Smith and Wesson serial number search

[Loomis]

After looking around I believe this
will put me on the right track until
I can afford the official letter.

10-6
C914xxx

Many thanks!

[FlyFish]

Loomis: 1966 (starting SN C810533) to 1967 (ending SN C999999).

[FLredneck85]

can anyone date my 38 special serial number is c 898xx

[laytonj1]

can anyone date my 38 special serial number is c 898xx

Serial numbers ran from C1 in 1948 to C223998 in 1951.

Jim

[ThorOdinson]

A hock shop wants to sell me a S&W Mod 29 Serial S217394 (Blue) 6 1/2" barrel. Guy keeps calling it a "4 screw" model but 4 screws are not visible on the side plate (may be covered by the grips). May refer to a screw elsewhere. Looks and operates great but has that "aura" of something pre-1970 like something my grandpappy would have owned. How old? Should I be drooling on his counter? Thor

[FlyFish]

ThorOdinson: That 29 dates from 1961 (or possibly late 1960). That would make it a "no dash" model, pinned and recessed, and it is indeed a 4-screw. One of the three sideplate screws is hidden under the grip - the screw that makes it a 4-screw is the one immediately in front of the trigger guard. That's the one that was dropped to create the 3-screw design that is still used today. Depending on condition, I know I'd sure be drooling. According to SCSW, the "no dash" 29s command a premium of a few hundred dollars over the 29-2 and later models. (The 29-1s are ultra rare and bring a 2-3X premium). What does the hock shop want for it?

[ThorOdinson]

I found the following about the number of screws in S&W revolvers. It came from cactustactical.com so it answered 1/2 of my question (may help others too). Still wonder how old the .44 mag is listed above. Thor

"P&R, 3 Screw, 4 Screw, 5 Screw, and Transition Guns"

"Early production revolvers had four screws in the side plate and one screw in front of the trigger guard. These were known as 5-screw models. Later, the top sideplate screw was eliminated and replaced with a tab. These guns were known as 4-screw models. About the time model numbers were assigned, the screw on the front of the trigger guard was eliminated. Since that time, all are 3-screw models. P&R is the common acronym for “Pinned and Recessed”. These older model guns had a pinned barrel and recessed cylinders in magnum chamberings. As S&W made engineering changes, there were times when guns were produced with a new change before a new dash number was assigned. Then there were times when the new dash numbers were changed but S&W opted to use up existing parts. These models are known as transition guns."

[zimm47]

Hello. I recently was given a S&W DA 45 model 1917. The serial number listed on the bottom of the grip is #36 564. Wondering if any members could help me find the guns born on date and approximate value. I am new to S&W revolvers and any help would be appreiciated. I can supply pictures of firearm if needed

[ThorOdinson]

ThorOdinson: That 29 dates from 1961 (or possibly late 1960). That would make it a "no dash" model, pinned and recessed, and it is indeed a 4-screw. One of the three sideplate screws is hidden under the grip - the screw that makes it a 4-screw is the one immediately in front of the trigger guard. That's the one that was dropped to create the 3-screw design that is still used today. Depending on condition, I know I'd sure be drooling. According to SCSW, the "no dash" 29s command a premium of a few hundred dollars over the 29-2 and later models. (The 29-1s are ultra rare and bring a 2-3X premium). What does the hock shop want for it?

I couldn't wait so I got it. $699.00 Now if it will only shoot where I aim it then it will "make my day". I knew Elmer Keith got one of the first .44 Mags around January 1956--this isn't much newer. Now if I could only hit something at 600 yards like he could I could recite--

" Did I shoot 6 shots or only 5. In all this excitement I forgot....but seeing as how this is a .44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and will blow your head clean off...you have to ask yourself one question...do you feel lucky...well, do ya punk?" Thanks, Thor Odinson

[FlyFish]

I couldn't wait so I got it. $699.00

Neither would I have been able to wait.

[laytonj1]

I recently was given a S&W DA 45 model 1917. The serial number listed on the bottom of the grip is #36 564.

Your SN of 36564 would be late 1917 to early 1918. Values can range from over $500 in good (quite a bit of wear) to well over $1K in excellent (little to no blueing wear).

Jim

[fastforty]

Thought I had a handle on this one once, now not sure:
It's near mint condition, nice box, papers, tools, etc.

Box says on one end:
0184014031 Y
22 COMB MSTR 4IN SQ BL

On the other end:
Model No. 18-4
Ser. No. 89K67xx
On the other end

Thanx

[FlyFish]

An "89K" prefix on the SN is late 1980. (and I'm jealous )

[laytonj1]

22 COMB MSTR 4IN SQ BL

Just in case you're interested, that translates to:
22 Combat Masterpiece, 4" barrel, Square Butt grip frame and Blue finish.

