Other Co2 Pistol

[jccams]

Been looking at a 78G pistol. I have SSP, MSP and Spring (GISS), don't have a Co2. How much is a 78G in good condition? Are they difficult to reseal?

 

[JimBentley]

Been looking at a 78G pistol. I have SSP, MSP and Spring (GISS), don't have a Co2. How much is a 78G in good condition? Are they difficult to reseal?

Not a bad job to reseal. Pretty much like a Crosman of the era. Try to find one with the adjustable trigger.

 

[jccams]

Not a bad job to reseal. Pretty much like a Crosman of the era. Try to find one with the adjustable trigger.

I've heard of that, how do you tell?

 

[borne2fly]

A 78G with an adjustable trigger will have a small screw just in front of the trigger

 

[marflow 777]

the S&W 78g-79g used to be cheap but not any more
for a nice one in rebuilt condition 150.00 would be a good price but finding one at that could be a challenge
if you rebuilt one all the Orings need to be Urethane and there is a flat seal that is on the valve seam that would need to be made i have that info but i believe that answers you question

 

[RCope]

I bought one from Ebay a few months ago for 153...180 delivered. It had to be resealed, the kit from Henry Ford ($24 on Ebay) has the hammer so it's relatively simple to just remove and replace. There are some good youtube videos available. It really wasn't hard, and I'm no gunsmith ;-). And it is a great shooter...And there is one now that is at $64.

 

[jccams]

Anyone know how to date one of these? Is there a way to look the serial # up?

 

[Franck404]

https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2019/05/smith-wesson-78g-and-79g-target-pistols-part-1/
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2019/06/smith-wesson-78g-and-79g-target-pistols-part-2/
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2019/06/smith-wesson-78g-and-79g-target-pistols-part-3/
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2019/06/smith-wesson-78g-and-79g-target-pistols-part-4/

 

[Franck404]

Some information I found on the net (source : https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=210059.0 ):
1971: 0-11,000
1972: 11,000-27,000
1973: 27,000 - 43,000
1974: 43,000 - 73,000
1975: 73,000 - 103,000
1976: 103,000 - 133,000
1977: 133,000 - 163,000
1978: 163,000-175,000, 200,000-205,000, 287,000-300,000
Notes:
1. In 1971 only 78gs were produced. The first 79gs were post 11,000.
2. In 1973 production moved, and the adjustable trigger was dropped at around 43,000. This was used to determine the rates for 1972 and 1973.
3. The bulk of production occurred from 1974 until 1978, and if consistent, resulted in about 30k per year.

 

[AirNGasman]

I've heard of that, how do you tell?

I just sent you a personal message.

.

 

[78gCollector]

Anyone know how to date one of these? Is there a way to look the serial # up?

Smith serial numbers aren't like the lot numbers on Daisy and Crosman pistols/rifles from the era that can be decoded to find the month and year of production. The Smith serial numbers were sequential up to around 175,000 (with a few gaps), then there were two other small runs that skipped up to 200,000 and then to 290,000.

The dates quoted above were sourced from a post of mine on another group, and were based on a few data points, and some production estimates. (I'm glad someone saw them and reposted!) I've got a database going that includes 500+ pistols, and the ones that have definite recorded purchase dates have been checked against these estimates. If anyone out there has a 78g/79g with a dated receipt, I'd appreciate it if you could share your information to help the accuracy of the dates.

I've made some changes since that first list was posted, mostly to the upper end of the serial number range. Here is a modified estimate of production dates based on the information I've collected since I first posted the list:

1971: 0-11,000
1972: 11,000-27,000
1973: 27,000 - 43,000
1974: 43,000 - 60,000
1975: 60,000 - 77,000
1976: 77,000 - 95,000
1977: 95,000 - 138,000
1978: 138,000-175,000, 200,000-205,000, 287,000-300,000