Smith and Wesson serial number search - Page 212

tronner · April 30, 2012, 10:06 PM

Recently inherited a S&W Model 12 with the serial number V 740XXX The butt of the revolver is dissimilar to most I've seen as it has what looks like a ring for a strap (maybe military surplus?) screwed into the middle of the butt. The serial number is starts with V on the left of the ring and the rest on the right. The 7 looks slightly different than the rest of the numbers as it is pretty flush against the screw of the ring, whereas the other 5 number are pretty close together. Nothing seems fishy, just odd.

Are there any other markings that may be helpful?

I also have the instructions and parts list for the revolver in excellent condition. The date on the instructions are 1958, so I assume the gun is older than that. How much older I have no clue.

FlyFish · May 1, 2012, 08:53 AM

That's not a Model 12, which technically didn't exist until 1957 when S&W started numbering instead of simply naming different models. Nor can it be a pre-Model 12, which was known as the .38 Military and Police Airweight - they didn't exist until 1952 and never carried a "V" serial number. The serial number and lanyard ring pretty definitively identify the gun as a so-called "Victory" model .38 Military and Police, part of the series of guns that led to today's Model 10. These guns were made from 1942 to 1945 in the serial number range of V1 to V769000, with the "V" denoting Victory in WWII.

One marking that you may want to look for would be an "S" stamped somewhere on the butt. That would indicate the gun was one of those sent back to S&W to be fitted with a hammer block designed to prevent accidental discharge - this is the same design used in S&W revolvers to this day. Non "S" guns also have a hammer safety but it's not as positive a design as the newer modification. You may also find "U.S. Property" stamped on the topstrap, along with "GHD," the initials of US Army inspector at the time, Guy H. Drewry.

tronner · May 1, 2012, 09:40 AM

I will definitely check for those markings. I am excited the gun is of WWII vintage and very happy you pointed out the potential lack of hammer block.

I can't tell you what a great and thorough reply that was. Thank you!

(Also, just to correct a typo from my original post, I had assumed that the instructions dated 1958 meant the gun was NEWER (not older) - the fact it did turn out older is sort of a happy coincidence.)

Surflab · May 1, 2012, 03:24 PM

Hey guys. new to TFL! I recently purchased a police trade in model 10 from buds. Its a 10-10 and i was wondering if anybody would be so kind as to date it for me?? The serial # is bht3xxx. Also ive herd of people being able to identify where (which P.D) there police trade in guns came from. Any idea how anyone? Mines got a sticker on it with vpa01xxx on it and there are numbers that looked post factory ingraved on the crane Thanks guys happy shooting

samdiddles · May 1, 2012, 10:06 PM

S&w revolver. 323xxx. It belonged to my late grandfather trying to get a date and a possible if its registered.

Sgtmac26 · May 2, 2012, 07:42 AM

I am looking at picking up a SW1911 and wish to find info through the serial number on the gun. The serial number is UCFxxxx, any information is appreciated. It was manufactured in Houlton ME, it priced at $700 with 6 mags and Galco holster, is this a fair price? What is the rough value of the firearm? It is in nearly new condition and has had roughly 500 rounds through it.

Thank you for your assistance.

laytonj1 · May 2, 2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

The serial # is bht3xxx

1991.
Can't help you with police department stuff.

Quote:

S&w revolver. 323xxx

Need allot more info. S&W reused the same serial numbers many times on different models so I have to figure out what model gun you have first.
What is the caliber. How many rounds does it hold. Is it a modern swing-out cylinder revolver or an earlier tilting barrel type.
The only "registered" guns from S&W were the original 357 magnums from the 1930's.

Quote:

UCFxxxx

Book only covers up to 2004. Yours is recent. S&W customer service can give you the DOB over the phone for free.
Depending on which model of 1911 you have the price can vary allot.
$700 with 6 mags is a fair price for even the base model.

Jim

raw · May 3, 2012, 11:09 PM

i have a nickle plated smith and wesson 9mm model 39-2 serial number is A531xxx can anyone help with the year?

laytonj1 · May 4, 2012, 03:54 PM

Quote:

A531xxx

SN's ran from A475001 in 1978 to A565000 in 1979.

Jim

carprivershooter · May 8, 2012, 04:57 PM

just came home with a model 14-4, 5 1/2 - 6 " barrel, with a serial # 88K1XXX. can any one help with history on this beauty. I found these marks under the grips left side A3 or 43 A15 44918 A25 Right side B in a circle G in a triangle 04549.

FlyFish · May 8, 2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

just came home with a model 14-4, 5 1/2 - 6 " barrel, with a serial # 88K1XXX

That SN would date the gun to 1980. Barrel length is 6" - on revolvers it's measured to the forcing cone (front of the cylinder if you prefer). All those other numbers presumably meant something at the factory during production, but have no significance now.

carprivershooter · May 8, 2012, 08:09 PM

Thanks for your help.

2003flht · May 9, 2012, 10:11 PM

686 s&w Ser#. AHS0xxx

Any idea on the date?

FlyFish · May 10, 2012, 07:08 AM

Quote:

686 s&w Ser#. AHS0xxx

July 1985

geechee · May 10, 2012, 11:21 AM

Can I get a date of manufacture on a S&W .32 Long HE (model 1903?) with serial number 309743? Thanks.

FlyFish · May 10, 2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Can I get a date of manufacture on a S&W .32 Long HE (model 1903?) with serial number 309743?

Production of the .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 - 5th Change ended in 1917 at around sn 263000, so yours must be the successor, the .32 Hand Ejector Third Model, produced from 1917 to 1942 in the sn range 263001 to 536684. There's no specific information given on individual years in SCSW, so you'd have to interpolate using that information to get an approximate year.

geechee · May 10, 2012, 01:02 PM

Thank you, Fly Fish.

Bill Akins · May 10, 2012, 02:47 PM

I've got a model 1917 S&W revolver with serial number on butt of 997XX (5 digit serial number). Cylinder lock up is tight as a drum, tighter than any modern revolver and barrel has been cut to a snubby. Can anyone tell me about when it was made? Thanks. Bill.

.

laytonj1 · May 10, 2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

I've got a model 1917 S&W revolver with serial number on butt of 997XX

.
Most of the Model 1917's within serial number range 1 thru 169959 were made for the US Army and were made from Sept. 1917 to Jan 1919.

Jim

Bill Akins · May 10, 2012, 04:58 PM

Thanks Jim. Good to know it likely is an actual early WW1 era revolver, as opposed to a later produced 1917 commercial model. Now if it could only talk.

.

Whiakeybay · May 11, 2012, 11:26 PM

I inherited a .38 special from my grandfather when he passed.It looks to be nickel plated with black plastic grips(all the photos I've come across have been black with wood grips). It has the numbers MOD 10-8 which I do know is the 8 th variation of the model 10.The only other numbers I find on it are 92146 and then upside down c12. Can anyone tell me how old this one may be? The manufacture date?

FlyFish · May 12, 2012, 06:25 AM

10-8s were made from 1977 to 1988. Those other numbers aren't the serial number - you'll find that on the butt (bottom of the grip frame) and it might be covered up by oversize grips that you'll need to remove. It should be a 7-digit alphanumeric with a "D" in it and the rest numbers, or starting with three letters, followed by 4 numbers. If you post that, we can tell you the year.

Screwdriver · May 12, 2012, 09:13 AM

My first post....

I bought this new.....but can't remember when. Too many guns over the years. Just trying to find the date on her.

S&W 66-4....Serial CAD7XXX

Thanks in advanced.

FlyFish · May 12, 2012, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Serial CAD7XXX

Looks like 1995/possibly early 1996. There's a bit of a gap in the record for 1995.

Screwdriver · May 12, 2012, 09:34 AM

Thanks FlyFish!

