Smith and Wesson serial number search

[Miata Mike]

The book only covers auto serial numbers up to 1998, so S&W has obviously started using something other than the "T" (and it also mentions "U" and "V") prefix for their autos. They must have started producing 4586s again after the most recent edition was published, because SCSW definitely references only '91 to '99 for the 4586, along with 2000-02 for the 4586TSW.

I was very surprised to see that it was only 5 years old and not part of the original years of manufacture.

[laytonj1]

They must have started producing 4586s again after the most recent edition was published, because SCSW definitely references only '91 to '99 for the 4586, along with 2000-02 for the 4586TSW.

Sounds like it's time for a 4th revision to the SCSW. This time with updated semi auto serial numbers.

BTW, I'm gonna be off line till early/mid October. Moving back to Alabama.

Jim

[yogiboobooranger]

Thanks so much Fly Fish for the info. I got the gun on a trade and after cleaning it up, I believe I made out very well.

[NaplesSwampRat]

Hi can anyone tell me the year of my model 65-1 i just bought? the serial number is 1D343xx . thanks if anyone can help!

[FlyFish]

SwampRat: 1978-79, more likely 1978.

[kupantone278]

I am recently got a model 19-3 from a good friend just for home security mostly. I was trying to do some research and found this site. Can anyone by chance tell me when this model was produced? serial # 2K32090?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[spandral]

I recently was given a mdl 10, the serial number is 3393xx, can someone give me a production date.

[jt513]

I am looking for the year for my S&W pistol. It is beleived to be between 1908-1914. The serial # is 268XXX. I am not a collector and not sure if I should hold on to it or sell. Can anyone help me? It is a 32 long pearl handled.

[FlyFish]

kupantone278: 1971

spandral: That SN isn't correct for a Model 10 - meaning a gun that has the model number stamped in the frame cutout. If a "real" Model 10 in that sense, it should have a letter somewhere in the number, most likely a "C" or "D". Take the serial number off the butt of the grip. That said, it could be a pre-Model 10, which was called the .38 Military and Police. If so, there will not be a model number stamped on the frame, and it that's the correct SN from the butt, it would have been manufactured in the 1915 (SN 241704) to 1942 (sn 700000) period.

jt513: I believe your gun must be a .32 Hand Ejector 3rd Model, manufactured between 1911 (SN 263001) and 1942 (SN 536684) - obviously more toward the beginning of that range, but no more specific info is given in SCSW. Depending on condition, it probably has a value ranging from a few hundred to perhaps several hundred dollars.

[jt513]

Thank you very much fr the information!

[spandral]

Thank's FLYFISH,the sn is indeed from the butt of the grip, and the time frame would corispond, since the original owner died in 1936. It seems I have a nickle pre 10 carried by a freight conductor on the Southern Railroad.

[kupantone278]

I appreciate your help.

[throttlejunkey]

I was given a S&W model 19-4 serial # 51k1xxx . What is the year of manufacture?

[FlyFish]

I was given a S&W model 19-4 serial # 51k1xxx . What is the year of manufacture?

1979. 19-4s were made from 1977 to 1982 - yours is pre-'82 so would be P&R (very nice).

[Schutzenbob]

Hi friends,

I have three S&W pistols that belong to my father (he’s 98) that I would like to get the dates of mfg. if possible, all three are caliber 22 Long Rifle.

#1 is a 22-32 Target with 6” barrel and has been ridden hard and put away wet, serial # 245xxx.

#2 is also a 22-32 Target with a 6” barrel and is in almost new condition, serial # 496xxx.

#3 is a K-22 with a 6” barrel in new condition and I believe that the original box is around here somewhere, serial # K257x (there are only 4 numbers).

Bob

[FlyFish]

I have three S&W pistols that belong to my father (he’s 98) that I would like to get the dates of mfg. if possible, all three are caliber 22 Long Rifle.

#1 is a 22-32 Target with 6” barrel and has been ridden hard and put away wet, serial # 245xxx.

#2 is also a 22-32 Target with a 6” barrel and is in almost new condition, serial # 496xxx.

The information on manufacturing date for these guns in SCSW is that the range is from 1911 (SN 160000) to 1941 (SN 536684). There is a good bit of discussion of the history of the .22 revolver built on the .32 frame, and some additional info on specific features that sort-of allows some narrowing of that range. For example, recessed chambers reportedly began in 1935, but nothing that's really definitive. These features also affect the collector value considerably.

#3 is a K-22 with a 6” barrel in new condition and I believe that the original box is around here somewhere, serial # K257x (there are only 4 numbers).

That one's easier: 1947.

[throttlejunkey]

FlyFish, thank-you for the response. Question P&R? Aprox value?

[Schutzenbob]

Thank you Flyfish,

The only folks from Massachusetts that I’ve ever heard from are you and Steve Earl, and I think Walnut Hill range is in Massachusetts too.

Both the 22-32’s have the flat “non recessed” cylinder.

Bob

[FlyFish]

throttlejunkey -

"P" refers to a "pinned" barrel - prior to 1982, S&W revolver barrels, in addition of course to being screwed solidly into the frame, were secured with a cross-pin at the top of the barrel just forward of the forcing cone area.

"R" refers to "recessed" or "counterbored" cylinders - again prior to 1982, S&W magnum and rimfire caliber revolvers (only) had chambers that had a counterbored area that fully enclosed the case head.

You can see photos of both features, along with other S&W identifying characteristics, here.

Although both the pinned barrel and counterbored cylinder were probably not necessary for their intended purposes (preventing the barrel from loosening, and protecting the shooter in the event of a case head rupture, respectively) - after all, the celebrated Colt Python has neither - they are a reminder of a time when keeping production costs down wasn't the Holy Grail that it is today. Accordingly, and in spite of the fact that there is really no practical reason for it, many S&W enthusiasts (including this one) prefer to own P&R revolvers if possible, and that drives the value of them up a bit.

[FlyFish]

Schutzenbob -

Yes, there are a few of us gun enthusiasts remaining up here in the Democratic People's Republic - sadly, fewer every year as the left-wing dictatorship we have as an excuse for a state government continues to make it more difficult to be a gun owner. Especially ironic given that I can easily drive over to the S&W factory and back in an afternoon.

I wasn't familiar with the name "Walnut Hill Range" so I looked it up. Turns out that's the old name for what's now referred to as the Massachusetts Rifle Association in Woburn, about 25 miles or so north and a bit west of Boston - said to be the oldest gun club in the country. I'm not personally familiar with it, but know many folks who shoot there.

Dick

[FlyFish]

throttlejunkey: Sorry, you were also looking for a value estimate. That depends a lot on condition, but if your gun is in good shape with something better than 90% of its original blueing you're probably looking at something in the $500 to $600 range. Model 19s are very popular, and justifiably so.

[throttlejunkey]

FlyFish, it's actually Nickel, quite nice. Thanks

[FlyFish]

I'll bet it is. I don't believe I've ever seen a nickel 19, though that was a standard option during their period of production. The book doesn't indicate there's any price premium for nickel, but it must be nice.

[Flip]

Any date info on a model 36 square butt, serial 1J3XXXX? Any idea if it would be safe for occasional +P loads such as the 135 grain Golddot cartridge?

[pedgarcia]

could you tell me the year of maufacture of a Mod 19-5 # 226Kxxx please