Smith & Wesson Single And Double Action Pistol Instructions Manual

							Owner’s Manual
Metal Frame Centerfire Pistols
Read the instructions and
warnings in this manual
CAREFULLY BEFORE using
this firearm.
2100 Roosevelt Avenue • Springfield, MA  01104
1-800-331-0852  •  Fax: 413-747-3317
www.smith-wesson.com
Single/Double Action Modes
Double Action Only Modes 
						

							READ THESE  INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS  CAREFULLY. BE
SURE YOU  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.: 1-800-331-0852
E-mail: [email protected] 
						

							INDEX
SAFETY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
BASIC FIREARMS SAFETY RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
MODEL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
SAFE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION  . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
NOMENCLATURE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
PREPARATION FOR FIRING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
AMMUNITION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12
INSPECTING YOUR PISTOL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-14
LOADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-17
FIRING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
MANUAL COCKING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
DECOCKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
CLEARING MISFIRES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
PRODUCT WARNING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
UNLOADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22
FIELD STRIPPING REASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23
MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
MAGAZINE REASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
SERVICE/SHIPPING/PARTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-26
WARRANTY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
EXTENDED SERVICE POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
COMPONENT PARTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29-30
WARNINGS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
3 
						

							SAFETY IS YOUR
NUMBER ONE
RESPONSIBILITY!!!!
WARNING: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.
•Y
ou 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 
rely 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 your 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 fol-
lowing safety rules in every situation, with any kind of firearm.
•BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM,
UNDERSTAND ITS OPERATION.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 LOADED 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
PLACEYOURFINGER INSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD UNLESS YOU INTEND TO FIRE.Your firearm cannot fire unless the trigger 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 FAILURE TO  FOLLOW THESE  BASIC 
FIREARM SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN AN 
UNINTENDED DISCHARGE WHICH COULD CAUSE 
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. 
						

							ADDITIONALIMPORTANTSAFETYRULES
•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 under-
stand its safe operation and the rules of safe gun-handling.
•Be sure all accessories, 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 firearms in poorly 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.
•Firearm safety training is available. Contact your dealer, 
Law Enforcement Agency, local sportsman’s club, etc. for 
availability.
•Appropriate 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 firearms 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 FAILURE TO  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 appropriate 
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 THATA“HIDING”PLACE ISASECURE STORAGEMETHOD.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
WTHELAW!!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 department or gunshop will furnish 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
ORAGEWhen 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 firearm 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 rimfire
handgun cartridges are the .22 Long, .22 Short, .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 A
CTION 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.
REV
OLVER-A handgun that contains the cartridges 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
ALWAYS 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 AT 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 beaware 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 alert 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 alert 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 important 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