S&W Pinto: The Wide World of Collecting

Published on November 15, 2022
Duration: 3:33

This video provides an in-depth look at the Smith & Wesson 'Pinto' revolver, a collector's item characterized by its mixed factory finishes. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons explains the origin of the 'Pinto' nickname, the historical context of these mixed finishes, and the importance of factory letters for authentication. The discussion highlights the unique appeal of such variations within the firearms collecting community.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 'Pinto' revolver is a collector's item known for its mixed factory finishes, such as a nickel frame with a blued barrel and cylinder. These unique firearms often resulted from factory overruns. Authentication requires a factory letter from Smith & Wesson to confirm the original configuration.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W Pinto
  2. 00:19Defining the 'Pinto' Finish
  3. 01:04History and Origin
  4. 01:48Authentication and Factory Letters
  5. 02:31Collecting Philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Smith & Wesson 'Pinto' revolver?

A Smith & Wesson 'Pinto' revolver is a firearm characterized by its mixed factory finishes. This typically means the frame is finished in one way (like nickel) while the barrel and cylinder are finished differently (like blued). The name comes from the Spanish word for 'painted'.

How were 'Pinto' Smith & Wesson firearms created?

These firearms often originated from factory overruns. Instead of discarding parts with different finishes, Smith & Wesson would assemble them together, creating unique mixed-finish pieces that eventually appealed to collectors.

How can one authenticate a 'Pinto' S&W?

Proper authentication of a 'Pinto' Smith & Wesson requires obtaining a factory letter directly from the manufacturer. This letter confirms that the firearm was indeed shipped from the factory with the specific mixed-finish configuration observed.

Do 'Pinto' finishes only exist on revolvers?

No, while most commonly found on Smith & Wesson revolvers, the 'Pinto' mixed-finish configuration also exists on some of their semi-automatic pistols, notably the Model 39 and Model 59 variants.

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