Smith and Wesson serial number search

[laytonj1]

It's a S&W 38 special. Serial number 225854.

Does it hold 5 or 6 rounds? And can I assume you took the serial number from the underside of the grip frame? And there are no letter prefixes?

Airweight Bodyguard J-Frame in .38 Special which has a pinned barrel. I believe it may be a Model 38. The serial number is J883075.

J883xxx = 1981.
The model number should be stamped on the frame in the cutout just forward of the cylinder and visible when the cylinder is swung out.
I'm pretty sure from my time over on the S&W forums that S&W does not use a copper undercoat. But...

Jim

[Doc Intrepid]

Originally Posted by laytonj1

"J883xxx = 1981.

The model number should be stamped on the frame in the cutout just forward of the cylinder and visible when the cylinder is swung out.

I'm pretty sure from my time over on the S&W forums that S&W does not use a copper undercoat. But..."

Thanks Jim,

The markings stamped on the frame forward of the cylinder are "MOD-38" (which was my clue!), however there was no "dash X" or other specification so was not sure - apparently the model designations changed a bit between 1955 and later years.

There are four (4) separate stamp marks on the frame beneath the left grip which are:

• a large "N";
• a C24 just above the "N" but in smaller font;
• an F17; and
• the number 55787.

Beneath the right grip is the number "4781". I was not sure what all these designations might mean.

In terms of being copper plated before being nickel plated, the guy who described this was an older gunsmith who indicated that nickel doesn't plate well on top of aluminum, so they plated a thin layer of copper to the aluminum first so the nickel plating would adhere properly. Who knows?

If this is a 1981 serial number it's a bit newer than I expected, but still in my ballpark.

I appreciate your time. Thanks again,

Doc

[laytonj1]

There are four (4) separate stamp marks on the frame beneath the left grip which are:
a large "N";
a C24 just above the "N" but in smaller font;
an F17; and
the number 55787.

The "N" stamps are for Nickel. The others are assembly and inspector stamps.
J frame serial numbers for 1981 ran from J760001 to J915400.
1983 was around the period that S&W stopped pinning the barrels.

Jim

[Doc Intrepid]

Many thanks, again, for this information.

As a fan of older S&W revolvers in excellent condition, I'm glad I found one with the barrel pinned, and I appreciate your historical comments.

Doc

[walnut1704]

How about the date on a Model 657, which is a 6" stainless in .41 Magnum, serial number CAA16XX?

Thanks......

[laytonj1]

serial number CAA16XX?

1995.

Jim

[Kywildcat1974]

I'm just needing info on a gun

[HALL,AUSTIN]

28-2
n5237xx

[laytonj1]

It's a S&W 38 special. Serial number 225854.
I'm just needing info on a gun

If it holds 5 rounds then it's likely a model 36 and SN. 225854 would date it to about 1960/61.
If it holds 6 rounds then it's likely a .38 Military & Police and the sn. 225854 would date it to about 1914/15.

28-2
n5237xx

The N5xxxxx range ran from 1978 to 1980.

Jim

[pluggerlewis]

I have inherited a Mod. 37 5 shot 38 special airweight. I am trying to find out some info on. the S/N on the bottom of the handle frame is 535209. It has another # that is on the side of the handle frame that matches the # by the cylinder (85323). Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[laytonj1]

the S/N on the bottom of the handle frame is 535209

Around 1966/67. The other numbers are assembly numbers.
The model 37 is the aluminum frame version of the model 36.

Jim

[pluggerlewis]

Thanks Jim. One last question, is this what they call the "Chiefs special"?

[laytonj1]

is this what they call the "Chiefs special"

Yes.
Prior to S&W coming up with the model number system around 1958, all their models went by names. Yours would be the Chiefs Special Airweight.

Jim

[gunlover22]

Hi, I recently inherited a S and W 38 special from my grandfather. The serial # is S 9343xx. Any idea of the date manufactured? Thanks Ron

[laytonj1]

The serial # is S 9343xx.

It's a .38 Military & Police. Serial numbers ran from S811120 in 1945 to S999999 in 1948.
When S&W began the model numbering system ~ 1957 the 38 M&P became the model 10.

Jim

[Wharfrat197601]

BAA14_ _.

Main forum said it was 1988.

[laytonj1]

BAA14_ _.

1988 would be correct.

Jim

[tfn41]

CDC9xxx

It's got 527 on the crane, but that's not the model number. What does that mean?

Thanks in advance...

[laytonj1]

CDC9xxx
It's got 527 on the crane,

1999.
That number would be an assembly number.

Jim

[Pooch28]

Just bought a second hand model 60 J Frame
Serial #ANR5*** could someone please give me an approximate manufacture date

[laytonj1]

Serial #ANR5***

1986/87.

Jim

[KenHo]

Hello all - my wife has a S&W, mod 60, 5 shot revolver (SS?) with serial number located on butt stock of AVW31XX

Can anyone provide a year of mauf?

Thank you for any help,

Ken H>

[laytonj1]

serial number located on butt stock of AVW31XX

1987.
And yes, it's stainless steel.

Jim

[KenHo]

Thank you - that's about the date I was thinking it might be.

Ken H

[wiesjon]

Model 586 serial no. 32141 date of manufacture?