dogrunner
Member
Just picked up a minty 28-2 in a swap......6", Serial # n237xxx............anybody help me with a DOB.........gun's darn sure a keeper!
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast:
Thanks for comments on my Model 18. I went to gun show today and picked up another S&W Revolver
Model 27-4
caliber .357 magnum/.38 special
6" barrel
blue finish
Target stocks
Target Trigger
Target Hammer
Serial Number BBV 56xx
production code 101004
Could you please give me the DOB on this revolver and any other information available.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
thom
Thanks for comments on my Model 18. I went to gun show today and picked up another S&W Revolver
Model 27-4
caliber .357 magnum/.38 special
6" barrel
blue finish
Target stocks
Target Trigger
Target Hammer
Serial Number BBV 56xx
production code 101004
Could you please give me the DOB on this revolver and any other information available.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
thom
Radagast
Member
ruger1228:
Your Model 27-4 The .357 Magnum was manufactured late 1988. That product code was used from 1984 to 1994 and stands for a six inch blued gun with target trigger, hammer & stocks.
dogrunner:
Your Model 28-2 The Highway Patrolman was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. The last half of the Nxxxxx serial range was dedicated to the Models 28 & 58, with the other N frame guns using the N3xxxxx range from 1975. Based on your gun having a serial number that predates the serial number split I believe your gun is probably from late 1974 or early 1975.
Your Model 27-4 The .357 Magnum was manufactured late 1988. That product code was used from 1984 to 1994 and stands for a six inch blued gun with target trigger, hammer & stocks.
dogrunner:
Your Model 28-2 The Highway Patrolman was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977. The last half of the Nxxxxx serial range was dedicated to the Models 28 & 58, with the other N frame guns using the N3xxxxx range from 1975. Based on your gun having a serial number that predates the serial number split I believe your gun is probably from late 1974 or early 1975.
dogrunner
Member
Many thanks, Radagast.........Your efforts are much appreciated!
texlaw67235
Member
4inch nickle
wood grips sqare
357/38
Adj. Sights
I believe it ir a distinguished combat magnum
Serial ACKO808
6 shot
Emblemed grips with speedloader cutout
!!
wood grips sqare
357/38
Adj. Sights
I believe it ir a distinguished combat magnum
Serial ACKO808
6 shot
Emblemed grips with speedloader cutout
!!
newfalguy101
Member
Got another one for you!!
Hand eject 3rd model
.32 long
serial number: 316XXX
My best guess based on the Bluebook is '38-'40
Hand eject 3rd model
.32 long
serial number: 316XXX
My best guess based on the Bluebook is '38-'40
Radagast,
I went back to gun show today and picked up a couple more S&W revolvers. Hope you can give me DOB on them.
Model 34-1
4" barrel
.22 cal
Round grips
Adjustable Rear Sights
Serial No: M262xx
Model 15-3
4 inch barrel
.38 special
Square Grips
Adjustable Rear Sight
Serial No. 5K160xx
Thanking you in advance for your assistance and appreciate your hard work.
thom
I went back to gun show today and picked up a couple more S&W revolvers. Hope you can give me DOB on them.
Model 34-1
4" barrel
.22 cal
Round grips
Adjustable Rear Sights
Serial No: M262xx
Model 15-3
4 inch barrel
.38 special
Square Grips
Adjustable Rear Sight
Serial No. 5K160xx
Thanking you in advance for your assistance and appreciate your hard work.
thom
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Some people buy enough S&W's to need thier own copy of the bible of S&W collectors.
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson-Supica/dp/0873492722#reader_0873492722
I'm nearly wearing mine out looking up serial numbers and info for people almost every day.
rc
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson-Supica/dp/0873492722#reader_0873492722
I'm nearly wearing mine out looking up serial numbers and info for people almost every day.
rc
Radagast
Member
The spine has fallen off mine. 
ruger1228:
Your Model 34-1 .22/32 Kit Gun was manufactured in the period 1969 to 1971. Serial range for those years was M1 to M30000, so 1971 seems likely.
Your Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1973.
newfalguy101:
Your .32 Hand Ejector Third Model was manufactured between 1917 & 1920. Serial range for that period was 263001 to 321000. 321000 was the serial number that heat treatment of cylinders began at, so yours is not heat treated. Don't load hot handloads in that gun. It also predates the positive internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII, so treat it as a five shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty.
