Question about serial number for S&W experts

[Cowboy_mo]

I have a K-22 pistol. It has been in the family for many years.

There is a number on the exterior bottom of the butt which I always thought was the serial number. Today I had it out of the safe for cleaning. I removed the grips to check the steel underneath and found another number stamped on the grip which is different from the exterior number. Also there is an R stamped in the frame under the grip.

Which of these numbers is the serial number and what does the R mean. The exterior number is 6 digits and the interior number is 5 digits.

Thanks in advance.

[James K]

The one on the bottom of the grip is the serial number. The letter R could mean factory refinished or it could just be an inspector's mark. The number could be an assembly mark; does it match the number on the frame under the crane?

In any case, those markings have no significance outside the factory.

Jim

[Cowboy_mo]

Thanks for the info. The number under the crane does match the number under the grips.

Thanks again