S&W ILLUSTRATED GLOSSARY

This is a fairly extensive appendix, included in previous  editions of Standard Catalog of S&W, but omitted from the 5th Edition due to lack of space.   Many of the terms are not illustrated here, but most (and many many more) are illustrated in the main portion of Std. Cat. of S&W - git yerself a copy.  Also, the transfer of this material from text to website was a bit awkward - pix may not line up correctly with terms.

Copyright Jim Supica & Richard Nahas - do not copy or reproduce without permission.  For permission, contact SupicaLLC@outlook.com

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ACTION: The operational and trigger system of a firearm. Types include single action (SA) or double action (DA) on revolvers; on semi-autos, in addition to SA and DA (sometimes called traditional double action or TDA), options include TDA w/ decocking lever and double action only (DAO). 

 

ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS (AS): Sights that can be adjusted, usually by a screw, sometimes by drifting, for elevation and windage; sometimes called target sights.  See SIGHTS, this index.  

 

AIR GUNS:  A gun powered by compressed air, typically in .177 or .22 caliber.  The air may be compressed using a powered spring operated by the user, or contain a replaceable compressed gas cartridge.  The weapon uses no propellant (powder) only compression

 

AIRCREWMAN: Airweight revolvers developed for the U.S. Air Force. Early versions had alloy cylinders as well as alloy frames, and were deemed inadequate for the .38 Special cartridge. Most government purchase guns were destroyed. The K frame version was called the M13 by the air force. 

 

AIRLITE: Designation for recently introduced extra-light weight revolvers made possible by use of aluminum or titanium alloy.   

 

AIRWEIGHT: S&W’s term for early lightweight revolvers with aluminum alloy frames.

 

ALLOY FRAME: Lightweight aluminum alloy (AA) frame. 

 

AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY (AM): A manually operated slide‑mounted safety on semi-autos that has operation levers on both sides of the slide so as to be easily reached by either right‑ or left‑handed shooters.

 

 

AMERICAN: The first version of the S&W Model 3 Single Action.

 

AMMUNITION, CENTERFIRE: Ammunition which contains a separate primer in the center of the base of the cartridge case. 

 

AMMUNITION, RIMFIRE: Ammunition that contains the primer compound in the rim of the cartridge case and is fired by striking the rim of the case and igniting the primer. The most common is the .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum cartridge.   

 

AMPERSAND:  The “and” character between Smith & Wesson. Sometimes called a” lazy &”  before March of 1973 as it appears to lay down .

 

ANTIQUE: A firearm made in or before 1898. Generally exempt from federal paperwork and recordkeeping requirements; may be subject to state or local regulation. 

 

ASSEMBLY NUMBER: A number stamped on various parts of a gun to keep parts fitted to a specific gun with that gun during the assembly process. . Not the serial number. Assembly numbers of various parts should match. Found on the Yoke, frame and inside the sideplate. This practice has continued well into year 2008 as dot matrix in appearance.

 

AUSTRALIAN COLONIAL POLICE: New Model #3s purchased by the Australian government for police usage, most with a detachable shoulder stock.   

 

AUTOLOADERS: semi-automatic firearms. The terms auto‑pistol and automatic are technically incorrect. However, they are so commonly used that protesting this terminology is best left to serious gun cranks with not much else to worry about.

 

BABY AIRCREWMAN: Small 5‑shot J frame Aircrewman. Surviving examples are very rare.   

 

BABY RUSSIAN: Nickname for .38 Single Action Model 2, 1st Model, 5‑shot spur-trigger top‑break .38 S&W.   

 

BABY SIGMA: Small polymer frame semi-auto introduced in 1995; the first S&W chambered for the .380 ACP round.   

 

BACKSTRAP: The rear portion of the grip part of the frame of a handgun. Also called the tang. Will be found smooth or serrated on revolvers and curved or straight on semi-autos.

 

BALTIMORE POLICE: Baby Russians purchased by this department and marked “Balto City Police”.   

 

BANGOR PUNTA: The parent company of S&W, approx. 1965‑1987. Expanded into many police market items in addition to handguns.

 

BARREL BUSHING: A cylindrical metal piece positioned in the front of the slide on many semi-auto's that precisely aligns the barrel for each shot.

 

BARREL WEIGHTS: Aluminum or steel weights attached to the barrel of a target gun to adjust its feel and dampen felt recoil. See photo of Model 41.

 

BAUGHMAN FRONT SIGHT: Ramp front sight developed by FBI employee

Frank Baughman in the 1930's. In 1935 adapted by S&W for the 357.

 

Dave Ballantyne photo.

 

BAUMANIZE: A custom gunsmithing procedure that converts a Model 27 N frame .357 Magnum into a 7‑shot .357 that can be loaded via full‑moon clips.

 

BEKEART: An early twentieth century California S&W distributor, Phillip Bekeart ordered the first .22/32 hand ejectors, which have come to be called Bekeart Models by collectors.  See discussion of “True Bekeart” with listing on this model.   

 

BICYCLE GUN: A Safety Hammerless (lemon squeezer) with a two‑inch barrel; the short barrel necessitated special marking procedures. Scarce.   

 

 

BIRDSHEAD GRIPS: A term sometimes used for the grip configuration of early spur-trigger S&W’s; rounded on the back and coming to something of a point at the bottom.  See GRIP FRAME in this index for illustration.

 

BISLEY: A famous shooting range in England and headquarters of the UK’s NRA.  Still in use today and the location of many target shooting contests from the late nineteenth century up to the present day

BLACK POWDER: The first propellant used in cartridges up to around the turn of the century, when it began to be replaced by smokeless powder. Black powder is noted for the corrosive fouling it leaves in a barrel and a notable amount of smoke.  It is unsafe to shoot modern ammunition in guns originally made for black powder cartridges.

 

BLADESAVER: A metal device for holding a safety razor blade so that it could be sharpened on a strop like a straight razor. Manufactured by S&W as Wesson Products in the 1920s.   

 

BLUE (B): Dark firearms finish; sometimes appears closer to black than blue. Less resistant to corrosion and wear than nickel or stainless finishes.

