All the Smith and Wesson Models Ever Made – Everything You Need to Know

Established in 1852, Smith and Wesson Brands, Inc. is currently one of the oldest and largest firearm manufacturers in the USA. Founded by Daniel B. Wesson and Horace Smith, it has been through a few name changes throughout its history. The past few decades brought in a series of financial difficulties. A few acquisitions moved the firearm brand from one company to another. In 2017, it nearly collapsed after sales went down by nearly 40%. It's back on track today, though, boosting a market value of $880 million in 2022. Mainly known for its revolvers, here are all the Smith and Wesson models responsible for its incredible popularity.

First models

Some of the first Smith and Wesson revolvers include Volcanic, caliber. 31, Model 11, .22 rimfire, and Army No. 2, .32 rimfire. Made during the 1850s and the 1860s, these are the earliest models out there and quite some valuable collectibles today. Back in the day, Smith and Wesson designed a few other models that are also nearly impossible to find today:

No. 3 New Model, .44 Russian
Model 3, .44
.38 Special Model
M1917, .45
Model 10, .38

All the Smith Wesson revolvers produced in its first years gained huge popularity due to their innovative features.

Model 1 was the first firearm in the portfolio, as well as the first revolver to rely on the rimfire cartridge rather than loose powder.
Model 1½ was a mix of two different revolvers. It aimed to grab the convenience from Model 1 and mix it with the size of Model 2.
Model No. 2 Army was made in over 77,000 units between 1861 and 1874. It used the .32 rimfire cartridge.
Model 2 is also known as .38 Single Action, yet it was produced as both single and double action. The production ceased in 1911.
Model 3 has been widely used in wars all over the world, especially at the beginning of the 20th century. It had quite a few variations.
Safety Hammerless couldn't be missed from the Smith and Wesson revolver models list. It's also known as the Lemon Squeezer and comes in .32 S&W and .38 S&W Blackpowder cartridges.

Over the years, Smith and Wesson produced pistols and revolvers in different frame sizes. Each collection had its own strengths, but everything was mainly related to the size.

I frame models

The I frame refers to all the .32 frame models, which are relatively small, yet some of these revolvers can also take other calibers. Here are the top Smith and Wesson 32 revolver models.

Model 30 was made until 1976 and was available in .32 Long and .32 S&W cartridges. It came with two different finishes.
Model 32 was also referred to as the Terrier. It was a small revolver, available in two calibers, .38 and .38 S&W.
Model 34 Kit Gun is a small unit you can still find today despite the production ending in 1991. Other models are considered its variants, such as Model 43 or Model 51, among others.

J frame models

The J frame was also used for small frame revolvers. Most of these Smith & Wesson models rely on the .38 caliber.

Model 36 has always been known as the Chiefs Special. Production started in 1950, and it's still ongoing today.
Model 37 is not much different and often considered a variant of Model 36. Main differences were in the frame and cylinder, which were made of aluminum.
Model 60 was initially made in 1965, and it's still in production today. It's considered one of the Smith and Wesson classic models because it's the first revolver made of stainless steel.
Model 340PD is a snub nosed firearm known for its lightweight profile. It uses the .357 Magnum caliber and has been in production since the 2000s.
Model 617 is a double action unit and slightly larger than other J frame models. It relies on the .22 LR cartridge.
Bodyguard covers a few different types of models in the same family and size. Most of them use the .357 Magnum and .38 Special calibers.
Centennial has a few variants, such as Model 40, Model 442, and Model 642. This family of guns uses more calibers and also includes some Smith and Wesson 9mm models.

K frame models

K frame models cover revolvers made in a medium frame size. Many of them use the .38 caliber.

Model 10 has been produced since 1899, and being one of the oldest models still in production today. It’s been used in every major war in the world.
Model 11 was also known as the .38 Regular Military and Police revolver. The gun came out chambered for the .38 S&W cartridge.
Model 12 is similar to Model 10. The main difference is in the frame, which is entirely based on durable aluminum.
Model 13 is similar, as there aren’t too many differences from Model 10. However, this revolver uses the .357 Magnum caliber.
Model 14 features a double action mechanism and comes with adjustable sights. It’s been produced in more stages overtime.
Model 15 is similar to Model 14, but it comes with a shorter barrel. It’s chambered for the .38 Special cartridge.
Model 16 was designed in 1947 and uses the .22 LR caliber. It boasts a solid double action mechanism and may have a six or ten round capacity.
Model 17 is practically a variant of Model 16. Reintroduced in 1947, the new model was renamed from Model 16 to Model 17.
Model 18 is similar to Model 17, but the barrel was tapered. It’s also considered a variant of Model 16, after all.
Model 19 was made between 1957 and 1999, then reintroduced in 2018. It has a few variants and uses the .357 Magnum caliber.
Model 48 didn’t gain as much popularity as other guns in this category. It had a blue steel finish and used the .22 Magnum caliber.
Model 53 is often put in the same category as Model 16 and could be considered a variant. It was brought in 1961 with the .22 Jet caliber.
Model 64 is a variant of Model 10, but it’s made of stainless steel. It was continuously made between 1970 and 2021.

