Smith and Wesson serial number search

[carguychris]

First, I was shooting at steel about 25-30 yds, didn't have any paper to see where it shoots or how tight the shots, but it was impossible to make a strike without blotching out the steel chicken at that distance.
Went to adjust rear sight, there was no elevation play in the rear sight bar (like most of my guns) with no spring and click detents for elevation adjustment... Is this normal for this type of rear sight?... Rear sight bar appears to be made without a spring(?) Will this sight base flex if I were to turn the screw up or down? Looked to be all the way down so maybe can't do much to improve it.

I'm a little confused by all of this verbage, but your K-22 should have the same basic type of micrometer-adjustable rear sight assembly used on modern S&Ws. There was an older design that uses smaller screws with no click adjustment, and a couple of even older design with no elevation adjustment, but these types should only be found on prewar guns.

Elevation is adjusted with the big screw (which is actually a hollow nut) in front of the blade. The nut engages a stud mounted to the frame. Turning the nut clockwise moves the POI down, counterclockwise moves the POI up. The entire rear sight base flexes upwards when you adjust elevation. In fact, if you try to adjust it too far upwards, you may inadvertantly remove the adjustment nut from the stud, which will cause the entire sight base to "sproing" upwards, possibly causing the washer on the stud or the adjuster nut to fly off. Be careful adjusting the elevation nut when you can see air underneath the sight base!

Other thing I noticed, it was very difficult to eject the empty brass. Only because brass were very tight, no other problems within the ejecting system I can see. Works normal while empty. Used 3 brands of ammo in it, all ejected hard.

Older K-22s have notoriously tight chambers. Keep the chambers clean and keep experimenting with different types of ammo. Cheap bulk-pack is generally bad because the tolerances are loose and some cases are larger than others. Remington is also bad because their cases tend to run large. I've had the best luck with Federal target loads, Aguila, and Wolf/SK. {EDIT} Another suggestion is to stick with standard-velocity ammo, because the lower pressure causes the cases to swell less.

I was told by the owner that I could dry fire this K -22 rimfire. I did dryfire at time of purchase, but found S&W suggestion that rimfire's not be dryfired...any info on this? I have since placed empty brass in cyl to dryfire, is this ok to do?

S&W rimfire revolvers have no mechanism to prevent the firing pin from striking the backside of the chamber when dry-fired. Dry-firing a couple of times generally won't hurt anything, but repeated dry-firing will cause telltale ugly dimples on the cylinder, and may damage the firing pin. Dry-firing with empty cases in the chambers is the correct procedure and shouldn't hurt anything.

My fathers 2003 manufactured model 617 has a recessed cylinder, so yes they are still available with recessed cylinders.

All post-1935 rimfire S&Ws have recessed cylinders to prevent case-head seperations when using high-velocity ammo. FWIW the collector talk about recessed chambers applies only to S&Ws in centerfire Magnum calibers, causing lots of confusion amongst n00bs who try to apply it to rimfire guns (which are almost all recessed, including today's production) and centerfire non-Magnum guns (which were almost never recessed).

[bjasper24]

can any one tell me anything about my gun. the serial number is 107xx it is a S&W 66-2 .357

[carguychris]

can any one tell me anything about my gun. the serial number is 107xx it is a S&W 66-2 .357

The number you found is an assembly number, not the serial number. The serial number is located on the bottom of the grip frame (aka the butt). You may have to remove the grips to see it.

The serial number will start with K, xK, xxK, or xxxK ("x" denotes a number), or it will start with 3 letters followed by 4 numbers.

[occ33]

c 68xxxx white ivory handle ctg on barrel 3 1/2 barrel

[Dead-Nuts-Zero]

I have a few older hand-me down guns, mostly rifle & shotguns of average quality, all are multi-purpose hunt, target guns. I shoot & enjoy them often and know plenty about them as they were family hand-me-downs.

When I purchased this K 22, I was looking for a reliable target shooter that I could afford (no interest in a tricked out pro-target gun). Wanted 6"barrel in DA, in a Colt, Smith, or similar quality. Found exactly what I wanted in this K-22, however I didn't realize I had a gun as old as I am.

After researching the Serial Number, I realized I needed to know more about the gun, (that's what makes shooting so much fun), so once again, TFL Forum is my favorite hang-out.

Its all hats off to the posters who have fed me the info I am looking for. My next move will be getting my hands on a copy of the S&W Catalog book.

Thanks to all who have assisted me, I am off to the revolver and rimfire forums, maybe see ya all over there???

Next question is what ammo do I feed my Smith? I have dozens of assorted ammo to tryout...this is another reason shooting sports are so much fun.


One last thought.....Think of this.... Just 15 years ago, it would have taken months to get this far with my research.


Therefore I must say thanks to TFL Forum, its staff and sponsors, you have a fantastic forum here. Thank you!


Now.....


Last & Least

I send a Huge Thank You to:

The Creator of the InterNet The Honorable Al Gore

.

.

