s&w 4046 serial number decode

Roundeye · September 13, 2012, 05:17 AM

Im looking at a 4046 with serial number Tva5936. Can anyone tell me anything about the gun by the serial number?

egor20 · September 13, 2012, 07:59 PM

Best place to ask is this thread.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=277680

carguychris · September 13, 2012, 10:29 PM

Egor20,

The linked thread is primarily meant for looking up the serial numbers for revolvers, not automatic pistols.

In the early 1980s, S&W implemented a new serial numbering system consisting of 3 letters followed by 4 numbers. Metal-frame centerfire automatic pistols started using this system in 1984 beginning with TAAxxxx (x = number). Reference books indicate that, for unexplained reasons, the prefix abruptly skipped from TCZ to TVA in 1991. IOW the Model 4046 in question was most likely built in 1991.

FWIW a few special-order model runs have been given special prefixes, such as a group of Model 1076s built for the Kentucky State Police with KSP prefixes, and AFAIK some Performance Center guns have also gotten special non-sequential prefixes. However, AFAIK TVA is simply a standard-production sequential prefix.

September 13, 2012, 05:17 AM	#1
Roundeye Member Join Date: June 21, 2011 Posts: 44	s&w 4046 serial number decode Im looking at a 4046 with serial number Tva5936. Can anyone tell me anything about the gun by the serial number?

September 13, 2012, 07:59 PM	#2
egor20 Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2010 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,824	Best place to ask is this thread. http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=277680 __________________ Chief stall mucker and grain chef Country don't mean dumb. Steven King. The Stand

September 13, 2012, 10:29 PM	#3
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Egor20, The linked thread is primarily meant for looking up the serial numbers for revolvers, not automatic pistols. In the early 1980s, S&W implemented a new serial numbering system consisting of 3 letters followed by 4 numbers. Metal-frame centerfire automatic pistols started using this system in 1984 beginning with TAAxxxx (x = number). Reference books indicate that, for unexplained reasons, the prefix abruptly skipped from TCZ to TVA in 1991. IOW the Model 4046 in question was most likely built in 1991. FWIW a few special-order model runs have been given special prefixes, such as a group of Model 1076s built for the Kentucky State Police with KSP prefixes, and AFAIK some Performance Center guns have also gotten special non-sequential prefixes. However, AFAIK TVA is simply a standard-production sequential prefix. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak