Smith and Wesson serial number search

[carguychris]

1) Does the gun have an intertwined-"S&W" logo on it?
Yes on the handle.

2) Do you load and unload the gun by pressing a latch on the side, which makes the cylinder swing out to the left?
No

3) If not, I assume that you load and unload the gun by squeezing two buttons on the top rear of the gun,
No buttons there is a lever on top, in front of the trigger, you lift up that makes the barrel hinge down and cylinder hinge up.
I assume that it is still considered a top break.
Does it have a visible hammer? yes

4) If so, does it have a trigger guard (loop of metal around the trigger), and does the hammer move backwards by itself when the trigger is pulled? These two features should normally coincide.
Yes

OK, my explanation of how to open a top-break wasn't very accurate, but anyways...

It's a .32 Double Action 3rd Model, manufactured 1882-1883.

[pepsquad]

478XXX

poor thing is a beater, maybe i'll get a two inch barrel for it and call it my carry gun.

[laytonj1]

478XXX

"C" or "D" prefix? C478XXX would be 1961 and D478XXX would be 1972/73.

Jim

[pepsquad]

no letter prefix. i am confused i thought this thing was a model ten. huh

[pepsquad]

[AZAK]

How about a S&W M 60-7 BSD7XXX?

And what does the -7 denote in change from previous?

Thanks in advance!!!

Also what about +P in this vintage?

[carguychris]

no letter prefix. i am confused i thought this thing was a model ten. huh

Based on your picture, it's a 1930s-vintage .38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change. It's the predecessor to the Model 10.

See my earlier note about keeping +P ammo far, far away from this gun...

poor thing is a beater, maybe i'll get a two inch barrel for it and call it my carry gun.

NO!! STOP!!! It looks like it's in pretty good original condition for a 4th Change! Yeah, the finish is worn, but it's not too bad. Too many Model of 1905s have already been turned into "gun show specials" when someone flippantly hacked the barrel- PLEASE don't create another one!

If you must hack up an M&P, please choose a 4" tapered barrel C- or D-prefix Model 10... they're plentiful. If cash is short, I'm sure you can find a knowledgeable collector who will buy this nice old 4th Change from you for more than what that Model 10 will cost. I'd make an offer but I just emptied my cookie jar to buy a Lee-Enfield No.4 MkI.

{EDIT} BTW the gun appears C&R eligible based on the serial number; the only question is whether or not it's been modified. If it's C&R, you can legally sell it to an out-of-state C&R FFL, and you're allowed to ship it to them. Please post more pictures so we can check it out.

[pepsquad]

I'll create a different thread so i don't clog this one up, however the front sight has been ground down to almost nothing. I'm going to take it out this weekend and see if i can hit anything with that strange sight.

[tonelar]

Hi y'all,

The only S&W I own that Im blank on its origins is a 3rd change 29 with serial # ALB8xxx. Anyone have the reference book handy?

Thanks much.
tony

[laytonj1]

How about a S&W M 60-7 BSD7XXX?
And what does the -7 denote in change from previous?
Thanks in advance!!!
Also what about +P in this vintage?

1994/95. The dash numbers refer to engineering changes. -7 was started in 1990 increasing the front sight width to 1/8" and a new heat treating package.
Though not specifically rated for +P, being all steel it is safe to use it.

The only S&W I own that Im blank on its origins is a 3rd change 29 with serial # ALB8xxx. Anyone have the reference book handy?

Your 29-3 was made in 1985.

Jim

[laytonj1]

no letter prefix. i am confused i thought this thing was a model ten. huh

You were on the right track, they did not become known as model 10's until 1958. As Carguychris said, your picture shows a Military and Police pre war.

Jim

[tonelar]

Thanks Jim,
Here's a picture;

[NavionPilot]

Any idea on the age of a S&W 34-1 with 2" barrell, SN M514xx?

It is in very good shape, ball park on the value?

Thanks!

[laytonj1]

Any idea on the age of a S&W 34-1 with 2" barrell, SN M514xx?
It is in very good shape, ball park on the value?

1972/73. I'm not sure on a value but I know the 34's are desireable to S&W collectors. I would guess ~$400.

Thanks Jim,
Here's a picture;

Wow, and a 3" at that! That's nice.

Jim

[NavionPilot]

Thanks Jim!

[AZAK]

And another thank you to you Jim!
Much appreciated.

[range_rider13]

a) .38 Special
b) 1 7/8" bbl
c) Round butt
d) 5 shot
e) Fixed
f) Serial #J88xxxx
g) Mod. 36

[laytonj1]

f) Serial #J88xxxx

1981.

Jim

[SteelyNirvana]

I have an 4" model 66 serial # 4K505** I think it was made around '74 but not sure.

[range_rider13]

Thanks Jim. Any idea what month in 1981?

[laytonj1]

Any idea what month in 1981?

This is as close as the book gets: 1981 = J760001 - J915400.

I have an 4" model 66 serial # 4K505** I think it was made around '74 but not sure.

Your close: 4K1628 – 4K54104 = 1973.

Jim

[range_rider13]

Ok Jim, thanks! I'm thinkin' around October. Have a good day.

[Morgan Buchanan]

I have a Model 29, N399xxx. Would love to know when it was manufactured!

[laytonj1]

I have a Model 29, N399xxx. Would love to know when it was manufactured!

1976.

Jim

[Morgan Buchanan]

Holy cow, that's older than I'd have guessed. I bought it in about 1991 or 1992, and would have only figured it for a couple years old. The years have been very kind to my nickle plated beauty. Thanks for the info, neighbor.