 

BOBBED: Cut off; usually refers to removing the hammer spur to snag‑proof a handgun. However, may also refer to an after‑factory shortened barrel or the removal of the triggerguard spur from a Russian type revolver.

 

BODYGUARD: A J-frame (or J Magnum) 5‑shot .38 Special revolver with a shrouded hammer. The shroud is intended to prevent the hammer from snagging on clothing while still allowing the revolver to be manually cocked for single action fire. Models 38, 49, 649 and 638.   

 

BREAK OPEN: Term for a revolver that is hinged in the middle so that it breaks open for loading and unloading. Usually refers to a top‑break.

 

BUG SCREW: Term that has been widely used by collectors for the small screw that adjoins and locks in place the large top sideplate screw on some early 5‑screw J frame Airweights and K frame Airweights. It’s reported that the term originally referred to the large top sideplate screw itself, because S&W factory workers considered it a bugger to get in place properly.

 … not to be confused with…

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BUGGERED SCREW:  A screw w/ a damaged slot.  Anathema to condition collectors, Jim doesn’t mind ‘em much at all.

 

 

BUSHING:  Usually a piece on an auto-pistol that fits around the muzzle, helping to mate it to the slide assembly.  Also see illustration of revolver bushing at REVOLVER PARTS.

 

 

BUTT PLATE: The bottom surface of a magazine.  It retains the spring and follower within the magazine and is usually removable for cleaning and maintenance.  Also the plate on the rear of the stock on shoulder arms.

 

C&R (Curio and Relic): Firearms that have been determined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to be suitable for transfer to federally licensed collectors. Generally, it includes guns that are over fifty years old, are certified by a qualified museum curator, or derive a substantial part of their value from the fact they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. C&R at a gun listing in this book indicates it is on the BATF list. This is significant to licensed collectors only. For all other non‑licensed individuals, a C&R gun is treated as any other modern firearm.

 

CALL: A Call front sight consists of a flat gold or ivory bead on a post. From S&W employee Charles Call.  Found most often on pre-World War II revolvers.  Not to be confused with McGivern Bead – see McGivern below

Dave Ballantyne photo.

 

 

CALIBER : The diameter of a bullet, designated in hundredths (“.38”)  or thousandths (“.357”) of an inch or in millimeters (“9mm”).  The nominal caliber used in a cartridge name may not be the exact true diameter of the bullet.  For example, .38 Special is closer to .358” in diameter; and .44 Russian, .44 Special, and .44 Magnum are all closer to .429” in diameter. 

 

CALIBER NAMED MODELS: For index of pre-1957 HE’s named by caliber -- i.e. .22 HE, .38 M&P, etc. see MODEL INDEX at end of this book.

 

CARBON STEEL: Common type of metal used for firearms, usually finished in blue or nickel; term used to distinguish from stainless steel or aluminum alloy construction.

 

CENTENNIAL: A hammerless (actually concealed hammer) J‑frame hand ejector. The version made 1952‑1974 included a grip safety similar to the earlier top‑break lemon squeezers. The 1990s reintroduction did not include the grip safety. Models 40, 42, 442, 632, 640, 642, and 940.  Latest introductions in the Centennial configuration include larger Airlite Ti L-frames - Model 242Ti (7-shot .38 Spl.) & 296-Ti (5 shot .44 Spl.)  

 

CENTERFIRE: A cartridge with the primer mounted in the center of the case head. First introduced on S&W’s in 1870 with the .44 American cartridge. All modern handgun cartridges except the .22 rimfires are centerfire. An advantage is that the brass case can be reloaded in most cases.  See picture at AMMUNITION above.

 

CHAMBER:  The part of the firearm in which the cartridge rests immediately before firing.  On a revolver, the chambers are the holes in the cylinder for the cartridges.  See illustration at REVOLVER PARTS in this index.

 

CHAMFERED: Refers to a right angle edge that has been intentionally rounded or clipped to reduce the sharpness of the edge.  The rear of chambers in a revolver cylinder may be chamfered to make ammunition easier to load.

 

CHECKERED STOCKS: Stocks having checking or checkering consisting of two sets of parallel grooves cut at angles to each other creating an area of diamond shaped points which provide an improved gripping surface.

 

CHEMICAL AGENTS:  

 

CHIEFS SPECIAL: The first S&W 5‑shot J frame .38 Special; the classic snub nosed revolver configuration. Models 36, 37, 50, 60, and 637.   Also recently used for a series of compact semi-auto pistols, Models CS-9, CS-40, & CS-45.   

 

CLIP: The only S&W’s that use clips are the revolvers chambered for rimless cartridges, such as the Model 1917 in .45ACP. Those gizmos that hold ammunition in semi-autos are called magazines. The authors may be willing to sit quietly grinding their teeth when a semi-auto is referred to as an auto, but they can become downright abusive to the doofus who calls a magazine a clip.

 

CLUB GUN: A gun with 0 as the first digit of the serial number.   

 

COCKEYE HAMMER:  A custom hammer with an extension on the shooter’s thumb side of the hammer spur.  Best known is that by King’s custom gunworks, “King’s Cockeyed Hammer”.  Also used by Walter Roper.

 

Dave Ballantyne photo.

 

COKE BOTTLE STOCKS: Early plain or checkered target stocks having a slight swell in the middle and a little flare at the bottom when viewed from the rear, vaguely resembling the profile of a Coca-Cola bottle.  Coke bottle stocks were used from about the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, mostly on N frame target revolvers, especially the .44 and .41 Magnums.

 

COMBAT: Combat in a S&W model designation generally indicates an adjustable sight gun made for military or police usage, usually with a four‑inch barrel, usually a K frame. This term was first used on post-war revolvers, and distinguishes the configuration from “Service” or “M&P” both of which suggest a fixed sight model; or “Target” which suggests an adjustable sight revolver but with a longer barrel.

 

COMBAT GRIPS (CG) or COMBAT STOCKS (CS): Smooth wood grips with finger grooves.

 

COMBAT HAMMER: See HAMMERS, TYPES in this index

 

COMBAT MAGNUM: Term used for the K frame .357 introduced in 1955; predecessor of the Model 19.    

 

COMBAT MASTERPIECE: Combat version of the Target Masterpiece, i.e., a target sighted gun with a four‑inch service length barrel, usually with a Baughman ramp front sight.   

