s&w revolver User Guide

Read the instructions and

warnings in this manual

CAREFULLY BEFORE using

this firearm.

2100 Roosevelt Avenue • Springfield, MA 01104

1-800-331-0852 • Fax: [phone]

www.smith-wesson.com

Owner’s Manual

Revolvers

- Modern Style -

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS

AND W ARNINGS CAREFULLY. BE

SURE Y OU UNDERSTAND THESE

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM.

This SAFETY, INSTRUCTION

and PARTS MANUAL should
always accompany this firearm
and be transferred with it upon

change of ownership or presented

to another person. A copy of the

SAFETY, INSTRUCTION, & PARTS

MANUAL is available FREE upon

request from:

SMITH & WESSON

CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER

2100 ROOSEVELT AVENUE

SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104

TEL.: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

INDEX

SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

BASIC FIREARMS SAFETY RULES . . . . . . . .5-6

SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION . . . . . .7-8

NOMENCLATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

PREPARATION FOR FIRING . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10

AMMUNITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-12

AMMUNITION WARNING - Ti, Sc, PD SERIES .13

MODEL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . .14

INSPECTING YOUR REVOLVER . . . . . . . . . . .15

INTERNAL LOCK MECHANISM . . . . . . . . .15-17

LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

FIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-20

CLEARING MISFIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

UNLOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

SIGHT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

PRODUCT WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . .23

SERVICE, SHIPPING & PARTS . . . . . . . . .24-25

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

EXTENDED SERVICE POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . .27

COMPONENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29

GUNSMITH WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

SAFETY IS YOUR

NUMBER ONE

RESPONSIBILITY!!!!

W

ARNING: YOU MUST FOLLOW
ALL OF THESE SAFETY RULES TO
ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF YOUR
FIREARM

• Safe gun handling is YOUR personal

responsibility at all times. Firearms are dangerous

and can cause serious injury and death if they are
misused or used inappropriately. Safety must be the
prime consideration of anyone who owns or handles
firearms.

•You are responsible for the firearm at all times.

In owning a firearm, you must undertake full-time
responsibility for your firearm’s safety and security.
You must protect yourself and all others against
injury or death from misuse of the firearm.

• Saf

e storage is your responsibility.

In particular,
you must secure firearms safely from children and
unauthorized users. A lock has been provided for
your use with this firearm. A lock is not a substitute
for safe and secure storage as defined in the “Safe
Storage and Transportation” section of this manual.

• Accidents are the result of violating the rules of
safe gun handling and common sense.

• For your safety and the safety of others, never
rel

y on mechanical features alone.

Only your
safe gun-handling habits will ensure the safe use of
your firearm. This is your responsibility.

•Ne

ver keep ammunition in the same location as

the handgun. Store in a separate and secure

place.

• READ

and UNDERSTAND these instructions

before using y

our firearm.

4

SAFETY

At home, in the field, at the range, or anywhere, the first
concern of every firearm owner should be safety. Apply the fol­lowing safety rules in every situation, with any kind of firearm.

• BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM,
UNDERSTAND ITS OPERA

TION.

Not all firearms
are the same. Familiarize yourself with the
mechanical features of any firearm you intend to
use. If you feel uncertain about any operational aspects
of your handgun, please contact Smith & Wesson
at 1-800-331-0852 before proceeding with its operation.

•AL

WAYS SAFELY STORE AND SECURE YOUR

FIREARM. Safe and secure storage of your firearm

is one of the most important responsibilities of
firearms ownership. It is a full-time responsibility.
You must always secure your firearm and
ammunition separately so that they are not
accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
(See Safe Storage Instructions)

•AL

WAYS

TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT

WERE

LO

ADED AND WOULD FIRE IF

THE TRIGGER

IS PULLED. Do not take anyone’s word that the

firearm is unloaded – always check for yourself.
Never pass your firearm to another person until the
cylinder or action is open and you visually check that it
is unloaded. Keep your firearm unloaded and safely stored
when not in use.

•AL

WAYS KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A

SAFE DIRECTION. Never point a firearm at anyone

or anything you do not intend to shoot whether or not
it is loaded.This is particularly important when
loading, unloading, or field stripping the gun. ALWAYS
control the direction of the firearm.

• NEVER PLACE YOUR FINGER INSIDE THE
TRIGGER GUARD UNLESS YOU INTEND TO FIRE.

Your firearm cannot fire unless the tr igger is pulled.
Ensure that other objects do not touch the trigger.

•AL

WAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT

IS BEYOND IT. Always be sure of where the bullet

will strike and shoot only where there is a safe
backstop free of obstructions, water or other
surfaces which can cause ricochets. Do not fire into
the sky.

BASIC FIREARM

SAFETY RULES

5

WARNING!

THE F AILURE T O FOLLOW THESE BASIC
FIREARM SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN AN
UNINTENDED DISCHARGE WHICH COULD CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES

• Never carry or store a firearm with the hammer or striker in

the cocked position.

• Do not allow a firearm to be used by individuals who have

not read these basic firearms safety rules and do not under­stand its safe operation and the rules of safe gun-handling.

• Be sure all accessor ies, such as holsters and grips,

are compatible with the firearm and that the
accessories do not interfere with safe operation.

• Use the correct ammunition for your particular

firearm as indicated by the marking on the barrel.
Never use non-standard, reloaded, or “handloaded”
ammunition which has not been subjected to internal
ballistic pressure testing.

• Discharging firear ms in poor ly ventilated areas,

cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result
in exposure to lead and other substances known to
cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other
serious physical injury. Review the warnings and
labels for all ammunition and cleaning products
carefully. Have adequate ventilation at all times.
Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

• Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.

