Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

**Brian Williams** · June 21, 2008, 09:19 PM

This going to be a thread for those who are looking for a date of manufacture for their S&W revolvers.

We'd need to know :

a) caliber
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)
c) grips shape (round or square)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores
e) type of sights.
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip
g) Model number if it is under the crane.
That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder).

A picture or two is worth A LOT of words in this case...

Chrome · June 21, 2008, 10:06 PM

I'll step up first.

a) .357
b) 4"
c) Square
d) five shot
e) target adjustable
d) K

What I know is it's a 19-4 40K45xx.

Later,
Chrome...

**Brian Williams** · June 22, 2008, 02:56 PM

A 19-4 would be a 6 shooter.
40K would be late 78 - early 79

Chrome · June 22, 2008, 03:45 PM

Whoops, Yup it's a 6 shooter. Little older than I expected.

Later,
Chrome...

adkpete · June 22, 2008, 04:37 PM

I'll be second
a.--38 Special
b.--4"
c--Square Grips
d.--Non Adjustable
e.-- "D"

Thanks

Oro · June 23, 2008, 05:23 PM

adkpete - The s/n should be more than just "D" - if you are afraid to post it (no big deal, really), give a partial in the form of "D 256xxx". In the case of late model guns (1980 and up), the first thee alpha characters are suficient - e.g. - "AHH." Also, your gun should have a model number in the yoke cut when you swing out the cylinder. 10-5, I'd bet.

Brian may want to ammend his list to include the model # info for post-'57 guns - it helps a bit. Your's was made post-'68 so the model number will be stamped on it (all guns post-57 are).

GLM · June 23, 2008, 07:44 PM

a. J-frame Airweight .38 Special
b. 2" barrel
c. Round butt
d. fixed sights
f. 1043XX...no letter anywhere in the serial number. I'm pretty sure this gun is pre-1957. There is no model number in the yoke cut.

Oro · June 23, 2008, 08:38 PM

GLM -

Chief's Special Airweight, 1956. "Pre-37." Very cool old gun. Has a flat latch on the side, right?

GLM · June 23, 2008, 09:14 PM

It does have the flat latch. Thanks for the information.

Mark K. C. · June 23, 2008, 09:52 PM

Hi Brian, I have a .44 mag- 6.5" bbl-6 shot-round grips-#S17106- fixed front -adjustable rear sights. Thanks

zplug123 · June 23, 2008, 10:21 PM

I've got three of these jewels:

19-4
a) .357 Magnum
b) 4" barrel
c) Square
d) 6 rounds
e) Adjustable
f) 61K58xx

28-2
a) .357 Magnum
b) 6" barrel
c) Square
d) 6 rounds
e) Adjustable
f) N2279xx

17-2
a) .22LR
b) 6" barrel
c) Square
d) 6 rounds
e) adjustable
f) K7896xx

boatingboy · June 23, 2008, 10:34 PM

Model 36
a).38
b)1 7/8
c)square
d)5 rounds
e)non adjustable
f) 175375

**Brian Williams** · June 23, 2008, 10:36 PM

Mark, it should have 6 digits and guessing that it is s17106x it is 1956-57

zplug
19-4
1980

28-2
1974-77

17-2
1968

**Brian Williams** · June 23, 2008, 10:38 PM

boating
57 to 62 probably early 58, it would need to be lettered from S&W to be sure.

ljc5 · June 24, 2008, 11:44 AM

Great Thread

a- J frame airweight 642-1
b- 2" barrel
c- round butt
d- fixed sights
e- serial no CEK67xx

Thanks Les

1 old 0311 · June 24, 2008, 03:20 PM

j frame
model 60, no dash
AYT02XX

Thanks

Oro · June 24, 2008, 03:28 PM

CEK is about winter 2000/2001

AYT is about 1987.

It is hard to be exact on most of these dates - the published records aren't complete and you have to extrapolate.

NG VI · June 24, 2008, 03:29 PM

I will post the S/N when I get home, and a picture if possible,
a).357
b) 4"
c) Square
d) 6
e) Adjustable
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip
g) 28-2, says Highway Patrolman on the barrel, .357 CTG or .357 S&W CTG. I am pretty sure the S/N starts with 'N'

CajunBass · June 24, 2008, 03:34 PM

Smith & Wesson 17 22

A. 22 LR
B. 6"
C. Grips are a rounded "Jordan" type, replacement. Gun is used.
D. 6
E. Target Adjustable
F. 1K90551
G. K

Oro · June 24, 2008, 04:08 PM

NGVI - need more S/N - first couple of digits and total number of digits at a minimum. A 28-2 N-prefix could run from 1968/9 to 1982.