 

COMBAT SIGHTS:  Fixed sights.  See SIGHTS, this index.

 

COMBAT TRIGGER: On current production, a mid‑sized .312‑inch wide smooth trigger with no grooves or serrations.

 

COMMEMORATIVE: A limited edition gun with special decoration commemorating a particular organization or event. These should not be confused with specially marked guns that are purchased by a government agency for an issue sidearm. A commemorative must be unfired, and preferably unturned, in the original box to bring full collector value. Once fired, their value diminishes toward that of an undecorated specimen.   

 

COMPACT: A gun smaller than the standard service size. Often preferred for concealed carry or other applications where a full‑size gun might be awkward.

 

CONVERSION STOCKS: Stocks that convert a round butt grip frame to square butt configuration.  Introduced for J frames in the late 1960s or early 1970s and used on recent production round butt J, K/L and N frames.

 

COUNTERBORED CYLINDER: See “recessed” in this glossary.

 

CRANE: What Colt calls a crane, S&W calls a Yoke.  See YOKE.

 

CROWN:  The rounded edges of the muzzle.  See illustration at REVOLVER PARTS in this index.

 

CYLINDER: The cylindrical multi-chambered part of a revolver that holds the cartridges and rotates to allow the charge holes to be aligned with the firing pin and the forcing cone of the barrel.  See illustration at REVOLVER PARTS in this index.

 

CYRILLIC: Letters of the Russian alphabet; Cyrillic marked Russian Model 3s are those intended for sale to the Russian government.

 

DECOCK: The process by which the hammer is safely lowered to a non-firing position.

 

DIAMOND GRIPS or DIAMOND CENTER GRIPS: Wooden grips for S&W revolvers with a diamond shaped area of wood left uncheckered around the escutcheon and escutcheon nut.  Also called diamond checkered grips.

 

DISTINGUISHED: In a gun model name this indicates an L frame .357 Magnum.   

 

 

DOUBLE ACTION (DA): A gun that can be fired either by first cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger (resulting in a relatively light trigger pull), or by pulling the trigger without first cocking the hammer (resulting in a relatively heavy trigger pull). It is sometimes thought that the double action means there are two different ways of firing the gun.  However, probably the term originally meant that the trigger pull has a double mechanical action -- it both cocks the hammer and releases it.  In the case of revolvers, the double action trigger pull also performs the function of rotating the next chamber to be fired into alignment with the firing pin.   Guns that can be operated ONLY in this mode are called Double Action Only (DAO).  Examples would include the “hammerless” revolvers and DAO semi-auto pistols.  A case could be made that the Traditional Double Action handgun which can be fired either single action (manually cocking the hammer) or double action (using the trigger pull to both cock the hammer and fire the gun) should be called a “Single/double action”handgun.   In fact, Traditional Double Action handguns are designated “Single/double action”in some recent S&W literature.  However, we believe the commonly used “Double Action” terminology to be preferable and better understood in common usage.

 

DOUBLE ACTION ONLY (DAO): Note: sometimes abbreviated DA in recent S&W catalogs. A gun in which pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and releases it, and in which the hammer cannot be cocked manually (see double action above). The lemon squeezers and Centennial hammerless revolvers can be thought of as DAO. Some police departments also order various other hand ejectors modified to be DAO. However, it is most often thought of as applying to those third generation semi-autos that are designed to be fired DAO. These are sometimes called slick side or slick slide autos since they do not have a safety or decocking lever in the usual location on the rear of the slide. Third generation DAOs may be identified from the model number, which will have a 4, 5, or 8 as the third of four digits.

 

DOUBLE STACK (Double column): A high‑capacity magazine in which the cartridges inside the magazine stack in a double row rather than one on top of the other as they would in a single column magazine. For example, in a full‑size 9 mm, a single column magazine will hold eight rounds and have a thinner grip, whereas a double column magazine design will generally hold fifteen rounds, requiring a fatter grip.

Double stack mag left, single stack right.

 

DRILLED and TAPPED: Drilling holes and tapping threads for screws

to install mounts for an optical scope.

 

DUST COVER: A sheet metal shield that fits over the ejection port (see photo of Model 39).

 

EJECTOR: The mechanism for removing a cartridge or empty case from a chamber. In the case of S&W revolvers, the star configuration device on the rear of the cylinder.  This mechanism, first introduced on the Model of 1896, gave birth to the term “Hand Ejector”.

 

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EJECTOR HOUSING: On top‑break revolvers, the part of the barrel that is below the bore and extends in front of the hinge, housing the ejector mechanism. As the top‑break design evolved during the 1870s, the ejector housing got progressively shorter until it was essentially a stub on models produced after about 1878.  See illustration at REVOLVER PARTS in this index.

 

 

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EJECTOR ROD: The piece that extends from the front of a HE revolver when the cylinder is opened and is pushed to eject shells. May be shrouded or non‑shrouded.  See illustration at REVOLVER PARTS in this index.

 

EJECTOR SHROUD: On hand ejectors, the part of the barrel below the bore that shelters the ejector rod when the cylinder is closed. Not present on all HE models.

 

 

ELECTROLESS: A durable non‑glare matte nickel finish.

 

END LABEL: The label on the end of a cardboard gun box. Information on the label should match the gun it contains for the combination of box and gun to bring full premium price.

 

ESCORT: A small .22 pocket semi-auto, the Model 61, made by S&W in the 1970s.   

 

ESCUTCHEON: The knurled nut in the right grip that receives the grip screw.

 

EXTENSION STOCKS: Stocks used on Regulation Police Revolvers and some .22/32 Heavy Frame Targets and .22/32 Kit Guns from 1917 until about 1957.  These stocks extend below the grip frame and also partly cover the backstrap, fitting into a step cut into the rear of grip frame, effectively creating an extended square butt configuration.

 

EXTRACTOR:  The part which extracts the cartridge from the chamber.

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EXTRACTOR RELIEF CUT: The oval shaped cutout on the left panel of target stocks at the top behind the cylinder.  This cutout provides clearance for the extraction of cartridge cases from the cylinder.  This configuration was used on S&W K frame target stocks from the mid-1950s until the 1970s, on N frame stocks from the late 1950s until the early 1980s, and on J frame target stocks from about the late 1960s to 1970s.