[kingofcoins]

I picked up what looks like a little used 9 mm S&W Mdl 3913, and the serial no is.... TZF5083 ....would some one please tell me what year have I got ?
Also I found that the trigger pull is well over 12#'s and while I can shoot my GI .45 into 1-2" at 25 yards, I can't squeeze off this 3913 even into an 8" sometimes 12" group, missing the 2'x2' target at times! Is the pull supposed to be this terrible, and have 3/8+" play ?
Thanks , Dan

[Radagast]

kingofcoins, I can't help you with gunsmithing questions, ask in the gunsmithing subforum. Regarding your serial number, TVC7046 was used in 1991, TZUxxxx in 1993, so your gun falls somewhere in between.

occ33: Serial number C68xxxx should fall in the period 1963-1965, between C622700 and C810532. The model number stamped on the frame under the crane should be 10, 11, 12, or 45. Barrel length measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle should be 4 inches. If the barrel length is 3.5 inches it may not be OEM. What caliber is the gun?

[Peeve88]

I too am having trouble identifying my gun. It was just given to me as a hand me down that is in really good condition. From the gun book i have it seems to look the most like a K22 in a 22LR. There are 3 different sets of numbers on it. Bottom of the butt and both sides of the grip. I can post the numbers if anyone can help?? I am curious of it's age and history. Thanks

[bjasper24]

i found it. it is ACV32xx

[carguychris]

I too am having trouble identifying my gun... it seems to look the most like a K22 in a 22LR. There are 3 different sets of numbers on it. Bottom of the butt and both sides of the grip.

The serial number is the one on the bottom of the butt. Some pictures will help with ID because there's a possibility that it's an I or J frame, which would make it a .22/32 rather than a K-22. A "K" somewhere in the serial number nails it down as a K-22, and a "J" nails it down as a J frame. (Who'd a thunk?)

i found it. it is ACV32xx

Mid-1983. Very close to my 586-M no-dash, which is ABE10xx.

[bjasper24]

Thanks for your help

[carguychris]

I picked up what looks like a little used 9 mm S&W Mdl 3913, and the serial no is.... TZF5083 ....would some one please tell me what year have I got ?

1990-1991.

Also I found that the trigger pull is well over 12#'s... I can't squeeze off this 3913 even into an 8" sometimes 12" group... Is the pull supposed to be this terrible, and have 3/8+" play ?

I'm a bit confused... does this trigger problem occur when firing DA or SA? The DA trigger should be somewhat lighter, maybe 10#, but I could see 12# if the gun's trigger mechanism is a bit sticky. The SA trigger is a 2-stage type that should have some takeup at the start of the pull, but it should have a fairly crisp (if not quite SIG- or tuned-1911-crisp) ~6# break after you get past the takeup.

The accuracy problem is a little harder to figure out. How does it group at short range? Have you tried shooting it off a sandbag rest or letting someone else try it out? Can you hold it perfectly steady while dry-firing?

This is a bit off-topic, so I'd recommend reposting this in the "Semiauto" TFL subforum or the "S&W Smithing" section of the S&W forum.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...rm/f/580103904

Also, S&W has excellent customer service and will probably fix the gun for free if something is wrong, although you'll probably have to pay to ship it to them first.

[Sako]

i am looking at two smith 5 screw guns....
pre model number.... they both look like Model 10's... I am assuming they are M&Ps....

38 Special # 2G 739XX
38 S&W # 5046X

Any ideal of the age... and any ideal if these were available in nickle?

thanks

[bsi022604]

My father in law has recently been given a smith and wesson revolver. We are trying to date it. It's a .32 Cal with a SN: 1029xx It has a 4in barrel. We can't find anyting on it was wondering if anyone here could help us?

[rickga]

I just picked up a S&W 32DA 4th Model, ser# 63XXX. Great little gun, 3 1/2" barrel, 98% plus nickel, matching numbers, original grips w/logo and strong checkering. Can anyone tell me the year it was made?

[Radagast]

rickga: The .32 Double Action 4th model was made between 1883 & 1909 in the serial number range 43406 to 282999. Models made before serial number 209301 in 1898 are considered antiques by the BATF. To get an exact shipping date (and address) you would need to contact Roy Jinks at S&W and pay a fee of $50 to get a factory letter.
For the purposes of guesstimating your guns age, 22,232 3rd models were made between 1882 & 1883. Your gun is approximately 21,000 later in the serial number range, so if production levels remained constant your 4th model may have been made around 1884-1885.

[Radagast]

bsi022604: There have been many S&W 32s and the serial numbers can be duplicated.
Is the caliber .32 rimfire, .32 S&W or .32 S&W long?
Is is a tip up barrel, break top (tip down barrel) or swing out cylinder?
Does it have an exposed hammer or a concealed hammer?
are the grips back hard rubber, timber or something else?

Answer the above and I should be able to identify it.

[Radagast]

Sako: There is no 2g prefix listed in the Standard Catalogue of S&W. Is the stamping the same as the rest of the serial number? If the serial number is 739xx then it is a .38 special model of 1905 4th change, probably manufactured between 1940 & 1942.The 4th change was produced from 1917 to 1942. To help refine it down, S&W made the British service revolver concurrently in the same serial number range of 700000 to 1000000 during this period.