Do not use your firearm if you are on any medication
which impairs, even slightly, your mental or physical
ability.

• Wear eye and hearing protection appropriate for

firearm use every time you discharge your firearm.
Make sure others in the vicinity of where you will be
shooting do so as well.

• Do not allow any alteration or replacement of parts in

your Smith & Wesson firearm unless performed by a
qualified gunsmith using genuine Smith & Wesson
parts. If you do otherwise, improper functioning of
your firearm may occur and serious injury may result.

• Never cross obstacles such as fences or streams

with a loaded firearm.

• Firear m safety training is available. Contact your dealer,

Law Enforcement Agency, local sportsman’s club, etc. for
availability.

• Appropr iate use for your firearm means using your firearm

for legal purposes. For example - target shooting and
lawful resistance of deadly criminal force.

• These are basic firear ms safety rules. There are other

common sense safety rules that should be followed at all
times under the circumstances then presented.

SAFE USE OF A FIREARM IS YOUR PERSONAL
RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL
OF THESE BASIC SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN
SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

BASIC FIREARM SAFETY RULES CONT’D.

6

7

WARNING:

SAFE AND SECURE STORAGE OF
YOUR FIREARM IS ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY.
YOUR F AILURE T O FOLLOW THESE RULES
MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

• You must always secure your firearm and ammunition

separately so that they are not accessible to children
or other unauthorized persons.

• Safe and secure storage and transportation of your

firearm are your responsibility. It is a full-time
responsibility.

•AL

WAYS STORE YOUR FIREARM UNLOADED.

Your firearm and ammunition should be stored separately in
places and in a manner inaccessible to children and
unauthorized persons.

•SMITH &

WESSON HAS PROVIDED A LOCK FOR

USE WITH YOUR FIREARM. There are also a variety of

other locks and safe storage containers available in the
marketplace which may be appropriate for your particular
needs. Consult your local gunshop, hardware store, or
local police department for guidance on the variety of other
safe storage devices or practices which may be appropr iate
for your particular needs. By purchasing this firearm you
have taken on the responsibility of safely securing the
firearm at all times and preventing its unauthorized use. It
is your personal responsibility to select and use whatever
devices or practices that will enable you to safely secure
your firearm at all times.

DO NOT USE A LOCK ON A LOADED HANDGUN

AND NEVER LOAD A LOCKED HANDGUN!!

Onl

y you can determine what devices or practices are

appropriate for the safe storage of your firearm and

your ammunition.

• NEVER ASSUME THAT A “HIDING” PLACE IS A

SECURE STORAGE METHOD. Others may be aware of

your storage location or come upon it by chance. It is your
personal responsibility to use common sense when storing
and securing your firearm and ammunition and to always
make sure that it is not accessible to children or other
unauthorized persons.

• FOLLO

W THE LAW!! You must be familiar with all local,

state, and federal laws regarding the safe storage and
transportation of your firearm. Failure to know and follow
the law may result in unauthorized access or use of your
firearm by another. Obey all laws relating to the storage
and transportation of firearms.

• NEVER

TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM.

When transporting your firearm, be sure it is unloaded
and that the cylinder or action is open.

SAFE STORAGE &

TRANSPORTATION

8

• Your local police depar tment or gunshop will fur nish you

with available information on storing and/or transporting a
firearm legally.

•Y

OUR FIREARM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Protect your firearm from theft or misuse by untrained or
unqualified individuals.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE ST

ORAGE

When storing, do not encase your firearm in anything that will attract or
hold moisture, for example, leather or heavy cloth. Also, do not store
guns with a plug inserted in the barrel for this can be a contributing
factor to moisture accumulation. If your firear m is to be stored for an
extended period, the bore, chambers and internal working mechanism
should be oiled with acid-free lubricating oil or preservative, and the
external working mechanisms, frame, cylinder and barrel should be
coated with an anti-rust oil. Before using your firearm again, be sure to
clean it. Every time you clean your firearm, check it for signs of wear.
If wear is noted, do not use the firearm. Return it to Smith & Wesson
for service or have it checked by a qualified gunsmith.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE USE

Before using your firearm, it should be cleaned. (See Cleaning
Instructions) Your firearm has been treated with either a preservative
or oil to protect it against corrosion. Before using it, all excess oil
should be wiped from the bore, chambers (charge holes), and exposed
areas using a clean swab or patch. A light coat of high quality gun oil
should be applied to the outside surfaces and mechanism. Care
should be taken not to oil the mechanism to the degree that dust and
lint may be trapped by the oil.

SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION CONT’D.

Smith & Wesson handguns are reliable and safe to use when
the basic firearm safety rules are followed. There are a
number of internal safety mechanisms within the
lockwork of the handgun which ensure that the firearm will
not discharge unless the trigger of the handgun is pulled.
That is one reason why it is important to never modify or
alter your firearm. Before you use your handgun, you
should be fully familiar with its operation.

Here is a list of basic firearms terminology.

AMMUNITION - CENTERFIRE

- Ammunition which
contains the primer in the center of the base of the case. Among
the most common centerfire handgun cartridges are the .32,
.38 Special, .380, 9mm, .357 Magnum®, .40 S&W®, .45 ACP
and the .44 Magnum®.

AMMUNITION - RIMFIRE

- Ammunition which contains the
primer material in the rim. Among the most common r imfire
handgun cartridges are the .22 Long, .22 Shor t, .22 LR, .22CB,
.22BB, and .22 Magnum.

CALIBER

- The diameter of a bullet, designated in
hundredths or thousandths of an inch (.357) or in
millimeters (9mm).

DECOCK

- The process by which the hammer or striker is safely

lowered.