Jim

[adam731432]

Please help me date my new K-frame(?) MOD 10-5

Serial # D60XXX

square but,pinned barrel, "50862" "8"or"&" and an "M" on the crane.

[laytonj1]

Please help me date my new K-frame(?) MOD 10-5

Serial # D60XXX

1968.

Jim

[adam731432]

Sure its not a 69 threw early 70's ? j/k I was pretty close though. Thnx

Do any of the yoke marking mean anything and can this thing handle P+ or even the famed 150/180/220(? i forget) load

[laytonj1]

Sure its not a 69 threw early 70's ? j/k I was pretty close though. Thnx

Do any of the yoke marking mean anything and can this thing handle P+ or even the famed 150/180/220(? i forget) load

Serial numbers ran from D1 to D90000 in 1968, so, no doubt.
The markings (besides 10-5) are assembly numbers and on some later guns the serial number was also stamped there.

S&W states in print that earlier 38 special K frames (made post 1957 and all steel), though not rated for +P, can shoot +P. However, it can accelerate wear.

You can shoot any bullet weight ammo (90grs. thru 200grs.) as long as it does not exceed +P pressures.

Jim

[Loomis]

Thanks for the date info!
Sorry can't find button to directly
reply to post.
Any VAGUE idea how much this
might be worth? It's in remarkabe
condition. Many think it's new! Slight
oxidation on trigger and hammer I've
been reluctant to work on because
rest is so pristine.
I hate to even THINK about selling
my guns, but that lung biopsy I just
had isn't free, and in the grand scheme
of things, what good will it be 10
years from now anyway?
Sorry if that sounds morbid, but I'm
just trying to think realistically.
I guess it's just because it's the only
thing I have left from my grandpa and.
I know I'll get ripped on the price since
it's nit like I can put it on craigslist like
all my music, audio, video, computer, etc.
stuff since it is a pistol and laws and such.

Just curious to know a ballpark since y'all
seem to know your stuff! Thanks!

[FlyFish]

Loomis - Very sorry to hear about the need for a lung biopsy, and hope that things turn out OK for you. With regard to the Model 10 (and its predecessor the .38 Military & Police), that's probably the most common revolver model produced by S&W, and there are lots of them out there to keep the prices down. In the condition you describe, and assuming that it doesn't have an unusual configuration that would make it more collectible, I'd say you're probably looking at around $400, perhaps a touch more depending on where you're located.

[SARDog13]

I have a S&W .38 Military & Police Model 10-5, S/N D82093, with Blue Finish. It's still in the box and I believe that it's had less than 1 box of .38 Special fired through it. From previous posts, it was manufactured in 1968. It's in pristine condition and still has the original cleaning rod still sealed in it's wrapper. It's wrapped in S&W paper and has the original Warranty Card.

What would it's value be? My Father-In-Law, who passed away last February, had this pistol hidden away in a closet and nobody in the family even knew he had it.

[laytonj1]

I have a S&W .38 Military & Police Model 10-5, S/N D82093

As FlyFish already noted, S&W made a bazillion of them. So, in true LNIB condition with all tools/accessories... around $500.

Jim

[breed]

i just found a mod.681. that my dad had loaded and put away about 8 to 10 years ago. never thought I'd see this old girl again. any one care to help out on when it was made...thanks...AAE43XX.

[TwankieMoore]

my father died recently and one of the guns he left behind was a s&w .38
and i was wondering if anyone could tell me a little bit about it like the date and things like that
serial number is c689xxx located on butt. when i open it on the arm it says MOD 10-5 and then under that on the other arm it says79616 then it has a 2 a q and what apears to be another 2 in random order on the side of the gun it says 38 s&w special ctg. made in usa marcas registrada s&w springfield,mass and has trade mark symbol. nickel with pear handle.

any information would be appreciated.

[FlyFish]

breed: Your 681 dates from 1981-82 and was made very shortly after the start of regular production. As you may know, it's basically the fixed-sight version of the 686 (or vice-versa, I guess). Lots of 686s around, but I don't run into 681s very often. The 681 was discontinued in 1992.

Twinkie: 1963-65 for your Model 10. As you correctly note, the correct serial number is on the butt. Other numbers that may appear in the frame cutout are called "assembly numbers" and are used during manufacture to keep track of fitted parts. They have no further significance. The Model 10, along with its predecessor, the .38 Military & Police in its various combinations and permutations, is probably the most common S&W revolver made and has been in production for over a century.