S&W Serial Number punched on?

[cdpsrjc]

I looked at a S&W Model 60-10 tonight that had the serial number inside the crane that was put on with what looked like a pin punch. Model number too. It was very fine, but obviously hand done. Anyone have any idea what or why the serial number was like this? CBK3xxx.

 

[Pistol Toter]

That's normal in todays times. The number used to be applied with a stamp being struck by a hammer. The prefered means is now, I believe, is by laser etching. It looks like crap and goes along with the general decline of American manufacturing or what is left of it. Your guns dates to late 1996 to mid 1997.

 

[cdpsrjc]

OK, Thanks. What I saw could certainly have been done with a laser. You're correct, it did look like crap, I couldn't make out whether the second character was a B or 8, even under a magnafying glass. I passed on a good revolver because I'd never seen such a thing.

 

[highorder]

The prefered means is now, I believe, is by laser etching.

Correct. S&W does use laser engraving these days. It works well regardless of the material being etched, allows for computer control (fast set-up) of the data being engraved, and allows data capture of the work done without requiring a human to take notations of any sort.

Modern manufacturing. It's whats for dinner.

 

[cdpsrjc]

OK, I guess I just need to catch up, but if it's computer controlled, you'd think it would look better. Literally looked like hand done dot matrix. Thanks....

 

[highorder]

I've seen plenty of S&W samples, and the qaulity ranges.

Can we see a pic of yours?

 

[cdpsrjc]

I was 'interviewing' the revolver for purchase and passed on it because I had never seen a serial number applied with this method.

I don't have a picture of the serial number. I've sent a link to this thread to the seller, perhaps he will post a picture of the S/N example.

 

[oneounceload]

The prefered means is now, I believe, is by laser etching. It looks like crap and goes along with the general decline of American manufacturing or what is left of it.

Only because we, as consumers, have demanded that our factories turn out something so it can be sold as cheaply as possible. Don't blame the maker when he has to start making things to the same price points as the Chinese stuff you see people clamoring for on this forum and others.

There is nothing wrong with laser engraving - some of the nicest looking gun engraving and stock checkering are now done by it

 

[cdpsrjc]

I'm just glad to know it was a factory applied serial number. If I ever see another example, I'll know what I'm looking at. Thanks for the clarification. The original post was to understand what I was seeing.

 

[Jim K]

The change to a computer system allows S&W to put on the serial number, complete the records paperwork, control inventory, and print the box label all at the same time, speeding up the process and reducing the chances of a mixup. The assembly number is not used because the new machines can make parts that will always fit so the hand fitting of the crane is not needed.

Yes, the "invisible" crane line is more visible, but that is part of modern manufacturing that allows the guns to be sold at reasonable prices.

Jim