Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

[Radagast]

Subrosa71:

Gun 1: January 2000

Gun 2: July 1988

Gun 3: 1973

Gun 4: The serial number range CAN xxxx to CBA xxxx was used between January 1996 & September 1996. The 657-3 was the model being produced at that time. The standard Catalog of S&W lists a 657-6 introduced in 2005 and was published in 2006. If there is a 657-8 then it was produced after this time. Do you have a 657-3?

 

[subrosa71]

Correction

You are correct; it's a 657-3. Thanks.

 

[TFS2403]

How about this one?

a) caliber .38 spl
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle) 4"
c) grips shape (round or square) Magna style
d) number of shots/cylinder bores 6
e) type of sights. Blade front - groove rear
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip C space 435013
g) Model number if it is under the crane. 66835 (no model # -- maybe a part# ?)


My buddy picked this up today, in ok shape finish is quite worn some lite rust, but no pitting. He thinks its a M&P we wanted to check to make sure of DOB and what model.

Thanks
Robb

 

[Radagast]

TFS2043:
The C prefix was introduced for K frames after WWII. If your friends gun is serial number C453013 then it would have been manufactured in 1960, but should have a model number stamped inside the crane.
The number stamped inside the crane that you quoted is an assembly number, so the gun should have been made before 1957, when model numbers were introduced.
If the serial number is 453013 then it is a Military & Police model of 1905 fourth change, made between 1915 & 1942. The Standard Catalog of S&W notes serial number 651500 shipped in 1935, so it would be earlier than that.

If you can post photos some of the more knowledgeable members may be able to give you a better ID.

 

[oneshot50]

thanks for info

a.) caliber: .38 S&W spl
b.) bbl length: 2"
c.) grip shape: round butt
d.) 5-shot
e.) sights: fixed
f.) serial number: R17568
g.) model number: mod.60

 

[Radagast]

Oneshot50: 1969.

 

[Malodorousroadkill]

a) caliber .38 special
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle): 4"
c) grips shape (round or square): Square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores: 6
e) type of sights: Adjustable, rear has white outline, orange front sight
f) serial number: 5K98xxx
g) Model number: 15-3

 

[paulms]

S&W 32-20 revolver

Posted earlier asking for year of mfr. of S&W 32-20
Nickel plated six shooter,
4" bbl, double action,
square grips,
ser. no. 52283 on buttplate

 

[Radagast]

Malodorousroadkill: 1974

 

[Radagast]

Paulms: You have a .32-20 hand ejector Model of 1905 3rd change, manufactured between 1909 & 1915 in the serial number range 45201 to 65700.

 

[KarenTOC]

Here's the info for my new-to-me model 19-3. It came with beat-up replacement grips so I moved crimson trace grips from another gun to this one.

a) caliber - .357/.38
b) bbl length - 4"
c) grips shape - square
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 6
e) type of sights - adjustable
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip - K9832xx
g) Model number if it is under the crane.- 19-3

Thanks in advance for your time and effort! I appreciate it very much.

 

[Radagast]

KarenTOC: Your 19-3 was manufactured in 1970. Serial number range for that year was K946392 to K999999 then starting again at 1K1.

 

[statelineblues]

Here's another S&W I would like identified - Thanks!

a) .38 Special
b) 1 7/8" bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)
c) round butt grips
d) 5 shot cylinder
e) fixed sights.
f) serial number: 588xx
g) Flat Latch
h) 4 screw

 

[Radagast]

Statelineblues: Your Chiefs Special (it predates model numbers) was manufactured in 1955. The serial number range for that year was 55050-75000.

 

[wrs840]

How about this Model 14-4:

.38
6" bbl
Six shot
Square, wood grips
Adjustable sights
s.n.76K7798

Thanks,
Les

 

[Radagast]

wrs480: Your 14-4 was made in 1980, serial number range for that year was 57k0001 to 91k6800.

 

[buck000]

Hi, thanks for providing this service.

Here's my new-to-new-to-shooting-me info:

a) .357 Magnum
b) 4" barrel
c) grips shape (round or square) - honestly not sure, I want to say square, but it's a rubber Hogue Monogrip.
d) 6 shots
e) Adjustable rear sight, orange blade front
f) serial number CTA90XX
g) Model 686-6

I know this is an easy one, I just want to verify the year, and the fact that I probably paid too much for it, but hey, live & learn. Besides, I still think, integral lock and all, it's a stainless-steel beauty of a keeper.

Thx a bunch.

 

[boatingboy]

a) .38
b) 1 7/8 barrel
c) round butt
d)5 shot
e)fixed sights
f)serial number: 476739
g)model 60

 

[Alchymist]

a) caliber .357
b) bbl length 6"
c) grips shape Goncalo Alves
d) number of shots 6
e) type of sights. Adj, ramp front
f) serial number, ABW47xx
g) Model number if it is under the crane. 686

Is this considered the "Distinguished Combat Magnum", and if so why do very few people refer to it as such?

And why are most of the 686's listed in the catalogs shown with the black composite grips? Are the wood grips not offered any more?

 

[Oro]

Buck000 - 2004

BoatingBoy - mid '60s, no way to be closer I know of.

Alchymist - 1983. "686" is simpler to say or write. Most all S&W are called by their number, not name, so it's not a bias against that gun. New guns are all round butt with rubber - the old square butt and wood grips are not standard equipment, since 1994.

 

[orionhawk]

a) .357Mag
b) 4"
c) square butt
d) 6
e) blade front, adjustable rear
f) serial number (a little hard to read) BH70*** or BHT0***
g) 686-3

 

[Oro]

orionhawk - BHT is 1992 (s/n's after 1980 are three alpha then four numerals). A 686-3 is a good build, nice variant of the gun. They do not build the square butt anymore, which is a shame (the conversion grips just don't feel the same. Hope you enjoy WA - can be a great place.

 

[orionhawk]

thanks, Oro.

 

[mrpackard]

I'm a handgun neophyte and basically a know-nothing--only been to the range with it once. I've put the information below about my recently-acquired S&W .38, hoping to get some information about it. I'd really appreciate anything you can tell me.

a) caliber--.38
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)--4"
c) grips shape (round or square)--Square (?)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores--6
e) type of sights.--adjustaable
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip--1K59829
g) Model number if it is under the crane.--15-3

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Radagast]

Mrpackard: 1971