Age of my S&W and serial number question

[Durby]

I would like to know how old my model 629 is. The serial number is N8798xx. Also, the crane is supposed to be stamped with the same serial number right? It is that way on other revolvers I have seen. If the numbers on a crane don't match, the crane has been replaced then? The numbers don't necessarily look like another serial number though.
Thanks for any feedback

 

[deadin]

Your serial puts it in the early 1980's. Probably 1982 or so. On the earlier Smiths the number in the crane cut-out was an assembly number and did not have anything to do with the serial. I'm not exactly sure whe they started putting the serial number in there.

 

[Durby]

Thanks for the info. My reason for asking was that Buffalo Bore says not to shoot it in guns 1989 or older. I guess they want the 29 dash__.
Thanks!

 

[deadin]

I guess they want the 29 dash__.

629-2E or 629-3

 

[Old Fuff]

Smith & Wesson moved the serial number from the revolver's butt to the frame behind the yoke, because more and more of their guns had stocks that covered the butt. To read the number you needed to remove the grips. These serial numbers included letters as well as numbers. The earlier assembly number were just that - a number.

Always check the butt first, then the forestrap. If there isn't a number then look behind the yoke after swinging out the cylinder.