Hugh1865:
Your .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model was manufactured between 1898 & 1904. Serial range for those years was 116003 to 168400. This is a black powder only gun, S&W did not start advertising them as safe for smokeless powder until the fifth model. Use of modern smokeless ammo may cause accelerated wear. Treat it as a 4 shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. It lacks a hammer block safet and may fire if dropped. Caliber is .38 S&W.
texlaw67235:
If it has a full length barrel lug then it is a Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum from 1983. There is a recall on this model. With some magnum ammo the primer can flow back into the firing pin bushing, locking up the gun. Under the terms of the recall S&W will install a new bushing and firing pin, paying shipping both ways. If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke cut out. If not and you wish to have it modified, call S&W and they will send you a shipping label.
ruger1228:
Your Model 34-1 .22/32 Kit Gun was manufactured in the period 1969 to 1971. Serial range for those years was M1 to M30000, so 1971 seems likely.
Your Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1973.
newfalguy101:
Your .32 Hand Ejector Third Model was manufactured between 1917 & 1920. Serial range for that period was 263001 to 321000. 321000 was the serial number that heat treatment of cylinders began at, so yours is not heat treated. Don't load hot handloads in that gun. It also predates the positive internal hammer block safety introduced in WWII, so treat it as a five shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty.
Hugh1865:
Your .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model was manufactured between 1898 & 1904. Serial range for those years was 116003 to 168400. This is a black powder only gun, S&W did not start advertising them as safe for smokeless powder until the fifth model. Use of modern smokeless ammo may cause accelerated wear. Treat it as a 4 shooter, leaving the chamber under the hammer empty. It lacks a hammer block safet and may fire if dropped. Caliber is .38 S&W.
texlaw67235:
If it has a full length barrel lug then it is a Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum from 1983. There is a recall on this model. With some magnum ammo the primer can flow back into the firing pin bushing, locking up the gun. Under the terms of the recall S&W will install a new bushing and firing pin, paying shipping both ways. If your gun has been modified there will be an M stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke cut out. If not and you wish to have it modified, call S&W and they will send you a shipping label.
Maybe some of us who are buying the S&W Revolvers already have a copy of the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition". What we lack in using this book is the experience and knowledge that Radagast has in giving additional information and his ability to pin point the month and year of manufacture.
Maybe after we gain more experience in using the book we won't have to ask so many questions. I have always been taught that the only "Stupid Question is the one you don't ask." Another thing I would like to point out is that this forum was started to help "newbies" gain information, not for someone to cut them down for asking questions.
Radagast, I do appreciate all you do and the knowledge you pass on to the readers of this forum. I hope you will continue to provide this service so that others can learn from your knowledge and experience.
rcmodel, I don't believe I have ever asked you for information about a revolver, so I am sure I am not contributing to the demise of your copy of the Standard Catalog.
Radagast,
Any information you can provide on the following would be greatly appreciated.
Model 629-1
.44 Magnum
8 3/8" barrel
TS, TH, TT
Serial No. AER16xx
This number is on crane:74275
Polished Stainless Finish
This gun also has a wooden case with S&W emblem on top
and blue foam interior.
It came with original paperwork and original tools.
This gun has never been fired.
A true safe queen.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
thom
Any information you can provide on the following would be greatly appreciated.
Model 629-1
.44 Magnum
8 3/8" barrel
TS, TH, TT
Serial No. AER16xx
This number is on crane:74275
Polished Stainless Finish
This gun also has a wooden case with S&W emblem on top
and blue foam interior.
It came with original paperwork and original tools.
This gun has never been fired.
A true safe queen.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
thom
newfalguy101
Member
Thanks Radagast
'preciate the info!!
'preciate the info!!
keano44
Member
DOB please
38 S&W Spl
1-7/8"
square butt
5 shot
fixed sights
J162xxx
MOD 36
# inside crane 87994
Thank you
Just picked this up today!! Nice condition; good deal!
38 S&W Spl
1-7/8"
square butt
5 shot
fixed sights
J162xxx
MOD 36
# inside crane 87994
Thank you
Just picked this up today!! Nice condition; good deal!
Last edited:
Radagast
Member
keano44:
Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured in 1973 or 1974. Serial range for those years was J100000 to J250000. So late 1973 seems likely.
87994 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed.
ruger1228:
Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was manufactured in mid to late 1984. Guns in the AEVxxxx range shipped in November of that year. 74275 is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Your gun predates the endurance package engineering changes. If you choose to shoot it on a regular basis a diet of light magnums or .44 specials may be best.
I think this gun may have been a special order piece, as the early 8&3/8 inch 629s had a combat trigger, not the target trigger, and the earliest listing in the SCSWfor a 8&3/8 innch limited run gun was 1989.
Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured in 1973 or 1974. Serial range for those years was J100000 to J250000. So late 1973 seems likely.
