raised rib as standard. Barrel lengths of 6' and 7' were also available. It has a 6-shot fluted cylinder and square butt with walnut grips. Blued or nickel-plated. Interesting to note, this model appeared three years before Colt's Single-Action Army and perhaps, more than any other model, was associated with the historic American West. Only 8,000 manufactured between 1870 and 1872. NOTE: Add 25 percent for 'oil hole' variation found on approximately first 1,500 guns; 50 percent for unusual barrel lengths other than standard 8'. Original 'Nashville Police' marked guns worth a substantial premium. About 200 made in .44 Henry rimfire will bring 25% to 50% premium.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 American 1st Model
NOTE: Add 25 percent for 'oil hole' variation found on approximately first 1,500 guns; 50 percent for unusual barrel lengths other than standard 8'. Original 'Nashville Police' marked guns worth a substantial premium.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Transitional American Model
Serial number range 6466-6744. Shorter cylinder (1.423'). Improved barrel of 2nd Model but retains the flat bottom frame of the 1st Model.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
First Model American U.S. Army Order
One thousand produced with 'U.S.' stamped on top of barrel. 'OWA' on left grip. They are scattered in the serial number range 125-2199.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 American 1st Model
Only 200 produced throughout serial range. NOTE: Rarity makes valuation speculative.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Second Model American
Courtesy Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming
An improved version of 1st Model. Most notable difference is larger diameter trigger pivot pin and frame protrusions above trigger to accommodate it. Front sight blade on this model is made of steel instead of nickel silver. Several internal improvements were also incorporated into this model. This model commonly known as American 2nd Model. The 8' barrel length was standard. Approximately 20,735 manufactured between 1872 and 1874. NOTE: There have been 5.5', 6', 6.5' and 7' barrels noted; but they are extremely scarce and would bring a 40 percent premium over standard 8' model. Use caution when purchasing these short barrel revolvers. Approximately 3,014 chambered for .44 Henry rimfire with large triangular flat-tip firing pin, may bring 10% to 25% premium.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 American 2nd Model
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 American 2nd Model
Smith & Wesson 686 Serial Number Lookup
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
First Model Russian (Old Model)
Configuration is about identical to American 2nd Model. S&W made several internal changes to this model to satisfy the Russian government. Markings on this revolver are distinct. Caliber for which it is chambered, .44 S&W Russian, is different from the 2nd Model Russian. Approximately 20,000 Russian-Contract revolvers. Serial number range 1-20000. They are marked in Russian Cyrillic letters. Russian double-headed eagle stamped on rear portion of barrel, with inspector's marks underneath it. All contract guns have 8' barrels and lanyard swivels on the butt. These are rarely encountered, as most were shipped to Russia. Commercial run of this model numbered approximately 4,655. Barrels are stamped in English and include the words 'Russian Model'. Some are found with 6' and 7' barrels, as well as standard 8'. There were also 500 revolvers that were rejected from the Russian contract series and sold on the commercial market. Some of these are marked in English; some, Cyrillic. Some have the Cyrillic markings ground off and English restamped. Manufactured from 1871 to 1874. Guns with Cyrillic barrel markings may bring up to 25% premium.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 1st Model
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 1st Model
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 1st Model
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Second Model Russian (Old Model)
Courtesy Jim Supica, Old Town Station