CajunBass - 1971

CajunBass · June 24, 2008, 04:11 PM

Thanks Kamere. I haven't picked it up yet. Did put it on layaway today. My first S&W in a while.

**Brian Williams** · June 24, 2008, 05:28 PM

Thanks for helping out Kamerer

Oro · June 24, 2008, 06:36 PM

Brian,

No problem. I enjoy it because it helps me learn what I don't know. I have learned a lot about S&Ws from helpful folks over the last few years, happy to pay it back.

FYI, my name is also Bryan. But you spell yours funny.

cerberus65 · June 24, 2008, 06:51 PM

I have a recently acquired model 34:
a) .22 LR
b) 2"
c) round
d) 6
e) adjustable
f) AYB42xx
g) 34-1
The 1 is stamped a bit higher than the 34. There are also some other numbers on the crane near where 34-1 is stamped. I didn't figure those were as important. Thanks!

bill larry · June 24, 2008, 08:02 PM

OKay, guys, here's two Model 1905's (military and police?)...

# 1-

.38 special
5" barrel
square butt
6 shots
fixed sights
Serial number: S 8626XX

# 2-

.38 special
5" barrel
square butt
6 shots
fixed sights
Serial number: 4530XX

June 21, 2008, 09:19 PM	#1
Brian Williams Moderator Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Posts: 9,361	Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers This going to be a thread for those who are looking for a date of manufacture for their S&W revolvers. We'd need to know : a) caliber b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) c) grips shape (round or square) d) number of shots/cylinder bores e) type of sights. f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip g) Model number if it is under the crane. That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder). A picture or two is worth A LOT of words in this case... __________________ Watch out for the Stobor A teacher can never truly teach unless they are still learning themselves. Last edited by Brian Williams; June 23, 2008 at 10:32 PM.

June 21, 2008, 10:06 PM	#2
Chrome Member Join Date: July 19, 2007 Location: Morgantown, WV Posts: 263	I'll step up first. a) .357 b) 4" c) Square d) five shot e) target adjustable d) K What I know is it's a 19-4 40K45xx. Later, Chrome... __________________ Montani Semper Liberi

June 22, 2008, 02:56 PM	#3
Brian Williams Moderator Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Posts: 9,361	A 19-4 would be a 6 shooter. 40K would be late 78 - early 79 __________________ Watch out for the Stobor A teacher can never truly teach unless they are still learning themselves.

June 22, 2008, 03:45 PM	#4
Chrome Member Join Date: July 19, 2007 Location: Morgantown, WV Posts: 263	Whoops, Yup it's a 6 shooter. Little older than I expected. Later, Chrome... __________________ Montani Semper Liberi

June 23, 2008, 09:52 PM	#10
Mark K. C. Member Join Date: January 21, 2008 Location: Yacolt , Washington Posts: 150	Hi Brian, I have a .44 mag- 6.5" bbl-6 shot-round grips-#S17106- fixed front -adjustable rear sights. Thanks __________________ Even a dead fish is able to " go with the flow "

June 22, 2008, 04:37 PM	#5
adkpete Member Join Date: October 5, 2006 Location: Way upstate New York Posts: 37	I'll be second a.--38 Special b.--4" c--Square Grips d.--Non Adjustable e.-- "D" Thanks

June 23, 2008, 05:23 PM	#6
Oro Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: WA state Posts: 3,475	adkpete - The s/n should be more than just "D" - if you are afraid to post it (no big deal, really), give a partial in the form of "D 256xxx". In the case of late model guns (1980 and up), the first thee alpha characters are suficient - e.g. - "AHH." Also, your gun should have a model number in the yoke cut when you swing out the cylinder. 10-5, I'd bet. Brian may want to ammend his list to include the model # info for post-'57 guns - it helps a bit. Your's was made post-'68 so the model number will be stamped on it (all guns post-57 are).

June 23, 2008, 07:44 PM	#7
GLM Member Join Date: January 16, 2005 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 23	a. J-frame Airweight .38 Special b. 2" barrel c. Round butt d. fixed sights f. 1043XX...no letter anywhere in the serial number. I'm pretty sure this gun is pre-1957. There is no model number in the yoke cut.

June 23, 2008, 08:38 PM	#8
Oro Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: WA state Posts: 3,475	GLM - Chief's Special Airweight, 1956. "Pre-37." Very cool old gun. Has a flat latch on the side, right?