 

EXTRACTOR ROD: See ejector rod above.

 

EZ – A popular feature on recent production semi-auto pistols that allows the slide to be easily retracted to chamber a round, unload the chamber, or check the chamber.  Good for folks who may not have the hand strength to easily manipulate a standard slide.

 

FACTORY LETTER: A letter from the S&W factory historian on a particular gun, indicating what factory records show as that guns original configuration, shipping date, and destination.   

 

FACTORY REFINISH: A gun that has been re-blued or re-nickeled at the S&W factory, often marked with a star or other indication.  See Appendix C on Changes and Markings for more information on factory rework marks.   

 

FACTORY REWORK STAR: A star by the serial number on the butt indicating a return to the factory for some rework or refinish.  See Appendix C on Changes and Markings for more information on factory rework marks.

 

FILLER PIECE: That part of target stocks or grip adapter which fills the area behind the triggerguard and grip frame, serving to rest part of the gun’s weight on the middle finder and position the trigger finger in line with the trigger.  The incorporation of the filler piece into target stocks was promoted by Walter Roper to improve target shooting scores and incorporated into his designs, and later copied by S&W and most other target stock makers.

 

FINISH-BLUED: A finishing process for non-stainless steel guns that is designed to provide a protective blue finish.

 

FINISH-GLASS BEAD: A metal preparation process by which the product is blasted with glass beads giving it a matte finish.

 

FINISH-MATTE BLUE: A flat, almost black finish produced by bead blasting before bluing.

 

FINISH-MATTE STAINLESS STEEL: Bead blasted stainless steel that results in a low luster, low glare finish.

 

FINISH-NICKEL: An electro-plating process that deposits a layer of nickel on an aluminum alloy, carbon steel gun providing a gloss finish that is more resistant to rust.

 

FINISH-SATIN NICKEL: A nickel finish gun that has been bead blasted prior to plating resulting in a matte finish.

 

FIRST FIRST: Shorthand for Model One, 1st Issue. The first revolver made by S&W, this was a tiny 7‑shot .22 tip‑up spur-trigger. There are six variations, and these may be added to the shorthand, such as First first third.   

 

FIRST MODEL AMERICAN: The first eight thousand or so Model 3 American .44 caliber large frame revolvers, characterized by a straight line on the bottom of the frame and non‑interlocking hammer and latch.   

 

FIRST MODEL RUSSIAN: The first Model 3 chambered for the Russian cartridge; essentially identical to the American model, except for the chambering.   

 

 

FIRST MODEL SCHOFIELD: The first three thousand or so Model 3 Schofield’s.   

 

FIRING PIN SAFETY: This positively locks the firing pin of a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol in place at all times so the gun can only be fired if the trigger is pulled. This feature eliminates the possibility of accidental discharge due to a dropped gun.

 

FITTING NUMBERS: Otherwise known as assembly numbers or soft fitting numbers. A small number found on the frames tang, the yoke and inside the sideplate. These numbers must match as these three parts are machined together and follow the frame through out the assembly process.  

 

FIVE‑SCREW: From about 1906 to about 1955, most hand ejectors were made with five‑screw frames; four on the sideplate (the bottom screw is sometimes covered by the grip) and one on the front of the trigger-guard.

 

FIXED SIGHTS (FS): Non‑adjustable sights; may be integral to guns frame and barrel.  See SIGHTS, this index.

 

FLAT LATCH: Thumb latch configuration used on I and J frames and Airweight K frames from about 1950 to 1966. Three types are known.

 

 

FLAT TOP STOCKS: Walnut diamond insert standard hand ejector stocks (also called convex top stocks) having a flattened to slightly convex stock circle with no medallions, used from about 1899 to 1912 on round and square butt frames.

 

 

FLORAL GRIPS: (Also called peacock or turkey grips.) An unusual pattern hard rubber grip with a floral pattern where the checkering usually is found, with small wild turkeys, peacocks, or some type of bird in the pattern. Found only on Second Model .32 DAs.

 

FLUSH VALVE: S&W manufactured flush valves for toilets at one time. Quite collectible if you can persuade the owner to do without it.

 

FLUTED (vs. UNFLUTED or NON-FLUTED) CYLINDER: Fluted cylinders have metal removed on their exterior between chambers. Non‑fluted cylinders are perfectly round. Early tip‑ups were all non‑fluted, with cylinder flutes added to the new designs of the Model 1 3rd Issue and Model 1‑1/2 New Model. All top‑breaks had fluted cylinders. Hand ejectors all had fluted cylinders until recently, when unfluted cylinders have made a comeback on some special production variations because a) they add recoil‑moderating weight, b) they appear to increase the strength of the cylinder, or c) they look pretty cool.

 

FOLLOWER: The plate on top of the spring in a magazine that supports the ammunition and positions the last round for loading into the chamber.

 

FORCING CONE: The rear portion of the revolver barrel at the cylinder end, that is slightly tapered to make it easier for the bullet to enter the barrel as it emerges from the cylinder charge hole.   

 

 

FOUR‑SCREW: From about 1955 to 1961, most hand ejectors were made with four‑screw frames, with the fifth screw -the top sideplate screw- eliminated about 1955 on most models. Some early hand ejectors between 1899 and 1910 also have four‑screw frames since the trigger-guard screw was not added until about 1905.

 

FRONTSTRAP: The front portion of the grip part of the frame of a handgun; also called the front tang.  Will be found smooth or serrated on revolvers and usually straight with serrations or checkering on semi-autos.

 

FRONTIER: A top‑break revolver chambered for the .44‑40 (.44 Winchester) cartridge.   

 

FULL LUG: Part of the barrel consisting of a solid cylinder of metal underneath and parallel to the full‑length of the barrel; adds recoil absorbing weight and the heavy muzzle feel preferred by some shooters. Ejector rod fits into the rear of the lug. First offered as standard on the L frame, and since offered on a number of special production runs and some standard models.

 

 FULL MOON CLIP: See MOON CLIP, this Index.

 

GONCALO ALVES: A type of South American wood used to make most S&W wooden target grips on recent production guns.

