Smith & Wesson made a practice of numbering frames and then putting them into inventory. They didn’t always draw them out in numerical order, and they numbered all of the revolver models made on the NT frame in the same serial number series at this time.
All is true. But by 1970, these things left the factory pretty close to the forging/fabrication date. This advice is very applicable to what happend from 1909 to about 1960. After that, production and distribution got much more in line (the two world wars and the great depression all in the past and all). From 1970 forward, things are very predictable, and letters and dates well established. For example, reference the SWCA database on N frame dates (which is what I reference, not the less precise SCSW appendices), and you will see that year-specific precision is pretty easy for modern N frames. For late 70's 28 models, this is a non-issue.
As to the HP we are discussing, I'll wager $100 against someone who can document it's not 1979. There are better references than the SCSW.
Helpfull stuff:
1/7 Dude, wasn't that Chesty Puller's regiment at Guadalcanal? Oh wow...
Nice 3" k frame, should be about 1985. I have two around that date that bracket it (joke if you were arty).
6203zz Winter 76/77.
lindy You really need to get a camera and post photos, both sides, in detail. That sounds like a very early Military and police model, Model 1902 or so, and with factory adjustable sights it gets very, very interesting. The barrel stamping of the cartridge, etc. make it sound like a very early M&P. Details about the grips, metal condition, etc. make the difference between this being a $150 gun and a $1,200 gun. More details needed. The problem is many had adjustable sights retrofitted later, so only photos tell whether that was original or a later modification.
bis spater