From the Vault: U.S. Air Force Smith & Wesson “Baby” Aircrewman Revolver

Published on July 1, 2022
Duration: 5:07

This video from Brownells showcases the exceptionally rare Smith & Wesson 'Baby' Aircrewman revolver, originally developed for U.S. Air Force aircrews. The expert presentation highlights its unique lightweight aluminum construction, historical context, identifying markings, and significant market value, estimated at around $40,000 for surviving examples.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 'Baby' Aircrewman is a rare J-frame revolver designed for U.S. Air Force aircrews, weighing only 10 ounces due to its aluminum frame and cylinder. Production was limited to 605 units, with most destroyed by the government, making surviving examples extremely valuable, fetching around $40,000 at auction.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare S&W 'Baby' Aircrewman
  2. 00:28Technical Design & Safety Issues
  3. 01:10Historical Context & Extreme Rarity
  4. 01:45Identifying Government Markings
  5. 03:12Unique Features & Lightweight Build
  6. 04:20Market Value: $40,000 Auction Price

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 'Baby' Aircrewman revolver so rare?

The 'Baby' Aircrewman is exceptionally rare because only 605 were produced for the U.S. Air Force. The government subsequently ordered most of them destroyed, leaving very few documented examples in existence today.

What were the main design features of the 'Baby' Aircrewman?

This J-frame revolver featured an aluminum frame and cylinder for extreme lightness, weighing only about 10 ounces. It also included steel for the barrel and hammer, and distinctive U.S. Air Force emblem medallions in the grips.

Why did the 'Baby' Aircrewman have safety issues?

The aluminum cylinder design proved problematic with the higher pressures of contemporary .38 Special ammunition. This could lead to the cylinder cracking or even exploding, posing a significant safety risk to the user.

How can one identify a genuine 'Baby' Aircrewman?

Key identifiers include 'Property of US Air Force' on the backstrap, 'Aircrewman' on the barrel, and specific 'AF No.' serial numbers on the frame butt and cylinder. However, many have had these markings illegally removed.

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