This revolver was known as 'Old Model Russian'. This is a complicated model to understand as there are many variations within the model designation. Serial numbering is quite complex as well and values vary due to relatively minor model differences. Before purchasing this model, it would be advisable to read reference materials solely devoted to this firearm. Chambered for .44 S&W Russian, with some scarce variations in .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. It has a 7' barrel and a round butt featuring a projection on the frame that fits into the thumb web. Grips are walnut and finish blue or nickel-plated. Triggerguard has a reverse curved spur on the bottom. Approximately 85,200 manufactured between 1873 and 1878. Variations include:• Russian Contract Cyrillic marked – 10% premium• Japanese Navy, anchor with 2 wavy lines marked – 10% premium• .44 Henry Rimfire variations. Flat tipped triangular firing pin:o Commercial - 500 made – 25% premiumo 1st Turkish Contract, s/n range 1-1000 – 25-50% premiumo 2nd Turkish Contract in standard s/n range – 25% premium
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 2nd Model
6,200 made, .44 S&W Russian, English markings.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 2nd Model
500 made.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 2nd Model
70,000 made; rare, as most were shipped to Russia. Cyrillic markings; lanyard swivel on butt.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 2nd Model
S&w Model 66 Serial Numbers
.44 rimfire Henry, special rimfire frames, serial-numbered in own serial number range 1-1000.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 2nd Model
Made from altered centerfire frames from regular commercial serial number range. 1,000 made. Use caution with this model.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 2nd Model
Five thousand made between 1-9000 serial number range. Japanese naval insignia, an anchor over two wavy lines, found on butt. Barrel is Japanese proofed and words 'Jan.19, 75 REISSUE July 25, 1871' are stamped on barrel, as well.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Third Model Russian (New Model)
Model 3 Russian 3rd ModelThis revolver is also known as 'New Model Russian'. Factory referred to this model as Model of 1874 or Cavalry Model. Chambered for .44 S&W Russian and .44 Henry rimfire cartridge. Barrel is 6.5' and round butt is the same humped-back affair as 2nd Model. Grips are walnut and finish blue or nickel plated. Most notable differences in appearance between this model and 2nd Model are shorter extractor housing under the barrel and integral front sight blade instead of pinned-on one found on previous models. In addition to S&W production for the commercial market and Russian military, the German firm of Ludwig and Lowe and the Russian Tula arsenal made copies of this gun for the Russian military. These and other variations impact values. Refer to Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson available at GunDigestStore.com for details. Approximately 60,638 manufactured between 1874 and 1878.Variations include:• Japanese Navy, anchor with 2 wavy lines marked – 10% premium• .44 Henry Rimfire. Turkish contract or commercial – 25% premium• Russian Contract Cyrillic markedo Made by S&W – 10% premiumo Made by Ludwig & Loewe – 10% premiumo Made by Tula Russian arsenal – 20% premium
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model
.44 S&W Russian. Marked 'Russian Model' in English. Made 13,500.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model
5,000 made from altered centerfire frames. Made to fire .44 Henry rimfire. 'W' inspector's mark on butt. Fakes have been noted; be aware.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model
1,000 made. Has Japanese naval insignia, an anchor over two wavy lines, stamped on butt.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model
Barrel markings are in Russian Cyrillic. Approximately 41,100 produced.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model (Loewe & Tula Copies)
German firm of Ludwig Loewe produced a copy of this model that is nearly identical to the S&W. This German revolver was made under Russian contract, as well as for commercial sales. Contract model has different Cyrillic markings than S&W and letters 'HK' as inspector's marks. Commercial model has markings in English. Russian arsenal at Tula also produced a copy of this revolver with a different Cyrillic dated stamping on barrel.
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model (Loewe & Tula Copies)
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Russian 3rd Model (Loewe & Tula Copies)
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Schofield 1st Model
3,000 issued.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Schofield 1st Model
No 'US' markings, 35 made, Very Rare. NOTE: Use caution. UNABLE TO PRICE. At least double the military model values. Expert appraisal needed.
