Jim Supica - Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson

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2006 by
Jim Supica and Richard Nahas

Published by

700 East State Street Iola, Wl 54990-0001
715-445-2214 888-457-2873
www.gundigestbooks.com

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All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio, television, or the Internet.

Trademarks: The words (or symbols) Air Lite, Dymondwood, Ti, Sc, Heritage Series, The Sigma Series, Chiefs Special, Kit Gun, Shorty, Lasersmith, Ladysmith, Mountain Gun, Mountain Lite, Magnum, Smith & Wesson, S&W Performance Center, Airlite, Smith & Wesson Academy, Airweight, .40 S&W, Power Port, Centennial are registered trademarks of Smith & Wesson.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005931490

ISBN 13-digit: 978-0-89689-293-4

ISBN 10-digit: 0-89689-293-X

eISBN: 978-1-44022-474-4

Designed by Elizabeth Krogwold

Edited by Dan Shideler

Printed in China

Dedication

RICKS DEDICATION, 3RD EDITION

As we move into the 21st century we see that Smith & Wesson becomes increasingly involved with the shooting sports and self defense marketplace. As a result more and more products are made for those markets.

S&W has almost left behind the method of manufacturing it used for nearly 135 years since its first beginnings in 1852. In its place we see new methods of making parts and frames to attach to cylinders and two-piece barrels and X-tra large frames. The CNC Methods have far exceeded the older by hand and individual machine process manufacturing methods. While some collectors do not seem impressed by these newer methods, in my crystal ball I see collectors of the future looking back at these products and in every bit of amazement as those collectors in the 1940s when they marveled at the Registered Magnum or those in the late 50s at the .44 Magnum that Elmer Keith brought to the forefront of handgun hunting.

Firearm collectors have endured all kinds of assaults on their personal freedoms to own weapons in the last century. As we move further into the 2000s, more states embrace concealed carry as a personal safety issue and not just a holdover from the old Wild West. The internet has opened collecting to a whole new venue of consumers to the amazement of new collectors and almost to the detriment of seasoned and established collectors. This has placed the products for sale available for everybody who has an E-port to the world. Prices seem to climb uncontrollably in bidding wars. To this I say be ever watchful, and have a fun time of it.

The first edition of this work was dedicated to the memory of Danny Woo, who first saw my compilation some years ago. And I dedicate this third edition again to my wife, Bonnie. Again for her unfailing support and devotion, I am more grateful than words can ever express. Thanks also for feeding me at the computer for the past fifteen years. The first edition was not off the press yet when we started on the 2nd edition... Just looking for S&W products....

As Jim and I put this together for the third time, I recall that special feeling that strikes me when I find a new and different Smith & Wesson handgun, in its own box, wrapped in its protective paper. I have to stop, look and inquire about it. Each has a story.

Since the first edition, S&W has made a few changes in its product line, introduced quite a host of alloy frame revolvers, completely redesigned all of the revolver frames, created a new design for its semi-automatic line of pistols, and now offers more accessories than ever with the Smith & Wesson name: Truly an American Tradition.

A lot of lessons were learned in the first and second editions; the biggest is that we wont ever get it all done and documented in one go-round. We received many letters and E-mails from readers and collectors telling us about their S&W and or their particular variation, and for that help we are grateful. I also thank Jim Supica for his deep research into early Smith & Wessons and his familys special friendship over the years. Jim and I hope you enjoy this 3rd edition as much as the first.

Richard Nahas

JET53SW@aol.com

JIMS DEDICATION, 3RD EDITION

The core of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is the data that Richard has laboriously and meticulously compiled over many years. For this, I thank him on behalf of collectors everywhere.

I d also like to thank the many S&W collectors & enthusiasts who have contributed to this book.

Finally, Id like to dedicate my work on this book to the love of my life, Eve; to our boys, Jamie, David, and Daniel; and to my Dad and the loving memory of my Mother.

Jim Supica,

P.O. Box 14040, Lenexa, KS 66285

E-Mail: Jim@ArmChairGunShow.com

Contents

by Jim King

by Dave Ballantyne and Dick Burg

by John Watts

by Pete Roberts

by Don Mundell

Listing by Caliber

Listing by Caliber

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors have found helpful information in the books and publications mentioned throughout this book. They are recommended highly to those who would learn more.

The contributions of a large number of Smith & Wesson collectors and enthusiasts to all editions of this book cannot be overstated. We are indebted to them for their generosity in sharing their knowledge, observations, and experiences. Many are listed below; for those who were inadvertently omitted, our apologies.

Special thanks are due to the Smith and Wesson factory, the membership of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association and its online webgroup, S&W Factory Historian and SWCA Chairman Roy Jinks, and the Smith-WessonForum.com online members.

In addition to Mr. Jinks, other authors and researchers whose work has added greatly to the knowledge of S&W products and history include Robert Neal, Charles Pate, and David Chicoine. All have been generous in their assistance and encouragement.

Each edition of this book has had individuals who stepped forward and took on exceptionally large roles in its production. These include:

THIRD EDITION

Were delighted to present the 3rd Edition in full color. You will notice many photos attributed to firearms photographic specialist extraordinaire, Paul Goodwin. If you see one of Pauls photos in this book that is less than pristine, you can be sure that is only because of the authors cropping, compiling and editing of his work for illustration purposes or space limitations. We appreciate his always top-drawer work and hope we did not chop it up too badly.