That is way off from my memory.......but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong

April 30, 2012, 10:06 PM	#5276
tronner Junior Member Join Date: April 30, 2012 Location: Mountainview Posts: 2	S&W Model 12. Recently inherited a S&W Model 12 with the serial number V 740XXX The butt of the revolver is dissimilar to most I've seen as it has what looks like a ring for a strap (maybe military surplus?) screwed into the middle of the butt. The serial number is starts with V on the left of the ring and the rest on the right. The 7 looks slightly different than the rest of the numbers as it is pretty flush against the screw of the ring, whereas the other 5 number are pretty close together. Nothing seems fishy, just odd. Are there any other markings that may be helpful? I also have the instructions and parts list for the revolver in excellent condition. The date on the instructions are 1958, so I assume the gun is older than that. How much older I have no clue.

May 1, 2012, 08:53 AM	#5277
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,728	That's not a Model 12, which technically didn't exist until 1957 when S&W started numbering instead of simply naming different models. Nor can it be a pre-Model 12, which was known as the .38 Military and Police Airweight - they didn't exist until 1952 and never carried a "V" serial number. The serial number and lanyard ring pretty definitively identify the gun as a so-called "Victory" model .38 Military and Police, part of the series of guns that led to today's Model 10. These guns were made from 1942 to 1945 in the serial number range of V1 to V769000, with the "V" denoting Victory in WWII. One marking that you may want to look for would be an "S" stamped somewhere on the butt. That would indicate the gun was one of those sent back to S&W to be fitted with a hammer block designed to prevent accidental discharge - this is the same design used in S&W revolvers to this day. Non "S" guns also have a hammer safety but it's not as positive a design as the newer modification. You may also find "U.S. Property" stamped on the topstrap, along with "GHD," the initials of US Army inspector at the time, Guy H. Drewry. __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member NRA Certified Instructor: Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, PPIH, Metallic & Shotgun Shell Reloading; RSO Pemigewasset Valley Fish & Game Club Last edited by FlyFish; May 1, 2012 at 04:04 PM. Reason: typo

May 1, 2012, 09:40 AM	#5278
tronner Junior Member Join Date: April 30, 2012 Location: Mountainview Posts: 2	Thank you! I will definitely check for those markings. I am excited the gun is of WWII vintage and very happy you pointed out the potential lack of hammer block. I can't tell you what a great and thorough reply that was. Thank you! (Also, just to correct a typo from my original post, I had assumed that the instructions dated 1958 meant the gun was NEWER (not older) - the fact it did turn out older is sort of a happy coincidence.)

May 1, 2012, 03:24 PM	#5279
Surflab Junior Member Join Date: May 1, 2012 Posts: 4	Police trade in Hey guys. new to TFL! I recently purchased a police trade in model 10 from buds. Its a 10-10 and i was wondering if anybody would be so kind as to date it for me?? The serial # is bht3xxx. Also ive herd of people being able to identify where (which P.D) there police trade in guns came from. Any idea how anyone? Mines got a sticker on it with vpa01xxx on it and there are numbers that looked post factory ingraved on the crane Thanks guys happy shooting

May 1, 2012, 10:06 PM	#5280
samdiddles Junior Member Join Date: May 1, 2012 Posts: 1	serial number S&w revolver. 323xxx. It belonged to my late grandfather trying to get a date and a possible if its registered. Last edited by samdiddles; May 1, 2012 at 10:11 PM. Reason: left out half the text.

May 2, 2012, 07:42 AM	#5281
Sgtmac26 Junior Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Posts: 1	SW1911 serial# I am looking at picking up a SW1911 and wish to find info through the serial number on the gun. The serial number is UCFxxxx, any information is appreciated. It was manufactured in Houlton ME, it priced at $700 with 6 mags and Galco holster, is this a fair price? What is the rough value of the firearm? It is in nearly new condition and has had roughly 500 rounds through it. Thank you for your assistance.

May 3, 2012, 11:09 PM	#5283
raw Junior Member Join Date: May 3, 2012 Posts: 1	A little help kind ppl i have a nickle plated smith and wesson 9mm model 39-2 serial number is A531xxx can anyone help with the year?

