I just picked up a Smith and Wesson 357 cant find model number looking for any information
- Thread starter jcdmgiles
- Start date
Looks like a well used and weatherworn model 19. Open the clinder and look on the frame under the yoke.....should have a model & series on main frame.
Miami_JBT
Member
If the gun was made after 1957, the model number will be on the frame under the yoke. It'll be "#1" in the photo.
Prior to 1957, S&W didn't have model numbers. So, what we today call a Model 19, was marketed by S&W as the "Combat Magnum." They first hit the market in 1955.
Prior to 1957, S&W didn't have model numbers. So, what we today call a Model 19, was marketed by S&W as the "Combat Magnum." They first hit the market in 1955.
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I just picked up a Smith and Wesson 357 cant find model number looking for any information…”
Some more information could get you better answers. Or images.
What is marked on the right side of the barrel?
What is marked on the left side of the barrel.?
What is the serial number?
It looks like a nice well used revolver.
Kevin
I just picked up a Smith and Wesson 357 cant find model number looking for any information…”
Some more information could get you better answers. Or images.
What is marked on the right side of the barrel?
What is marked on the left side of the barrel.?
What is the serial number?
It looks like a nice well used revolver.
Kevin
Bullet Bob
Member
And the real serial number is on the bottom of the grip frame, if you want an approximate year of manufacture.
No numbers in that area only under the grips not sure what numbers are the serial number
Attachments
burrhead
Member
Is the barrel marked with "357 Combat Magnum"? If so, it's a pre 1957 revolver that was renamed M19. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the grip frame, not on the side. The stampings on the side of the grip frame are used in the manufacturing process and have nothing to do with identifying the gun.
jar
Contributing Member
Places where you might find a serial number on the S&W revolvers.
Bottom of grip:
On cylinder face:
Under the barrel:
Bottom of grip:
On cylinder face:
Under the barrel:
burrhead
Member
You may want to take the pistol to someone familiar with firearms; a dealer perhaps. If the serial number has been removed, that gun is very illegal to possess. If that's the case, I'd be quitely returning that hot potato to the person I got it from. Good luck
It has a good history was a service pistol for the state of California prison system
It is a older model
burrhead
Member
Right side S&W 357 magnum
Left side SMITH & WESSON
there is two numbers on the grip frame not sure what one is the serial number
It has serial number on the grip frame
burrhead
Member
Again, the numbers on the SIDE of the grip frame are NOT serial numbers. They are numbers used in house by S&W while the gun is being made. The actual serial number is on the BOTTOM of the frame. A gun with a altered or obliterated serial number is a serious problem. But you do you.
J-Bar
Member
I'm not convinced it's a Smith and Wesson. Frankengun maybe? S&W barrel on some other frame?
EMC45
Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2008
- Messages
- 1,941
This is correct information. The bottom of the grip frame is where S&W stamps/engraves/etches the serial number. The other spot I've seen frequently on S&W duty type firearms (Models 10, 67, 66, 686, 15, 65 etc.) is on the frame above the model number when the cylinder is open under the yoke, which is hand stamped. However in the pic it looks like someone gobbed a weld bead on that area, which happens to coincide with a missing serial number on the bottom of the grip. Numbers under the grip panels on S&W revolvers are batch and assembly numbers only. The large "N" present indicated factory nickel.
I would proceed carefully.
Jim Watson
Member
What number is on the paperwork?
There have to be thousands of Smiths registered by their "fitting numbers" instead of the official serial number.
There have to be thousands of Smiths registered by their "fitting numbers" instead of the official serial number.
ontarget
Member
This has happened to me several times.
I've had to ask the dealer to redo paperwork more than once.
Also have an M&P 38 with mismatched SN between the frame and barrel flat above the ejector rod due to having a barrel replacement.
Frame SN is the legal SN if there is a discrepancy AFAIK.
Last edited:
Jim Watson
Member
We see a gun with two different numbers on the grip frame sides. We are told that there is no number on the butt, but it is not shown so we could look for file marks, etc.
Who knows what might have been on the (welded?) surface under the yoke. It would have had the model number if post 1957, a fitting number, and after a date I do not know, the same serial number as on the butt.
I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole or a 5'7" Hungarian.
Who knows what might have been on the (welded?) surface under the yoke. It would have had the model number if post 1957, a fitting number, and after a date I do not know, the same serial number as on the butt.
I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole or a 5'7" Hungarian.
Jonny2guns
Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2020
- Messages
- 674
I'm a 5'6" Hungarian, I'll touch it... 
Jim Watson
Member
If the OP bought the gun from - or through - a FFL, there is SOME number on record. So the Feds are unlikely to descend on him in force.