NOMENCLATURE

9

DOUBLE ACTION -A firing action where the hammer or striker

is drawn back, released, and the gun fired by a single pull of the
trigger.

DOUBLE ACTION ONLY

-A firearm designed so that it can only

be fired in double action.

PIST

OL -A handgun that contains the cartridges in a magazine.

REVOLVER -A handgun that contains the car tridges in a

cylinder that revolves at the rear of the barrel.

SINGLE A

CTION -A firing action where the hammer or striker is

released from the cocked position by pulling the trigger.
The operation of your handgun will be explained in greater detail

in the pages that follow, as well as a greater description of key
component parts.

NOMENCLATURE CONT’D.

PREPARATION FOR

FIRING

AL

WAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHICH IS

SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE.

• Failure to wear adequate and proper ear protection on

even one occasion can permanently damage your hearing.
Make sure others who are nearby are wearing ear
protection as well.

• Always wear safety glasses, whether indoors or out.

Safety glasses protect your eyes from the firing flash and
particles associated with the discharge of ammunition.

• DO NO

T SHOOT A

T HARD SURFACES, WATER OR UP

INTO THE SKY. Always select a place to shoot that has a

safe backstop, is free from obstructions and water surfaces
which cause ricochets.

• Alw

ays be aware of other people so that persons cannot

accidentally walk into the line of fire.

• Position the shooter and all others so that they are not

within an area where they may be struck by particle-spitting
from a revolver or by ejected cases from other types of
firearms.

• Keep fingers and other parts of your body away from the

muzzle and away from the gap between the revolver barrel
and cylinder, and away from the pistol slide and ejection
port.

• Be aler t and always follow the safety instruction of the

range officer.

10

• Be sure that all cylinders and actions of firearms are

open, that chambers are clear of cartridges,
magazines are removed, and that firearms are
pointing in a safe direction before anyone is allowed
in front of the firing position.

• Be aler t at all times. Never shoot if you are tired,

cold or impaired in any way.

• Treat your firearm as if it were loaded at all times.

AMMUNITION

PREPARATION FOR FIRING CONT’D.

A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• A firearm and ammunition are a system and must work

together. Their performance is closely related. There are
different types of ammunition for different types of firearms.
Your firearm has been designed for ammunition of a specific
type and a specific caliber. It is impor tant to select the
proper ammunition for your firearm.

!! W

ARNING !!

• Never use ammunition not specifically designated for

use in your firearm. Failure to use the correct type or
caliber of ammunition may cause the firearm to jam, fail
to fire or even generate excessive pressure which can
damage or even rupture your firearm, causing personal
injury or property damage.

• You are responsible for selecting ammunition that meets

industry standards and is appropriate in type and caliber for
this firearm.

• Locate the caliber designation printed on the handgun.

This information indicates the ammunition caliber that
should be used in this firearm. (See figure #1)

B.

HANDLOADED OR RELOADED AMMUNITION

!! WARNING !!

• Never use non-standard, reloaded or “handloaded”

ammunition which has not been subjected to internal
ballistic pressure testing. Reloaded or handloaded

ammunition, may have many manufacturing and quality
variables (such as the type and amount of gun powder).

• Any ammunition that is improperly manufactured,

even in the slightest degree,
may fail to fire or may
generate excessive
internal pressures which
can damage or even
rupture the firearm,
causing personal injury to
the shooter or those in the
immediate vicinity.

FIGURE 1

11

• Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with

internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance
with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and
Ammunition Manufacturers’Institute (SAAMI).

• Be certain all ammunition you use complies with the

SAAMI specifications. If you are uncer tain, contact your
ammunition supplier for verification.

C.

MISFIRES

• If your firearm fails to fire when the trigger is pulled

(misfires), keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction,
remove your finger from the trigger, and wait 10 seconds.
Only after you have completed all of the above steps,
remove the magazine or open the cylinder and remove the
cartridge from the chamber and dispose of it properly.
Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.

• If you have heard an unusual sound or felt an unusual recoil

on firing, stop firing, wait 10 seconds, unload the firearm,
and examine the barrel bore for obstructions.

• Make sure your barrel is clear and free of obstructions.

If you see an obstruction, return your firearm to
Smith & Wesson or take it to a qualified gunsmith. Never
fire a firearm with an obstructed barrel.

D

.

AMMUNITION SPECIFICS

• Use only ammunition specifically recommended by

Smith & Wesson for your firearm.

• Never mix ammunition.

• Never use a cartridge not specifically designated for use in

your firearm. Pressure from the wrong type of ammunition
may be beyond the capability of your firearm to withstand
and may damage or even rupture your firearm.

• Whenever rimless pistol cartridges are used in the cylinder

of a Smith & Wesson revolver, (except M547) full or
half-moon clips MUST be used to both position and extract
such cartridges. Failure to use ammunition clips with
rimless cartridges may result in malfunction of the revolver.

• Additional ammunition calibers can be fired from the

following list of select calibers.

Caliber on Barrel

Can also Fire
.45 Colt .45 Schofield, .45 S&W
.45 S&W .45 Schofield
.44 Magnum .44 Special
.357 Magnum .38 Special, .38 Special +P
.22LR .22L, .22 Short, .22CB, .22BB

(in revolvers only)
10mm .40 S&W (in revolvers only)

• In some cases, a round of ammunition not specified on your

handgun may fit into the chamber or cylinder. Firing
ammunition not specified on your handgun may cause it
to rupture and cause serious injury or death.

AMMUNITION CONT’D.

12

AMMUNITION CONT’D.

E. AMMUNITION WARNINGS

• “Plus-P” (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of

the pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such
pressures may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the
margin of safety built into some revolvers and could
therefore be DANGEROUS.