May 8, 2012, 04:57 PM	#5285
carprivershooter Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2008 Location: Michigan, Upper Pennsula Posts: 396	new to me just came home with a model 14-4, 5 1/2 - 6 " barrel, with a serial # 88K1XXX. can any one help with history on this beauty. I found these marks under the grips left side A3 or 43 A15 44918 A25 Right side B in a circle G in a triangle 04549. Last edited by carprivershooter; May 8, 2012 at 05:51 PM.

May 8, 2012, 08:09 PM	#5287
carprivershooter Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2008 Location: Michigan, Upper Pennsula Posts: 396	thanks flyfish Thanks for your help.

May 9, 2012, 10:11 PM	#5288
2003flht Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 199	686 s&w Ser#. AHS0xxx Any idea on the date?

May 10, 2012, 11:21 AM	#5290
geechee Junior Member Join Date: May 10, 2012 Posts: 2	Can I get a date of manufacture on a S&W .32 Long HE (model 1903?) with serial number 309743? Thanks.

May 10, 2012, 01:02 PM	#5292
geechee Junior Member Join Date: May 10, 2012 Posts: 2	Thank you, Fly Fish.

May 10, 2012, 02:47 PM	#5293
Bill Akins Senior Member Join Date: August 28, 2007 Location: Hudson, Florida Posts: 1,135	I've got a model 1917 S&W revolver with serial number on butt of 997XX (5 digit serial number). Cylinder lock up is tight as a drum, tighter than any modern revolver and barrel has been cut to a snubby. Can anyone tell me about when it was made? Thanks. Bill. . __________________ "This is my Remy and this is my Colt. Remy loads easy and topstrap strong, Colt balances better and never feels wrong. A repro black powder revolver gun, they smoke and shoot lead and give me much fun. I can't figure out which one I like better, they're both fine revolvers that fit in my leather". "To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target".

May 10, 2012, 04:58 PM	#5295
Bill Akins Senior Member Join Date: August 28, 2007 Location: Hudson, Florida Posts: 1,135	Thanks Jim. Good to know it likely is an actual early WW1 era revolver, as opposed to a later produced 1917 commercial model. Now if it could only talk. . __________________ "This is my Remy and this is my Colt. Remy loads easy and topstrap strong, Colt balances better and never feels wrong. A repro black powder revolver gun, they smoke and shoot lead and give me much fun. I can't figure out which one I like better, they're both fine revolvers that fit in my leather". "To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target".

May 11, 2012, 11:26 PM	#5296
Whiakeybay Junior Member Join Date: May 11, 2012 Posts: 1	S&W 10 8 .38spec I inherited a .38 special from my grandfather when he passed.It looks to be nickel plated with black plastic grips(all the photos I've come across have been black with wood grips). It has the numbers MOD 10-8 which I do know is the 8 th variation of the model 10.The only other numbers I find on it are 92146 and then upside down c12. Can anyone tell me how old this one may be? The manufacture date?

May 12, 2012, 06:25 AM	#5297
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,728	10-8s were made from 1977 to 1988. Those other numbers aren't the serial number - you'll find that on the butt (bottom of the grip frame) and it might be covered up by oversize grips that you'll need to remove. It should be a 7-digit alphanumeric with a "D" in it and the rest numbers, or starting with three letters, followed by 4 numbers. If you post that, we can tell you the year. __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member NRA Certified Instructor: Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, PPIH, Metallic & Shotgun Shell Reloading; RSO Pemigewasset Valley Fish & Game Club

May 12, 2012, 09:13 AM	#5298
Screwdriver Junior Member Join Date: May 12, 2012 Posts: 2	My first post.... I bought this new.....but can't remember when. Too many guns over the years. Just trying to find the date on her. S&W 66-4....Serial CAD7XXX Thanks in advanced.

May 12, 2012, 09:34 AM	#5300
Screwdriver Junior Member Join Date: May 12, 2012 Posts: 2	Thanks FlyFish! That is way off from my memory.......but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong

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