Smith and Wesson serial number search - Page 83

laytonj1 · November 2, 2009, 09:44 PM

SRTTECH,

.38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change. Serial number puts it late 1930's.

Jim

SRTTECH · November 2, 2009, 09:58 PM

Thank you very much for your help. I was kind of guessing late 20's or 30's just based on the age of my grandaddy but its just so clean the only imperfections in the blueing is from holster wear so i wasn't sure. I shoot it everytime i go to the range. Thanks again this info will go along way in finding out a little more of my family history.

Folkvar · November 3, 2009, 03:44 PM

Hey all, new guy here. I just picked up a S&W 686-3 6" barrel. I was going to buy a Taurus 608, but was having trouble getting hold of one and came across this at a nearby gunshop. Ive always read great things about the 686 and it was in my price range.

Im trying to narrow down when it was made. It has a serial number of BJL1xxx. From my own research the -3s seem to have been made between 88-93. Can anyone narrow it down to the actual year for me? Also it has light grain square butt wood grips, were these still factory for -3s? Thanks.

rjrivero · November 3, 2009, 03:53 PM

Supica and Nahas don't list BJL as a prefix used by Smith and Wesson. That's curious. BFL was used in July 1990 and BHJ was used in July 1991.

Goncalo Alves checkered target grips with S&W medallions and speedloader relief is an original grip for the 686.

Folkvar · November 3, 2009, 03:56 PM

I definetly says BJL. umm. Product code 104244 Spec. Ord. 2266 6515

Features TS-CT-RR-WO.. Any of that stuff help?

Edit: Thanks for replying to my other thread. Next time I will look around a little more to make sure there isnt already a thread on my question. Not sure how I missed an 83 page thread.

carguychris · November 3, 2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Features TS-CT-RR-WO..

TS = Target Sights, i.e. adjustable rear sight
CT = Combat Trigger, i.e. smooth face
RR = Red Ramp front sight
WO = White Outline rear sight

FWIW I suspect that the BJL serial prefix was used soon after BHJ was used in July 1991.

rjrivero · November 3, 2009, 04:05 PM

TS= Target Stocks
CT= Combat Trigger
RR= Red Ramp Front sight insert
WO = White outline rear sight.

The Product code doesn't show up in Supica and Nahas either. Strange. Hammer It will know the answer, I'm sure.

lomaxanderson · November 3, 2009, 06:46 PM

two questions...686 no dash AEK 5464? when was it born?
2nd is smith 6904 tce7661...same question...Thanks

rjrivero · November 3, 2009, 07:06 PM

AEK doesn't appear in the book either. In Jan 1984 the prefix was ADT in november 1984 it lists AEV. The 686 no dash was in production from 1980-1986. I suspect the AEK is a 1984 version.

Similarly, The TCE prefix doesn't show in the book. The 1988 prefix was TCB, and in 1989 it went to TED.

namvet_1969 · November 3, 2009, 08:25 PM

Hello to all - Another newbie here!
I have what I believe to be my grandfather's police service revolver. It is a S&W 38 Special, SN 262XXX. Judging from some of the previous posts here, it appears that this SN may have been manufactured after his death, as he was killed in the line of duty in 1936. If that's the case, it would have been my father's service revolver.
I would appreciate any information anyone may be able to provide regarding the age/date of manufacture.
Thanks,
Guy

Radagast · November 3, 2009, 08:52 PM

namvet_1969: You have a S&W Military & Police Model of 1905 4th change. Serial number range for this variant was 241704 to 758296 between 1915 & 1942.
I'm pretty sure your gun dates to the period 1915-1917, as it was manufactured prior to heat treating of cylinders, starting at serial number 316648 somewhere between 1917 & 1920. Because of this it would be prudent to only shoot it with standard pressure lead ammunition. The sights should be regulated for 158 grain lead round nose ammo anyway. It lacks the hammer block safety introduced in 1944 and potentially if dropped on the hammer it can fire. Leaving the hammer down on an empty chamber would be prudent.

The Military & Police through various engineering changes evolved to be the modern day Model 10.

