Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson has proven to be a useful tool, offering better illustration of models and expanded listing of models and details over the more general guides. By comparison, the Standard Catalog provides 70 pages of Smith & Wesson listings, while the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson provides 432. The authors, Jim Supica and Richard Nahas are recognized as long standing experts in Smith and Wesson firearms, in both model identification and value. The authors did an excellent job of identifying factors unique to S & W in value determination, including how S & W collectors might differ from others. Section One, as an example, covers S & W frame sizes and side plate screw counts, pinned and unpinned barrels and hand ejector models as they relate to model identification. Engraving is organized by artist, by time period and by source. NRA condition classifications are extended further into finish and factory refinish, modifications, serial number integrity and grips. I did not realize there was such a big market for S & W stocks. Not only are stocks addressed, but so are manuals and boxes. The organization is good. Not appearing strictly in model number order or date of production, S & W revolvers are broken into groups such as "Tip Up", "Top Break", "Single Shot", "Early Hand Ejector", "Modern Hand Ejector", "Semi-Auto....". It really isn't so difficult for even a novice to navigate and there is a good solid model number index at the back of the book. Covered firearms are all S & W handguns through the S & W 460 and S & W 500 chambers, long guns, boxes, cases, and even AR 15 types of current production. Individual model entries are not sketchy. As an example, just one line listings of Model 10 specials and variations went on for two full pages. Model descriptions are very full, unique characteristics in product or packaging indicated, dates of production and production counts are present in each case. To some extend, branded general merchandise is also covered; knives, belt buckles, etc. The book is an excellent value.

Although not all of the information is complete, this is the best reference book on the market for S & W collectors and owners. If you are interested in the history of your favorite handgun, or even it's date of birth, this is the book for you. I hope there are future versions of this book. It would be fantastic if the authors continued to fill in the voids and issued a new version every couple of years.

Covers all S & W manufactured firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns, up through 2001. This is a much expanded version of the first edition. IF you have the 1st edition, you still need to buy the 2nd edition... .there is just that much more info on model variants, and more photos. If you are a SW collector, you will sleep with this by your pillow. One of the best reference books devoted to S & W I have seen, more comprehensive info on the models than Roy Jinks' History of S & W, each variant of each model is explained in detail, with stock number, changes made, ways of identifying each variant, some serial number info, lots of photos, etc. The info on non-handgun products is about 10 percent of the book, and it covers even the S & W handcuffs. The info on the handguns is what this book is about, and it does an outstanding job. I'm an S & W wheelgun lover, and this is one of my most valued books. And the short history of the company is fascinating as well. IF you like Smith & Wessons, you absolutely must put this book on your shelf.

From the author of IMPORTED MILITARY FIREARMS 1866-1899:I wish that all such books were as good as this one-- including mine! Everything is laid out logically, with good pictures, so that it is very easy to quickly find your piece without knowing much more than "its an S & W". All the stats are there plus a lot of minutia, which might bore the average reader, but if you happen to have one of those things, you just can't get enough of it. Also, the irreverant writing style goes a long way towards offsetting the dry nature of a reference.

There is not much I can add beyond Mr. Irwin's review except to say that Supica and Nahas have written a highly thorough, readable, and entertaing text that S & W collectors and fanciers will find very useful for years to come. It only goes up to late 1995 however, so certain newer guns like the model 696 are not covered. I would still say that it is a treasure trove of good information, but for S & W company history, Jinks is the undisputed authority. This book is more of a product overview, so keep Supica and Nahas right next to Jinks on your bookshelf.