S&W Identification Help

shaw1974 · March 22, 2013, 11:43 PM

I have an old S&W 357 magnum revolver I am having a little trouble identifying. It is one that I inherited from my dad, who was in law enforcement and collected guns since the 70's. Both the frame, under the cylinder, and on the cylinder itself have the number 5050 listed. On the frame there appears to be letters preceding the number 5050, but cannot definitively make out what they are (see pics). Serial number stamped on the butt of the gun is S81XXX.

Have considered writing for a letter from S&W, but would like some input to see if it is warranted. Not sure if this is a rare model, registered version, or even a strange fake of some type. Due to size restrictions, I've attached a link to my dropbox folder that shows pics of the revolver. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

https://www.dropbox.com/l/lN5EvZzOWebm4Qqh8VOpKd

bamabiker · March 23, 2013, 08:10 AM

You have a S&W 357 Magnum from 1951 - 52. Probably 1951 as the SCSW shows...
1951 - 1952 S80500 - S85999
It became the Model 27 around 1957 -58 when S&W started using model numbers. The other numbers you see are assembly numbers and were used to get fitted parts back together during assembly.
Congrats on getting your father's fine S&W.

shaw1974 · March 23, 2013, 12:46 PM

Thanks for the reply, that helps a lot. Never had seen a pre model number S&W before and the assembly numbers really had me confused. You wouldn't happen to know if these are valued the same as a stamped model 27, or do they vary more up or down? Thanks again!!!

Jim Watson · March 23, 2013, 12:57 PM

Dollar value of a pre-1957 S&W is generally a bit higher than for a model number gun IN THE SAME CONDITION.

Why? You going to sell Dad's service pistol?

shaw1974 · March 23, 2013, 03:01 PM

Absolutely not, just getting some generalized amounts for insurance purposes. Thanks for the response and info!!

March 22, 2013, 11:43 PM	#1
shaw1974 Junior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: Mississippi Posts: 8	S&W Identification Help I have an old S&W 357 magnum revolver I am having a little trouble identifying. It is one that I inherited from my dad, who was in law enforcement and collected guns since the 70's. Both the frame, under the cylinder, and on the cylinder itself have the number 5050 listed. On the frame there appears to be letters preceding the number 5050, but cannot definitively make out what they are (see pics). Serial number stamped on the butt of the gun is S81XXX. Have considered writing for a letter from S&W, but would like some input to see if it is warranted. Not sure if this is a rare model, registered version, or even a strange fake of some type. Due to size restrictions, I've attached a link to my dropbox folder that shows pics of the revolver. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!! https://www.dropbox.com/l/lN5EvZzOWebm4Qqh8VOpKd

March 23, 2013, 08:10 AM	#2
bamabiker Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2008 Posts: 100	You have a S&W 357 Magnum from 1951 - 52. Probably 1951 as the SCSW shows... 1951 - 1952 S80500 - S85999 It became the Model 27 around 1957 -58 when S&W started using model numbers. The other numbers you see are assembly numbers and were used to get fitted parts back together during assembly. Congrats on getting your father's fine S&W.

March 23, 2013, 12:46 PM	#3
shaw1974 Junior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: Mississippi Posts: 8	Thanks for the reply, that helps a lot. Never had seen a pre model number S&W before and the assembly numbers really had me confused. You wouldn't happen to know if these are valued the same as a stamped model 27, or do they vary more up or down? Thanks again!!!

March 23, 2013, 12:57 PM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Dollar value of a pre-1957 S&W is generally a bit higher than for a model number gun IN THE SAME CONDITION. Why? You going to sell Dad's service pistol?

March 23, 2013, 03:01 PM	#5
shaw1974 Junior Member Join Date: February 18, 2013 Location: Mississippi Posts: 8	Absolutely not, just getting some generalized amounts for insurance purposes. Thanks for the response and info!!