June 23, 2008, 09:14 PM	#9
GLM Member Join Date: January 16, 2005 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 23	It does have the flat latch. Thanks for the information.

June 23, 2008, 10:21 PM	#11
zplug123 Member Join Date: April 17, 2008 Posts: 75	I've got three of these jewels: 19-4 a) .357 Magnum b) 4" barrel c) Square d) 6 rounds e) Adjustable f) 61K58xx 28-2 a) .357 Magnum b) 6" barrel c) Square d) 6 rounds e) Adjustable f) N2279xx 17-2 a) .22LR b) 6" barrel c) Square d) 6 rounds e) adjustable f) K7896xx Last edited by zplug123; June 23, 2008 at 11:15 PM. Reason: Serial numbers

June 23, 2008, 10:34 PM	#12
boatingboy Member Join Date: May 30, 2008 Posts: 44	Model 36 a).38 b)1 7/8 c)square d)5 rounds e)non adjustable f) 175375

June 23, 2008, 10:36 PM	#13
Brian Williams Moderator Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Posts: 9,361	Mark, it should have 6 digits and guessing that it is s17106x it is 1956-57 zplug 19-4 1980 28-2 1974-77 17-2 1968 __________________ Watch out for the Stobor A teacher can never truly teach unless they are still learning themselves.

June 23, 2008, 10:38 PM	#14
Brian Williams Moderator Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Posts: 9,361	boating 57 to 62 probably early 58, it would need to be lettered from S&W to be sure. __________________ Watch out for the Stobor A teacher can never truly teach unless they are still learning themselves.

June 24, 2008, 11:44 AM	#15
ljc5 Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Posts: 2	S&W serial no. Great Thread a- J frame airweight 642-1 b- 2" barrel c- round butt d- fixed sights e- serial no CEK67xx Thanks Les

June 24, 2008, 03:20 PM	#16
1 old 0311 Member Join Date: June 26, 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 2,672	j frame model 60, no dash AYT02XX Thanks

June 24, 2008, 03:28 PM	#17
Oro Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: WA state Posts: 3,475	CEK is about winter 2000/2001 AYT is about 1987. It is hard to be exact on most of these dates - the published records aren't complete and you have to extrapolate.

June 24, 2008, 03:34 PM	#19
CajunBass Member Join Date: June 2, 2005 Location: Chancellorsville, Virginia Posts: 4,485	Smith & Wesson 17 22 A. 22 LR B. 6" C. Grips are a rounded "Jordan" type, replacement. Gun is used. D. 6 E. Target Adjustable F. 1K90551 G. K __________________ For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

June 24, 2008, 04:08 PM	#20
Oro Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: WA state Posts: 3,475	NGVI - need more S/N - first couple of digits and total number of digits at a minimum. A 28-2 N-prefix could run from 1968/9 to 1982. CajunBass - 1971

June 24, 2008, 04:11 PM	#21
CajunBass Member Join Date: June 2, 2005 Location: Chancellorsville, Virginia Posts: 4,485	Thanks Kamere. I haven't picked it up yet. Did put it on layaway today. My first S&W in a while. __________________ For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

June 24, 2008, 05:28 PM	#22
Brian Williams Moderator Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Posts: 9,361	Thanks for helping out Kamerer __________________ Watch out for the Stobor A teacher can never truly teach unless they are still learning themselves.

June 24, 2008, 06:36 PM	#23
Oro Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Location: WA state Posts: 3,475	Brian, No problem. I enjoy it because it helps me learn what I don't know. I have learned a lot about S&Ws from helpful folks over the last few years, happy to pay it back. FYI, my name is also Bryan. But you spell yours funny.

June 24, 2008, 06:51 PM	#24
cerberus65 Member Join Date: May 12, 2008 Posts: 285	I have a recently acquired model 34: a) .22 LR b) 2" c) round d) 6 e) adjustable f) AYB42xx g) 34-1 The 1 is stamped a bit higher than the 34. There are also some other numbers on the crane near where 34-1 is stamped. I didn't figure those were as important. Thanks!

June 24, 2008, 08:02 PM	#25
bill larry Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 440	OKay, guys, here's two Model 1905's (military and police?)... # 1- .38 special 5" barrel square butt 6 shots fixed sights Serial number: S 8626XX # 2- .38 special 5" barrel square butt 6 shots fixed sights Serial number: 4530XX __________________ Too many PM's!