estoy999
Member
Thank you RADAGAST for the info on DOB of my Mod 49 Bodyguard. .... Estoy999
Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers
- Thread starter Brian Williams
- Start date
Radagast
Member
Geezer Glide:
The Standard Catalog of S&W doesn't give a year to year break down of serial numbers for that model. The best I can give you in 1957-1960. In 1957 model numbers were introduced, in 1960 the I frame Model 35 was replaced with the J frame Model 35-1 around serial number 70000.
The Standard Catalog of S&W doesn't give a year to year break down of serial numbers for that model. The best I can give you in 1957-1960. In 1957 model numbers were introduced, in 1960 the I frame Model 35 was replaced with the J frame Model 35-1 around serial number 70000.
Radagast
Member
rambler:
Your Model 686-3 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless should date to late 1989. Serial numbers in the BFExxxx range shipped in September and in the BEKxxxx range in October 1989. The 686-3 was produced from 1988 to 1993.
Your Model 60-15 .357 Magnum Chiefs Special Stainless Target should date to late 2003 or early 2004. Serial numbers in the CHBxxxx range shipped in November 2001. The 60-15 was produced from 2001.
Your Model 586-4 Distinguished Combat Magnum should date to around late 1995 or early 1996. Serial numbers in the CAMxxxx range shipped in January 1996. The 586-4 was produced from 1993 to 1997.
Your Model 686-3 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless should date to late 1989. Serial numbers in the BFExxxx range shipped in September and in the BEKxxxx range in October 1989. The 686-3 was produced from 1988 to 1993.
Your Model 60-15 .357 Magnum Chiefs Special Stainless Target should date to late 2003 or early 2004. Serial numbers in the CHBxxxx range shipped in November 2001. The 60-15 was produced from 2001.
Your Model 586-4 Distinguished Combat Magnum should date to around late 1995 or early 1996. Serial numbers in the CAMxxxx range shipped in January 1996. The 586-4 was produced from 1993 to 1997.
snoopycooter
Member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2011
- Messages
- 4
i have a smith and wesson six round 38 special, four inch barrel , with serial number s 7263x... not sure which model this is , looking for replacement parts .. would like date of birth and what model it is. seems to be a large frame for a 38 special
Radagast
Member
snoopycooter:
If it has fixed sights then you have a .38/44 Heavy Duty (Postwar Transitional) manufactured between 1946 & 1950 in the serial range S62496 to S75206.
The S prefix indicates it has the then new internal hammer block safety which is still used by S&W today.
The gun is built on the .44 sized N frame and was intended to shoot .38 Special Hi Speed rounds, hence the .38/44 name. These rounds are no longer manufactured and were somewhere between a .38 PlusP and a .357 magnum in velocity. As long as mechanical condition is good your gun should be safe with any commercial load or handload published in a reloading book.
The term Postwar Transitional refers to the change over from the pre-war long action to the post war short action which is still used today. According to the Standard Catalog of S&W by the time your gun was produced it should have the short action.
In 1957 the .38/44 Heavy Duty was designated the Model 20.
If the gun has adjustable sights then it is a .38/44 Outdoorsman (Postwar Transitional), the data above applies to this model as well. In 1957 the .38/44 Outdoorsman was designated the model 23.
There is some collectors interest in these old guns so prices are rising. THR members Peter M. Eick & Saxon Pig have posted a fair amount of information about the ones in their collections if you feel like doing some reading using the search function.
Your best bet for spare parts would be www.gunpartscorp.com (gun wreckers) or possibly asking on the S&W forum www.smith-wessonforum.com
If it has fixed sights then you have a .38/44 Heavy Duty (Postwar Transitional) manufactured between 1946 & 1950 in the serial range S62496 to S75206.
The S prefix indicates it has the then new internal hammer block safety which is still used by S&W today.
The gun is built on the .44 sized N frame and was intended to shoot .38 Special Hi Speed rounds, hence the .38/44 name. These rounds are no longer manufactured and were somewhere between a .38 PlusP and a .357 magnum in velocity. As long as mechanical condition is good your gun should be safe with any commercial load or handload published in a reloading book.
The term Postwar Transitional refers to the change over from the pre-war long action to the post war short action which is still used today. According to the Standard Catalog of S&W by the time your gun was produced it should have the short action.
In 1957 the .38/44 Heavy Duty was designated the Model 20.
If the gun has adjustable sights then it is a .38/44 Outdoorsman (Postwar Transitional), the data above applies to this model as well. In 1957 the .38/44 Outdoorsman was designated the model 23.
There is some collectors interest in these old guns so prices are rising. THR members Peter M. Eick & Saxon Pig have posted a fair amount of information about the ones in their collections if you feel like doing some reading using the search function.
Your best bet for spare parts would be www.gunpartscorp.com (gun wreckers) or possibly asking on the S&W forum www.smith-wessonforum.com
Radagast
Member
ptpalpha:
Your Model 586-1 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured between Jabuary 1986 (AHCxxxx) & July 1987 (AVBxxxx), so early 1987 seems likely. There is a recall for all 586 & 586-1 S&Ws as with some magnum ammunition the primer could flow back around the firing pin into the firing pin bushing and lock up the cylinder. Under the recall S&W will install a new firing pin and bushing. If your guin has been modified in this way there will be an 'M' for modified stamped after the model number in the yoke cut out.
If it hasn't been modified and you wish to have this done call S&W they will pay shipping both ways.
Your Model 586-1 Distinguished Combat Magnum was manufactured between Jabuary 1986 (AHCxxxx) & July 1987 (AVBxxxx), so early 1987 seems likely. There is a recall for all 586 & 586-1 S&Ws as with some magnum ammunition the primer could flow back around the firing pin into the firing pin bushing and lock up the cylinder. Under the recall S&W will install a new firing pin and bushing. If your guin has been modified in this way there will be an 'M' for modified stamped after the model number in the yoke cut out.
If it hasn't been modified and you wish to have this done call S&W they will pay shipping both ways.
Looking for a Date and Any other Info (value?)
Hi everyone, new to the forum and first post.
I have the following:
Barrel Reads: .38 S&W Special CTG
.38
4" barrel
Diamond Pattern on Grip
6-shot
Fixed Sights
Serial Number: C 186088
There's another number under the revolver part that reads: 5 T 22353 (or 22333)
Looking forward to hearing back. Thanks!
-Mark
Hi everyone, new to the forum and first post.
I have the following:
Barrel Reads: .38 S&W Special CTG
.38
4" barrel
Diamond Pattern on Grip
6-shot
Fixed Sights
Serial Number: C 186088
There's another number under the revolver part that reads: 5 T 22353 (or 22333)
Looking forward to hearing back. Thanks!
-Mark
Hi,
I have inherited an old or at least an old in appearance S&W revolver so here's its particulars, 38 special, 4", I believe it is a round grip, 6 shot, fixed sights, serial number is 169647, it does have a number under the crane in VERY small numbers 2548.
Thanks Pat
If I could figure out how I'd be glad to send a pic. NOT have any luck though.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, The same was in the beginning with God. All thing were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
I have inherited an old or at least an old in appearance S&W revolver so here's its particulars, 38 special, 4", I believe it is a round grip, 6 shot, fixed sights, serial number is 169647, it does have a number under the crane in VERY small numbers 2548.
Thanks Pat
If I could figure out how I'd be glad to send a pic. NOT have any luck though.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, The same was in the beginning with God. All thing were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
woodlecj
Member
Radagast
Member
markyac:
You have a .38 Military & Police (Postwar) manufactured between 1948 & 1951.
Serial range for those yars was C1 to C223998 to 1950 or 1951 seems likely.
The grips are correct for that period.
S T 22333 are assembly numbers used to track parts in the factory. Thery have no meaning after the gun is completed.
phawk2:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 3rd Change manufactured between 1909 & 1915. Serial range for those years was 146900 to 241703, so 1909 or 1910 seems likely.
2548 is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory, it has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Your gun does not have a heat treated cylinder (introduced as serial number 316648) so I recommend that you do not use jacketed, semi jacketed, PlusP or +P+ ammunition in this old gun. Stick to standard velocity lead loads.
It also predates the postive hammer block safety introduced during World War II, if dropped it could fire. I suggest you leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
Woodlecj:
Your Model 13-1 .357 Magnum Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1976 or 1977. Serial range for those years was D870001 to D999999, so 1977 seems likely.
You have a .38 Military & Police (Postwar) manufactured between 1948 & 1951.
Serial range for those yars was C1 to C223998 to 1950 or 1951 seems likely.
The grips are correct for that period.
S T 22333 are assembly numbers used to track parts in the factory. Thery have no meaning after the gun is completed.
phawk2:
You have a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 3rd Change manufactured between 1909 & 1915. Serial range for those years was 146900 to 241703, so 1909 or 1910 seems likely.
2548 is an assembly number used to track parts in the factory, it has no meaning after the gun is completed.
Your gun does not have a heat treated cylinder (introduced as serial number 316648) so I recommend that you do not use jacketed, semi jacketed, PlusP or +P+ ammunition in this old gun. Stick to standard velocity lead loads.
It also predates the postive hammer block safety introduced during World War II, if dropped it could fire. I suggest you leave the chamber under the hammer empty.
Woodlecj:
Your Model 13-1 .357 Magnum Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1976 or 1977. Serial range for those years was D870001 to D999999, so 1977 seems likely.
LordDunsany
Member
Greetings....
I just got this little guy today. Cosmetics are so-so but it is tight, indexes perfectly and has a clean shiny bore:
S&W Chief Special, flat cylinder release
.38 sp
1 7/8" barrel
Round butt
5-shot
Fixed rear, fixed front sight
Serial Number: 763XX
Curious about the DOB of this gun...
