Smith and wesson airweight history book

Both collectors and shooters will agree that the level of detail is unprecedented, including many hundreds of technical drawings and closeup photographs showing the very markings and features that are discussed in the text. People love to ask me what the best allaround handgun is for them. Because of financial problems related to the failure of the fist lever action pistol design they were forced to sell the company to oliver. You must be a resident of the state selected for pickup. The model 42 came out in 1952 as the airweight centennial but was changed in 1957 to the model 42. Model 544 texas wagon train 150th anniversary comm. That of a gun that can be carried effectively when wearing dress clothes. Fwiw i recently bought two model 60s, both in pretty. As of 2006 this revolver beat out competing designs by sig sauer, glock and beretta to become the standard sidearm of the japanese police. Wesson started their first company in 1852 when they entered into a gunmaking partnership in norwich, connecticut. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semiautomatic pistols and carbines also use this round. The revolver was introduced in 1955 and produced through 1999 although some may have shipped after the end date. This fascinating book provides a detailed history of one of the most famous, and controversial, firearms manufacturers, and its products.

This model, with modifications, continued in production as the model no. Welcome to the smith and wesson gun parts section of. Eventually, we were going to have to discuss the darned lock. Also per the scsw, the model 60 shared an allnumeric sn series with the chief special until 1969, when the r sns started. In the mid1950s, the air force ordered a specialized version of the airweight.

Similarly, the more screws on the right side of the frame, the older that smith is. Please contact our customer support representatives for the most up to date information at 18003310852 ext. The aluminumalloy frame and carbonsteel cylinder have a matte black finish. Rear panel of jacket also has more prominent dampstaining. It was introduced in 1950, and is still in production in the classic blued model 36 and the stainless steel model 637 airweight. The model 42 came out in 1952 as the airweight centennial but was. Model 642 airweight with crimson trace identical to the model 642 airweight above, but with the added advantage of a crimson trace lasergrip for fast target acquisition. All downloadable content is subject to change and is provided here for reference purposes only. Jacket with wear and short creases at corners and spineends, but no chips or tears. The internal hammer of the 442 eliminates the risk of the hammer getting snagged on clothing, holsters, or purses when drawing the weapon in a selfdefense situation. Both are typically of what shooters might expect to find on a revolver. Another warning in the owners manual is that recoil may pull the cases of. Whether your interest is in martially marked examples or the colorful guns that won the west, this book is for you. The 637 is a sada weapon chambered in 38 special and rated for plus p rounds well talk more about the slight difference of the 642 models a bit later.

The combined genius of these two men and later their heirs created one of the most successful handgun manufacturers of all time. The internal hammer of the 642 eliminates the risk of the hammer getting snagged on clothing, holsters, or purses when drawing the weapon in a selfdefense situation. See all 5 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. They didnt start etching it on the sideplate until 1994, which left many of their 1993vintage lightweight revolvers without any airweight marking at all. The scsw is an excellent resource on models and history. Availability subject to applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. I ask them a few things about their lifestyle so i can give a recommendation, but ive already got their answer in mind. Action single action double action only singledouble action. Heres a 442 built that same year without any airweight mark. The original centennial model 40 was introduced in 1952, and was named for the companys 100th anniversary. The revolver has a 5round capacity, an integral front sight and a fixed rear sight. It is a great revolver suitable for duty as home defense but more suitable for personal defense as a ccw. It was 1857, and business partners, horace smith and daniel wesson, were about to release a handgun that would revolutionize the gun industry.

We are glad to be able to offer parts for most current production smith and wesson firearms. This airweight appears to have been fired, but is like new and very tight. Sig for sale by shoreline shooters supply on gunsamerica 927246847. The smith and wesson 638 airweight j frame revolver appears to be my answer to a dilemma that many people who desire to go armed all the time face. The blued finish has about 70% remaining with some scratches and thinning. Jan 21, 2017 this info is from the 4th edition of the standard catalog of smith and wesson regarding the model 38. The classics bring timeless and coveted models back in production. Hammerless, doubleactiononly design with integral fixed sights. Their headquarters are in springfield, massachusetts. The oldest guns had five screws, later guns came with four screws, and the most recent smiths come with three screwsalways keeping in mind that one of. Parts are available to the public for self installation, but they can also be installed by our highly trained gunsmiths. Although the airweight sports a heavy double action trigger, it remains safe in all concealed carry conditions.

Wesson who shared a dream of developing a new type of firearm, one capable of being fired repeatedly without the annoyance of having to reload with. The original centennial model was introduced in 1952, and was named for the. Frame size small j medium kl large n xlarge x governor z. Another frame variation, the bodyguard airweight model 38 revolver. Midwest gun works gunsmiths can offer you the knowledge. Pair these features with the lack of a hammer and you get a snagfree option to tote in a pocket without worry about accidental discharge. Per the scsw, the first year of production for the model 60 was 1965, the r serial number series for the model 60 started in 1969, and sn r1152xx shipped in 197475. The model 642 is a variation of the model 42 centennial airweight that integrates the timetested features of the original with modern advancements. Book and jacket with some small indents on rear coverpanel.

One mans opinion on the concealed carry handgun by ronald s. Read unlimited books and audiobooks on the web, ipad, iphone and android. The sheriffs office told him the model 38 airweight hammerless needs to be forwarded for destruction because the serial number is partially worn away. The aluminum cylinders proved to be problematic and were abandoned in favor of a steel cylinder. That would be from the first year of nproduction for the model, 1969. Model 637 airweight this compact chiefs specialstyle firearm weighs just 15 oz.