• “Plus-P” ammunition should not be used in medium

(K frame) revolvers manufactured prior to 1958. Such
pre-1958 medium (K-frame) revolvers can be identified by
the absence of a model number stamped inside the yoke
cut of the frame. (i.e., the area of the frame exposed when
the cylinder is in the open position, see Figure 2).

• “Plus-P-Plus (+P+) marking on the ammunition merely

designates that it exceeds established industry standards,
but the designation does not represent defined pressure
limits and therefore such ammunition may vary significantly
as to the pressures generated.

• “Plus-P-Plus (+P+) ammunition is not recommended for use

in Smith & Wesson firearms.

• In the Model 940 revolver, some brands of 9mm parabellum

ammunition may cause difficulty in extracting spent
cartridge cases from the cylinder. If this situation occurs,
thoroughly clean the cylinder charge holes with solvent. If
this condition persists, we recommend changing to another
brand of 9mm parabellum ammunition.

• Smith & Wesson has found wide variations in primer

sensitivity between some brands and types of .22LR
ammunition. Smith & Wesson recommends that before you
put your .22LR handgun into regular use, that you fire
several boxes of your choice of ammunition through it to
determine reliability of ignition. If “failure to fire” occurs, tr y
different types of brands of .22LR ammunition until a
reliable loading is found.

13

Carefully inspect the loaded round to determine if its bullet
has started to unseat (move forward) from its casing.(Figure 2)
If it has, you should not use the tested ammunition in your
revolver. Chose another projectile weight or brand of
ammunition and repeat this test until you find one that
DOES NOTUNSEAT under these test conditions. When you
are finished, fully unload your revolver and secure it safely.

PROPER

CARTRIDGE

CARTRIDGE WITH

UNSEATED

PROJECTILE

CASE MOUTH

PROJECTILE

AMMUNITION WARNING

FOR Ti, Sc, PD Series

REVOLVERS

Before placing any of these reduced weight revolvers into
service, perform the following test to determine the
suitability of the ammunition you intend to use.

At a gun range or other suitable and safe location, prepare your
revolver for fir ing by fully loading its cylinder with the ammunition
to be tested. While pointing the firear m in a safe direction, fire all
but the last round. Remove the empty casings and the last
loaded round from the revolver’s cylinder.

FIGURE 2

AMMUNITION WARNING
ALL SCANDIUM REVOLVERS FIRING
MAGNUM AMMUNITION
(Example: All model 340’s, 360’s, 386’s)

To reduce the possibility of premature cylinder
erosion, do NOT use Magnum

®

loadings with

bullet weights less than 120 gr.

14

MODEL NUMBER
IDENTIFICATION

The internal serial number and the model and dash numbers
appear inside the yoke (figure 3) when the cylinder is in the open
position. The external serial number appears below the cylinder.
(Figure 4)

FIGURE 3

FRONT SIGHT

BARREL

HAMMER

THUMBPIECE

REAR SIGHT

CYLINDER

GRIP

TRIGGER

GUARD

TRIGGER

EXTRACTOR

ROD

MUZZLE

FIGURE 5

INTERNAL LOCK

FIGURE 4

When you inspect your revolver, you must first check to ensure
that it is unloaded. Do this with your finger off the trigger and out
of the trigger guard (Figure 6) and keep the barrel of the gun
pointed in a safe direction. Press the thumbpiece forward and
push the cylinder to the left (Figure 7).

You are now able to visually check all charge holes for cartridges
and the barrel for obstructions.

You must follow this procedure every time your revolver is
handled, inspected, handed to another person, transported or
stored.

INSPECTING YOUR

REVOLVER

FIGURE 6

FIGURE 7

15

INTERNAL LOCK

MECHANISM

Never underestimate the possibility for an
unauthorized user to find your key or otherwise
defeat this internal lock.

You must continuously examine your personal
situation to make sure the internal lock provides a
sufficient level of security to keep unauthorized
users from firing the revolver.

An internal lock mechanism will be added to

revolvers during 2001.

FEATURES

This feature prevents hammer
and trigger motion when activated.
On revolvers with internal lock
mechanisms, markings on the left
side of the frame, adjacent to the
lock, indicate the locking status. In
addition, revolvers with fully
exposed hammers display a flag
marked “LOCKED” when the
revolver is locked. This lock requires an external key to engage
and to disengage. The lock is located adjacent to and slightly
over the thumb piece. (Figure 8)

FIGURE 8

16

T

O ENGAGE THE LOCK

WARNING: Never lock the revolver while it is loaded.
Never lock the firearm with the hammer cocked.

Open the cylinder and ensure the revolver is completely
unloaded. Hold the revolver with the cylinder open in one hand.
Insert the key and turn it counter-clockwise using the other hand.
The key will turn approximately 90

o

. The locked indicator flag will
become visible on revolvers with exposed hammers. A definite
stop and detent will be felt when the key is turned to either the
locked or the unlocked postion.(Figure 9)

TO DISENGAGE THE LOCK

WARNING: Always open the cylinder and verify the
revolver is unloaded and each charge hole is empty
before unlocking the revolver.

With the cylinder open, hold the revolver in one hand. Insert the
key and turn it approximately 90

o

in a clockwise direction using
the other hand until the flag returns to its hidden, unlocked
position on revolvers with exposed hammers. A definite stop and
detent will be felt when the key is turned to either the locked or
the unlocked postion.(Figure 10)

FIGURE 9

FIGURE 10

INTERNAL LOCK MECHANISM CONT’D.

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO DETERMINE
WHETHER A REVOLVER IS LOCKED OR UNLOCKED
BY PULLING THE TRIGGER.