I assume the .38 S&W has a five shot cylinder on a smaller frame than the .38 special, if so then it is either a prewar .38 Regulation Police. These were made between 1917 & 1940, in a serial number range 1 - 54474. The round butt .38/22 Terrier variant was introduced in 1936 at serial number 38976, so your gun should date from 1936-1940.

[rickga]

Ragagast, Thats good info, thanks for the help

[Radagast]

bsi022604: Process of elimination follows:
It isn't a .32 Rimfire, the Number 2 Old Army didn't go that high in the serial range.
It isn't a .32 Single Action, ditto as above.
It isn't a New Model Number Three, ditto as above.
It isn't a K32 Masterpiece, as it lacks the K serial number prefix.
It isn't a K32 Hand Ejector as their serial number range is higher than the number you quote.
It isn't a .32 Military & Police, they have a C or S prefix tot he serial number.

That leaves the following options:

It could be a .32 Double Action 4th Model, serial number range was 43406 to 282999, manufactured between 1883 & 1909. This was a top break five shot revolver with an external hammer, caliber was .32 S&W.

It could be a .32 Safety Hammerless Second Model, serial number range was 91418 to 170000, manufactured between 1902 & 1909. This was a top break five shot revolver with an internal hammer and a grip safety. Caliber was .32 S&W.

It could be a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 - 5th Change. This was a six shot swing out cylinder revolver on the small I frame, similar in size to today's model 60. It came with a 4.25 inch or 3.25 inch barrel, caliber was .32 S&W Long. Manufactured between 1910 & 1917 in the serial number range 102501 to 263000 between 1910 and 1917, if this is your father-in-law's gun it probably dates to 1910.

It could be a 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 - 4th Change. This was a 6 shot swing out cylinder gun chambered for the .32-20 cartridge, using the square butt medium sized K-frame. Barrel marking should be .32 W.C.F CTG.
These were manufactured between 1915 & 1940 in the serial number range 65701 to 144684.

If it doesn't fit any of the above categories then a photo will be needed to identify it.

[bsi022604]

radagast, thanks for getting back to me so fast! I appreciate it. I know NOTHING about guns! lol As soon as my father in law gets it out again I'll take a picture and send it to you.

[Peeve88]

The serial number does have a K in it. It is 33K8349. Can you give me any other info?? It would surely be appreciated..

[Radagast]

Peeve88: Your gun was made in 1978-79 in the serial number range 25k0001 to 56k9999. It is built on the K frame, S&Ws medium frame that has remained in production since 1899 in a variety of models and calibers. The majority of police and service revolvers from the last century were built on the K frame. What you have was designed as a target or training gun.

If it has a four inch barrel with a ramped front sight, then it is a Model 18 K22 Combat Masterpiece. This was basically a .22lr version of the very popular model 15 service revolver in .38 special. Think cheap practice and a great holster gun for walking around on a farm or in the woods.

If it has a 6 inch or 8 &3/8 inch barrel with a square cut Partridge sight then it is a Model 17 K22 Masterpiece. This is the .22 target version of the K38 Target Masterpiece revolver popular at the time for centerfire bullseye competition, The K22 & K38 .were designed to have the same weight and balance for ease of cross training.

The K22 has been in production in various forms since 1931, when it was introduced as the K32 Outdoorsman, it continues today in a much modified form as the 617 in stainless steel with a full length barrel under-lug and the option of a ten round cylinder.

The model 18 was produced from 1949 to 1985, when the four inch Model 17 was introduced. A four inch stainless steel model 617 is still available and S&W are offering the reintroduced model 18 Classic this year - if you have a thousand dollars to spend. :P

[WonderingWoman]

Serial # on the butt is BHH 81XX. Is there anything you can tell me about this gun? Wonder about age (imagine its fairly recent) and sale price.

Thank you for any info you can provide

More Information:

4"barrel; square-bottomed wooden grip

[Radagast]

WonderingWoman: The Serial number prefix BHE was used in March 1991, the prefix BHJ in July 1991, so your guns date of manufacture should fall between those two dates. Some of the three letter codes were manufactured out of date sequence, but it's a fair bet that your gun dates to that period.

The model 10-10 is the 10th engineering change to the model 10, which was the model number given in 1957 to the .38 Military & Police revolver. The .38 military & Police was the evolution through many engineering changes and two world wars of the .38 special Army & Navy Revolver introduced in 1899.

It is a fixed sight blued or nickeled steel revolver with a swing out cylinder built on the medium K frame. Caliber was .38 special, except for a small number chambered for and marked as .357 Magnum. The 10-10 was introduced in 1988.

The model 10 in all it's variations was probably the most common police service revolver in the world and only lost favor when semiautomatic pistols became more common. The model 10 is still in production today.

As to value, the Standard catalog of S&W gave a value of $365 for as new in box & $275 for excellent (used) condition in 2006. Prices seem to have shifted a lot since then so I suggest you check out sites such as www.gunbroker.com www.auctionarms.com or www.gunsamerica.com to find out more current pricing. If you sell it to a dealer you will not get a retail price, they will discount the amount they pay you so they can sell it for a profit.