While sold individually, other guns are also seen as variants of previous releases. Model 65 is a variant of Model 13. Model 66 is based on Model 19, while Model 67 and Model 68 are similar to Model 15. Model 617 is an upgraded version of Model 17.

L frame models

L frame models are somewhere between medium and large revolvers. There are quite a few units on the Smith and Wesson revolver models list in this category. Model 386 was made of alloy, while Model 586 came in blued steel. Model 686 was based on stainless steel, just like Model 686+. The difference was that Model 686+ had a seven shot cylinder. Model 619 and Model 620 are almost identical, but Model 620 features adjustable sights. Model 646 has similar sights, and it's made of stainless steel. Model 69 stands out with its .44 Remington Magnum caliber. Revolvers in this L frame category mainly rely on .37 and .44 Magnum calibers.

M frame models

The M frame refers to a small Ladysmith frame. It’s a classic design that might be difficult to find today. The Ladysmith handguns were made between 1902 and 1986 and were mostly used by the FBI. Early models used the .22 Long cartridge. Newer models brought in other calibers, too, such as .38 Special or .357 Magnum, among others. Firearms in this group include Model 631LS, Model 36LS, Model 60LS, Model 65LS and Model 642LD. Model 631LS was only made in 1990, in 5457 units only. Not all of them are considered Ladysmith guns, but only 190 units.

N frame models

N frame designs are considered large and mainly rely on .44 Magnum cartridges, yet there are also some exceptions.

.44 Hand Ejector 1st Model New Century is shortly known as the Triple Lock, and it uses .44 Special and .455 Webley cartridges.
Model 1917 was used in most major wars of the last century. It’s the first unit among S&W 45 ACP revolver models.
Model 22 represents an upgrade of Model 1917 and was often referred to as M1950 Military.
Model 24 was the first unit to use the .44 Special Hand Ejector cartridge, but it was discontinued.
Model 27 is the first release to rely on the .357 Magnum caliber, which is quite hard to find these days.
Model 38 was known as the Highway Patrolman due to its obvious uses and relied on the .357 Magnum caliber.
Model 29 was the first gun from Smith and Wesson to use the .44 Magnum caliber.
Model 25 is very similar but uses the .45 ACP, .45 Auto Rim, and .45 Colt cartridges.
Model 57 represents Smith and Wesson’s first try on the .41 Magnum caliber.

A few other units worth being mentioned in this category include Model 58, Model 610, Model 625, Model 627 and Model 629.

X frame models

The X frame is relatively new compared to other categories and was specifically created for large units, mainly using the .500 S&W Magnum caliber. There are three guns in this category. Model 350 has a seven shot capacity and uses the .350 Legend caliber. On the other hand, Model 460 relies on the .460 S&W Magnum caliber and has a five shot capacity. Model 500 is similar, but it uses the .500 S&W Magnum caliber. All these revolvers are quite large.

Z frame models

The Z frame category only includes Governor, a snub nosed unit made since 2011. The Z frame is practically a stretched N frame, but this particular gun also uses a grip that’s more common in K frame revolvers. The Governor is available in more cartridges, including .410 bore, .45 ACP, .45 Schofield, and .45 Colt. It's made with both single and double action mechanisms.

Semi-automatic pistols

Semi-automatic pistols were introduced by Smith and Wesson to fill the demand of the American government, which was trying to find a replacement for the classic Colt 1911A1.

Bodyguard 380 is a compact release made between 2011 and 2021 in the .380 ACP caliber.
Model 22A features an aluminum alloy frame and has a unique rail along the top.
Model 39 was the first double action unit using the 9x19mm Parabellum caliber in the USA.
Model 41 is known for its top-notch grip, similar to the one in Colt M1911.
Model 52 might be limited to five rounds only, but it’s one of the most reliable guns for practice shooting.
Model 59 represents another premiere, as the first 9x19mm Parabellum gun with a double action mechanism and a high capacity from Smith and Wesson.
Model 61 was known for its tiny design and concealable profile. It was first designed in 1970.
Model 78G is a vintage air powered pistol. It’s considered a collectible these days.
Model 1913 was only made until 1921 in the .35 S&W Auto caliber.
Model 459 was made for the American military. It’s a more advanced version of Model 59.
Model 469 was made as a concealable weapon, but with lots of power for its size.
Model 645 uses the .45 ACP cartridge, and while the production stopped in 1988, you can still find it these days.
Model 908 uses the 9x19mm Parabellum caliber. While often marketed to be separate guns, many consider Model 908S, Model 909, Model 910, and Model 915 as some of its variants.
Model 1006 is built for the 10mm Auto cartridge and features quite a few different variants, such as 1026, 1046, 1066, and 1086. 1076 was made for the FBI only.
Model 4006 has been in production since 1990 and chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge. It has an 11 round magazine.
Model 4506 uses the same caliber and has a variant, Model 4506-1. It was made until 1999 only.
Model 5906 is currently used by police and military forces from numerous countries, including the USA, Brazil, Japan, or Canada.