 

GRIP -ADAPTER: A thin piece of sheet metal under each grip half with a rubber bushing connecting them with a small adapter to increase the grip area. Has the following stamping: "MFGD. By Smith & Wesson" "U.S. Pat. Pat.#1848682" on the left outer plate. Made in the 1930’s to provide additional grip on guns with increasingly heavy recoil (.357 Magnums for example).  Largely defunct after S&W introduced Magna grips in late 1935, but people continued to order them right into 1941.  Reproductions of the S&W Grip Adapters were made circa 2010.  These are plainly marked as repro’s and should not be confused with the originals.

 

Dave Ballantyne photo.

 

 Other firms also made later aftermarket clip-on grip adaptors, such as the one illustrated at right

 

 

GRIP -BOOT GRIP: A grip style often used on small guns designed for conceal carry. Popular models are made by Michaels.

 

GRIP -COMBAT: A smaller, rounded grip with finger grooves designed to give the shooter firmer control of the firearm and to aid in concealed carry.

 

GRIP FRAME: The handle part of a handgun frame which accepts the stock panels and usually houses the mainspring on revolvers and the magazine on semi-autos.  On revolvers, styles of grip frames may be called birdshead, round butt, or square butt.

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GRIP PIN: The pin fitted through a revolver’s grip frame at the bottom and protruding out both sides, serving as the anchor point for the bottom end of the stock panels.

 

GRIP PIN HOLE: The blind hole at the bottom of a revolver stock panel which accepts the grip pin to anchor the bottom end of the panel when mounted on a gun.

 

GRIP SAFETY:  A safety mechanism, usually a lever on the backstrap of the grip frame, that automatically is released preparing the gun to fire by the pressure of the shooter’s hand on the grip.

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GRIP -TARGET STOCK: Oversize wooden stocks designed to give the shooter firm control on the competition gun.

 

GUN OF THE WEEK: A term humorously used to refer to the 1989‑1991 era at S&W, which saw a huge increase in the number of new models and variations introduced, attributable mainly to the profusion of variations of third generation semi-autos. Actually, nearly literally true for 1991, with around forty models and variations introduced that year.

 

GUTTA‑PERCHA: An early forerunner of plastic used to make cases for the Model One at mid‑nineteenth century  .

 

HALF MOON CLIP: A semi-circular retaining device that usually holds three .45 ACP rounds for use in a 1917 Model or Model 25 revolver; made of sheet metal and developed at S&W when the government wanted .45 ACP revolvers for WWI military usage due to lack of adequate production of 1911 type semi-autos. Later made in full moon six‑shot configuration (or five‑shot for the Model 940 9mm revolver), or two‑shot one‑third moon configuration. See MOON CLIP, this index.

 

HALF PLATE: Part plated and part blue finish, usually referring to a tip‑up with a blue barrel and cylinder and a nickel or silver plated frame.

 

HAMMER, TYPES OF:  Generally a Combat Hammer will have a narrow hammer spur, and a Target Hammer will have a wider flared hammer spur.  Many non-target pre-war Hand Ejector hammers had no flare on the side of the spur, except for target models.

 

 HAMMERLESS: A revolver with the hammer concealed entirely within the frame; cannot be fired single action. Primary examples are the top‑break Safety Hammerless, or lemon squeezer, models and the hand ejector Centennials.

 

 

HAMMER-BOBBED: A hammer that features a shortened spur designed to reduce snagging for conceal carry.  See illustration above.

 

HAMMER-SHROUDED: A revolver that features a hammer partially concealed by shrouds that are part of the guns frame. This allows the gun to be cocked for firing but makes it snag resistant.  See illustration above.   

 

HAND EJECTOR (HE): A revolver of the modern style in which the cylinder swings out to the left side of the frame for loading and unloading, and the cases are ejected from the cylinder by hand by pushing on the end of the ejector rod

 

HARD RUBBER (HR): A molded material that looks and feels somewhat like plastic and was used for grips for top‑break and early hand ejector revolvers.

 

HEAVY BARREL (HB): A barrel that does not taper, or is thicker than standard. This also adds weight to help control recoil and muzzle flip.

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HEAVY DUTY: The first N frame .38 Special revolver, designed to fire a heavy loaded version of that cartridge, called the .38‑44.   

 

HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES: A 1994 federal law restricts the manufacture, but not the possession, of magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.  See discussion at beginning of “Semi-automatic pistols” section,  

 

HIGH HORN: Type of grips used on Centennials and Bodyguards where the wood extends higher than usual up the backstrap.

 

HIGH PROFILE FRONT SIGHT: Just what it says, abbreviated (HP). Usually found on 2" barreled J frames with target sights.

 

HIGHWAY PATROLMAN: An N frame .357 Magnum with a plain utilitarian finish; became the Model 28, an economy version of the Model 27.   

 

HISTORIC NOTES (Historic attribution): In this book, we have accepted at face value most reports that a particular gun was used by a particular individual, without detailed investigation of the claim if it was found from a credible source.  However, bear in mind that just because a gun was reported as used by so-and-so doesn’t necessarily make it true.  This is especially important when paying or asking a premium for historical attribution of a particular gun.  To justify a significant premium, a gun must have more than a good story, a stack of newspaper clippings, or an inscribed name.  The documentation must be inspected for timeliness, credibility, authenticity, and definite identification of the specific gun and individual claimed.  For further discussion of this topic, see the article “Pieces of History” in the 16th & 17th Editions of Blue Book of Gun Values, also posted at nramuseum.org/gun-info-research and https://ogca.com/pieces-of-history-by-jim-supica/.   A list of historically attributed S&W single actions can be found in an article by Ed Clark in the SWCA Journal, 25th Anniversary reprint, Book 2, pg. 344-345.

 

HI-VIS FRONT SIGHT:  Illustrated at right

 

HOSTILES (The): One of several turn of the century advertising posters commissioned by S&W, this one shows a mounted rider crossing a river turning in the saddle to fire a revolver at pursuing hostile Indians. The Hostiles and The Last Cartridge are the two best known of these posters, and these images have been used in various commemorative and collectible items.

