The "Smith and Wesson Model 195" is a misunderstood legend. It is actually the post-war 1950 .45 Army or Target model, identifiable by its S-prefix serial number in the S62,000–S130,000 range. Installing a new barrel or cylinder on these revolvers is not a drop-in affair. You must verify the hidden serial numbers on the yoke and cylinder, then hand-fit for endshake and headspace.
If your serial numbers predate S62,000, you have a .45 Hand Ejector Model of 1917 (even earlier design) – stop, as the parts are not interchangeable with a 1950 gun.
When in doubt, consult a S&W collector or a gunsmith with N-frame long-action experience. A forced installation will crack the forcing cone or ruin the timing, turning a $2,500 collectible into scrap.
Looking for specific serial number dating? The standard reference is the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" (4th Edition) by Supica and Nahas. Your "Model 195" likely shipped between 1950 and 1955.
The Smith & Wesson Model 1955, also referred to in your query as the Model 195, is a variant of their semiautomatic pistol line. The Model 1955 specifically relates to the .45 ACP version of their Model 39 series, which was produced from 1955 to 1962.
Smith & Wesson assigned serial numbers to their firearms for identification and production tracking purposes. For the Model 1955, serial numbers range approximately from K100 to K2206.
Here are some interesting features and facts about the Smith & Wesson Model 1955:
For collectors and firearms enthusiasts, the serial number can provide valuable information about the production date, model variations, and potential historical significance of the firearm.
Typical Serial Number Range: The serial numbers for these models typically started at K100 and went to around K2206. If you're looking for specific production dates or have a particular interest in whether a given serial number falls within this range, I recommend consulting a detailed collector's guide or reaching out to Smith & Wesson's customer service or a reputable firearms historian for precise information.
If you are a collector or interested in the rich history of Smith & Wesson pistols, checking the pistol's action, finish, grips, and other distinctive marks alongside the serial number can offer insights into its production and use history.
In the late 1980s, the "Model 195" didn’t exist as a single unit, but the Smith & Wesson Model 19-5
—the fifth major engineering variation of the legendary .357 Combat Magnum—was a centerpiece of American law enforcement.
Arthur, a retired detective, sat at his workbench, the blued steel of a 19-5 reflecting the dim garage light. He was looking for its history, a task that required finding its unique identity. The Search for the Identity Arthur knew that on these mid-80s K-frames, the official serial number was always stamped on the bottom of the butt of the frame
. He flipped the revolver over, seeing a string of three letters followed by four numbers—the "triple-alpha" format S&W adopted in 1980. Curious, he swung out the cylinder. Stamped behind the
(the crane), he saw the designation "MOD 19-5". Near it were other numbers, but Arthur knew those were just assembly numbers
used by factory workers to keep parts together during the "soft fitting" process. A Relic of Change smith and wesson model 195 serial numbers install
His particular 19-5 was a transition piece. Unlike the older "pinned and recessed" versions his father carried, this model had a non-pinned barrel non-recessed cylinder
, changes made starting in 1982 to streamline production. Yet, it retained the classic hammer-mounted firing pin
, a feature that would eventually vanish in later "dash" models.
To put it bluntly: If you own a Smith & Wesson that says “Model 195,” you either have a misread 1950 or a counterfeit. Use the serial number on the butt of the grip frame to date your gun via the chart above.
If you need a factory letter to confirm your specific revolver’s ship date (which costs $100), send the serial number to the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.
Have a photo of a “Model 195” stamp you’d like us to verify? Drop it in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article is for historical and collector education. Always verify a firearm is unloaded before inspecting serial numbers, and follow all local, state, and federal laws.
Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 (commonly abbreviated as "19 5" or "195") is the fifth engineering variation of the famous .357 Combat Magnum, produced between 1982 and 1988
. This specific version is historically significant because it marked the transition where S&W eliminated the pinned barrel and counterbored (recessed) cylinder. Locating the Serial Number
To identify or verify your specific revolver, you must look at the "serial number of record" rather than assembly numbers. Primary Location (Butt of the Frame) : The authoritative serial number is always stamped on the bottom of the grip frame (the butt)
. You may need to remove the grips (stocks) if they are "target style" and cover the bottom of the frame. Secondary Location (Yoke/Crane)
: When you swing the cylinder open, you will see "MOD 19-5" stamped on the frame. Below or near this, there may be a number. On the 19-5, this is often the actual serial number, but in earlier models, it was frequently an assembly number
used for fitting parts at the factory and should not be used for official identification. What to Look For
: By the time the 19-5 was produced, serial numbers typically consisted of a three-letter prefix followed by four digits (e.g., Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Dating Your Model 19-5 The Model 19-5 was introduced in
to simplify production. Because Smith & Wesson does not provide a public, searchable database, dating is typically done using the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson or by contacting the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Letter of Authenticity Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation The "Smith and Wesson Model 195" is a misunderstood legend
Common prefix ranges for the 19-5 era (1982–1988) include: 1982–1983 : Prefixes starting with : Transition into JustAnswer Key Specifications of the 19-5 How to Identify & Date a S&W revolver - Scribd
Smith & Wesson Model 1950 Serial Numbers Installation: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950, also known as the M&P (Military & Police) revolver, is a legendary firearm that has been in production since the early 20th century. With a rich history spanning over a century, the Model 1950 has undergone various design changes, improvements, and serial number installations. This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of the serial number installation process for the Smith & Wesson Model 1950.
Serial Number Range and Production Dates
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950 was produced from 1949 to 1967, with a total production run of approximately 325,000 units. The serial number range for the Model 1950 falls between K100 and K84098. However, some Model 1950s were produced with a "J" prefix serial number, which indicates a transition period between the Model 1947 (J frame) and the Model 1950.
Serial Number Location and Format
The serial number on the Smith & Wesson Model 1950 is typically located on the frame, under the crane (where the cylinder meets the frame), and on the cylinder. The serial number format consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The early models (K100-K32000) have a simple numeric serial number, while later models (K32001-K84098) feature a serial number with a single letter prefix (K).
Decoding Serial Numbers
Smith & Wesson used a coding system to decipher the manufacturing date and model information. The serial number can be broken down into several sections:
Example Serial Number Breakdown
Verifying Authenticity and Production Date
To verify the authenticity and production date of a Smith & Wesson Model 1950, you can use the following methods:
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson Model 1950 is a classic firearm with a rich history. Understanding the serial number installation process and decoding system can help collectors and enthusiasts verify the authenticity and production date of their Model 1950. This comprehensive guide provides a reference for determining the production date and verifying the legitimacy of a Smith & Wesson Model 1950. Looking for specific serial number dating
Recommendations
For collectors and firearm enthusiasts:
Limitations
This paper provides a general overview of the serial number installation process for the Smith & Wesson Model 1950. However, due to variations in production and exceptions, it is essential to consult additional resources and experts for specific information.
Future Research Directions
Further research is recommended to:
Note: Before proceeding, it’s important to clarify a technical nuance. Smith & Wesson did not manufacture a factory-designated "Model 195." The most famous S&W .45 ACP revolver is the Model 1917. However, collectors and gunsmiths often refer to the 1950 Target Model (pre-Model 26) or the 1950 .45 Army Model (pre-Model 22). The number "195" in user searches frequently refers to a custom build or a misunderstood model year (e.g., 1950). For the purpose of this guide, we are addressing the installation of a barrel or cylinder on a Post-War N-Frame .45 ACP revolver (circa 1950–1955) that is commonly mislabeled as the "Model 195."
S&W stamped the serial number in three other places to verify factory-original parts. Using a flashlight, check:
Warning: Do not use the assembly numbers (usually 4-5 digits stamped on the yoke itself). These are factory floor tracking numbers and have no relation to your gun’s birthday.
For a successful "Model 195" parts install, you need to ensure the used parts come from a compatible era. Check these four locations:
| Location | What it tells you | Tool needed | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Butt (grip frame) | Primary serial (legal S/N) | Screwdriver (remove grips) | | Yoke (crane) | Last 3-4 digits of S/N | Bright light | | Cylinder face | Last 3-4 digits | Magnifying glass | | Extractor star | Last 3-4 digits (under star) | Extractor rod tool |
If the numbers don't match: You are dealing with a "parts gun." You will need to hand-fit the new components—simply dropping them in will cause the cylinder to bind or the barrel gap to be excessive.
Unlike modern revolvers, old Smiths had parts hand-filed to match a specific frame. Installing a cylinder or barrel without checking serial alignment will destroy timing and lockup.
Because the cylinder is bored straight through (no shoulder for the .45 ACP rimless case), headspace is controlled by the moon clips.
Install test: