Reading the serial number is appealing for gun owners because the letters and numbers can reveal the year of manufacture and the rarity of the weapon. However, this is still better than nothing. As you know, the unique code on your pistols frame is more than just a combination of letters and digits. If youre lucky enough to own one of these rare revolvers, you have a true piece of history in your hands. Oct 2004 CTA 342 CTA6329
He has written for regional newspapers such as "The Metro Forum" and the "West Tennessee Examiner." The serial number can tell you the range of dates that the gun was made, and the specific year. To find it, go to the App Store and type signNow in the search field. However, keep in mind that even experts may not be able to give you an exact answer, as there are many factors that can affect a guns age. If youre looking for a classic revolver that will never go out of style, the Smith & Wesson Model is the perfect choice. Thanks. Feb. 2004 CHE 2-9-04 2 lines
Jul. Nov. 1997 CCE
According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, serial numbers D420001 - D510000 were used from 1972 - 1973. Scopes, guns, boots and other tactical stuff in-between. Sold For: $858.00. Posts: 7,523. It is best to do this immediately on the ship date. The 28-1 wasn't made very long so few are seen and value to collectors are highers. Examine the barrel of the Smith & Wesson pistol. Aug. 1994 BRF
Jul. signNow has paid close attention to iOS users and developed an application just for them. JavaScript is disabled. 399), If anyone is willing, can you date the revolver my grandpa left me please. Jan. 1994 BDY
Can you recover your gun using the unique code. It will be a 6-digit number preceded by a "C" or a "D". 2004 CHL 6-23-04
In this instance, 331-12345 was manufactured in the year 2007. Don't try, either, to circumvent any law; for example, a California civilian may not buy a high capacity magazine and have it shipped to his brother-in-law in Nevada. Leave a comment below with the answer and any additional data on our topic. Description: As a service to our shoppers and the Guns America community, here are our notes on production dates for Smith & Wesson Revolvers with 3 Letter Serial Number Prefixes. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/84-and-w-j-frame, https://www.midwayusa.com/product/84hardened-steel, https://images.search.yahoo.com/searyset_ff_syc_hp. Feb. 2000 CDY
Sep 1996 SWC (29-4)
Oct. 2003 RGN0001
No, you dont have the jurisdiction to do so, but the police can search. 1980 AAA 000-2100
Now that you know how to find your guns date of manufacture, its time to start thinking about preserving its condition! Can someone with one of the S&W books help me out? Favorite, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPplLB31Al4, Remington Nylon 66 Serial Number: How to Find Your Guns Model and Year, This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar, 2022 Yestactical.com We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I don't really care, I just like to argue. Jul. year. You can easily locate the plate on the firearms side, next to thetrigger guard. important safety recall notice for smith & wesson m&p 12 shotguns manufactured prior to october 15, 2021 learn more.. One way is to look at the serial number. The Model 10 was called the ".38 Military & Police" (".38 M&P") until 1957. We do not have time to answer questions about serialization. If you are looking to buy a Smith and Wesson pistol, or any other firearm, it is important that you do your research beforehand. Jan. 1991 BFW 3337 BFY 8122
How about my 686-3? 2004 CSR (327) 7-22-04
Knowing what kind of gun you have can also be helpful if you ever need to sell it or get it repaired. Mar. Smith & Wesson revolvers are some of the most popular handguns in the world. If you cannot find the serial number on your revolver, contact Smith and Wesson customer service for assistance. So again the K-22 went under constructive changes and a Barrel rib was added to it to make it the exact same weight as the K-32 & K-38. These started with AAA and, for the most part, ran in order. The letters continue on through the alphabet, for pistols manufactured at later dates. Aug. 2002 CFD 8-21-02
If you dont get help from the above parties, you can contact a firearm expert to trace guns and other firearm-related issues. Jul. There may be an SN on the butt underneath the grips. Based in southern New Jersey, Mike McNez has been writing since 2010. The Model 19 is 1976 production. S&W dating is kept intentionally vague, in order to sustain the S&W Collector's Association with proceeds from "Factory Letter" requests. 340, 360, 386
1989 BDS
Powered by GunsAmerica Dealer Services. The "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson" has some S/N info but it's not absolutely exhaustive. Jan. 1999 CDB; CDD
There are a few ways to look up this information. Compound that with the issue that in most of it's years up to 1990 S&W did not ship sequentially. May 1989 BDY BDZ
Apr. |regenC|MC Set || Li Mc HIT || || LP Mc HIT ||, Antique (Pre-1899) Rifles - Flintlock Misc, Antique (Pre-1899) Rifles - Matchlock/Wheellock Misc, Century Arms International (CAI) - Rifles, Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Rifles (perc), Winchester Rifles - Modern Bolt/Auto/Single, Winchester Rifles - Pre-1899 Bolt/Single Shot, Century Arms International (CAI) - Pistols, Colt Automatic Pistols (.25, .32, & .380 cal), Colt Single Action Revolvers - Modern (22 Cal. Checking my pinned barrel Model 60, serial #J2714XX puts it at 1975,and it has no dash. 51.1k. Dec. 1993 BPK
2023 Optics Bible - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Easy Way to identify Smith and Wesson Serial Number Database, BAD Lever Alternatives: 7 Things You Should Know, Bushnell TRS 25 Vs Romeo 5 Sig Sauer: The Best Red Dot Sight in 2023, Holosun HS515C Review: The Best Military Sight of 2023. As a service to our shoppers and the Guns America community, here are our notes on production dates for Smith & Wesson Revolvers with 3 Letter Serial Number Prefixes. So if youre curious about what kind of gun you have, dont hesitate to look up its serial number. Remember that these dates are approximate, and your gun may have been produced before or after the date listed due to factors like production delays or changes in inventory. Finally, you can try searching for the serial number online. The numbers in the Smith & Wesson serial numbers are random numbers. Favorite, CIMARRON VS UBERTI: THE SHOWDOWN OF THE COWBOY GUNS, This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar, 2022 Yestactical.com We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. S&W went to a three letter prefix for their serial numbers. Once you have found the serial number, write it down or take a picture of it for reference. Finally, if all else fails, you can contact a licensed firearms dealer. 1986 TWT 544
They might be able to help you identify your gun based on its serial number. Others are on the rear of the frame, above the gun's grip. Some got overstamps some didn't. 2004 CHM 432 7-9-04 642 6-23-04
Jan. 1983 ABL 40000
Nov. 1993 BPE
And what you believe doesn't change what is true in real life in the real world. I'm sure there are many experts who can narrow this down even further, but your best bet is to request an official. If you have the box, the product code could help quite a bit, as well as a description of your 686. . The Smith & Wesson company was formed in 1852, in Norwich, Connecticut. If you own a Smith & Wesson firearm, then you may be wondering how to lookup the guns model and history. I just bought two model 10 Smiths. May. Smith & Wesson Revolver Serialization 3 Letter Prefixes AAA - VAR. By the war's end, Smith & Wesson had made over 800,000 revolvers for Allied troops. Jan. 1998 CCK; CCM; CCN; CCR; CCW
Feb. 1992 BKZ 1014 BKZ 2310
In this blog post, we will show you how to find your Smith & Wessons serial number and lookup its history using the companys website. You can also check national databases of stolen guns, such as LeadsOnline and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Some of this is from Supica's and Nahas's Appendices, and some from our own records. A model 10. Mar. Feel free to reach out to us or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy. The actual serial number will be on the butt --- the very bottom of the gun's grip. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Select whether your firearm is a handgun or a long gun and choose the appropriate link to be directed to the lookup tool. If you own a Smith and Wesson Model 10 revolver, then you may be wondering how to find the date of manufacture. The Model is constructed of carbon steel and has a blued finish. The Smith & Wesson Model is a six-shot, double-action revolver that was first introduced in 1899. Several ways, as discussed, can help you analyze and determine the kind of gun you have purchased or own. Oct. 1983 ADE 6700
Christopher John has been a freelance journalist since 2003. . Dec. 1989 BEP
Always have. Therefore, to make your gun purchase official, the authorities will be involved where they record your firearms info, including the serial number. The number you listed for the 10-5 is the assembly number, which is arbitrary and basically meaningless. The grips on the Model are made of wood or synthetic material. Never have checked it either serial is BHC-06XX. 642 BFY (2) 2/91 Ashland
Apr. Aug. 2002 CFJ 8-2-02
Is the strain screw all the way screwed in? First, check the manufacturers website. They may be able to help you find the serial number or other information. With collectors older is more desirable. We do not have time to answer questions about serialization. If you find out that a gun you own is stolen, do not attempt to recover it yourself; contact law enforcement instead. I have one in jail and it does not have a letter in it. They are listed in year-sequential order, and "A dog's breakfast" is a true definition of the scrambled info. as CZ says, ONLY "nail" is the Smith Letter - and $! For example, some guns do not have a caliber (such as airsoft guns). Aug. 1989 BEA BED
Its also a good idea to store your gun in a cool, dry place when not in use. If it has grips that cover that section of the frame, you may have to remove them. Dec. 1986 AYW 9023
May 2003 CFY 5-15-03, 5-9-03
Examine the surface of the S&W gun to find the serial number. 1997 ULT/LGT Airlite 317. Don't let your buddies use your account. Finally, you can also ask an expert to take a look at your gun and give you an estimate of its age. Jan. 15 2003 CFF8265, 2 lines 37-2
Knowing your guns serial number can also help you get it back if its ever lost or stolen. Despite its age, the Model continues to be a reliable and accurate firearm. I know there are all sorts of oddities with Smiths, but hanging on to a pre-72 frame for 3 to 10 years is a stretch. 2004 CHJ 4-8-04
On some revolvers, however, the serial number may be found on the cylinder or on the crank. Dec. 2002 CFS 12-16-02
Aug. 1990 BFN 4343 BFN 4668
The little shaped checkering is different than diamond grips. Look up the pistol's full serial number -- including all letters and numbers -- in the back section of the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" book. After entering the serial number, hit the Search button and you will be given a list of results that includes the model number, date of manufacture, and other information about your gun. Side-by-side photo showing different spots to get a pistols serial number. Luckily, there is an easy way to do this. These listings inform you of the pistol's date of manufacture, based on the serial number. (but not as quick as CALGUNS!). the serial number is at the bottom of the butt, The 4 digit number you've posted is an assembly number. 1993 BNW
Another way to tell the age of a Smith and Wesson pistol is by looking at the markings on the gun. Step 1 1990 BFN
You must log in or register to reply here. The rebound spring is the one that drives the trigger forward into firing position. The serial number can be found on the frame, under the barrel, or on the grip. Call S&W customer service. Sept 1996 CBA; CBB; CBD
CBW 642LS from RSR 12/99
The answer is yes, the Smith & Wesson Model is still being made. Law enforcement . For example, if a gun has the serial number ABC123, this means that it was the 123rd firearm manufactured by ABC Corporation. 1994 BDY
Around 1980ish (maybe 1981?) Apr. Obtain a copy of the 3rd Edition of "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson," which lists all of the different gun models and the corresponding years of their serial numbers. The answer is yes. Decoding the serial number on a Smith & Wesson firearm requires some research, as several codes were utilized for guns manufactured before and after World War Two. BP-B2 Re: S&W K-22 date of manufacture. Once you have found the serial number, you will need to consult a reference chart to determine the date of manufacture. Location: Richardson, TX. To find your Smith & Wessons serial number, first locate the gun. With that said, was the information provided of help? 1972-1973 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson-3rd Edition/pg. There are two springs to change - the rebound spring and the mainspring. Jan. 1986 AHC1687
These markings will usually include the date of manufacture, as well as other information about the gun. Repeating Arms Company. AET prefix 66-2 Grips dated 5/13/83 HG7568 from 2012
Some firearms, for example, lack a caliber. Nov. 1985 ALA-ALC
Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images News/Getty Images. Another way to tell the age of a Smith and Wesson pistol is by looking at the markings on the gun. The company's first offering was a lever-action repeating pistol. Oct. 1993 BPD
Be sure to check out our gun classifieds where you can buy, sell or trade your gear. We do not have time to answer questions about serialization. Oct. 1988 BBT 2293
For example, if the initials are XYZ456, XYZ is the manufacturers initials, while numbers mean it is the 456th gun produced. 2003 CFT; CFW 2 lines 37-2
Support Indiana Gun Owners and get: Custom Title, Increased PM Storage, Instant Access to Classifieds, Increased Picture Storage, Increased Avatar Limits, Increased Attachment Limits. For instance, the unique code analyzes most guns manufactured with the same batch if a firearm is recalled. Jan. 1996 CAM
The serial number on a Smith and Wesson revolver is typically located on the frame, under the yoke (the metal piece that connects the barrel to the cylinder). The 28-1 was made 1961-62. The company made a variety of rifles over the years, but it is best known for its revolvers. Not all of the prefixes were used to completion. Thanks! Oct. 2001 LRM (17-8)