To Lock

To Unlock

17

INTERNAL LOCK MECHANISM CONT’D.

The position of the cylinder has no relationship to the locked
status of the revolver.

When the revolver is properly locked, the cylinder may be
opened or closed.

The internal lock feature does not remove your
responsibility for the proper securing and storage of
your handgun.

The revolver and ammunition must not be available to
unauthorized users.

Never provide the key or reveal the location of the key
to anyone you do not intend to use this handgun.

WARNING:

TO SAFELY RECOVER FROM A SITUATION WHERE THE
REVOLVER HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY LOCKED WITH THE
HAMMER FULLY COCKED, THE FOLLOWING STEPS MUST
BE FOLLOWED. THROUGHOUT THIS PROCEDURE, THE
REVOLVER MUST BE TREATED AS IF IT WERE LOADED.

1. WITH YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUT OF
THE TRIGGER GUARD, PLACE THE THUMB OF Y OUR
SHOOTING HAND ON THE HAMMER AND PULL FULLY
REARWARD TO ENSURE THE HAMMER IS IN THE FULLY
COCKED POSITION.

2. WITH YOUR FINGER STILL OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUT
OF THE TRIGGER GUARD AND THE REVOLVER POINTED IN
A SAFE DIRECTION, UNLOCK THE LOCK USING THE KEY
PROVIDED.

3. FOLLOW THE DECOCKING PROCEDURE AS
EXPLAINED ON PAGES 19-20 TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER.
ASSUME THE REVOLVER IS LOADED WHILE FOLLOWING
THIS PROCEDURE.

4. OPEN THE CYLINDER AND VERIFY THE REVOLVER IS
UNLOADED.

18

FIRING

WARNING: During firing always keep the barrel
pointed in a safe direction. Always keep your
fingers away from the area between the cylinder and
the barrel during firing.

LOADING

• Do not load your revolver until you have read and

understand the Basic Firearms Safety Rules.

• Do not load your revolver until you are at the shooting site

and fully prepared to fire.

• If your internal lock is engaged, unlock before proceeding.

• To load your revolver, hold it in one hand with the muzzle

pointed in a safe direction and away from you and others
while keeping your finger off the trigger and out of the
trigger guard. Press the thumbpiece forward to unlock the
cylinder. Push the cylinder to the left and place a round of
the correct ammunition in each charge hole. Grasp the
revolver in the shooting hand with your finger still outside
the trigger guard (Figure 11), push the cylinder back into
the frame until it locks into place.

Your revolver is now fully loaded and ready to be fired.
The hammer is in the “at rest” position as shown in Figure 3,
Page 14.

!!

WARNING !!

Always inspect your revolver visually to be sure the hammer
and trigger are in the at rest or forward position before
holstering or carrying it. Never
holster, carry or store your
revolver with the hammer cocked.
Remember to keep your revolver
pointed in a safe direction. Never
leave a loaded firearm unattended.

FIGURE 11

There are two ways to fire your
Smith & Wesson revolver. The
first is in the double action
mode, wherein the shooter fully
pulls and holds the trigger to the
rear, causing the hammer to fully
cycle rearward and then release.
The second way to fire a
revolver is in the single action mode, in which the hammer is
first cocked and the trigger is then pulled and held to the
rear (Figure 12).

FIGURE 12

19

FIRING CONT’D.

A lesser amount of trigger pressure and motion are necessary to fire
the revolver when the hammer is in the cocked position. As in any fir­ing situation, continue to exercise great care in handling a revolver
which has been placed in the single action or cocked mode.

Doub

le Action Firing*

While holding the grips firmly, pull the trigger fully to the rear.
The hammer will move rearward and then fall forward to fire the
revolver. Never touch the trigger until you are ready to fire. After
firing, you must allow the trigger to move forward fully before you can
fire another shot. Failure to do so will prevent the lockwork from fully
cycling and will prevent your being able to fire the next shot. Keep
your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are
ready to fire again. Do not touch or otherwise interfere with the travel
of the hammer during double action firing.

* This is the only mode of operation possible on Smith & Wesson
Centennial models (with enclosed non-visible hammer) such as
models 296, 332, 340, 342, 442, 640, 642 and 940.

Single Action Firing

With your fingers outside of the trigger guard and a firm hold on the
grips, place the thumb of your non-shooting hand on the hammer
spur. Pull the hammer fully rearward until it is cocked as shown in
Figure 12. The action of pulling the hammer to the rear until it is
cocked will also cause the trigger to move rearward.The revolver will
now fire in the single action mode, requiring significantly less trigger
pressure than in the double action mode.

Never touch the trigger until you are ready to fire. To fire, pull the
trigger and hold it rearward. After firing, you must allow the trigger
to move fully forward before you can fire another shot. Failure to do
so will prevent the lockwork from fully cycling and will prevent your
being able to fire the next shot. Keep your finger off the trigger and
outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire again.

W

ARNING: Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe

direction!

W

ARNING: Only place the revolver in the single action

mode when you are fully prepared to fire.

Decoc

king (or uncocking):

If you decide not to fire in single action from a cocked position, con­tinue to point the firearm in a safe direction. Decock the revolver as
follows:

(1) Place the thumb of your free hand between the hammer and the

frame of the handgun to prevent the hammer from moving fully
forward until your finger is off the trigger and out of the trigger
guard. (Fig. 13)

(2) Place the thumb of your firing hand on the hammer spur. You

must always control the hammer with your thumbs when
decocking the handgun. If the hammer slips while the trigger is
held to the rear and you have failed to block the hammer travel,
your handgun will fire.(Figure 13)

20

FIGURE 16

FIGURE 14

FIGURE 13

FIGURE 15

FIRING CONT’D.

(3) Apply pressure to the trigger to release the hammer as shown

in Figure 14. Immediately after the hammer has come out of
cocked position, release the trigger and withdraw your finger
from the trigger guard.

W

ARNING:

Failure to remove your finger from the trigger
guard as soon as the hammer releases could cause the
revolver to fire if your thumb slips off of the hammer spur.

(4) Carefully ease the hammer forward while removing your other

thumb from between the hammer and frame (Figure 15) until
the hammer is in the “at rest” position (Figure 16).

5) Practice this procedure with your unloaded revolver until you

have mastered decocking. Always be aware of the hammer
position. Never holster, carry or store a cocked revolver.
Be sure the hammer is in the “at rest” position as shown in
Figure 16 after decocking.

Caution:

Incomplete Decocking

Failure to release the trigger and to withdraw your finger from the
trigger guard immediately after the hammer has come out of the
cocked position may result in the interruption of the forward move­ment of the hammer between the cocked position and the “at rest”
position. In this case, the hammer will appear to have stopped
between the full cock and “at rest”positions. If this occurs, keep
your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard while returning
the hammer with your thumb to the fully cocked position. Then
properly decock the hammer to the “at rest” position following the
decocking procedures outlined on page 19.

21

UNLOADING

• Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction away

from you and others.

• To remove either live cartridges or spent casings from the

cylinder, first point the barrel in a safe direction. Press the
thumbpiece forward and swing and hold the cylinder fully to
the left.

• With the barrel pointing upward in a safe direction, press

the extractor rod through the cylinder and remove all
cartridges or casings from the cylinder. (Figure 17)

• Carefully count the cartridges or spent casings to be sure

that you have recovered all of them.

• Make a visual check to be sure all charge holes (chambers)

are empty. When unloading your revolver, always be sure
to keep it pointed in a safe
direction. Remember, a safe
direction means that you are
not pointing the barrel of your
handgun at yourself or any
other person.

• Safely secure and store

ammunition separately
from firearm after unloading.

• Be sure to safely secure the

firearm when you are done
using it.

FIGURE 17

CLEARING MISFIRES

If during firing, a cartr idge fails to fire, wait ten seconds while
keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger
off of the trigger and out of the trigger guard. Press and hold the
thumbpiece forward and swing the cylinder to the left. Remove
the defective cartridge and dispose of it in a method specifically
approved for live round disposal.

22

PRODUCT WARNING

For all Smith & Wesson Handguns Capable of Double
Action Firing

• It has come to our attention that some users of
Smith & Wesson handguns capable of firing in double-action
mode may stage the trigger in anticipation of firing a shot in
the double-action mode.Staging is the act of pulling the
trigger rearward toward — stopping just short of — the point
where the hammer falls and the handgun fires.Such
manipulation of the trigger can reduce the user’s control of
the handgun and can result in an unintentional discharge.
Furthermore if the user decides not to fire, release of the
trigger from a position close to the firing point in the staging
process could result in an unintended discharge.

•Obviously “staging” the trigger violates a basic rule of firear m
safety which warns you to keep your finger off the trigger and
outside the trigger guard until ready to fire.

•We warn all users of our handguns capable of firing in
double-action to refrain from “staging”the trigger.

SIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Ensure your firearm is unloaded before adjusting your
sights. At all times follow the basic rules of safe gun
handling.

T

o mak

e a sight adjustment with adjustable rear sight

• To raise the point of impact, raise the rear sight by turning

the elevation screw counterclockwise one or two clicks at a
time.

• To lower the point of impact, lower the rear sight by turning

the elevation screw clockwise one or two clicks at a time.

• Move the point of impact to the right by turning the windage

screw clockwise one or two clicks at a time.

• Move the point of impact to the left by turning the windage

screw counterclockwise one or two clicks at a time.

CLEANING AND

MAINTENANCE

!! W

ARNING !!

Ensure your firearm is unloaded before beginning to clean
it. At all times follow the basic rules of safe gun handling.

Your firearm is a precision instr ument. To insure reliable
function it is necessary to follow a routine maintenance
procedure. After firing your handgun, be sure to unload it
following the procedure outlined in the section entitled
“Unloading” on page 21 before perfor ming any cleaning or
maintenance procedure.Your handgun should be cleaned by
brushing the barrel bore and chamber (charge holes) with a
good powder-removing solvent and bore brush.Wipe the areas
clean with patches or a swab. Using a small br ush dipped in
solvent, remove all deposits from around the breech of the
barrel, chamber (charge holes), extractor and adjacent areas
which have been subjected to the action of powder or primer
residue. Remove any residue on the frame with light brushing
and a solvent. After cleaning the entire gun, use a cloth to apply
a light film of high quality gun oil to all external metal surfaces
and wipe clean.

CAUTION:

You must follow the instructions provided with your gun cleaner
and gun lubricant. Some cleaners can cause damage to your
handguns.

CAUTION:

You should avoid prolonged solvent immersion and prolonged
ultrasonic cleaning of your firearm. Choice of solvent should be
restricted to those products specifically developed for firearms
maintenance. Instances of damage to a firearm’s finish have
been recorded when these cautions have been ignored.
Ammoniated solvents or other strong alkaline solvents, should
not be used on any Smith & Wesson firearm. As a rule of
thumb, if you would be comfortable applying the solvent of your
choice to the finish of your automobile, it will probably be safe for
use on your firearm.

After the initial cleaning, there is usually some residue in both
the barrel and cylinder that works out and becomes apparent
within 24-48 hours. This can be removed with a bristle brush
and a light re-application of powder removing solvent after which
the oil film should be re-established on all surfaces.

Cleaning is considered essential in order to ensure the proper
functioning of your handgun.

For additional maintenance, we recommend the services of a
qualified gunsmith. Please refer to the section entitled “Service”.
If your firearm will be used or stored in a cold climate, be sure to
use an oil that will not thicken at low temperatures.

23

24

SERVICE,

SHIPPING & PARTS

SERVICE

Should your Smith & Wesson firearm require service, it should
be returned to Smith & Wesson in its original case or in a
similarly secure container. It is not necessary to take the gun to
a dealer for shipment. However, before shipping your firearm,
call or e-mail our Customer Service Dept. for authorization and
shipping instructions.

Before shipping your handgun, ensure that the firearm is
unloaded, package it securely, and do NOT ship any ammunition.
The package must NOT bear any markings which indicate the
identity of the contents. Enclose a letter which includes your full
name and address (no P.O.Boxes, please), daytime telephone
number, e-mail address, the serial number of the firearm, and
details of the problem experienced or work desired. Record the
serial number before shipping, in case you wish to check on the
repair status of your firearm.

SHIPPING

When shipping a firearm, it is most important that you comply
with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The following
guidelines are meant to help, but you must seek assistance from
the appropriate authorities if necessary.

• Check magazines and chambers to ensure that they

are unloaded. Do not ship ammunition.

• Do not attempt to MAIL a handgun; only federally

licensed dealers may mail a firearm.

• If your firearm must be replaced, it may be necessary

to ship the replacement to a dealer rather than directly
to you. You will be requested to furnish a signed FFL
(Federal Firearms License) from your dealer in such an
instance.

• When returning a pistol, please include all magazines

ensuring they are unloaded; they are impor tant to the
proper function of the handgun.

Ship Centerfire pistols and ALL

revolvers to:

Customer Service, 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104

Ship ALL .22 caliber pistols to:

Customer Service, 19 Aviation Drive, Houlton, ME 04730

Please call the above telephone number or e-mail the above

address before shipping!!

Customer Service

2100 Roosevelt Avenue

Springfield, MA 01104

Tel: [phone] • 413-781-8300

E-mail: [e-mail]

For Owners Within The United States

25

Since we cannot assume responsibility for custom parts and
accessories, such as stocks, special sights, or holsters, please
remove these items before returning your firearm.

Warranty repair work will begin upon receipt and examination of
the firearm. In the case of repairs or work not covered by the
warranty, a quotation covering the cost of the work plus round
trip transportation charges will be sent to you. Repairs or
modification will begin upon receipt of payment.

A

CCESSORIES & P

ARTS

Replacement parts and accessories for your Smith & Wesson
firearm are available from your local Smith & Wesson Stocking
Dealer, or directly from the Smith & Wesson Parts Department.

When ordering parts directly from the factory, please provide the
following information:

• Model Number

• Dash Number

• Serial Number

• Approximate date of purchase

•Par t view Number (refer to diagram)

• Complete Return Address

• VISA/Discover/MasterCard Number and
Expiration Date

•For Foreign Orders Only, Fax Number or E-mail
Address

SERVICE, SHIPPING, & PARTS CONT’D.

26

This warranty is granted by Smith & Wesson, 2100 Roosevelt
Avenue, P.O.Box 2208, Springfield, MA 01102-2208.
This warranty is effective from the date of purchase after
February 1, 1989 and applies to the original owner of any
handgun purchased after that date. With respect to such
handguns, this warranty supersedes any and all other
warranties.

Smith & Wesson handguns are warrantied to be free from defects
in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which
Smith & Wesson receives written notice within one year from the
date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by
Smith & Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after
such notification and delivery of the handgun as provided below.
If any unsafe and/or illegal condition if found during warranty
inspection, Smith & Wesson will return the handgun to its original
specification.

Warranty claims (in writing) and the handgun concerned should
be delivered to Smith & Wesson’s Customer Service Department
at the above address. In addition, a copy of the bill of sale in the
owner’s name, or a copy of ATF Form 4473 indicating date of
purchase must be included.

Warranty claims should state the model and serial number of the
handgun concerned and the description of the difficulty experi­enced. It is recommended that shipments be insured by the
owner, since Smith & Wesson will accept no responsibility for loss
or damage in transit. Transportation and insurance charges for
return to owner will be paid by Smith & Wesson if the claim is
covered by the warranty.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SMITH & WESSON BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO ECONOMIC LOSS, INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF BREACH
OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE OR
OTHERWISE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you in whole or in part.

Smith & Wesson will not be responsible for defects resulting from
careless handling, unauthorized adjustments or modifications,
defective or improper ammunition, corrosion, neglect, abuse,
ordinary wear and tear, or unreasonable use.

Smith & Wesson reserves the right to determine what constitutes
ordinary wear and tear. However, we can rebuild handguns that
have experienced extreme usage or are beyond their normal use­ful life at a fee that will be quoted to the owner.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have

other rights that vary from state to state.

WARRANTY

For Owners Within The United States

27

EXTENDED

SERVICE POLICY

For Owners Within The United States

Even after the warranty period has expired, Smith & Wesson will
repair, without charge, any handgun purchased by the original
owner on or after February 1, 1989 that is found to have defect in
material or workmanship. Eligibility for this extended service
policy requires returning the Product Registration Card within thir­ty days of purchase. A copy of the bill of sale in the owner’s name
and the sales receipt should accompany the handgun.

If any unsafe and/or illegal condition is found during warranty
inspection, Smith & Wesson will return the handgun to its original
specification.

This policy covers functional defects;it does not include the hand-

gun’s finish, grips, magazines or sights.

This policy is in addition to and not an extension of the

Smith & Wesson Warranty.

Lif

etime Service Policy

F

ast Reliable Service

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your
Smith & Wesson product, please give us a call. Our customer
service representatives are product knowledgeable and are here
to help you.

911 Priority Repair Service

In the event of an emergency (repairs needed by law enforce­ment, an upcoming match or hunting trip), call 1-800-331-0852
and ask for 911 Priority Repair Service. This allows you to speak
with a Smith & Wesson representative. Immediately upon receipt,
your handgun will be assigned to a gunsmith. After the work is
completed, we will return your Smith & Wesson handgun via
overnight delivery.

COMPONENT PARTS

View Description

01 Extractor Rod
02 Center Pin
03 Center Pin Spring
04 Extractor Rod Collar
05 Extractor Spring
07 Cylinder
09 Extractor
10 Rear Sight Leaf
11 Rear Sight Leaf Plunger
12 Rear Sight Leaf Plunger Spring
13 Rear Sight Elevation Nut
14 Rear Sight Windage Nut
15 Rear Sight Spring Clip
16 Rear Sight Elevation Stud
17 Rear Sight Slide
18 Rear Sight Windage Screw
19 Rear Sight Leaf Screw
20 Thumbpiece Nut
21 Thumbpiece
22 Bolt
23 Bolt Plunger Spring
24 Bolt Plunger
25 Frame
26 Rebound Slide Stud
27 Hammer Stud
28 Tr igger Stud
31 Yoke
32 Sideplate
33 Plate Screw, Crowned
33A Yoke Screw
35 Grip Pin
36 Firing Pin Bushing
37 Firing Pin Spring

38 Firing Pin
39 Firing Pin Bushing Pin
45 Grip

(left & right grip halves

on some models)

46 Hammer
49 Sear
50 Sear Spring
53 Stirrup
55 Strain Screw
56 Barrel
64 Locking Bolt Pin
65 Locking Bolt Spring
66 Locking Bolt
67 Cylinder Stop
68 Cylinder Stop Spring
69 Trigger
70 Tr igger Lever
71 Hand Torsion Spring
72 Hand
75 Rebound Slide
77 Rebound Slide Spring
78 Hammer Block
79 Mainspring (J Frame)
80 Mainspring Stirrup
81 Mainspring Swivel
82 Cylinder Stop Stud
88 Mainspring
90 Interchangeable Front Sight

Blade Set
91 Front Sight Plunger Pin
92 Front Sight Plunger Spring
93 Front Sight Plunger
94 Tr igger Stop Pin
97 Firing Pin Retaining Pin

Interchangeable
Front Sight Assembly

90

92

93

91

(On selected
models only)

28

29

COMPONENT PARTS CONT’D.

Bodyguard Frame

Centennial Frame

25

79

81

80

50

49

46

25

50

33A

33

49

46

32

50

33A

33

49

46

32

79

81

80

50

49

46

30

GUNSMITH WARNING

CAUTION:

TITANIUM & SCANDIUM REVOL

VERS

NO attempt should ever be made to remove the hybrid
Aluminum/Stainless Steel Barrel Assembly with a standard barrel
wrench. To do so will destroy the barrel shroud and possible the
frame of your revolver. As the accompanying drawing (Figure18)
shows, the barrel shroud is keyed into the frame by a metal tab. The
stainless steel barrel tube must only be removed by a qualified gun­smith using a special tool available from Smith & Wesson. The barrel
assembly is re-installed using the same tool and torqued to 20ft. lb.
using an accurate torque wrench.

CAUTION:

TIT

ANIUM & SCANDIUM REVOLVERS

The titanium cylinder used in your AirLite Ti and AirLite Sc revolvers
weighs approximately 60% of what a similar stainless steel cylinder
weighs and yet is able to withstand the same operating pressures.
Care and cleaning of the revolver’s titanium cylinder consists of nor­mal gun cleaning procedures using high quality gun oil and cleaning
solvents when necessary. However, under NO circumstances should
the cylinder’s chambers (charge holes) or front face be cleaned with
an abrasive material such as sand paper, Scotch Brite™, Crocus
Cloth, etc. To do so will disrupt it’s protective surface layer and greatly
reduce the cylinder’s service life because of excessive erosion that will
take place while firing and will void your revolver’s warranty.

FIGURE 18

This handgun is not equipped with a
device that fully blocks use by
unauthorized users. More than 200,000
firearms like this one are stolen from their
owners every year in the United States. In
addition, there are more than a thousand
suicides each year by younger children
and teenagers who get access to firearms.
Hundreds more die from accidental dis­charge. It is likely that many more chil­dren sustain serious wounds or inflict such
wounds accidentally on others. In order to
limit the chance of such misuse, it is
imperative that you keep this weapon
locked in a secure place and take other
steps necessary to limit the possibility of
theft or accident. Failure to take reason­able preventative steps may result in inno­cent lives being lost, and in some circum­stances may result in your liability for
these deaths.

The certification below is required only for handguns sold in the
United States with a barrel length shorter than 3”.

Smith & Wesson Corp. hereby certifies average accuracy test results for
all new handguns with a barrel shorter than 3” as follows:

7 yards 14 yards 21 yards

1.7” 3.9” 6.3”

This certification is based on tests conducted by Smith & Wesson Corp.
using a fixed handgun, rest and firing ammunition manufactured by a
member of the Shooting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute
(SAAMI) as defined in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-1993.

This certification represents actual tests based on several handguns,
selected at random. Your particular handgun may have accuracy better
than the results stated in this certification.

31

Smith & Wesson

2100 Roosevelt Avenue • Spr ingfield, MA 01104

www.smith-wesson.com

REV:REV071001