 

HOGUE MONOGRIPS: One‑piece pebble‑textured, finger‑grooved synthetic grips provided with some current and recent S&W revolvers. See photo of Model 586 for example.

 

HUMPBACK HAMMER: An optional special order hammer offered by S&W beginning in the 1930s; has a humpbacked appearance between the spur and the face of the hammer.

 

 I FRAME: The first size hand ejector frame introduced, primarily used for 6‑shot .32s, but also some .22s and 5‑shot .38 S&Ws, eventually replaced by the Improved I frame and finally the J frame, which was slightly larger to accommodate 5‑shot .38 Specials.

 

IMPROVED “I” FRAME: Slightly larger than an “I” frame. The opening for the cylinder is 1.5 inches long on a standard I frame; 1.515 inches long in an improved I frame; and 1.645 inches long in their successor, the J frame. This variation is also found with a coiled mainspring, rather than a leaf mainspring.

 

INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT SIGHTS (IFS): Front sight blades that can be easily switched for another height or configuration; standard on Classic and Classic DX .44 Magnums.

 

INTERNAL LOCK:  An integral keyed lock added to recent production revolvers which locks the action mechanism when locked.  When locked, this renders the revolver inoperable.  Models with this feature have a keyhole above the thumbpiece, with an arrow showing the direction to turn the key to lock the mechanism-in addition a small flag appears next to the hammer when locked. .

 

 IVORY GRIPS: These were available on custom order, and also from non‑factory sources.

 

J FRAME: Smallest revolver frame size currently manufactured; 5‑shot .38 Chiefs Special size. Replaced the slightly smaller improved I frame. Currently made in .22, .32 and .38, and recently introduced in .357 Magnum as the Model 640‑1 and called the J-Magnum frame. Other J frames include the Models 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 60, 63, 442, 460, 632, 637, 638, 640, 642, 649, 650, 651, 940.

 

J MAGNUM FRAME: Refers to the newest frame size introduced by S&W in 1996 to fire the .357 Magnum but also used as the new standard frame size on all other calibers for the previous J frame. This transitional change was complete by Oct 1997 for all J frame revolvers. This model of frame has a window opening of 1.73 inches.

 

JAPANESE NAVY: New Model Number Three Japanese government contract guns; sometimes marked w/ an anchor; usually shipped to Ahrens or Takata.   

 

JET: Refers to the Model 53 and the high‑power .22 centerfire cartridge designed expressly for it.    

 

JINKS: Collectors shorthand for The History of Smith & Wesson book by factory historian Roy Jinks.   

 

K FRAME: S&W’s medium sized hand ejector revolver frame, introduced in 1899 as a 6‑shot .38 Military & Police revolver, and in continuous production ever since. Currently offered as a basis for .22, .32 S&W, .32 Magnum .38 S&W, .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. Models 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 45, 48, 53, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 547, 617, and 648.  Nominal Window opening of 1.82” X 1.48”.

 

K-22, K-32, K-38 – See MODEL INDEX, end of book

 

KEITH LONG RANGE FRONT SIGHT:  Designed by Elmer Keith, a front side blade w/ grooves cut in the face, to allow varying elevation holds to compensate for bullet drop trajectory in long range shooting.

Dave Ballantyne photo.

 

KELTON SAFETY: Large thumb‑operated safety device installed on a very few Schofield and New Model #3 revolvers. Very rare.

 

KING: Custom gunsmith based in San Francisco. Famous for modifying target shooters handguns. Designed and marketed a range of rifle and handgun sights, many of which were offered as options by S&W in the 1930’s

 

KIT GUN: Originally, a compact .22 J frame, 4‑inch or shorter barrel, usually round butt, originally marketed as ideal take‑along companion in a fishing or camping kit. Models 34, 51, 63, 650, and 651.  Recently the term has been reintroduced for light weight titanium model configurations in .38 Special or .357 Magnum chambering with 3.2” barrels & Hi-Viz sights, such as Models 337 & 360.    

 

KNUCKLE: The bump at the top of the backstrap of the grip frame where the web of the thumb rests, first introduced on the Second Model Russian. Also called the prawl.

 

KORNBRATH: Noted engraver.   

 

L FRAME: Medium‑large frame introduced in 1981 to provide a more compact .357 Magnum than the N frame with more heft and durability than the K frame. Models 242Ti, 296Ti, 396Ti, 581, 586, 681, 686 and 696.  Has a nominal 1.82” X 1.6” window opening.

 

LADYSMITH: Originally, tiny M frame 7‑shot .22 hand ejectors, made 1902‑1921.  For these early guns, the “s” is not capitalized: Ladysmith. The LadySmith name was resurrected in recent years, and applied to several models that were given special design and appearance changes to address the women’s market. Models 36LS, 60LS, 65LS revolvers. The semi-auto Ladysmith’s, Models 3913LS and 3914LS, were popular enough with both genders that they were introduced in a variation without the markings (no LadySmith logo) as the 3913NL and 3914NL for guys who liked the design but couldn’t take the locker room teasing for packing a LadySmith. In 1997 the latest LadySmith is a Model 317 LS in .22LR

 

 LANYARD RING: Metal ring installed on the butt of a revolver for attachment of a military style lanyard (sort of like when your mom put your mittens on a string so you wouldn’t lose them).

 

LASERSMITH: A method of engraving introduced in the late 1980s utilizing computer controlled lasers programmed to cut the desired image into the metal.   

 

LAST CARTRIDGE (The): One of a series of turn of the century advertising posters commissioned by S&W, this one depicts a revolver‑wielding man locked in combative embrace with a bear. Along with The Hostiles, probably the best known of the posters, and the image has been used on various promotional and commemorative items.

 

LE ONLY - LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY: Recent models w/ high capacity magazines; for sale to law enforcement only.  See discussion at beginning of Semi-automatic Pistols section,  

 

LEMON SQUEEZER: Nickname for the Safety Hammerless or New Departure models; from the grip safety on the backstrap that must be squeezed by the gripping action of the shooting hand to render the gun shootable.   

 

LEW HORTON: A major firearms distributor, Lew Horton has ordered many special runs of guns with unique features produced exclusively for them through the S&W Performance Center.   