Based on the serial number it could be your grandfathers gun.

Folkvar · November 3, 2009, 10:23 PM

Looks like we are on quite the run of prefixes that dont show up today.

laytonj1 · November 4, 2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Looks like we are on quite the run of prefixes that dont show up today

It's not always cut and dry with the 3 letter prefix SN's.
AEK would fall between ADT3000 in Jan 84 and AEV in Nov 84.
TCE would fall between TCB 4082 in 1988 and TED in 1989.
BJL would fall before BMB in Feb 93 but would be after the BH, BK and BF confusion running up thru Sep 92.
I think...

Jim

Raul Eduardo · November 4, 2009, 10:46 AM

I have a very old .38 SW, with the serial 192xxx. No letters before or after the numbers. As per my knowledge about this gun it is owned by my father since the 60's and I suspect that it was owned by grandfather since a long time ago. However no one is alive to certify anymore. It has 5 screws, J-Frame and round butt.
I will ask for a factory letter to discover more about it, but is if anyone can give me any idea of it's age I would be very grateful

spacecoast · November 4, 2009, 10:59 AM

Can someone look up the BRN prefix on my 6" 686-4? I'm thinking 1994?

Thanks in advance...

FlyFish · November 4, 2009, 11:52 AM

spacecoast: SCSW shows "BRF" as August, 1994 and then there's a gap until "CAM" in January, 1996 - so 1994 is probably the most likely, with '95 a possibility.

spacecoast · November 4, 2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

spacecoast: SCSW shows "BRF" as August, 1994 and then there's a gap until "CAM" in January, 1996 - so 1994 is probably the most likely, with '95 a possibility.

Cool, thanks a lot.

laytonj1 · November 4, 2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

I have a very old .38 SW, with the serial 192xxx. No letters before or after the numbers. As per my knowledge about this gun it is owned by my father since the 60's and I suspect that it was owned by grandfather since a long time ago. However no one is alive to certify anymore. It has 5 screws, J-Frame and round butt.

Two questions. What are the exact caliber markings on the side of the barrel (need to determine if it's 38 special or 38 S&W).
Where did you take the serial number from (from the underside of the grip butt or front of the grip handle, etc.).

Jim

docwade · November 5, 2009, 09:24 AM

Can anyone tell me how many 625-8 V-Comps were made. My serial number is RVC01XX and has a lock.

southerncomforthemi · November 6, 2009, 12:14 AM

Couple of questions on pre 14 k38 6 inch....5 screw

Did they make the pre 14 in nickel?

What should the serial number of the nickel look like.

So have been offered one pre 14 that is single action and one the other is double action....the nickel one and a blued one.

When did they change from single to double action or was it a choice.

Sorry that is more than two questions...G

Which would be the most desirable to own they are both 98%...I will get to see them next week.

carguychris · November 6, 2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Did they make the pre 14 in nickel?

What should the serial number of the nickel look like.

When did they change from single to double action or was it a choice.

In order...

Yes, but they're uncommon. They command a premium if they're genuine.

There's no difference in the serial number. However, be warned that many older S&Ws have been refinished. A factory nickel revolver of this vintage should have a color case hammer and trigger, matte black finish on the rear sight and sight base, a blued ejector star, and the pawls on the ejector star will be natural metal. Nickel finish on any of these items is a surefire indication of a refinish.

Single-action-only was optional and somewhat uncommon.

southerncomforthemi · November 6, 2009, 01:15 AM

What year does pre 14 5 screw go up to?

I believe one gun is 1954 the other is 70's

Am i right in thinking it should have non tapered barrel.

So if I am really very lucky I might have found a nickel pre 14 K 38 single action....G

If not I have found a nice blued single action .

Any more helpful hints?

tel0004 · November 6, 2009, 08:35 AM

southerncomforthemi: In 1955 S&W got rid of the sideplate screw.

southerncomforthemi · November 6, 2009, 09:03 AM

thanks tel004......so no 5 screws existed after that date....should be simple to spot.

Also I presume they should have non tapered barrels if they are the true models.

