S&W model and generation question.

[Glock19Fan]

Hello.

I always see numbers after model numbers on S&W guns, for example, 29-2, 19-4, ect. Is this the generation number? What does it mean, and what are the differences?

Also, what is a pinned barrel?

Thanks!

 

[JoeHatley]

The dash numbers represent engineering changes by the factory. What they represent is dependent on the specific model.

A pinned barrel has a cross pin that prevents the barrel from turning.

See the small pin above the yoke on this 25-5...

Joe

 

[BillCA]

Joe's right on the money.

Prior to about the 1980's, most S&W's had a pinned barrel. You'll also see references to "pinned & recessed" (P&R) which means that the barrel is pinned in place and the revolver's cylinder has recessed chambers that surround the case-heads on Magnum cartridges. Somewhere between 1978 and 1984 S&W decided the recessed chambers weren't necessary but were an added manufacturing expense and they did away with them.

Here's a photo of the recessed chambers on a S&W Model 57 from 1982.

S&W Model 57 in .41 Magnum with recessed chambers.