 

LOGO: Smith & Wesson’s copyrighted corporate symbol which consists of an intertwined “S&W” in a circle- also called trademark. 

 

LONG TOPSTRAP (or Long Cylinder): On New Model #3s and related models and .44 DAs, refers to a cylinder 1‑9/16 inches long, which replaced the older 1‑7/16‑inch cylinder late in production. The change was due to the decision to chamber these models for the longer .44‑40 and .38‑40 Winchester cartridges, and the desire to make only one frame and cylinder size for all large frame top‑break models.

 

LUDWIG LOEWE: German arms company that manufactured Third Model Russian pattern revolvers for the Russian government and for commercial sale.   

 

LUG-FULL-HALF: A protrusion beneath the barrel of a revolver that provides strength, stability and weight. Full lug barrels which extend the entire length of the barrel are often preferred on competition or hunting guns as they provide additional weight to help dampen recoil and muzzle flip. Half lug barrels feature lugs that extend only part way down the barrel.

 

M FRAME: The tiny frame size of the original .22 LadySmith revolvers of the early twentieth century.   

 

 

M&P: Military & Police, generally refers to a service revolver with integral rear notch fixed sights, most often a K frame, although the N framed Model 58 is known as an M&P.  See listings for .22, .32, & .38 M&P revolvers, as well as M&P auto pistols, in MODEL INDEX at end of book.

 

MIM: Metal Injection Molding - a modern manufacturing process where a slurry of metal particles is injected into a mold, put under extreme pressure , heat treated and a part is made needing very little machining . Used for hammers, triggers and the thumbpiece and certain small parts in auto-loaders .

 

MWR: See Robinson, MW.

 

MAGAZINE: Container that holds the cartridges in a semi-automatic pistol and through the use of a spring positions them for feeding into the pistol’s chamber.

 

MAGAZINE SAFETY or Magazine Disconnect Safety: A safety device intended to render a semi-automatic firearm inoperable when the magazine is removed. This is a feature of some, but not all, S&W semi-automatics.

 

MAGNA GRIPS: Introduced in the 1930s; wood grips that came higher along the backstrap, up to the knuckle, to provide a broader recoil absorbing surface at the web of the thumb.

 

MAGNA PORT: A proprietary process of cutting vents or ports in the top of the muzzle end of the barrel to reduce felt recoil.  See PORT, this index.

 

MAGNA STOCKS: Introduced in 1935 for the N frames and 1936 for the K frames with wood stock panels which include “horns” that extend upward, covering part of the frame and sideplate along the backstrap to the knuckle, providing a broader recoil absorbing surface at the web of the hand between thumb and forefinger.  Magna stocks became the standard for hand ejectors after WW2.

 

MAGNA TRIGGER SAFETY: Non‑S&W custom gun-smithing procedure applied to hand ejectors to modify them so they cannot be fired unless the shooter is wearing a special magnet ring.

 

MAGNUM: In general usage, designates a cartridge of higher power than previous similar cartridges, or the firearms intended to fire such cartridges. Several handgun magnum cartridges have been designed by lengthening an existing cartridge (so that it cannot be fired in older guns not designed to withstand the increased pressure), starting with the .357 Magnum, which is a lengthened .38 Special. Similarly, the .44 Magnum is a lengthened .44 Special (which in turn is a lengthened .44 Russian), and the .32 Magnum is a lengthened .32 S&W Long. The standard parent loadings can be fired in the magnum handguns, but NOT vice versa. The .41 Magnum and .22 Magnum do not have parent cartridges in current production.

 

MARTIAL: Term used to describe handguns that have been officially purchased by a branch of the military service. Often, but not always, have military markings such as U.S., ordnance department flaming bomb, etc.

 

MASTERPIECE: Hand ejector K frame design with adjustable sights, introduced about 1946, including micrometer click adjustable sights, short fast action, and built‑in anti‑backlash trigger. 

See listings for K-22, K-32, K-38, & .357 Combat Masterpiece revolvers in the MODEL INDEX.

 

 

MATCHING (Serial Numbers or Assembly Numbers): Various parts of different guns are marked with numbers that identify them to that specific gun (see comments in introductory chapters). A collector asking, Is it all matching? is asking if all the parts are correctly numbered to the original gun.

 

MATTE FINISH: A dull finish, sometimes preferred for its non‑reflective nature or adopted as an economy measure since it requires less polishing.

 

McGIVERN: Famous exhibition shooter; the McGivern sight, consisting of a hemisphere gold bead in a black post, was named for him.

Photo courtesy of David Ballantyne.

 

MEDALLION: A recessed or flush circular piece bearing the S&W logo and made of gold plated brass, chrome plated brass, silvery-gray plastic, steel, or other metal depending on vintage, and inset into the stock circle on S&W factory stocks.

 

MEDALLION GRIPS: Grips with a S&W logo inset into the upper portion. Medallions were added to S&W produced pearl and ivory grips in the late nineteenth century to differentiate them from non‑factory aftermarket fancy grips. Collectors refer to these as medallion pearls, etc.

 

MERCOX: An experimental syringe dart gun based on a S&W K frame.   

 

MEXICAN MODEL: Model of 1891, .38 Single Action, 3rd Model, which has a spur trigger rather than the standard round trigger guard of this model. A scarce variation, with fakes not uncommon.   

 

MICROMETER CLICK SIGHTS: Adjustable rear sights introduced in 1940, and standard still today, which provide positive click screwdriver adjustment for windage and elevation.

 

MILITARY & POLICE: See “M&P” above.

 

MINI‑GUN: Term used for compact semi-autos, especially the double stack 9mms such as the 469, 669, 6904, and 6906. 

 

MODEL NUMBERS:   See MODEL INDEX at end of book.

The earliest tip-up and top-break revolvers made by S&W are often designated by frame size (1, 1-1/2, 2 or 3), and are indexed below.   Until 1957, S&W Hand Ejector revolver models were designated by name.  Beginning about 1957, S&W assigned Model Numbers to all handguns.  For example the “.38 Military & Police” became the “Model 10.”   Those revolvers which were manufactured after WWII, with production continuing through the 1957 nomenclature change are sometimes referred to as “Pre-Model” followed by a number.  