They should also have the serial numbers under the barrels and not on the cylinder lock.

The 1954 run ended with number K231,255

That should help me....still find it hard to believe that he has a genuine nickel one.

Will know Tuesday when he comes to the club but don't want my eagle eyed friends with deeper knowledge that me to beat me to the punch.

laytonj1 · November 6, 2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

so no 5 screws existed after that date....should be simple to spot.

Also I presume they should have non tapered barrels if they are the true models.

They should also have the serial numbers under the barrels and not on the cylinder lock.

The 1954 run ended with number K231,255

That should help me....still find it hard to believe that he has a genuine nickel one.

5 screw ended during 1955 for the K frame but they are some that shipped later then that.
Model 14's / K-38 / target masterpiece have a standard (not tappered) barrel.
Up to ~ 1957 will have the serial number on the barrel, cylinder, under ejector star and underside of grip butt.
Nickeled 14's are worth a premium.
Single action 14's were offered from 1961 - 1982 and are worth a small premium.

Jim

November 3, 2009, 06:46 PM	#2058
lomaxanderson Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2006 Location: La. Posts: 349	two questions...686 no dash AEK 5464? when was it born? 2nd is smith 6904 tce7661...same question...Thanks __________________ All I want to do is live in peace...for that I'm willing to die STOLEN COLT NIGHT DEFENDER sn NDF0311 Mason Rhea Gsd

November 4, 2009, 10:46 AM	#2064
Raul Eduardo Junior Member Join Date: November 4, 2009 Posts: 1	Age of a .38 SW I have a very old .38 SW, with the serial 192xxx. No letters before or after the numbers. As per my knowledge about this gun it is owned by my father since the 60's and I suspect that it was owned by grandfather since a long time ago. However no one is alive to certify anymore. It has 5 screws, J-Frame and round butt. I will ask for a factory letter to discover more about it, but is if anyone can give me any idea of it's age I would be very grateful

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November 2, 2009, 09:44 PM	#2051
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	SRTTECH, .38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change. Serial number puts it late 1930's. Jim

November 2, 2009, 09:58 PM	#2052
SRTTECH Junior Member Join Date: November 2, 2009 Posts: 4	Thank you very much for your help. I was kind of guessing late 20's or 30's just based on the age of my grandaddy but its just so clean the only imperfections in the blueing is from holster wear so i wasn't sure. I shoot it everytime i go to the range. Thanks again this info will go along way in finding out a little more of my family history.

November 3, 2009, 03:44 PM	#2053
Folkvar Junior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Council Grove, Kansas Posts: 4	Hey all, new guy here. I just picked up a S&W 686-3 6" barrel. I was going to buy a Taurus 608, but was having trouble getting hold of one and came across this at a nearby gunshop. Ive always read great things about the 686 and it was in my price range. Im trying to narrow down when it was made. It has a serial number of BJL1xxx. From my own research the -3s seem to have been made between 88-93. Can anyone narrow it down to the actual year for me? Also it has light grain square butt wood grips, were these still factory for -3s? Thanks.

November 3, 2009, 03:53 PM	#2054
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	Supica and Nahas don't list BJL as a prefix used by Smith and Wesson. That's curious. BFL was used in July 1990 and BHJ was used in July 1991. Goncalo Alves checkered target grips with S&W medallions and speedloader relief is an original grip for the 686.

November 3, 2009, 03:56 PM	#2055
Folkvar Junior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Council Grove, Kansas Posts: 4	I definetly says BJL. umm. Product code 104244 Spec. Ord. 2266 6515 Features TS-CT-RR-WO.. Any of that stuff help? Edit: Thanks for replying to my other thread. Next time I will look around a little more to make sure there isnt already a thread on my question. Not sure how I missed an 83 page thread.

November 3, 2009, 04:05 PM	#2057
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	TS= Target Stocks CT= Combat Trigger RR= Red Ramp Front sight insert WO = White outline rear sight. The Product code doesn't show up in Supica and Nahas either. Strange. Hammer It will know the answer, I'm sure.

November 3, 2009, 07:06 PM	#2059
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	AEK doesn't appear in the book either. In Jan 1984 the prefix was ADT in november 1984 it lists AEV. The 686 no dash was in production from 1980-1986. I suspect the AEK is a 1984 version. Similarly, The TCE prefix doesn't show in the book. The 1988 prefix was TCB, and in 1989 it went to TED.

November 3, 2009, 08:25 PM	#2060
namvet_1969 Junior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 1	Hello to all - Another newbie here! I have what I believe to be my grandfather's police service revolver. It is a S&W 38 Special, SN 262XXX. Judging from some of the previous posts here, it appears that this SN may have been manufactured after his death, as he was killed in the line of duty in 1936. If that's the case, it would have been my father's service revolver. I would appreciate any information anyone may be able to provide regarding the age/date of manufacture. Thanks, Guy

November 3, 2009, 08:52 PM	#2061
Radagast Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2001 Posts: 449	namvet_1969: You have a S&W Military & Police Model of 1905 4th change. Serial number range for this variant was 241704 to 758296 between 1915 & 1942. I'm pretty sure your gun dates to the period 1915-1917, as it was manufactured prior to heat treating of cylinders, starting at serial number 316648 somewhere between 1917 & 1920. Because of this it would be prudent to only shoot it with standard pressure lead ammunition. The sights should be regulated for 158 grain lead round nose ammo anyway. It lacks the hammer block safety introduced in 1944 and potentially if dropped on the hammer it can fire. Leaving the hammer down on an empty chamber would be prudent. The Military & Police through various engineering changes evolved to be the modern day Model 10. Based on the serial number it could be your grandfathers gun.

November 3, 2009, 10:23 PM	#2062
Folkvar Junior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Council Grove, Kansas Posts: 4	Looks like we are on quite the run of prefixes that dont show up today.

November 4, 2009, 10:59 AM	#2065
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	Can someone look up the BRN prefix on my 6" 686-4? I'm thinking 1994? Thanks in advance...

November 4, 2009, 11:52 AM	#2066
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,727	spacecoast: SCSW shows "BRF" as August, 1994 and then there's a gap until "CAM" in January, 1996 - so 1994 is probably the most likely, with '95 a possibility.

November 5, 2009, 09:24 AM	#2069
docwade Junior Member Join Date: April 6, 2007 Posts: 6	Can anyone tell me how many 625-8 V-Comps were made. My serial number is RVC01XX and has a lock.

November 6, 2009, 12:14 AM	#2070
southerncomforthemi Member Join Date: September 14, 2008 Posts: 18	Couple of questions on pre 14 k38 6 inch....5 screw Did they make the pre 14 in nickel? What should the serial number of the nickel look like. So have been offered one pre 14 that is single action and one the other is double action....the nickel one and a blued one. When did they change from single to double action or was it a choice. Sorry that is more than two questions...G Which would be the most desirable to own they are both 98%...I will get to see them next week.

November 6, 2009, 01:15 AM	#2072
southerncomforthemi Member Join Date: September 14, 2008 Posts: 18	What year does pre 14 5 screw go up to? I believe one gun is 1954 the other is 70's Am i right in thinking it should have non tapered barrel. So if I am really very lucky I might have found a nickel pre 14 K 38 single action....G If not I have found a nice blued single action . Any more helpful hints?

November 6, 2009, 08:35 AM	#2073
tel0004 Member Join Date: June 24, 2005 Posts: 45	southerncomforthemi: In 1955 S&W got rid of the sideplate screw.

November 6, 2009, 09:03 AM	#2074
southerncomforthemi Member Join Date: September 14, 2008 Posts: 18	thanks tel004......so no 5 screws existed after that date....should be simple to spot. Also I presume they should have non tapered barrels if they are the true models. They should also have the serial numbers under the barrels and not on the cylinder lock. The 1954 run ended with number K231,255 That should help me....still find it hard to believe that he has a genuine nickel one. Will know Tuesday when he comes to the club but don't want my eagle eyed friends with deeper knowledge that me to beat me to the punch.