Radagast
Member
Geezer Glide: 1971.
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast
Member
benzy2:
Your Model 28-2 .357 magnum Highway Patrolman dates to the period 1978-1980. The N5xxxxx range was used for Model 28 during that period. Yours almost certainly dates to 1980, as that year there was a short run of the fixed sight Model 520 that shared the N5xxxxx serial range. The Model 520 was numbered between N557750 & N560860.
Your Model 28-2 .357 magnum Highway Patrolman dates to the period 1978-1980. The N5xxxxx range was used for Model 28 during that period. Yours almost certainly dates to 1980, as that year there was a short run of the fixed sight Model 520 that shared the N5xxxxx serial range. The Model 520 was numbered between N557750 & N560860.
boricua9mm
Member
I've got two more to request. My camera is waiting until they get proper grips! 
Model 686 (No-Dash)
Stainless (Brushed)
4" Barrel
SN ABD01XX
Model 686 CS1
Stainless (Beadblasted)
3" Barrel
SN ANC86XX
Thanks in advance!
Model 686 (No-Dash)
Stainless (Brushed)
4" Barrel
SN ABD01XX
Model 686 CS1
Stainless (Beadblasted)
3" Barrel
SN ANC86XX
Thanks in advance!
Radagast,
I don't know if you do S&W pistol date of manufacture but I have an older S&W Model 41 that I would like some information on if you have it available.
5.5" barrel
.22 cal LR
adjustable rear sights
cocking indicator on rear of slide.
10 shot magazine
SN:904xx
Any information you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you.
I don't know if you do S&W pistol date of manufacture but I have an older S&W Model 41 that I would like some information on if you have it available.
5.5" barrel
.22 cal LR
adjustable rear sights
cocking indicator on rear of slide.
10 shot magazine
SN:904xx
Any information you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you.
Radagast
Member
Ruger1228:
I'll do my best. The S&W Model 41. .22 Rimfire Single Action Target Pistol was introduced in 1957 at serial number 1401 and shared the serial range with the other semi-auto pistols. By 1971 the serial range had reached 115000. The other models will help refine the date range down.
.22 short Model 41-1 introduced in 1960 around serial range 20000.
Model 52A for the Army Marksman unit shipped 1961-1964 in the serial range 35850 to 35927. These were effectively custom pistols, so I'm guessing all frames were 1961 manufacture then assembly as requested.
The Model 52 was produced 1961-1963, starting at serial number 50,000 with 3500 produced.
The Model 39 with steel frame and slide was shipped from 1966, some serial numbers between 1000 & 2600 (produced in 1950s but not shipped), some serial numbers around 39000 then more in the 60000 to 64000 range, then again in the 81000-82000 range.
The SCSW doesn't specify if the 81000-82000 range shipped in 1966, but i am inclined to think they did, otherwise production would have been less than 10,000 semi autos in all models for three years.
So, working off the above, I'm guesstimating that your gun falls into the period 1966-1971, serial range 81000 to 115000, average production of around 7000, guns a year, so 1966-8 with 1967 being most likely for your gun.
I'm sorry I can't do better than that, but I'm cheaper than a factory letter!
boricua9mm:
No need for pics, your Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured in late 1982. There is a recall on this model, with some guns there is a chance of magnum primers flowing back around the firing pin into the firing pin bushing and locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways and install a new pin and bushing. If it has already been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number under the cylinder yoke cut out.
your Model 686 CS1 for the US Customs service was produced in 1988 and is rather collectable.
I'll do my best. The S&W Model 41. .22 Rimfire Single Action Target Pistol was introduced in 1957 at serial number 1401 and shared the serial range with the other semi-auto pistols. By 1971 the serial range had reached 115000. The other models will help refine the date range down.
.22 short Model 41-1 introduced in 1960 around serial range 20000.
Model 52A for the Army Marksman unit shipped 1961-1964 in the serial range 35850 to 35927. These were effectively custom pistols, so I'm guessing all frames were 1961 manufacture then assembly as requested.
The Model 52 was produced 1961-1963, starting at serial number 50,000 with 3500 produced.
