Smith And Wesson, or S&W, for short was founded in 1856 and has been consistently producing revolvers ever since. To this day S&W has evolved the revolver platform to include small, compact revolvers that are perfect for concealed carry to massive revolvers with powerful calibers used for hunting. To understand the value of S&W revolvers it is helpful to understand the differences and terminology of S&W revolvers such a s frame size, pinned vs non-pinned barrels, dash vs no-dash models, and more. Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers cashmyguns.com has extensive experience with S&W revolvers and understands the market fluctuation with S&W revolvers. We can help identify the details of your S&W revolver to determine the current market value of your S&W revolver. Contact us to find out the value of your S&W revolver.
S&W Frame Sizes
Smith And Wesson swing-out cylinder revolvers, also called hand ejectors, had eight frames sizes. In order of introduction, the frames are I, K, M, N, J, L, X and Z.
S&W I-Frame Revolvers
The S&W I-Frame was the first Hand Ejector model to be produced. Production of S&W I-Frame revolvers spanned from 1896 to 1960. This frame is compact and used for six-shot .22 LR and .32 S&W revolvers and five-shot .38 S&W caliber. Many snubnose, police issue, sporting, and target models were produced with on the I-Frame.
S&W J-Frame Revolvers
The J-Frame has the same grip size as the I-Frame, but the cylinder window was lengthened to accommodate .38 S&W Special cartridge. The J-Frame was introduced in 1950 and is produced to this day. A popular S&W J-Frame is the Model 36, a compact, snub nose revolver. A S&W Model 36 is worth about $330 to $970 depending on the condition. Another iconic J-Frame is the S&W Model Model 60, which was the world’s first stainless steel revolver introduced in 1965. A S&W Model 60 can range is value from $365 to $900, depending on the condition.
S&W K-Frame Revolvers
The first medium size, K-frame revolver was introduced in 1899 in the Military & Police model. K-frame revolvers currently produced include models 10, 17, 19, 48, and 66. The average vale of a S&W Model 10 ranges from $330 to $800 depending on condition. The classic S&W K-Frame Model 19 has an average value of $500 to $1,400 depending on condition. A S&W K-Frame that was a favorite of law enforcement was the S&W Model 66. A S&W Model 66 can go from $570 to $980 depending on the revolver’s condition.
S&W L-Frame Revolvers
The L-Frame debuted in 1986 to handle long term use of 357 Magnum ammo. The S&W L-Frame has a grip frame that is identical to the K-Frame, but the upper portion was strengthened and enlarged. L-Frames were made in a variety of materials from carbon steel, and stainless steel to lightweight aluminum/Scandium alloy. Some models have round or square butt grip frames. Cylinder capacity ranges from 5-shot in 44 Magnum, 6- or 7-shot in 357 Magnum, and 7-shot in 9mm. One of the most popular S&W revolver series ever produced is the Model 686 series. The Model 686 has been built in a number of barrel lengths and cylinder capacities. The typical value of a S&W Model 686 can range from $600 to $1,200, depending on barrel length, capacity, grip style, and condition.
S&W M-Frame Revolvers
Compact M-Frame revolvers were produced from 1902 to about 1922. S&W M-Frame revolvers are small and compact and were marketed as the Ladysmith.
S&W N-Frame Revolvers
Large N-Frame revolvers were introduced in 1908 in .44 and .45 caliber cartridges. The N-Frame was then adapted to 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum cartridges. Models were offered in carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum/scandium alloy with either round or square butt frames. The S&W Model 29 in 44 Magnum was made famous with the Dirty Harry movies. This revolver is built on an N-Frame and on average a S&W Model 29 has a value that ranges from $800 to $1,800, depending on condition and model variation. Another S&W N-Frame, the Model 625 is popular with competition shooters. A S&W Model 625-8 goes from between $680 to $930, depending on condition.
S&W X-Frame Revolvers
Extra large X-Frame revolvers were introduced in 2003 and built around the powerful 500 S&W Magnum and 460 S&W Magnum cartridges. The frame is extra large on S&W X-Frame revolvers, but it uses a K-Frame size grip.
S&W Z-Frame Revolvers
The elongated Z-Frame debuted in 2011 with the Governor revolver which is chambered in .410 bore shotgun shells, as well as 45 Long Colt and 45 Auto cartridges. The stretched frame is extra large on S&W Z-Frame revolvers to accommodate the .410 shot shells, but it uses a K-Frame size grip.
It can be difficult to determine the frame size of S&W revolvers. Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers cashmyguns.com have extensive experience with S&W revolvers and can help you identify the frame size, model, and determine the value of your S&W revolvers. Contact us to find out the value your S&W revolvers.
What Year Did S&W Stop Pinning Barrels?
A pinned barrel S&W revolver refers to a model with the barrel secured to the frame by a metal pin that runs through both parts. S&W stopped pinning barrels in 1982. A S&W non-pinned revolver means the barrel is not pinned in place but press fitted into the frame. In general, pinned S&W revolvers are older models, and often have higher value due to the pinned barrel. Not sure if your S&W revolver has a pinned barrel? Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers cashmyguns.com has extensive experience with S&W revolvers and can help you identify the model and determine the value of your S&W revolver. Contact us to find out how much your S&W revolver is worth.
S&W Revolver Barrel Lengths
S&W has produced revolvers with barrel length that range from 1.8 inches to 10.6 inches and a variety of lengths in between. There are some barrel length on S&W models that make that barrel more valuable. Many times fewer model were produced with a certain barrel length and that increases the value. For example, a S&W Model 36 with a 1.8-inch barrel is very common, buy a Model 36 with a 3-inch barrel is less common and worth more. Another example is a Model 29 with a 5-inch barrel. These particular models are worth much more than Model 29s with a 4, 6, 6.5, or 8.3 inch barrels. It literally pays to pay attention to the barrel length on a S&W revolver. In most cases the revolver may be common, but in some cases the S&W revolver can be substantially more. Contact us to find out how much your S&W revolver is worth.
S&W Dash and No Dash Guns, What Does It Mean?
A S&W no dash gun is the first design iteration of that model. As S&W makes design changes, a dash is added followed by a number. For example, a Model 27 no dash revolver is the first model variant produced in 1935. A design change was made in 1959 and all of the Model 27 guns were marked 27-1, to indicate the design change. There were seven design changes to the Model 27 so there are models marked 27-2, 27-3, etc. Collectors use S&W dash numbers to evaluate the value and the rarity of the guns. Interesting to note that Model 27-2 revolvers are desirable by collectors because this is the last year the barrel was pinned. There are a few examples of later dash guns being more valuable than the predecessors. Not sure if your S&W dash gun is valuable? Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers cashmyguns.com have extensive experience with S&W revolvers and can help you identify and determine the value of your S&W revolver. Contact us!
What Are S&W Magna Grips Coke Bottle Grips?
S&W introduced Magna grips on revolvers in the 1930s. The top of the grip extends higher on Magna grips compared to earlier S&W revolver grips. Cokes or Coke Bottle grips refers to wood S&W grips with a slight palm swell, which somewhat resembles the shape of old Coke bottles. S&W produced Coke Bottle grips from 1956 to 1965 and replaced Cokes grips with Target grips. On many older S&W revolvers the original grips were replaced with aftermarket grips, which reduces the value of the gun. S&W revolvers with original Magna and Coke Bottle grips are worth more.
Our team at Dunlap Gun Buyers cashmyguns.com knows S&W revolvers. We can make sure you are paid top dollar for your S&W revolver.
