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SIGSHR · July 10, 2009, 02:36 PM

I think S&W's quality has been "declining" since the 1960s, judging by all the articles I see extolling the virtues of the "pre-war" S&Ws and other firearms.Cf the laments over the discontinuance of the "Pre-64" Winchesters.
Remember, the "Good Old Days" always happened either before you were born
or when you were too young to enjoy them.
"Dash numbers" refer to changes in the design made by the factory that they consider significant enough to warrant a modification to the model designation-think of the M1911 and M1911A1 pistols, the M1903 and M1903A3 rifle, the M3 and M3A1 submachine guns. You will see references to "5 screw", "4 screw", "3 screw" S&Ws, pinned and unpinned barrels, and some modifications are subtler-changes in the theading of the ejector rod, e.g The more knowledgeable board members can answer your questions on these and I recommend The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson for home reference.

July 10, 2009, 02:36 PM	#3
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	I think S&W's quality has been "declining" since the 1960s, judging by all the articles I see extolling the virtues of the "pre-war" S&Ws and other firearms.Cf the laments over the discontinuance of the "Pre-64" Winchesters. Remember, the "Good Old Days" always happened either before you were born or when you were too young to enjoy them. "Dash numbers" refer to changes in the design made by the factory that they consider significant enough to warrant a modification to the model designation-think of the M1911 and M1911A1 pistols, the M1903 and M1903A3 rifle, the M3 and M3A1 submachine guns. You will see references to "5 screw", "4 screw", "3 screw" S&Ws, pinned and unpinned barrels, and some modifications are subtler-changes in the theading of the ejector rod, e.g The more knowledgeable board members can answer your questions on these and I recommend The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson for home reference.