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FlyFish · November 2, 2009, 10:01 AM

kokopelli:

The information in SCSW on Model 1917s is not very precise - the range on yours is 1917 to 1946, corresponding to sn's 1 to 209971, respectively. Obviously, with its 5-digit sn your gun is early in that period, but I believe contacting S&W is the only way to pin it down. With a revolver of that vintage, and assuming that you don't want the factory letter, you might be able to get the date without having to cough up the $50.

The "AIP" in the 6906 sn indicates the gun was part of the "Automatic Improvement Program," (whatever that was), something that applied to early 3rd generation pistols. I can't find any more definitive information on dating, but the production period for the 6906 was 1988 to 1999, so I would interpret the "AIP" to indicate your gun is toward the beginning of that range.

November 2, 2009, 10:01 AM	#2039
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	kokopelli: The information in SCSW on Model 1917s is not very precise - the range on yours is 1917 to 1946, corresponding to sn's 1 to 209971, respectively. Obviously, with its 5-digit sn your gun is early in that period, but I believe contacting S&W is the only way to pin it down. With a revolver of that vintage, and assuming that you don't want the factory letter, you might be able to get the date without having to cough up the $50. The "AIP" in the 6906 sn indicates the gun was part of the "Automatic Improvement Program," (whatever that was), something that applied to early 3rd generation pistols. I can't find any more definitive information on dating, but the production period for the 6906 was 1988 to 1999, so I would interpret the "AIP" to indicate your gun is toward the beginning of that range.