The Model 39 with steel frame and slide was shipped from 1966, some serial numbers between 1000 & 2600 (produced in 1950s but not shipped), some serial numbers around 39000 then more in the 60000 to 64000 range, then again in the 81000-82000 range.
The SCSW doesn't specify if the 81000-82000 range shipped in 1966, but i am inclined to think they did, otherwise production would have been less than 10,000 semi autos in all models for three years.
So, working off the above, I'm guesstimating that your gun falls into the period 1966-1971, serial range 81000 to 115000, average production of around 7000, guns a year, so 1966-8 with 1967 being most likely for your gun.
I'm sorry I can't do better than that, but I'm cheaper than a factory letter!
boricua9mm:
No need for pics, your Model 686 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured in late 1982. There is a recall on this model, with some guns there is a chance of magnum primers flowing back around the firing pin into the firing pin bushing and locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways and install a new pin and bushing. If it has already been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number under the cylinder yoke cut out.
your Model 686 CS1 for the US Customs service was produced in 1988 and is rather collectable.
judgedelta
Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2013
- Messages
- 687
Dear Sir:
I have a 686, no dash. It is a 4", with what appears to be a round butt. The serial # is AHD05XX, marked on the frame. On the crane is marked R20 with a horizontal "S" below it. Below that is 6 X 389. What information can you spare? Thanks...
I have a 686, no dash. It is a 4", with what appears to be a round butt. The serial # is AHD05XX, marked on the frame. On the crane is marked R20 with a horizontal "S" below it. Below that is 6 X 389. What information can you spare? Thanks...
Kernel
Member
judgedelta,
April 1985.
Would of shipped in the S&W blue one-piece box with no bar code on the end label.
The other markings are assembly numbers. Mostly used by S&W workers to keep matched parts together during production. They would also be used to indicate a particular part had successfully completed some check or manufacturing process. Unlike s/n's the assembly numbers are not unique to one particular firearm.
April 1985.
Would of shipped in the S&W blue one-piece box with no bar code on the end label.
The other markings are assembly numbers. Mostly used by S&W workers to keep matched parts together during production. They would also be used to indicate a particular part had successfully completed some check or manufacturing process. Unlike s/n's the assembly numbers are not unique to one particular firearm.
Last edited:
judgedelta
Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2013
- Messages
- 687
Thank you very much.
Snake Plisskin
Member
Radagast,, I have recently got two Smith and Wesson Combat Masterpiece's I would like the DOB on them , thanks.
1. Model 15-3 S/N 3K407XX 4"
2. Model 67-1 S/N 98K37XX 4"
1. Model 15-3 S/N 3K407XX 4"
2. Model 67-1 S/N 98K37XX 4"
Radagast
Member
Snake Plisskin:
Your Model 15-3 .38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1972.
Your Model 67-1 .38 Combat masterpiece stainless was manufactured in 1981.
Your Model 15-3 .38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1972.
Your Model 67-1 .38 Combat masterpiece stainless was manufactured in 1981.
New member, not sure if I am doing this right but I looking for build year for my 44 Mag. It is a Model 29-3 with 6" barrel, fixed sights, 6 shot, plastic handle covers. The numbers are "AJB2057" over "Mod 29-3". Right above is "E16" over "12499". Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Radagast
Member
bullet61:
Your Model 29-3 .44 Magnum was manufactured in 1985. AJB2057 is the serial number. E16 & 12499 are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory.
Savage23:
Your Model 18-4 .22 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1981.
Your Model 29-3 .44 Magnum was manufactured in 1985. AJB2057 is the serial number. E16 & 12499 are assembly numbers, used to track parts in the factory.
Savage23:
Your Model 18-4 .22 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured in 1981.
Kernel
Member
bullet 61, Radagast is right. 1985. I'll take it a bit further and say August of 1985.
One question for you. Your post says you have a 6" M29 with fixed sights. If that means the rear sight is just a channel in the frame (not an adjustable blade sight) you have a very, very, rare gun. To a collector, worth probably twice or three times a similar M29 with adjustable sights.
One question for you. Your post says you have a 6" M29 with fixed sights. If that means the rear sight is just a channel in the frame (not an adjustable blade sight) you have a very, very, rare gun. To a collector, worth probably twice or three times a similar M29 with adjustable sights.
