S&W automatics model code?

[Grunt]

Seems to me a while back, I had seen a web site with a list of what the different codes mean that S&W uses with their handguns. For example, a "45" would indicate a .45 caliber handgun while models with a "39" or "59" were based along the single stack model 39 and double stack model 59 automatics while the last 2 digits indicated if they were DA/SA, DAO and what not. Anybody know what each number in the model numbers stand for?

 

[opus1776]

Grunt,

Here is the info that you wanted. From the standard catalog of S&W 2nd edition (page 217 for those playing at home ) :

For the third digit:

0 = standard model
1 = compact model

2 = standard w/ decock lever
3 = compact w/ decock lever

4 = standard w/ double action only
5 = compact w/ double action only

6 = nonstandard length barrel
7 = nonstandard length barrel w/ decock lever
8 = nonstandard length barrel w/ DOA



As for the fourth digit:

3 = aluminum frame and stainless steel slide
4 = aluminum frame and carbon steel slide
5 = carbon steel frame and slide
6 = stainless steel frame and slide
7 = stainless steel frame and carbon steel slide.


p.s. the $17 I spent for the SCSW was a great buy!

 

[BluesBear]

opus1776, nice list,
those apply to the third generation models,
except that the 6904 and 6906 (formerly known as 469 and 669) were
compact models.

The 6906 should have been called the 5913



The second generation automatics were numbered similar to the revolvers
4xx were alloy grames with steel slides
5xx were steel frames and slides
6xx were stainless frames and slides

So you had the Model 39 which begat the 439 which begat the 3904
The 645 became the 4506.


Clear as mud yet?

 

[Tamara]

Don't forget the 4040PD...

Why Smith even continues to pretend that these digits mean anything is beyond me.

Hey, what does a "9" for the second digit signify? Doesn't their newest autochucker have a "9" in that position?