Cheers,
Ron
I just got this little guy today. Cosmetics are so-so but it is tight, indexes perfectly and has a clean shiny bore:
S&W Chief Special, flat cylinder release
.38 sp
1 7/8" barrel
Round butt
5-shot
Fixed rear, fixed front sight
Serial Number: 763XX
Curious about the DOB of this gun...
Cheers,
Ron
Hi, I new here and its my first post
I have an opportunity to trade for this gun in its original box.
1) .38 special m&p
2) 2"
3) square butt, walnut checkered
4) 6 shots
5) fixed sights
6) s/n c 1013xx
7) I do not see a model number
I was told that this gun was made in the early 1950's and it is in EXCELLENT shape. I was told that it had never been fired. Any idea what type of value on this gun. I have a Ruger LCP that the owner of the S&W wants. What do you think?
I have an opportunity to trade for this gun in its original box.
1) .38 special m&p
2) 2"
3) square butt, walnut checkered
4) 6 shots
5) fixed sights
6) s/n c 1013xx
7) I do not see a model number
I was told that this gun was made in the early 1950's and it is in EXCELLENT shape. I was told that it had never been fired. Any idea what type of value on this gun. I have a Ruger LCP that the owner of the S&W wants. What do you think?
Radagast
Member
jp28374:
Your Postwar ,38 Military & Police was manufactured 1948-1951. It's probably worth around $350 today, they are fine firearms, but there are a lot of them out there.
LordDunsany:
Your Chiefs Special was manufactured between 1955 & 1957, the 1955 serial range ran to at least 75000, so 1955 or early 1956 is likely.
Your Postwar ,38 Military & Police was manufactured 1948-1951. It's probably worth around $350 today, they are fine firearms, but there are a lot of them out there.
LordDunsany:
Your Chiefs Special was manufactured between 1955 & 1957, the 1955 serial range ran to at least 75000, so 1955 or early 1956 is likely.
forindooruseonly
Member
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2009
- Messages
- 1,076
Hey Radagast, I was wondering if you could look up this Performance Center 629 for me.
Performance Center 629
a) .44 magnum
b) 6 inch
c) round
d) 6 shots
e) adjustable
f) MHR0231
g) 629-5
Thanks again!
Performance Center 629
a) .44 magnum
b) 6 inch
c) round
d) 6 shots
e) adjustable
f) MHR0231
g) 629-5
Thanks again!
Radagast
Member
forindooruseonly:
Appears to be a 2000 model. Product code 170149, DymondWood grips, unfluted cylinder, comped barrel. SCSW dopesn't note the weighted barrel. The 629-5 was produced from 1997 to 2001, so it fits the time span.
There was a six inch 629 Hunter with removable weights, Product code 170072, around 1996/97, but that one didn't have the ports.
This gun is young enough that a call to S&W may get you the correct date or if you have the paperwork and it lists a different product code, post it and I'll look it up.
Appears to be a 2000 model. Product code 170149, DymondWood grips, unfluted cylinder, comped barrel. SCSW dopesn't note the weighted barrel. The 629-5 was produced from 1997 to 2001, so it fits the time span.
There was a six inch 629 Hunter with removable weights, Product code 170072, around 1996/97, but that one didn't have the ports.
This gun is young enough that a call to S&W may get you the correct date or if you have the paperwork and it lists a different product code, post it and I'll look it up.
snoopycooter
Member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2011
- Messages
- 4
thanks man that seems to be pretty spot on
Last edited:
motorcycle-charlie
Member
Radagast
Member
snoopycooter:
Standard N frame grips should work, they may not be a perfect fit along the backstrap though as the old method was to grind the grips and the frame together to get perfect alignment. I would expect the fit to be as good as you get today.
Standard N frame grips should work, they may not be a perfect fit along the backstrap though as the old method was to grind the grips and the frame together to get perfect alignment. I would expect the fit to be as good as you get today.
Radagast
Member
TheGent:
The standard Catalog of S&W doesn't give a year by year breakdown on that model, the best I can give you is between 1925 (serial number 2786x) and 1940 (serial number 54474).
About 3000 guns a year were produced from 1917 to 1925, so you could extrapolate that to a 1930 year of production. Because the great depression started in 1928 and would have slowed sales, I'm guessing early to mid 1930s.
The standard Catalog of S&W doesn't give a year by year breakdown on that model, the best I can give you is between 1925 (serial number 2786x) and 1940 (serial number 54474).
About 3000 guns a year were produced from 1917 to 1925, so you could extrapolate that to a 1930 year of production. Because the great depression started in 1928 and would have slowed sales, I'm guessing early to mid 1930s.
Radagast
Member
motorcycle-charlie:
Your Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman was produced between 191969 & 1972. Serial range for that period was N1 to N100000.
Your Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman was produced between 191969 & 1972. Serial range for that period was N1 to N100000.
motorcycle-charlie
Member
thanks Radagast. i really appreciate it.
Tomahawk674
Member
Hello, my wife's grandfather is a retired police officer. His father was also a police officer, and originally carried a S&W Hand Ejector in 38 Special. The serial is 248XX. From some digging on the internet I found it may have been made in 1906. Can someone please verify?
