[Bonanza]

After looking around for the answer in other threads (and not finding it), I decided to just ask a question that has already been answered. Sorry...

There has been mention of being cautious shooting modern ammunition through older S&W revolvers due to lack of cylinder hardening in earlier guns. Does someone know when Smith & Wesson began hardening cylinders in revolvers?

Thanks,

Paul Moore

 

[K22]

I've seen it on here so I know someone knows. you'll get an answer soon.

 

[Iggy]

IIRC, 1917s were treated prior to WWI. The rest were post WWI.

 

[Waidmann]

To my knowledge it began with the Model of 1917 to accommodate the .45 ACP. So that would be during WWI.

 

[Bonanza]

Here's something I found on a different forum. Does anyone know if this is correct? Also, I didn't know about the hammer block safety, so that's another consideration. Please chime in and correct this if it's wrong.

Heat treating began in 1919. Both Models predate heat treatment. Both predate the positive internal hammer block safety introduced during WWII and should be treated as 5 shooters, with the chamber under the hammer left empty. They should be safe to shoot with standard pressure lead only loads. That having been said, I'm book smart, not shooting smart on these older models and will defer to the knowledge of those who have shot them.

 

[K22]

I did a google and found this.

Smith & Wesson Model 10 M&P .38 Revolver

S&W began heat treating cylinders in 1919.

seems to confirm what you found

 

[Bonanza]

OK...here's the definitive answer. Jim Carter, who goes by Hondo44 on most forums, responded to my e-mail with this information. He writes expert commentary and has written for the upcoming 4th Edition of the Standard Catalog:


1917 – The Model 1917 Army .45 was the first Hand Ejector to have heat treated cyls because they were required by the government contract.

1920 - Heat Treated Cyls introduced on all models: These are approximate serial #s by model. Ex. .22/32 & .32 by c. #321000, .38 S&Ws by c. #20000, and .38 Special K frames by ~# 316648.

I would not worry about shooting modern standard 38 Special factory ammo in the pre treated guns. As you said, no +P and also avoid any Defense loads, anything over routine loads. Many stick to wad cutter target loads as an extra precaution or “Cowboy Shooting Ammo” loads which are mild.

So a big thanks to Jim Carter!!!

 

[K22]

Nice of Hondo to respond.

 

[Layne12gun]

Hondo is absolutely correct.

 

[StrawHat]

I asked that question on the Blue Forum and received this reply.

Heat Treated Cylinders

In a nutshell,

Model 1917, all were heat treated by Gov't requirement.

K frame 32-20 heat treating began in 1919 at approximate serial number 81,287.

K frame 38 HEs had heat treated cylinder that started in September, 1919, at about serial number 316648.

All magnum chamberings came with heat treated cylinders.

Kevin

 

[Hondo44]

Paul,

Just another tidbit about S&W cyl heat treating:

• Heat treatment eliminated by order Oct. 12, 1945 for cylinders on the .22 & .32 ‘I’ frames, K22, 32 & 38, and the 44 & 45 N frames. It doesn't specifically include 38 N frames. May be cost cutting, improved metallurgy, or more probably, both. The .357 continued to have heat treatment and all subsequent magnum cartridge models.

 

[Bonanza]

Paul,

Just another tidbit about S&W cyl heat treating:

• Heat treatment eliminated by order Oct. 12, 1945 for cylinders on the .22 & .32 ‘I’ frames, K22, 32 & 38, and the 44 & 45 N frames. It doesn't specifically include 38 N frames. May be cost cutting, improved metallurgy, or more probably, both. The .357 continued to have heat treatment and all subsequent magnum cartridge models.

That's terrific information, Jim. Thanks!!

Paul Moore

 

[StrawHat]

Paul,

Just another tidbit about S&W cyl heat treating:

• Heat treatment eliminated by order Oct. 12, 1945 for cylinders on the .22 & .32 ‘I’ frames, K22, 32 & 38, and the 44 & 45 N frames. It doesn't specifically include 38 N frames. May be cost cutting, improved metallurgy, or more probably, both. The .357 continued to have heat treatment and all subsequent magnum cartridge models.

That is interesting. Was the order never rescinded? It seems all the time we read about someone buying an old S&W and the advice all centers around the heat treated cylinder but when someone buys a new S&W, all that is said is go out and shoot it.

Kevin

 

[Hondo44]

That is interesting. Was the order never rescinded? It seems all the time we read about someone buying an old S&W and the advice all centers around the heat treated cylinder but when someone buys a new S&W, all that is said is go out and shoot it.

Kevin

I doubt the order was rescinded due to improved metallurgy. But no doubt there is new heat treating protocol for newer magnums like the .327 FM and 357 Mag J frames, 44 spl/Mag L frames, 460 and 500 mag X frames, etc.