87994 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed.
ruger1228:
Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was manufactured in mid to late 1984. Guns in the AEVxxxx range shipped in November of that year. 74275 is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory. It has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Your gun predates the endurance package engineering changes. If you choose to shoot it on a regular basis a diet of light magnums or .44 specials may be best.
I think this gun may have been a special order piece, as the early 8&3/8 inch 629s had a combat trigger, not the target trigger, and the earliest listing in the SCSWfor a 8&3/8 innch limited run gun was 1989.
keano44
Member
Thank you Radagast. How about these 3:
38 S&W Spl
1-7/8"
round butt
5 shot
fixed sights
314xxx
MOD 36
"flat latch"
Info I found puts it 1962-68, what can you tell me?
38 S&W Spl
6"
square butt
6 shot
adj. sights
K668xxx
MOD 14-2
Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me?
.22 Long Rifle Ctg.
6"
square butt
6 shot
adj. sights
K734xxx
MOD 17-2
Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me?
Thanks I appreciate your time
38 S&W Spl
1-7/8"
round butt
5 shot
fixed sights
314xxx
MOD 36
"flat latch"
Info I found puts it 1962-68, what can you tell me?
38 S&W Spl
6"
square butt
6 shot
adj. sights
K668xxx
MOD 14-2
Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me?
.22 Long Rifle Ctg.
6"
square butt
6 shot
adj. sights
K734xxx
MOD 17-2
Info I found puts it 1961-67, what can you tell me?
Thanks I appreciate your time
Radagast
Member
keano44:
The closest I can give you for your Model 36 Chiefs Special is 1962 to 1966. The Standard Catalog of S&W does not give year by year breakdowns for that model/decade. Serial number 295000 was used in 1962 and the flat latch was deleted in 1966. As production averaged around 50,000 guns per year over that decade I'm fairly confident that yours is from 1962 or 1963.
Your Model 14-2 K38 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1966.
Your Model 17-2 K22 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1967.
The closest I can give you for your Model 36 Chiefs Special is 1962 to 1966. The Standard Catalog of S&W does not give year by year breakdowns for that model/decade. Serial number 295000 was used in 1962 and the flat latch was deleted in 1966. As production averaged around 50,000 guns per year over that decade I'm fairly confident that yours is from 1962 or 1963.
Your Model 14-2 K38 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1966.
Your Model 17-2 K22 Masterpiece was manufactured in 1967.
Radagast
Member
Hootin:
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnm was manufactured in 1972.
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnm was manufactured in 1972.
Radagast,
Could you give me DOB and any other information on the following revolvers? Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
Model 629-1 44 magnum
8 3/8" barrel
Target Grips
Target Hammer
Serial Number:N8938xx
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable
Model 57
41 Magnum 6 shot Blue Finish
6" barrel
Serial Number:N4186xx
Target Grips
Target Hammer
Target Trigger
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable
I picked both these revolvers up at an estate sale today. Both guns appear to have never been fired after leaving the factory. The 629-1 came with the original box, wrapping paper and all original S&W tools. The 57 came in a wooden S&W presentation box with all the original paperwork and tools.
Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Could you give me DOB and any other information on the following revolvers? Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
Model 629-1 44 magnum
8 3/8" barrel
Target Grips
Target Hammer
Serial Number:N8938xx
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable
Model 57
41 Magnum 6 shot Blue Finish
6" barrel
Serial Number:N4186xx
Target Grips
Target Hammer
Target Trigger
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: White Outline Adjustable
I picked both these revolvers up at an estate sale today. Both guns appear to have never been fired after leaving the factory. The 629-1 came with the original box, wrapping paper and all original S&W tools. The 57 came in a wooden S&W presentation box with all the original paperwork and tools.
Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Radagast
Member
ruger1228:
Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was probably manufactured in 1983. The N800xxx range was used between 1980 & 1983, your gun is so high in that range that 1983 seems certain. The SCSW doesn't list any product codes before, 1984, if your gun lacks a product code then this is further evidence that it predates 1984. So I'm going to say 1983.
Your Model 57 .41 Magnum Target was manufactured in 1977 or 1978. As yours is low in the N4xxxxx range I am going to guess 1977.
Your Model 629-1 .44 Magnum Stainless was probably manufactured in 1983. The N800xxx range was used between 1980 & 1983, your gun is so high in that range that 1983 seems certain. The SCSW doesn't list any product codes before, 1984, if your gun lacks a product code then this is further evidence that it predates 1984. So I'm going to say 1983.
Your Model 57 .41 Magnum Target was manufactured in 1977 or 1978. As yours is low in the N4xxxxx range I am going to guess 1977.