Second Model Schofield
Similar to the 1st Model Schofield with most noticeable differences being circles on each side of the frame-mounted latch, and serial number range. The vast majority were military issue, and are 'US' marked on butt. See comments on modified surplus guns and Wells Fargo Schofields at the listing for First Model Schofields above. In total, 646 Civilian Models were made, but despite their relative rarity they bring about the same value as the more common U.S.-issue Schofields. Serial range 3036-8969. Circa 1876-1877.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Schofield 2nd Model
4,000 issued.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Schofield 2nd Model
646 made.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Schofield Surplus Models and Variations
Distributor modifications — After military use, many Schofields were sold as surplus and modified by distributers, who sometimes refinished the guns and shortened the barrel to 5”. These modified guns will bring less than guns in original configuration, perhaps 50% of what an original unaltered Schofield will bring.Wells Fargo — The famous Wells Fargo Express Company purchased a number of these shortened 5” barrel surplus Schofields and marked them on the ejector housing “W F & CO (or CO’S) EXP” along with the gun’s serial number. These “Wells Fargo Schofields” will bring close to the value of an original unaltered US Schofield. Beware of fake markings.San Francisco Police — Some Schofields are found with large 2- or 3-digit numbers stamped near the top of the backstrap. These have traditionally been “San Francisco Police” models, sent to California at the time of the Sandlot Riots. They will bring a slight premium.Civilian Models — See comments at 1st and 2nd Model Schofield listings above.
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Schofield—Surplus Models
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
Model 3 Schofield—Surplus Models
| NIB |
Exc |
V.G. |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| $0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
$0000 |
I know you’ve been on the edge of your seat hoping for Part 2 of The Quest for the Ideal Carry Revolver. Unfortunately, thanks to nasty winter weather and the past week’s wild ammo market, I haven’t been to the range much lately. So until I get more trigger time with the revolvers I’m trying out, enjoy my best attempt at deciphering Smith & Wesson’s revolver catalog.
Smith & Wesson Serial Number Lookup Free
We got some good feedback on our reference guide to 1st-3rd Gen S&W Semi-Autos, so for our Wheel Gun Wednesday series I thought I’d put together a similar chart for all of the S&W revolvers. And that’s exactly what I would have done except Smith & Wesson’s revolver model numbers have all been assigned by a mad genius. Sometimes there appears to be a logical numbering system at work, but it’s applied inconsistently, and varies from one product line to the next.
So instead of one big comprehensive chart for every Smith & Wesson revolver ever made, I’m offering this smaller bite-sized chunk: every post-1957 .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolver from S&W that officially entered full-scale production.
Why 1957? That’s the year when S&W switched over to assigning model numbers to each revolver rather than identifying them only by unique names (e.g., “Registered Magnum” or “Combat Masterpiece”). The nicknames still remained in many cases, but they could refer to a family or series of revolvers with similar characteristics.
In the charts below, I’ve grouped the models by frame size and then by series. Where possible, I’ve listed the defining features of each series. For each model, there’s information about its caliber, frame material, sights, finish, and ammo capacity. Here’s a handy key for how to read the chart:
Series Name: Some of these names were used in the actual S&W catalog but others are just nicknames. S&W stopped using some of these names, even when production of the model continued. For example, the “Military & Police” designation was dropped from the K-frame revolvers years ago (and recycled for their polymer semi-autos and AR rifles), but I’ve kept the designation in the chart for all revolvers that fit the original M&P criteria.
Series Features: Each series is identified by some unique features that don’t typically apply to other models of that frame size.
Caliber: For this post, all models are .38 Special or .357 Magnum. Most S&W .38 Special revolvers can handle +P ammo, but the +P designation doesn’t appear on the barrel of some older models so it’s always best to contact S&W customer service and verify that it’s safe.
Frame Material: S&W has used a variety of metals to construct their revolvers over the years but the frames all have been either steel or a lightweight aluminum alloy. Some variants of the alloy guns contain Scandium for an even lighter overall weight. The absolute lightest S&W revolver have also included a Titanium cylinder. I’ve noted the use of Sc or Ti on the chart when the only available version of a given model use those alloys. Other alloy frame guns listed on the charts may have Sc frame or Ti cylinder variants that exist in addition to the standard aluminum or steel versions.
Model Number: The model number assigned to the product without any prefixes or suffixes (with the exception of the “Plus” model L-frames).