 

MODEL OF 1891: First Model single‑shot or .38 Single Action 3rd Model. Both guns used the same frame and could be switched from single‑shot to revolver configuration.   

 

MODEL OF 1896: .32 Hand Ejector, 1st Model HE.   

 

MODEL OF 1899: .38 Hand Ejector, 1st Model.   

 

MODEL OF 1902: .32‑20 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model or .38 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model.   

 

MODEL OF 1903: .32 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model.   

 

MODEL OF 1905: .32‑20 Hand Ejector, 3rd Model or .38 Hand Ejector, 3rd Model.   

 

MODEL OF 1917: .45ACP revolver developed for the U.S. during WWI.   

 

MODEL OF 1926: .44 Hand Ejector, 3rd Model.   

 

MODEL OF 1950: .44 Hand Ejector, 4th Model.  (This term is also sometimes used to describe evolutionary versions of the 38-44 Heavy Duty and 38-44 Outdoorsman Pre-Model number models incorporating the short action).   

 

MODEL OF 1955: .45 Target Model.   

 

MODEL OF 1988 or 1989: Model 625‑2.   

 

MODERN: Legally, any gun manufactured after 1898.

 

MOON CLIPS:  Flat pieces of metal that hold rimless auto-pistol cartridges in position so that they can  be chambered and fired in revolvers especially designed for them.

 

 MOUNTAIN GUN: Originally, the lightweight version of the Model 629 .44 Magnum, with tapered lightweight 4‑inch barrel, round butt, and chamfered cylinder. 1989 production only.  Later used to indicate other similar configuration lightweight 4” barrel N frame guns.   

 

MOUNTAIN REVOLVER: Similar to Mountain Gun, drilled and tapped for scope mounts, standard production beginning 1993.   

 

MURABITO SAFETY: An after market safety installed on S&W

 

MUZZLE:  The front end of the barrel from which the bullet emerges.  See illustration at REVOLVER PARTS in this index.

 

MUZZLE BRAKE: Fixed or detachable device on a guns muzzle intended to reduce or redirect felt recoil. See photo of Model 1955 .44 HE for example.

 

N FRAME: S&W’s largest revolver frame size, introduced in 1907 on the .44 Triple Lock. Standard for .41, .44, and .45 caliber revolvers, has also been used for .38 and .357 Magnum. Models 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 57, 58, 610, 624, 625, 627, and 629.  This frame has a nominal window opening of 1.89” X 1.73”.

 

NAMED MODELS:   This term refers primarily to Hand Ejector revolvers made prior to 1957 when model numbers were introduced for all S&W handguns.  A model name often includes the caliber and may include the frame letter designation.  Examples include “38/44 Outdoorsman,” “Combat Masterpiece,” etc.  These names were still used for descriptive purposes after the Model numbers were introduced.

 

NARROW RIB:  See RIB, this index.

 

NASHVILLE POLICE: A group of thirty‑two First Model American revolvers with non‑standard length 6‑inch barrels purchased by the Nashville Police and so marked on the backstrap.   

 

NEAL and JINKS: Collectors shorthand for Smith & Wesson, 1857 to 1945 book by Robert Neal and Roy Jinks.    

 

NEW CENTURY: First model .44 hand ejector Triple Lock.   

 

NEW DEPARTURE: Nickname for Safety Hammerless or lemon squeezer top‑break revolvers.   

 

NEW MODEL NUMBER THREE: Final configuration of the large frame top‑break single action, quickly distinguished by stubby ejector housing.   

 

 NEW MODEL RUSSIAN: Model 3 Russian, 3rd Model; distinctive large knuckle in backstrap, trigger guard spur, and large thumbscrew in topstrap to retain cylinder.   

 

NEW MODEL 1‑1/2: Five‑shot .32 rimfire tip‑up with birdshead butt, fluted cylinder, and round barrel.   

 

NEW YORK STYLE ENGRAVING: Profuse, professionally done scroll engraving dating from the late nineteenth or possibly early twentieth century. Nearly synonymous with Nimschke‑style, but sounds a little less as if you’re trying to pass off the gun as actually done by Nimschke.   

 

NICKEL: Bright shiny metal plating, more resistant to corrosion than bluing. 

 

NIGHT SIGHTS: Sights with glow‑in‑the‑dark tritium inserts, allowing for usage in semi‑darkness. 

 

NIMSCHKE: L. D. Nimschke is probably the most famous nineteenth century firearms engraver, best known for his masterful profuse floral engraving. Since he greatly influenced engraving styles of the era, and like most engravers, seldom signed his work, it is very difficult to identify exactly which guns are his work. Unless a specific rubbing can be identified in his pattern book (which has been published as L. D. Nimschke, Firearms Engraver by R. L. Wilson), or otherwise proven to be actually done by Nimschke, it's best to consider such engraving in the style of Nimschke.   

 

NOVAK SIGHTS: A snag‑free, melted low profile sight design introduced on third generation semi-automatics. Manufactured by Wayne Novak of Parkersburg WV. and licensed to S&W.

 

NYCLAD: Type of ammunition made by S&W with a nylon coated lead bullet. Touted both for reduction on airborne lead pollution on indoor ranges and its tendency to expand at relatively low velocities.

 

OLD ARMY: Nickname for the Model 2 tip‑up 6‑shot .32 rim fire.   

 

OLD MODEL RUSSIAN: Model 3 Russian, 2nd Model, identified by extreme backstrap knuckle, trigger guard spur, and small screw in topstrap retaining cylinder.  Better called 2nd Model Russian.   

 

OLD OLD MODEL RUSSIAN: Model 3 Russian, 1st Model, externally identical to the American Model, except for the chambering.  Better called 1st Model Russian.   

 

OUTDOORSMAN: Term used for the first K frame target .22 (pre‑micrometer click sights), and the N frame adjustable sight version of the .38‑44 Heavy Duty.

_      K-22 Outdoorsman:  

_      .38-44 Outdoorsman:  

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Wix is weird, and the website implementer is an old guy (Jim), so this illustrated glossary for terms beginning with P thru Z has to be continued in a separate text box below.  You may have to poke around a little to find it.   If viewing this on your phone, the pix will all be at the bottom.

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