Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

I've always thought this was a really cool thread, and those providing doing the research to get information to people are top-notch folks.

I have a question. I've had this revolver for most of the year, and just got curious as to when it was made.

It is:

a) caliber: .357 Magnum
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 3"
c) grips shape (round or square): round butt
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 6
e) type of sights: fixed, ramp and groove
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip: AWZ369x
g) Model number: 13-3

Barrel is not pinned. Looks like a model 10 heavy barrel with a .357 cylinder.

Got it early this year, basically unfired condition with just a few handling marks. It's been fired a bunch since then!

From what I remember, I thought it was made sometime in the 1980s, but I just got a bug to wonder what year.

Thanks!
 
nater762:
That is a model that the Standard Catalog of S&W does not give a year by year break down for. The .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 5th Change was manufactured between 1910 & 1917 in the serial range 102501 to 263000.

sixgunner455:
Your Model 13-3 .357 Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in in 1987. Guns in the AVBxxxx to AWWxxxx serial range shipped in July of that year.

bdb benzino:
Your Model 36 Chiefs Special was manufactured in 1987. Guns in the AWWxxx serial range shipped in July and in the AYWxxxx range in December, so mid year seems likely.
 
Thanks again Radagast. Just one more question. How bad did I get hurt on the $325 price? As I said, the pistol shows a lot of carry wear and probably 80% of the bluing is worn off. The wooden grips appear to be walnut with a lot of scarring at the base, but not much wear so I think even though they are pretty old, I don't know that they are the originals. Bbl rifling is still visible although shows some wear. Action is nice and smooth in DA and trigger pull is crisp and light in SA. No real rust but can see some roughness where it may need some work. Or maybe I should just leave it alone. I'm firing Federal 158 gr. lead RN only so far. About 30 rnds so far. Using nylon cleaning brush with Hoppes #9 and CLP. Don't plan on firing it often. Surprisingly accurate. (even with me firing it) I have a real weakness for older revolvers, especially S&W and Merwin/Hulbert. I couldn't pass it up even though $325 did seem like too much for it. But that's kind of subjective for me when it comes to revolvers. I just wanted it! I really do need to invest in a good camera. Just cant get a quality pic with cell phone.
 
I'd like two guns checked please:

a. 44 magnum
b. 6"
c. square
d. 6 shot
e. adjustable rear, red insert front
f. AHZ62xx
g. model 29-3

a. 357 magnum
b. 4"
c. square
d. 6 shot
e. rear - non standard target front - red insert stainless
f. 74K58xx
g. model 66-1

Thanks
 
larry237:
Your Model 29-3 .44 Magnum was manufactured in 1985.
Your Model 66-1 Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1980.

Jonah271:
From your description it's probably a $200 to $250 gun. But if you are having fun shooting it then its monetary value is moot.
 
mdl 19-3

I am interested in finding out about this handgun I am the original owner and may be looking to sell it down the road so I am trying to get a handle on its value. It is in great shape Bluing is like new no marks or scratches shot very little mostly 38 special semi wad cutters.and less then one box of 357 rounds
as pictured iI have the box and tool set.

a) 357
b) 4
c) sq checkered
d) 6
e) adjustable
f) 7k77xxx
g) 19-3

Thanks
Ray Mc
 

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Not much to say.

It was made in 1975.

It should bring top dollar in the condition it is in with the box and accessories, but minus the instruction & warrenty papers.

Maybe in the $450 - $500 range.
Maybe more if you find the right person.

rc
 
Radagast: Thanks for the info on the two guns. I have had the Model 29 since the late 1980's and I am in the process of trading for the Model 66-2. It is good to know when they were made.
 
Some new purchases

27-1
.357
Blue
Target Sites
5"
S221xxx

25-5
.45LC
Nickle
Target Sites
4"
N903xxx

19-4
.357
Target sites
4"
Blue
67koxxx

Thanks so much,
 
Last edited:
pittspilot:
Your Model 25-5 1955 Model .45 Target Heavy Barrel dates to the period 1982-1986. Serial range for that period was 900000 to 970000, so 1982 or 83 seems likely.

Your Model 27-1 .357 Magnum dates to 1961 or 1962. Serial range for those years was S220000 to S227999, so 1961 seems likely.
 
info on father's gun

This was my father's police service revolver that my mother passed onto me after my father passed away. I have never really looked into exactly what it was classified as. Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks

a.) .357
b.) 4" barrel
c.) square grips
d.) 6 shooter
e.) adjustable sights
f.) serial # 2K743x
g.) model 19-3

pinned barrel
short action
3 screw frame
 

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a. .38 Special
B. 3" heavy
C. Round Butt
D. 6
E. Fixed sights
F. 9D296xx
G. 10-8

Thanks Radagast
 
Sealevel:
Your Model 10-8 .38 Military & Police was manufactured in 1981.

dmikulyuk:
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1972. It is a K (medium) framed gun. The frame was originally designed for use with the .38 special load and the forcing cone can crack with high velocity lightwreight magnum loads. See the following link for more info:
http://www.gunblast.com/Butch_MagnumLoads.htm
That being said the Model 19 is still a popular firearm with S&W fans due to its balance and light weight compared to other magnum guns.
 
a) 22
b) 6"
c) square
d) 6 shot
e) adjustable sights
f) K 402XX
g) under crane-- I think it's a 7 followed by 289XX

Thanks
 
thank you Radagast.

you saved me some money as I shan't be bidding on it.

I REALLY appreciate you being so diligent on this thread.

Much Grass
 
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