Smith and Wesson serial number search

[Dave Anderson]

'We have a 6" barrel that is not blued 28-2 Highway Patrolman - the difference from it and all the photos I've found online is that it appears to have been chrome plated, and where the chrome is chipping off the cylinder from wear it is steel (not blued) even when the gun is completed dismantled it is steel. It has what I call a dead man symbol on the barrel next to the 357 CTG all the photos online I see have 4 dots (one on each side of the symbol) ours is different however, also my ampersand on the S&W is very ornate not the typical & symbol. Our Serial Number is S285XXX - anyone have any clue on why my gun is different from the hundreds I've seen online? My husband has taken it apart to check it and he states it has been very well taken care of. It also has a second number under the grip stamped in the steel 73140. I think we are still going to send a letter to Mr. Jinks, just wanted to know what you guys thought?"


I don't have exact serial number records, but s/n S227149 was made late 1961, and the last S-prefix N-frame revolver was S333454 made in 1969. This would suggest your revolver was made in the mid-1960s.

It may have had the plating done by a previous owner. However it may also be one of the relatively rare model 28s with factory brushed nickel finish. These are very unusual and considerably more valuable to S&W collectors (as in three times as valuable) as a blued model in the same condition. Fakes have been known, so you are wise to write Roy Jinks for more information.

[Dave Anderson]

"Hi all,
First post. I am looking for the date of manufactor of my Smith and Wesson 38 Special CTG, S.N. S826xxx. It was my Grandfathers. Thank you for any help."


Do you think you might have used one too many Xs? The highest known S-prefix is S333454 made in 1969.

Assuming it was meant to read S826XX a reasonable estimate would be 1950 or the early 1950s, though I don't have records showing the exact year. It should be either the .38/44 Heavy Duty (fixed sights) or .38/44 Outdoorsman (adjustable rear sight). If it has an adjustable rear sight and ribbed barrel it was made in 1950 or later.

[conda70]

Thanks for the info Dave on SW 38 Special. Perhaps I am misreading the SN. On the butt of the gun it has an S and then about a half inch away in line it has 826xxx stamped on it. six numbers. Am I wrong to include the S?
On the end of the cylinder is the same, an S between one hole and the number between the next. Thanks.

[Dave Anderson]

Thanks for the info Dave on SW 38 Special. Perhaps I am misreading the SN. On the butt of the gun it has an S and then about a half inch away in line it has 826xxx stamped on it. six numbers. Am I wrong to include the S?
On the end of the cylinder is the same, an S between one hole and the number between the next. Thanks.

Okay, good clarification. When I see an Sxxxxxx number I think first of the N-frame series.

The K-frame Military & Police revolvers were numbered in the manner you describe. The serial numbers were in the same sequence which began back in 1899 at s/n 1. A newly designed hammer block safety was added during WW II in late 1944 - early 1945. S&W began stamping the butt with the letters VS (indicating the Victory model with the new safety device), then the serial number as you have indicated.

The V for Victory letter was dropped when the war ended. The first M&P revolver made for commercial sale after WW II was stamped with the letter S (followed by a space) 811120 and was made September 12, 1945. S&W concentrated on M&P production for the first couple of years after the war as they were was great demand both with private citizens and especially with law enforcement. Likely your revolver was made in late 1945 or early 1946.

The last M&P with the S stamping was made March 22, 1948 when the s/n reached 999999. S&W then changed to a C prefix followed by the s/n.

Sorry for the earlier confusion, your additional information helped a lot.

[laytonj1]

I asked the seller (and someone else on the S&W Forum) and he said that the gun is a "floating J" and was manufactured in 1971. I don't know what a floating J is. Have you heard of it before?

Yours does not fall within the floating J series. The floating J's was J1 thru 999J99.
Your 1J620 is 1982 (serials ran from J915401 to 1J18600). You can also call S&W's customer service and they will also give you the DOB.

Looking for approximate year for AJN47XX

1986/87.

Jrf7447 1911 s&w .45

Too new for the book. You'll have to call S&W customer service. They;ll give you the DOB over the phone for free.

TxQTPi Our Serial Number is S285XXX

Serial numbers ran fron S262000 in 1966 to S289999 in 1967.
The symbol and markings identify it as a model 28 (Highway Patrolman).Your serial number does not fall within the range for the nickel plated versions so it was done aftermarket.

First post. I am looking for the date of manufactor of my Smith and Wesson 38 Special CTG, S.N. S826xxx. It was my Grandfathers.

It's a .38 Military & Police postwar.
Serial numbers ran from S811338 in 1945 to S999999 in 1948.

Edit: I see Dave already caught it.

Jim

[tmas]

I have a S&W revolver that belonged to my father who was a gunsmith and passed away when i was 7. I believe he carried it concealed.

It is a 38 Special, the barrel is about 2" and has no markings on it. I believe it is a K-Frame, has a hand ejecter. The S&W logo stamped on the right side of frame, and 4 screws.
There is 3 numbers marked on it.

The first is just behind the trigger gaurd on the inside of the corner, "Y6691".