Sights: Sights can be fixed or adjustable. The fixed sights are generally a ramp style front sight with a gutter in the top strap to form the rear sight. S&W has used a variety of adjustable rear sights over the years, but most have a removable blade insert. Front sights on models with the adjustable rear can be the traditional ramp style machined into the barrel, but newer front sights are pinned, and can be removed and replaced with aftermarket front sights.
Finish: For the sake of simplicity, I’ve only used the labels “black” or “stainless” on the chart. Black can refer to a matte black finish or a glossy blue finish. Older models with a blue finish were often also available with a shiny nickel plated finish. Stainless can refer to the polished or matte stainless steel revolvers, or alloy revolvers with a silver matte finish that mimics the stainless steel look.
Ammo Capacity: All J-frame .38 Special and .357 magnum revolvers have a five-round capacity. K-frames all have six. L-frames can hold six or seven shots depending on the model. Older N-frame designs have a six-round capacity but the newer ones hold eight.
Other Info: I’ve tried to keep the chart as complete as possible while still being readable. That said, there is still information you won’t be able to find here. The most significant omission is barrel length. Almost every model has been offered in multiple barrel lengths at some point but availability varies. The more common barrel lengths are listed in the summary for each frame size.
I also haven’t listed the variants available for each model. If a model number contains a suffix like “PD” or “Lady Smith”, it might mean that it has features that distinguish it from other models in the same series. Here’s an incomplete list of the more common variants and some other suffixes you might see on model numbers:
- PD: “Personal Defense”. Usually indicates Scandium alloy frame.
- Sc: Indicates frame with Scandium Alloy.
- Ti: Titanium Cylinder. Usually accompanied by Scandium alloy frame.
- Lady Smith: Name given to a number of variants in different calibers and frame sizes. Usually accompanied by special grips and engraving.
- Airweight: Indicates an Aluminum alloy frame.
- Airlite: Indicates a Scandium alloy frame.
- Night Guard (NG): Series introduced in 2008 with models in various calibers and frame sizes. All have a 2.5-inch barrel, alloy frame, steel cylinder, Tritium front sight, and a removable Cylinder and Slide brand fixed rear sight.
J-Frame
The J-frame S&W revolver has become so ubiquitous that the term is often used as a generic reference to almost any small frame snub nosed revolver. The most common barrel length for a J-frame is 1 ⅞” but 3-inch models are also plentiful along with some other less common sizes.
J-Frame model numbers are determined by frame material, hammer/action type, and finish. Unlike K and L frame revolvers, S&W doesn’t use a separate model number for J-frames with adjustable versus fixed sights.
A few J-frame models started out as being offered in only .38 special, but in the mid-1990s, were beefed up to handle .357 magnum. I’ve included each of these multi-caliber models as two separate entries in the chart.
The three major J-frame model series are as follows:
- Chief’s special: Standard hammer. Most have fixed sights but a few have been offered with adjustable sights.
- Bodyguard: The original S&W Bodyguard. They include a hammer shroud with a small protrusion that allows the user to cock the hammer for single action shots.
- Centennial: This is the name generally given to all “hammerless” S&W revolvers. They aren’t literally hammerless, but the hammer is completely internal, which means these revolvers can only be fired in double action.
K-Frame
The classic S&W K-frame is one of Smith & Wesson’s most enduring designs. Picture a typical 20th century policeman’s “service revolver” and it probably looks a lot like a K-frame with a 4-inch barrel. These mid-size revolvers have also been offered with long 6-inch barrels for target models, and 3-inch, 2.5-inch, and 2-inch snub nose versions for concealment.
Model numbers are based on finish, caliber, and whether the gun has fixed or adjustable sights.
There have been three major series of .38 Special and .357 magnum K-frames along with a couple of unique models:
- Military & Police: The original K-frame. They have fixed sights and no underlug or shroud around the ejector rod. The .357 magnum versions were added to the catalog along with the Combat Magnum series.
