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."
10K0001 – 25K0000; Triple-letter prefixes begin (e.g., AAA) 1983 ADT, AEB, AFW 1984 ALA, ALC, ALV 1985 ANE, ANL, ANP 1986 AVB, AVV, AWA 1987 AYB, AYW, AYY 1988 BAF, BAN, BBA smith and wesson model 195 serial numbers install
(e.g., 24-1), which signifies a specific update like a thread direction change in the extractor rod. Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation Verification and History Note: Before proceeding, it’s important to clarify a
Expert Conclusion
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. The Cylinder Crane: The Model 19 is a
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.
Assembly numbers, which are 4 or 5-digit codes used during manufacturing to keep parts together. Do not mistake these for the serial number. 📅 Dating Your Model 19-5
- The Cylinder Crane: The Model 19 is a swing-out cylinder revolver. Installation of the side plate requires care to ensure the hand (the part that rotates the cylinder) is properly seated.
- The Extractor Rod: Ensure the extractor rod is tightened to the correct specification. A loose rod is a common issue with K-frame revolvers and can cause the cylinder to stick.
- Screws: K-frame side plate screws are not interchangeable. They are different lengths. If you "install" a screw into the wrong hole, you can damage the frame or bind the internal mechanism.
- Insert an empty case into the cylinder. It should sit flush with the rear face.
- With the cylinder closed, the gap between the case head and recoil shield must be 0.010” to 0.015”.
- If the gap is too small (cylinder binds), the serial-number-matched yoke may be incorrect. You may need to shave the yoke barrel.