The second is on the back of the grip against your palm while shooting, "SMP 308"

The third i believe to be the S/N, on the butt of grip. "226xxx"

There is no rear sight on it, and i believe the hammer has been machined off. Maybe to be carried concealed easier?
I would like to find a rear sight for it, i am hoping to find out what model it is and maybe the year it was made, and whether i can reload +P loads for it. I have a picture i can try to figure out how to post it. Thanks in advance for any help!

[laytonj1]

The third i believe to be the S/N, on the butt of grip. "226xxx"

Well, to begin with, it's been heavily modified. The barrel appears to be from a 2" Colt python. The serial number (assuming there was not a letter prefix) makes it a .38 Military & Police 3rd Change. Serial numbers ran from 146900 in 1909 to 241703 in 1915.
Since it predates modern heat treating, do not shoot +P's in it. That said, there's no telling what all has been changed out on it for more modern parts.
I really can't help you much more on it.

Jim

[tmas]

Wow, thanks Jim. I had a hunch the barrel was not factory. Interesting that it came off a Colt. There is no letter prefix on the serial number, so it must be from the time period you mentioned. Guess i'll be sticking to lighter loads and save the +P's for my .357.

Here is a picture of another revolver he modified. My grandmother has it, my dad made it for his dad who was a life-long prospector, always traveling and panning for gold. It is a .357, appears the barrel is colt as well, but the frame has a ruger mark on it and the grip has a S&W. I hope it inherit it someday.



Thanks so much for the info, it's great to know.

[MaryBurk]

Thank You very much for that information. I wish I had more info on the gun itself. But He's now gone and his father is gone. So I can not ask them when it was purchased or any other info. But I truly do appreciate that info. Do you know much about 22lr's and 410's? Thank you again

[laytonj1]

Here is a picture of another revolver he modified.

Yeap, Ruger security six with a 4" Colt python barrel. They were a popular conversion about 30 years ago. They were called Cougers.

Jim

[chubcobear]

S&W Mod 60 serial number BAA52XX. 2" barrel. Thank you.

[Tommy Vercetti]

3 inch barrel Smith & Wesson model 629-1 .44 magnum serial number ANC557x

[Trebla]

Please help a fellow enthusiats out. My S&W 66-3 serial number is BDD2xxx. Can any of you tell me when this was made?

[laytonj1]

S&W Mod 60 serial number BAA52XX

1988.

Smith & Wesson model 629-1 .44 magnum serial number ANC557x

1986/87.

My S&W 66-3 serial number is BDD2xxx

1989.

Jim

[chubcobear]

Jim, Thank you for the info. The gun was sold to me by a small town Northern California Chief of Police but I could not remember when in the 80s. I think memory goes quick after we retire. You helped me remember. You do a great service here. Thanks again.

[ghitch75]

picked up a 25-2....would like to know when it was made....N316XXX....

thanks

[randyp6]

Year-of-manufacture please!
I just acquired two semi-autos in super nice condition and would very much like to know when they were manufactured.
Model 4516-1 serial number TED8093
Model 5906 serial number TDE9798
Many Thanks,
Randy

[laytonj1]

....N316XXX....

N300000 range was 1975 thru 1976.

Model 4516-1 serial number TED8093
Model 5906 serial number TDE9798

Well, the book's a little confusing here. It shows the first year for the 4516 as 1990 but list the TED prefix as 1989.
Book does not show TDE but since first year for 5906 was 1989 and TDE comes before TED I'd say it's also 1989.

Jim

[ghitch75]

N300000 range was 1975 thru 1976.

thanks!!!

[Soybomb]

Can anyone tell me what year a 6" 28-2 serial N107xxx was born in?

It is in pretty good condition, what do these usually go for? From the look of things it seems like in general somewhere between $400-500 but most of those seem to be significantly newer serials numbers. Any added value to this one because of its age?

Thanks!

[laytonj1]

28-2 serial N107xxx

N107xxx = 1973.
28's were made from 1954 to 1986 so yours is middle of the pack.
Value runs in the $400 to $600 range depending on condition.

Jim

[Tommy Vercetti]

thank you again Jim

[Uncle Buck]

I picked up a small, snub nosed S&W Model 36, .38 Special revolver last night. Five shot, serial number ABA28xx (Between the wooden hand grips, bottom of revolver) and on the crane are the numbers 86792 and below those numbers are E18.

It is still very tight, but the bluing is worn off on one side of the cylinder and there is a little wear on one side of the barrel, like what you would see from a gun that was in and out of a holsters.

I paid $250 for the gun and was wondering what you could tell me about it. It is a nice little gun and performs perfectly.

Would it be worth it to re-blue the entire revolver?

[laytonj1]

serial number ABA28xx

1982.
Being a "newer" gun a reblue won't hurt its value. You are looking around $150 to $200 for the reblue. For what you'd have into it you might be able to find a minty original specimen. So is it worth it... depends how much do you like that gun.

Jim

[Uncle Buck]

Thanks Jim, you came through again. Because it is not that old, I figured I might mess around and try to re-blue it myself. If I screw it up too badly, I can always send it out to be fixed.