What is it?

[MilesTeg]

Don't flame me to badly but I don't know revolvers. This is my father's with a 6" barrel chambered in 357 Smith and Wesson. He wants to find out the model because he wants a new holster for it. So it's a two part question, what is the model and any recommendations for holsters.

 

[MilesTeg]

O

 

[Criticalt]

No clue but its beautiful.
Sorry for posting no helpful info.

 

[MilesTeg]

No clue but its beautiful.
Sorry for posting no helpful info.

So I'm not the only gun person that doesn't know revolvers, that makes me feel better.

 

[ProgSpear]

If you call S&W with the serial number they can tell you in minutes exactly what it is. I never had a clue what my Dads WW2 service pistol was until I called them - 1942 S&W "Victory" .38 Special.

 

[Criticalt]

Someone here will know, Hex, Mosquito......

 

[Greywolf224]

My guess is a SW model 19 or 19-4. I prefer all leather holsters for revolvers.
I buy all my holsters off of ebay so I save a few bucks on each. They all get thrown into my holster draw anyway.

 

[GUNSICK]

I think it's a model 27-2

 

[MilesTeg]

Thanks for the info. Passed it along and he cringed when I told him to go on the phone. Haha

 

[MilesTeg]

I actually just found the model number on the frame. 18-3 I don't know what it means.

 

[Robin]

Looks like a model 19 to me, one of the best revolver ever made. Kind of a law enforcement staple in another era.
Robin

 

[Greywolf224]

I think it's a model 27-2

You may be correct. Squared Off front site.

I actually just found the model number on the frame. 18-3 I don't know what it means.

You sure its 18-3 or a 357 for that matter? Pretty sure the model 18-3 Smith did not come in a .357

Look very close. for 19-3

 

[Toecutter]

I'd say 19 as well , 357 blued k frame pinned barrel .
Open the cylinder model should be on the frame under the crane. Serial number will be under the grip.

 

[MilesTeg]

It might be a 19-3. I looked at it under a magnifying glass and it looks like 18-3 to me but it could be poor stamping.

 

[cedmer]

I would also contact CS S&W to find out what the history of the gun >> Contact Us | Smith & Wesson

 

[RandallOfLegend]

Usually the model number is stamped under the crane arm. Swing it out and see!

 

[Pedro]

Usually the model number is stamped under the crane arm. Swing it out and see!

You took the words right out of my mouth, Randall.
MilesTeg, Do as Randall says, then look directly forward of the cylinder.
Pedro.

 

[MilesTeg]

Ya I found that right after the original post. That's where it looks like it says 18-3 but it could be 19-3 the stamp is kind of hard to read. Anyone know what model name I would use for a holster search. 6" j frame ?

 

[Toecutter]

K frame holster

 

[MilesTeg]

Thanks. I really need to talk him into a 1911. Last time he shot mine he opened up his thumb pretty good with the slide. He doesn't do semis well.

 

[RandallOfLegend]

Regardless it's a k-frame.

But to my research, the model 18 was only chambered in 22lr. So this revolver is a bit of an enigma. Got anymore pics? I would say it's a model 19, but the front sight is different from a standard 19. If it's a 19. maybe the front sight was machined to be squared up instead of the ramp.

 

[MilesTeg]

Wow I had no clue that it was an enigma. I won't be back to his place until next weekend. I just too the one pick because I thought it was a standard gun. Any special requests for pictures. I really want to show the model # but I hat the serial number would be seen. Is this even a big deal?

 

[Greywolf224]

Regardless it's a k-frame.

But to my research, the model 18 was only chambered in 22lr. So this revolver is a bit of an enigma. Got anymore pics? I would say it's a model 19, but the front sight is different from a standard 19. If it's a 19. maybe the front sight was machined to be squared up instead of the ramp.

Exactly that's what threw me the model 27 has a square front sight. I don't think the model 19 sight could've been squared up and kept the height. Unless it was changed.

Put a magnifying glass on that model number. I've seen model numbers double stamped or not stamped well enough making it hard to determine the numbers.
If you're afraid of the serial number just put some black electrical tape over the numbers

 

[RandallOfLegend]

Exactly that's what threw me the model 27 has a square front sight.

I totally agree.

The big tell if it's a K frame is the forcing cone. Miles, if there is a machined flat on the bottom of the forcing cone it's a K frame. If the forcing cone is round then it's a L or N Frame.

 

[Criticalt]

The suspense is killing me!!

 

[MilesTeg]

LOL sorry next weekend is the best I can do. I'm pretty curios myself now.

 

[Greywolf224]

OK Make a list of everything we want you to do!
You started this...we are gonna end it!

Always love tracking down a firearms history and make/model.
I know it was not mentioned but, has your Dad owned it for a while? Used it as a service revolver etc?

 

[Phauxtoe]

Dont they put the model number under the crane or on the frame under the grip?

 

[MilesTeg]

It was a hand me down from an uncle. The uncle has MS and we took care of him for a long while. I remember asking him about it and he couldn't recall where he got it from. So it's possibly been in the family for a while now.

 

[MilesTeg]

Dont they put the model number under the crane or on the frame under the grip?

Yes, I didn't know that when I started the thread. To me under a magnifying glass to be 18-3, but as others have stated that doesn't work with the caliber it is. I will concede and say it might be 19-3 and the tail of the 9 is wrapping around. I can tell you if my life depended on it and didn't know what I know now I would say it reads 18-3 all day. The stamp is in pretty good shape and I thought for sure it said 18-3.