Smith and Wesson serial number search

[jct_ucb]

Put a deposit down on my first S&W J-Frame, my old timer uncle said to find a 642 no-dash and I did. In very nice shape - I'm excited!

Can you guys help me with it's age? SN is BMA57xx

Appreciate the help,

JT

[n2b8u]

Serial on bottom of grip is J585xx. Any guess on DOB.
BTW Whats the name of book where I can get the info so I wont be buggin you guys?

[smiley47]

Saw a listing in an auction for a S&W .22 revolver. Only info was the picture, adjustable rear sight and SN M1909XX. Can anyone help with model#, age, and any details? TIA.

[laytonj1]

SN is BMA57xx

1993.

J585xx.

Serial numbers ran from J1 in 1969 to J99999 in 1970.
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, currently on it's third edition.

SN M1909XX

Serial number dates it to 1981. Five different models used that serial number sequence so if you could list the auction number I could take a look and maybe determine the model. You can PM me if you don't want to reveal the auction number to others.

Jim

[colsanders]

Im curious if someone could identify my .38 special s&w ctg. The serial number is 2412xx and i was wondering if someone could give me a little history on the gun. It has a 6" barrel and as far as i can tell is fairly old. Im new to the whole gun scene. There was another number just behind the cylinder that is visible when you load. Just a four digit number. Does this mean anything?

[Sevens]

I am not quite as good as some of these guys, but your revolver with serial number 2412xx sounds as though it is a Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector, Military & Police Model of 1905, Fourth Change.

I say that because I have two of them myself. My older one is likely a 1917 production date and carries a 272xxx serial number. My "newer" one carries a 357xxx number and I had it identified with a Smith & Wesson factory letter by historian Roy Jinks and he dated it to 1921. I would hazard a guess that yours is a 1915 or 1916 production year.

This Fourth Change evolved in to what is commonly known as the Model 10. It's a K-frame, fixed sight .38 Special revolver.

The serial number on these can be found on the bottom of the grip frame (butt), on the breech end of the cylinder itself and on the underside of the barrel. The four digit number you noted was used internally at the factory during production and has no significance for our use.

What kind of shape is it in? Any pictures? The K-frame Smith & Wesson .38 revolver is one of the most produced guns in history of the world. It has been suggested that some six million have been produced.

Fantastic example of American craftsmanship, but not rare.

Was it a handgun passed down in your family?

[jct_ucb]

Thanks Jim!

JT

[pxllr]

I have a 19-5 2.5" SN ANE6XXX What was approx. year of manufacture?
Thanks

[laytonj1]

SN ANE6XXX

1986/87.

Jim

[Twmaster]

Looking at a model 14. S/N K3658xx

Seeking approximate age and value in 'average' condition.

Did S&W ever do some sort of teflon coating?

[laytonj1]

S/N K3658xx

1959.
For that time period and assuming no mechanical problems, $400 well used to $700 + in minty condition.

Did S&W ever do some sort of teflon coating?

I don't believe so but I don't keep track of their newest offerings. I know the model 14 was pretty much blue only.

Jim

[Twmaster]

Jim,

As always thank you for the information. My S&W book says they did a run of these in nickle plate. However this gun appears to have some sort of silvery aftermarket finish that may actually be something like Ceracote. That finish is also on the hammer and trigger so I'm sure it's not original.

The gun looks good, owner claims the bore is nice and sharp with no pitting.

[therealtwitch]

How about my 640-1 BST9xxx?

[laytonj1]

My S&W book says they did a run of these in nickle plate.

True, but they are rare.

640-1 BST9xxx

Based on just the serial number I would have said 1994/5 but the book shows the 640-1 (357 magnum) starting in 1996. So, 1996.

Jim

[dewcrew8]

Need some help trying to find out more info on this model 28-2 3inch 357 highway patrolman s283xxx any info would be great!

[Twmaster]

Need some help trying to find out more info on this model 28-2 3inch 357 highway patrolman s283xxx any info would be great!

1966-1967

[dewcrew8]

Thanks twmaster!

[i love sharin foo]

Hi everybody!

I am the proud new owner of a nice old S&W .38 special revolver. It was sold to me as a Model 10 dating between 1948 to 1952. From what I understand, the Model 10 designation wouldn't have come until a bit later though. I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to help me determine approximately when it was shipped and if that date of '48-52 was accurate. The serial number is C82xxx stamped under the heel. The revolver itself is blued with a 5" tapered barrel, a square heel, wooden grips. Thanks in advance!!

[Sevens]

Most of the replies you'll find in this thread are coming from the look-up tables in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica & Nahas. It's a fantastic reference and worth the money for anyone who has a deep interest in Smith & Wesson handguns.

In that index, it does say that the "c" prefix SN's began in 1948 (with C1xxxxx) and ran to 1967 (C999999) and it doesn't give further info.

There are certain features and details that some folks can pick at on the revolver itself to get a closer estimation of it's age -- I'm not nearly so good at that... and you'll need to upload pictures.

Even with extra details, most in this forum can simply give you a range of years it was produced, according to what is published. If you truly would like to know when it was shipped, that information is indeed available -- in the form of a factory letter from the Smith & Wesson historian, Mr. Roy Jinks. The look-up and letter is a service available for $50 and if he's got the information (likely, he does!) he will tell a brief history on the model itself, he'll tell you exactly the features it had when it was shipped, the shipping date, and he'll tell you specifically to where it was shipped.

It's pretty neat. It's not free, however.

In the case of very old, rare, or extremely fine revolvers, the factory letter is almost a must and can greatly increase (and/or simply "back up") a value. In that way, the $50 is an easy investment.

The Model 10, and pre-Model 10 (the K-frame Hand Ejector, Military & Police, Model of 1905, Fourth Change) is perhaps the largest single produced model of handgun in the history of man. It's been suggested some 6 million have been made over the last 100+ years.

They made so many... because it is THAT good! I have four of them myself.

[laytonj1]

serial number is C82xxx stamped

Per the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson serial numbers ran from C1 in 1948 to C223998 in 1951.

Jim

[i love sharin foo]

Thank you guys for the help! I really appreciate it. I do intend to buy the book. I would be really interested to learn the finer details. I am really happy to finally have one of my own. I reload for all my other guns and plan to set up for this one too. I am planning to cast my own 148gr wadcutters, use some Bullseye, and go from there. It seems to be a winning combination for the .38 special. Thanks again for the replies!

[rrob692326]

Hello
I was hoping someone could date several revolvers I own First one is a M 36 chiefs special j408xxx. Second is a M 29 N133xxx and third is a 686 DSM AFT5XXX thank you for all your help
RR

[laytonj1]

j408xxx. Second is a M 29 N133xxx and third is a 686 DSM AFT5XXX

J408XXX = 1976.
N133XXX = 1973.
AFT5XXX = 1984.

Jim

[rrob692326]

Wow! that was fast. Thank you so much ,If I can be of any help to you please ask.
rr

[Cartervictor]

Just bought my first wheel gun, a used S&W 686 no dash with 4 inch barrel. Was wondering when it was manufactured (serial #ABC21xx) and there are issues I should be aware of with this model. Thanks.