I need help dating a S&W

[Ric]

I am looking for info on a Smith & Wesson a friend of mine just bought.

Model 56-3 Ser.# 29XXX
4 in barrel (heavy, not tapered or underlugged)
Hammer mounted firing pin
Full length ejector rod (no shroud)
cylinder lock up at end of ejector rod
old style cylinder release
Fixed sights
He was told it was made in the '70's
Sweetest trigger I've seen since my '78 Colt

Also has E-12 stamped on the inside of the crane above the Ser # (is this a rework maybe?)

Thanks in advance for the help, I appreciate it.

 

[Third_Rail]

I need help dating a S&W

Just ask her nice, she'll say yes. Don't be nervous, but be polite.


Oh, you mean as in when it was made. Sorry, can't help you there. Couldn't resist the thread title, though.

 

[FPrice]

Third_Rail beat me to it!

However, "Model 56-3 Ser.# 29XXX"

According to Supica and Nahas your friend most likely does not have a Model 56. This was a special-built model for the USAF. About 15,205 were built and most were destroyed.

We need more information. Check the serial number and include any letter prefix. Also, what caliber might help.

 

[FPrice]

Ric...one more thing.

Check the bottom of the butt for the serial number. Often the number inside the crane is an assembly number designed to keep pieces together during the manufacturing process. The number inside the crane may not be the serial number, depending on model and the year of manufacture.

 

[Indy7373]

Whoa now, checking her butt for a serial number is now way to start.
















What can I say, Third Rail beat me to the first line.

 

[Ric]

It's a 357 Mag

The bottom of the grip frame has #ADB 4217

I thought it was steel but he said it was a 56-3 (I was thinking a 65-3)

 

[spurrit]

dating a S&W

Personally, I'd never let people know that my dinger would fit down a pistol barrel. If you INSIST on dating it, however, call the company, they'll have a number on their website.

 

[FPrice]

Ric...

The bottom of the grip frame has #ADB 4217

That's better. Looks like mid-late 1983. The serial number line-up for that period is:

Jan 1983 ABL4000
Oct 1983 ADE6700.

Sounds like a Model 65-3, a very nice revolver.