Radagast
Member
Ding! What Kernel said. S&W never cataloged a .44magnum with fixed sights. This requires pics.
IBSleepy
Member
S&w .38 id
Hello, I have a S&W in .38. The serial number is V30303 and model number is 72215. The only other marking is I believe F8 above the model number. Sorry no pics yet. Just trying to figure out what I have.
Thank you!
Hello, I have a S&W in .38. The serial number is V30303 and model number is 72215. The only other marking is I believe F8 above the model number. Sorry no pics yet. Just trying to figure out what I have.
Thank you!
Radagast
Member
IBSleepy:
Your gun dates to early 1942 and is either a .38 Victory Model marked *.38 S&W Special CTG* or a .38/200 S&W British Service Revolver marked *.38 S&W CTG*
The Victory Model was US issue, the British Service revolver was manufactured for the British Commonwealth.
Model numbers were not introduced until 1957, so 72215 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory, as is F8. Only the serial number on the butt was recorded, so assembly numbers shed no light on the gun.
A lot of British Service Revolvers were sold as surplus in USA at the end of the war and converted to .38 Special by drilling out the chambers. Such converted guns can be identified by having two steps in the chamber. Converted chambers are actually oversize for the .38 special and can result in bulged brass. They have very little value as a result.
More info here:
http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm
Your gun dates to early 1942 and is either a .38 Victory Model marked *.38 S&W Special CTG* or a .38/200 S&W British Service Revolver marked *.38 S&W CTG*
The Victory Model was US issue, the British Service revolver was manufactured for the British Commonwealth.
Model numbers were not introduced until 1957, so 72215 is an assembly number, used to track parts in the factory, as is F8. Only the serial number on the butt was recorded, so assembly numbers shed no light on the gun.
A lot of British Service Revolvers were sold as surplus in USA at the end of the war and converted to .38 Special by drilling out the chambers. Such converted guns can be identified by having two steps in the chamber. Converted chambers are actually oversize for the .38 special and can result in bulged brass. They have very little value as a result.
More info here:
http://www.coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm
IBSleepy
Member
Mr. Brown, Thank you very much for taking the time to reply and for your research! Very helpful and informative!
Bruce
Bruce
Gladius
Member
I've got two more for ya...
a) .357 Magnum
b) 4 inch barrel
c) square grips
d) Six shot
e) adjustable sights.
f) Serial #4K31639
g) Model 19-3
a) .357 Magnum
b) 6-inch barrel
c) Square grip
d) 6 shot
e) adjustable sights.
f) Serial #AAJ5706
g) Model 586 (no dash)
a) .357 Magnum
b) 4 inch barrel
c) square grips
d) Six shot
e) adjustable sights.
f) Serial #4K31639
g) Model 19-3
a) .357 Magnum
b) 6-inch barrel
c) Square grip
d) 6 shot
e) adjustable sights.
f) Serial #AAJ5706
g) Model 586 (no dash)
Radagast
Member
Gladius:
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1973.
Your Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1982.
There is a recall on the Model 586. With some magnum ammo primers may flow back around the firing pin and lock up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways & install a new firing pin and firing pin bushing. If the gun has already been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number in the cylinder yoke cut out.
If you want to have the gun modified call S&W customer service and they will send you a shipping label.
Your Model 19-3 Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1973.
Your Model 586 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured in 1982.
There is a recall on the Model 586. With some magnum ammo primers may flow back around the firing pin and lock up the gun. Under the recall S&W will pay shipping both ways & install a new firing pin and firing pin bushing. If the gun has already been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number in the cylinder yoke cut out.
If you want to have the gun modified call S&W customer service and they will send you a shipping label.
Gladius
Member
Good to know. It does have the M stamp. Thanks!
Jim PHL
Member
S+W Model 34 (no dash)
.22LR
Blued finish
4" barrel
6-shot
Sq. butt
Adjustable sites
#M68xxx
Thanks!
.22LR
Blued finish
4" barrel
6-shot
Sq. butt
Adjustable sites
#M68xxx
Thanks!