It's worth noting that SW22 Victory and 539 were among Smith and Wesson's semi-automatic pistols, but they never made it big. Other than that, the American manufacturer has also come up with some different series in this category.

Sigma series came out in 1994 and includes guns like SW40F, SW9F, SW357V, and SW380 and their variants. Smith and Wesson had legal issues with Glock regarding a patent, but the case was settled for an undisclosed amount of money.
SW99 series was introduced after Smith and Wesson made an agreement with Walther. The pistol is known as SW99 and represents a nearly identical alternative to Walther’s P99 pistols. It was made for more calibers.
M&P series came out with a polymer based gun, suitable for police forces. The M&P gun was designed as a new unit, so parts from other pistols can’t be used interchangeably. It was also made available in more calibers.
SD VE series came out as an improved version of the SD. The new gun was introduced in 2012 in both .40 S&W and 9x19mm calibers. It has a few other variants, too, with the main differences in the actual capacity.
SW1911 series was introduced in 2013 and came as a new variant of the traditional M1911. There are quite a few variants of the SW1911. Differences and additions are the types of features that would normally be considered custom.

Rifles

Smith and Wesson built most of its reputation on revolvers. While it did try its luck with rifles and carbines, it failed to reach the desired results. Model 1940 Light Rifle was made by Smith & Wesson at the UK’s request during World War II, but it was a total failure. The manufacturer tried again in 2006 with M&P15, a bunch of rifles based on the classic AR-15. The rifle came out in two variants. The actual manufacturing process is managed by Stag Arms. M&P15R was introduced in 2008, using the 5.43x39mm caliber. A year later, M&P15-22 was made available but for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Smith and Wesson has also designed the so-called i-Bolt, a series of bolt action rifles. They came in three calibers, .270 Win, .25-06, and .30-06.

Submachine guns

Smith and Wesson didn’t produce too many submachine guns throughout its history. A 9mm unit was introduced in 1967 with the primary purpose of battling H.K. MP5 and Uzi. A few parts were borrowed from the Carl Gustaf M/45, but everything else was original. This so-called Model 76 featured a limited production and was mainly used by police forces. With time, all these submachine guns ended up in civilian hands.

Shotguns

Smith and Wesson tried its luck with shotguns, too, but the new firearms still couldn’t outweigh the popularity of the brand’s revolvers. Model 916 was released in 1972 after Smith and Wesson bought the patent for a shotgun made by Noble Manufacturing Co. The design wasn’t perfect, so all the guns were hit with a recall caused by a safety problem. Model 3000 came out later on, as well as Model 1000. Both units were produced in Japan under a Howa Machinery license. Financial issues forced the American brand to exit the shotgun market. The move was only temporary. AS was an assault shotgun with automatic features that was released in the 1990s. 2006 brought in two new releases, the 1000 series, and the Elite series. Both types were made in Turkey until about 2010. At the same time, Smith and Wesson came up with a new program for its shotgun buyers, offering a lifetime warranty for the original buyer and a chosen heir. M&P12 was announced in the summer of 2021, a 12 gauge shotgun designed in the bullpup style.

Other

Smith and Wesson also designs police and military tools, such as handcuffs or prisoner transport chains, among others. Bicycles and pocket knives are part of similar collections, too. The manufacturer has also created a bunch of cartridges, many of them used by other brands and firearms as well:

.22 Short
.32 S&W
.32 S&W Long
.32-44 S&W
.38 S&W
.357 S&W Magnum
.40 S&W
.44 American
.44 Russian
.44 Remington Magnum
.500 S&W Magnum

The list is a bit longer, but these are the most reputable cartridges made by Smith and Wesson. Bottom line, it’s easy to tell what makes Smith & Wesson one of the top-rated firearm manufacturers in the USA. Its impressive list of revolvers for civilian and official uses has turned the brand into a top choice, mainly due to its innovative and reliable features.

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