Description:
Here is a Second Year specimen of the 1955 Smith & Wesson Airweight Bodyguard. With considerable demand for pocket revolvers in the 1950s, Smith & Wesson introduced its Centennial Model in 1952, but there was still demand for a pocket lightweight .38 that a person could still fire in single action mode, like the Airweight Chief's Special, only without the hammer spur snagging a person's pocket or purse upon drawing the weapon. The upper part of the frame, as the photos show, shields the hammer; but still exposes its cleat-serrated hammer spur enough to produce a cocking motion for precise single action firing. Smith & Wesson did not assign model numbers until 1957. From this one’s 117000 range serial number, it was one of the last 1956 production pieces, only the Second Year of Production. It is, then, a Pre-38, as we sometimes say. Frame is J round butt, glossy anodized lightweight alloy. This first run variant of the Bodyguard has a .240 service width, serrated face color casehardened trigger and matching hammer nose style hammer. All S&W Revolvers of this type an internal transfer bar safety that guards against accidental firing if a loaded weapon is dropped. Barrel length is 1 7/8 inches, and this 5 shot pocket revolver only weighs 14 5/8 ounces empty. Grips are period correct, 77000 range numbered J Round factory Walnut Diamond magna service variant. We will be more than happy to sub a set of Ajax Imitation Ivory grips for a $30 discount if we keep the magnas. Smith & Wesson Product Code, assigned in the 1980s, was 101372. Barrel, cylinder and yoke have their original very nice dark bluing with a purplish tint. Surface detractions are minimal, only faint amounts of edge whitening on the forward area of the trigger guard and lower frame, with less edge whitening on the rear upper frame near the hammer. Barrel shows faint lateral whitening at the muzzle. Cylinder rotation marking is minimal, and the cylinder will show faint small amounts of freckling that is visible only upon close inspection. We rate this Airweight Bodyguard as Excellent, 90 percent vicinity by our estimate, but photos ought to suffice for our distinguished shoppers to judge finish grade for themselves. It is excellent mechanically. Bore, cylinder chambers and mechanism are all bright, clean, and excellent. We only detect faint carbon deposits on three positions of the cylinder face, so this revolver is quite possibly unfired. This revolver comes to us from the collection of our favorite Kansas lawman, and as far as we both can determine, its home domicile was in Arizona. We’ve just been reluctant to spend another $50 on a factory letter. We’re offering this very attractive, very early Eisenhower era Bodyguard for only $ 639.00. Not transferable to civilian non-dealer residents of Massachusetts. $30 off to sub the Ajax Ivory, or a set of Sile Combat Grips, and we keep the Diamond J Round Magnas. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> $15 handguns lower 48; $40 handguns Alaska, Hawaii or , USPS Priority Mail, insured with Delivery Confirmation. Don’t let your buddies use your account, that kind of thing smells like felony level straw purchase attempt. GA Pay / MC/Visa/Discover/USPS MO paid orders shipped ASAP. 7 day hold on checks. Please Note that C&R Handguns, as concealable weapons, must transfer through an 01 or 02 FFL in the States of California, Delaware, and New Jersey; in the District of Colombia; and in the cities of Boston MA, Newark NJ, New York City and Chicago IL. Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey buyers must transfer any C&R firearm through an 01 or 02 FFL. Illinois C&Rs please include a copy of your ISP FOID Card. FFL ok by fax, e-mail or mail. We offer 7 day money back on used guns and items, but No Returns on New in Box guns or on Lay-aways or ammo. We do not pay transfer fees or return shipping. New guns have factory warranties and we are not a warranty station. We accept lay-away with 20% down, balance in 90 days - lay aways no refund
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Caliber:
.38 Special
Item #:
999087828
Stock No.:
HG8495
Location:
TN
Trades Accepted: We Buy, Sell, or Trade. Always have.
Shipping Notes: $15 lower 48; $40 AK, HI, PR, USPS Priority. 7 day money back on used items, but No Returns on NIB, Lay-away, or Ammo. Lay-away OK, 20% down, 90 days to pay. We Buy, Sell, or Trade; we always have, since 1952.
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