Smith and Wesson serial number search

[Grant.]

Hey, I've got a Model 29-5 with a serial number BER24**. When was she made?

[laytonj1]

Originally Posted by Grant.

Hey, I've got a Model 29-5 with a serial number BER24**. When was she made?

BER prefix dates to right at the start of 1990.
Do you have the original box? If so, I can tell you the packaging date from the special order code.

Jim

[Grant.]

Nope! I don't have it unfortunately. Thank you though! As it's a 29-5 I knew it was 90s but I was just curious as to when. You're the man!

[MyMalteseFalcon]

Hi, been awhile since I've looked in on this forum. Glad to see it's still around.
On the subject of years of DOB for my Md 64-5, can anyone tell me what year mine is? Serial # BFT- 17**, it's in SS. It's in great condition, no pitting, no scratches & the original wood grips are shiny & new. Just a sweet piece.

I looked at S&W's web site and found nothing to direct me to find years of man. for this model.

I've read there's a catalog of years S&W puts out. If someone has this book, can you please help me out by telling me what DOB and the year of shipping my gun is? I've read they didn't ship soon as it was produced but shipped when needed too.

Also, besides spending the $50 fee for S&W's letter of history, etc. is there another venue to research & obtain this info?

I have lots of hand guns, but only one S&W. Love the feel & handling of it. It's no wonder it was (or still is), the preferred weapon for law enforcement. Just a great gun over all.

So, if anyone can help, it would be very much appreciated!

Thanks, shoot straight & be safe....

[laytonj1]

Serial # BFT- 17**

1990.

Jim

[MyMalteseFalcon]

Thank you Jim, much appreciated!

[utguy]

Hello everyone,

I inherited my father's old off duty weapon he had as a Highway Patrolman during the late 1950s. It's a Smith & Wesson 38 special, 5-shot. I can't figure out the exact model or type. Here are some pics.

There is a number on the bottom of the butt that says 653xx.

Thank you.

[laytonj1]

There is a number on the bottom of the butt that says 653xx.

It’s a .38 Chiefs Special which became the model 36 when S&W began stamping model numbers ~ 1957.
Your serial number of 653xx dates it to 1955.
Definitely a keepsake.

Jim

[shurshot]

I could use some help, trying to figure out my "new" toys year of manufacturing. 586-3 L frame, 4" #BBMOxxx. Anyone know when this baby was made?

[RitAnd]

I got this Smith and Wesson when my grandpa passed a few yrs. ago. The only numbers I can find aside from the patent numbers are the bottom of the grip. Would be nice to know what it is for sure. The number is 8304T. I do know it's a 38

[Himhawkeye]

Please advise Mod # and date
Hello All: I believe this is a Pre 27. N frame with number on grip of 611** (don't see an S in front of it). Thanks for any help.

[laytonj1]

586-3 L frame, 4" #BBMOxxx

1988.

I got this Smith and Wesson when my grandpa passed a few yrs. ago. The only numbers I can find aside from the patent numbers are the bottom of the grip. Would be nice to know what it is for sure. The number is 8304T. I do know it's a 38

There would not be a "T" in the serial number. See pic for serial number location.
Also, is it a 5 shot or six? Modern swing out cylinder? Does the chambering stamped on the side of the barrel say 38 S&W Special (Spl) or just 38 S&W?

Jim

[laytonj1]

Originally Posted by Himhawkeye

Please advise Mod # and date
Hello All: I believe this is a Pre 27. N frame with number on grip of 611** (don't see an S in front of it). Thanks for any help.

If it is a 357 and that serial number is correct then you have a Registered or Non Registered Prewar Magnum. Serial numers ran from 45768 in 1935 to 62489 in 1941.
Since these are worth serious money I would really like to see a picture to confirm. You can attach a pic here or email one to me.

Jim

[Himhawkeye]

Thank you for the prompt reply. I won't have pictures available until the weekend. I will send them to you then.

[RitAnd]

I took a better look at the # and it is 83047. I would show you a pic. but my files won't upload for whatever reason. It isnt a swing out chamber either. It breaks in front of the trigger. 5 shot

[laytonj1]

Originally Posted by RitAnd

I took a better look at the # and it is 83047. I would show you a pic. but my files won't upload for whatever reason. It isnt a swing out chamber either. It breaks in front of the trigger. 5 shot

Got the pictures. It's a .38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model. Serial numbers ran from 42484 in 1890 to 116002 in 1898.

Jim

[RitAnd]

Thank you. Now I have to do some research and see what it's value is so I can insure it properly.

[jcoenen]

Can anyone give me an idea what model and date this serial number belongs to? Its a .38 revolver and the serial number is 3407xx. I have a chance to buy this but want to make sure I don't overpay.

Thanks

[laytonj1]

Originally Posted by jcoenen

Can anyone give me an idea what model and date this serial number belongs to? Its a .38 revolver and the serial number is 3407xx. I have a chance to buy this but want to make sure I don't overpay.

Thanks

Is it a 5 or 6 shot?

Assuming it’s a 5 shot the serial number dates it to ~ 1963. It could be a model 36 (steel frame) a model 37 (aluminum frame) or model 38 (aluminum frame with concealed hammer). The model number will be stamped on the frame of the gun just forward of the cylinder. You’ll have to open the cylinder to see it.

If it’s a 6 shot then likely a 38 Military & Police in which case the serial number would date to early 1920’s.

Jim

[jcoenen]

I don’t actually have gun in hand yet. It has the concealed hammer on it and is a five shot.

[laytonj1]

It has the concealed hammer on it and is a five shot.

So it would be a model 38 (also known as the Bodyguard Airweight) from 1963.
And again, that assumes the serial number does not have a "J" prefix.
340xxx = 1963
J340xxx = 1976

So that should pretty much cover it.

Jim

[Speeddemon883]

I have a very old s&w 38 special serial 6707xx. I think it’s pre-ww2 but want to know what year. It’s been passed through the family. Can anyone tell me when it was made. Thanks in advance for any help.

[L-2]

Originally Posted by Speeddemon883

I have a very old s&w 38 special serial 6707xx. I think it’s pre-ww2 but want to know what year. It’s been passed through the family. Can anyone tell me when it was made. Thanks in advance for any help.

1915-1942 241704-700000

Supica, Jim,Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (Kindle Location 16776). F+W Media. Kindle Edition.

.38 Special Hand Ejector M&P

From the info given, it may be a .38 Special "Hand Ejector".
The referenced book doesn't indicate which specific years for the s/n range and doesn't indicate if production was even for each year (i.e., ~32,700 unit/year or not). If it can be assumed production was close to being even, we still don't know if production was for the entire last year. It might be a good estimate the subject revolver was made in 1941 or 1942 using my rough math skills.

[laytonj1]

I have a very old s&w 38 special serial 6707xx.

To add to L-2's comment, 670xxx would be mid to late 1930's.

Jim

[Soclosenotnear]

Smith & Wesson model 42, serial number L8777