- Combat Masterpiece: Essentially identical to the M&P line, but with the addition of adjustable sights. The model 68 — a special run for the California Highway Patrol — also includes a shrouded ejector rod.
- Combat Magnum: These are the .357 versions of the Combat Masterpiece. The Combat Magnums have a shrouded ejector rod as standard.
- Target Masterpiece: Target guns with adjustable sites and typically offered with a 6-inch barrel, but also available with 4-inch and 8 ⅜-inch barrels. The later models added a full underlug to the barrel.
- Alloy K-frames: The only non-steel K-frame revolvers have been the 12 and 315. The Model 12 was offered for many years as a lightweight version of the model 10, but was discontinued in 1986. The 315 was offered for a very short time in 2008 as a part of the Night Guard series with a 2.5-inch barrel and upgraded sights. By some estimates, fewer than 1000 were ever produced.
L-Frame
The medium-large L-frame .357 models came along in the early 1980s as a bridge between the hefty N-frames and the smaller K-frames. Common barrel lengths are similar to the K-frames, with the 4-inch models being the most common and 6-inch, 3-inch, and 2.5-inch versions also available.
Also similar to the K-frame revolvers, the L-frame model numbers are determined by sights, finish, and frame material.
S&W has used the L-frame for a lot of its more innovative and experimental models. The 586 and 686 “plus” models were among the first 7-shot medium-frame revolvers on the market, and several lightweight alloy L-frames have been produced at various times.
- Distinguished Combat Magnum: These are the flagship models of the L-frame line. They feature a full barrel underlug, steel frame, and adjustable sights.
- Distinguished Service Magnum: Nearly identical to the Combat Magnum, only with fixed sights.
- 619 & 620: These two were introduced as a replacement for the K-frame .357 models that S&W discontinued in the early 2000s. They are very similar to the 681/686, but have a slimmer barrel profile with a shrouded ejector rod rather than a full underlug.
- 520: Not to be confused with the short-lived N-frame model 520. This was essentially an alloy framed version of the 620.
- 386: The model with no name. There have been several versions of the 386, each with its own name and features. The common attributes are an alloy frame with a black finish and adjustable sights. With the exception of the 386 PD, all have had a 7-shot cylinder.
- 242: The only “Centennial” hammerless Smith & Wesson that’s not a J-frame. Designed for concealed carry, it’s also the only L-frame chambered in .38 Special rather than .357 Magnum.
N-Frame
The S&W Model 27 N-Frame was the original platform for the .357 Magnum cartridge. The design proved to be durable, but it’s considered large and heavy for a 6-shooter by today’s standards. With modern metals, S&W has managed to cram eight rounds into the newer N-frame .357s.
Available barrel lengths for N-frame revolvers have varied widely over the years, and include 3 1/2-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, and 8 3/8-inch models, among others.
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- The Original Magnums: The Model 27 was the original .357 and was initially called the “Registered Magnum”. It has a deep blue finish, shrouded ejector, and adjustable sights. The budget model 28 “Highway Patrolman” has all the same features, but with a few minor changes, such as a slightly less polished finish.
- 8-Shot Magnums: Neither the alloy 327 or the steel 627 have had an official name. Both of these 8-shot N-frames have been offered with various features and barrel lengths.
- Military & Police: In 1980, the New York State Police ordered a model 27 with fixed sights. The ordered was never delivered, and a few thousand of these ended up in the general market. In 2005, S&W recycled the model number 520 for an alloy L-frame .357.
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Work in Progress
I am by no means an expert on Smith & Wesson revolvers. Most of this information is just stuff I’ve picked up from window shopping for Smith & Wesson revolvers over the years. I’ve tried to verify and flesh out the info using other sources like the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, but there are probably some omissions and errors in there somewhere. If you spot one, be sure to let me know. I’ll be checking on this post periodically and will update it with corrections and additions when I have the chance.