Please help ID the year my gun was made.

tdw185 · May 30, 2009, 08:35 PM

My Dad gave me his fathers old handgun. I know it's a SW, and I think it's a .44 cal. The serial # is 177821. Can anyone tell me the model and when it was made?

Thanks in Advance

James K · May 30, 2009, 10:25 PM

A picture would help, but if that is not possible, how about a description of the markings, and what type of revolver it is - top break, swing cylinder, etc.?

Jim

tdw185 · June 1, 2009, 08:01 PM

Sorry for the delay on the pictures. Maybe these will help. Thanks Again

carguychris · June 1, 2009, 09:08 PM

Please double-check the serial number. If it is indeed a .44 and not a .45, a serial number in the 177,000 range should have an "S" prefix, and the gun should have a 3-screw frame, a 4-line trademark, and a uniform-diameter ejector rod without the "mushroom" end.

The 5-screw frame, single-line "MADE IN U.S.A." stamp, mushroom ejector rod, lack of an ejector rod housing, lanyard loop on the butt, walnut service stocks, and a 17,8xx serial number are consistent with a .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model manufactured ca. 1916-1918.

BTW since this question keeps coming up in similar threads, your revolver does not have a model number. Pre-1957 S&Ws with swing-out cylinders only had names. FWIW in 1957, this gun became the Model 21, but your gun substantially predates the numbering system.

May 30, 2009, 08:35 PM	#1
tdw185 Junior Member Join Date: May 30, 2009 Posts: 2	Please help ID the year my gun was made. My Dad gave me his fathers old handgun. I know it's a SW, and I think it's a .44 cal. The serial # is 177821. Can anyone tell me the model and when it was made? Thanks in Advance

June 1, 2009, 09:08 PM	#4
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Please double-check the serial number. If it is indeed a .44 and not a .45, a serial number in the 177,000 range should have an "S" prefix, and the gun should have a 3-screw frame, a 4-line trademark, and a uniform-diameter ejector rod without the "mushroom" end. The 5-screw frame, single-line "MADE IN U.S.A." stamp, mushroom ejector rod, lack of an ejector rod housing, lanyard loop on the butt, walnut service stocks, and a 17,8xx serial number are consistent with a .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model manufactured ca. 1916-1918. BTW since this question keeps coming up in similar threads, your revolver does not have a model number. Pre-1957 S&Ws with swing-out cylinders only had names. FWIW in 1957, this gun became the Model 21, but your gun substantially predates the numbering system. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

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May 30, 2009, 10:25 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	A picture would help, but if that is not possible, how about a description of the markings, and what type of revolver it is - top break, swing cylinder, etc.? Jim