Smith and Wesson serial number search

[KingChaoZ]

Hello all & greetings from Finland, I 'm thinking about buying a S&W M59, can someone help me in determining the manufacturing year for serial A542xxx? Thanks in advance

[laytonj1]

manufacturing year for serial A542xxx

Serial numbers ran from A475001 in 1978 to A565000 in 1979.
Model 59's are excellent guns.

Jim

[Radagast]

King ChaoZ:
1978-1979. Serial range was A475001 to A565000. So 1979 seems probable.

[JohnnyBgood]

I recently bought a model 15 ser#1774xx.I thought it was odd because it had a 5-1/2" barrel.(mfg.1953)VG condition.I hope I didn't get burned at $300.00.Any thoughts??

[KingChaoZ]

Thanks very much for the info.. Yep, I'm going to buy that one, I got some warnings about the early models so that's why I'm interested in the manufacturing year for this gun. The price tag is very good also, only about $190.. Once again, thanks guys

[laytonj1]

I recently bought a model 15 ser#1774xx.I thought it was odd because it had a 5-1/2" barrel.(mfg.1953)VG condition.I hope I didn't get burned at $300.00.Any thoughts??

There should be a "K" prefix for that serial number. It may be a few spaces ahead of the numbers.

The barrel is measured from the muzzle to the forcing cone (at the face of the cylinder). A pre model 15 (combat masterpiece) would have a 4" barrel.
If you you have a 6" barrel then it's a pre model 14 (target masterpiece).
S&W did not start stamping model numbers till around 1957.

Unless it's beat up, $300 is a good price.

Jim

[Ceapea]

S&W 629-1 S/N AYF 4XXX

Thanks

[laytonj1]

S&W 629-1 S/N AYF 4XXX

1987.

Jim

[zgt]

hi ive got a model 37 with s/n abj18xx can anyone tell me the year thanks in advance

[biopump]

Hello everyone, I was hoping someone could help date and, if possible, value my S&W revolver.
On the barrel it says 38 S&W. Special CTG
Serial number 6J7--

Here's an image
Thanks a bunch

[OrygunMike]

Hello

I'm hoping to get date information on a Model 49
S/N ACM7014

thanks gang!

[laytonj1]

model 37 with s/n abj18xx

1982.

On the barrel it says 38 S&W. Special CTG
Serial number 6J7--

It's a model 36. Made 1971/72.
They generally sell in the $400 range.

I'm hoping to get date information on a Model 49
S/N ACM7014

1983.

Jim

[biopump]

Thanks Jim, appreciate it.

[zgt]

thanks man

[redhill]

Hello,

I inherited a Smith & Wesson from my grandfather (who was a customs officer) and would sincerely appreciate any help ID'ing it further.

The side of the barrel states "38 S&W SPECIAL CTG."

The serial number is: 1K13xxx

Behind the trigger it states: PACHMAYR GUN WKS.

Any idea when this gun was manufactured or any other specifics?

Any thoughts as to value?

Any information sincerely appreciated!

[redhill]

PS: It looks almost identical to the picture above!

[laytonj1]

The serial number is: 1K13xxx

The serial number dates it to 1970.
The "K" in the serial number identifies it as an adjustable sighted K frame.
So, you either have a model 14 or 15. If you open the cylinder you will see the model number stamped on the frame cutout. (see pic).

Jim

This is a model 629-1.

[redhill]

Jim,

Thanks so much for the prompt reply!

Man, your good ;]

It says 15-3.

Is this a pretty standard issue?

Any idea how much it might be worth if sold through...say....gunbroker.com?

Would it matter if it was owned by a customs officer?

I am in a pretty big bind financially and it breaks my heart to consider selling it...

Anyway, thanks again for any insight. It is sincerely appreciated.

[laytonj1]

Yes, they are common but desirable too.
Value depends on condition, barrel length and finish.

A 4" blued with minor blueing wear (tip of barrel, sharp edges) $350 to $375 range.
Allot of wear or dings/scratches, about $300 to $325.
Like new, no wear, $400 to $450.
If 2" barrel, add $50.
If nickel, add about $50.

These prices are only approximate and my opinion, if sold privately. If sold to a gun shop, subtract $100.

Jim

Edit: It came with factory wood grips. If they've been replaced with rubber then subtract another $25 - $35.

[redhill]

Hey Jim,

Thanks again.

Please check the attachment (pic) as I have no idea about these specifics.

I can tell you that it is very clean - I can find no dings or marking apart from fingerprints...

Lastly, do you think gunbroker is a good way to go?

I don't think I would part with it for less than $400...

[Luke1234]

I've got a Smith 38 special ctg with a US Navy stamp with an ID of V 163216 on barrel and on stock ID of V163216. Anyone know the year made and value?
Thank you, much appreciated...

[laytonj1]

Redhill,

From the pic, yeah, it looks good. Definitely worth $400.
That said, I have bought and sold many guns on gunbroker.
The problem you run into when selling guns on the auction sites is the buyer has to pick up the cost of shipping and the FFL transfer.
Without getting too detailed, unless your're an FFL, you're looking at an average of $50 for shipping and $25 for FFL transfer on their end. Plus Gunbroker gets about 5% from you when it sells. This is not a big deal on an expensive gun but on a $400 gun the buyer is looking at around $475 to get it in his hands, and he's buying it sight unseen. So... it may be harder to get that $400. Lots of good pictures help.
Try doing a search on gunbroker to see what model 15's are selling for. Click on revolvers then type 15.
If you sell it to a gun shop, they have to eat too, so your likely gonna get about $275 to $300 for it.
You can also try to advertise it locally.

Good luck,
Jim

[laytonj1]

I've got a Smith 38 special ctg with a US Navy stamp with an ID of V 163216 on barrel and on stock ID of V163216. Anyone know the year made and value?

The serial number dates it to 1942 -1945. It's a Victory model made for military service during WWII.
Value depends on condition and ranges from around $350 in "good", $600 in excellent and $750 in "as new" (2006 values). Per the SCSW, "the US Navy marking adds 50 to 100% if marked on the topstrap (above cylinder) and double to triple the value if marked PROPERTY OF US NAVY below the thumb release. Beware of fake markings"

Jim

[Luke1234]

Thank you Jim.
It is stamped US Navy on the topstrap and is in good condition. It is also in I think may be the original shoulder holster. What is the best place to sell a handgun like this? A gun show? Thank you for all of your assistance.

Luke

[richbail]

I am new to this and have little or no experience. I bought a SW 1911 through gunbroker and of course i bought a SW after doing the reading. It is used and is at 98% so it has not been used very much. What i was wondering is how to tell when it was made, the serial number is JRD6XXX. It does not change anything 1 way or the other, just wondering.

PS i can wait to go out and shoot this weekend as i have not done so in 40-45 years. Next is trap and i have not done this for 30 years. It is heck to get old.