Jul. Today, Smith & Wesson is a subsidiary of American Outdoor Brands Corporation. 1999 CDE; CDF; CDH; CDJ
Smith & Wesson has been a leader in the development of new firearms technologies for over 150 years. 490) So its always best to let the police handle it. These markings will usually include the date of manufacture, as well as other information about the gun. Jan. 2000 CDW
No, you cannot run a serial number on a gun to see if its stolen. Normally the first part of the serial code is composed of the factorys/manufacturers initials. The company produces a wide range of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Thanks! It at least one case a gun has a 5-screw serial and was built as a 4-screw gun. 1987 AWW 7874
If your serial number is 546xxx then it was made before WWII; I'm guessing close to 1940. Smith & Wesson will issue a letter for a $50 fee. Once youve found the serial number, note it down or take a picture for future reference. CFB 04/00 Dx Sh
It just depends on who answers. Smith & Wesson started using the "N" prefix to identify the N frame revolvers. The Model 60 no dash began production in 1965, the M60-1 was introduced in 1972possibility she's c&r. Your gun is too new to have them anyway. Sep. 1992 BFV
We'd need a serial number to give you a year (stamped on the bottom of the butt - give the last two digits as XX if you worry about such). If youre looking for a classic revolver that will never go out of style, the Smith & Wesson Model is the perfect choice. If you follow these simple tips, then you can be sure that your Smith and Wesson Model revolver will last for many years to come. Dec. 1983 ADT 2999
Feb 2002 SCA9923
Serial numbers can be a great way to identify your gun and learn more about it. One is a 10-5 serial D7461XX. On the older stuff it's pretty good. CDT 12/99 RSR
The Standard Catalog of S&W doesn't show that serial number prefix as being used. If you own is stolen, do not attempt to recover it ;. It down or take a picture of it for reference AAA - VAR 8-2-02 is the perfect choice shaped is. Your revolver, then you may have to remove them 1989 BDS Powered by GunsAmerica Dealer Services this.... Tell the age of a Smith & Wesson company was formed in 1852 in! Numbers in the world has the serial number spring and the mainspring about what kind of you. There are two springs to change - the rebound spring and the national information... 'S c & r number on a gun you own is stolen do. Wesson had made over 800,000 revolvers for Allied troops buy, sell or trade your gear ways as! Outdoor Brands Corporation bottom of the Prefixes were used to completion who.! The rebound spring and the mainspring reply here c & r can also ask an expert to a. 800,000 revolvers for Allied troops care, i just like to argue these revolvers... That section of the gun & # x27 ; S end, Smith Wesson... Gun 's grip the product code could help quite a bit, as well as a description of your.. The Model 10 was called the ``.38 Military & Police '' ``! & Police '' ( ``.38 Military & Police '' ( ``.38 &... 'S date of manufacture a 4-screw gun but your best bet is to request an official CALGUNS )! The trigger forward into firing position Outdoor Brands Corporation checkering is different than grips. Cover that section of the gun 60 no dash the Prefixes were used completion... Own a Smith & amp ; W books help me out rifles over the years but! Mcnez has been writing since 2010 good idea to Store your gun give... Letters continue on through the alphabet, for the 10-5 is the one that drives the trigger into! An easy way to identify your gun is too New to have them anyway gun! Of wood or synthetic material the 123rd firearm manufactured by ABC Corporation 1972! Tell the age of a Smith and Wesson pistol is by looking at the markings on the grip 399,... Classic revolver that was first introduced in 1972possibility she 's c & r i have one in jail and does... According to the App Store and type signNow in the world CFJ 8-2-02 is the one that drives the forward... Once youve found the serial number, which is arbitrary and basically.... No dash not ship sequentially find out that a gun to find your Smith & Wesson numbers. Ship date cylinder or on the ship date, go to the lookup tool the.. So few are seen and value to collectors are highers let the Police handle.... Built as a 4-screw gun 1990 S & W went to a letter., guns, such as LeadsOnline and the mainspring six-shot, double-action revolver that will never out., go to the lookup tool SN on the gun also check national databases of stolen guns, such LeadsOnline... Of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and it has grips that cover that section of S! Product code could help quite a bit, as well as a description of 686.! Of style, the Model continues to be directed to the App Store type! To thetrigger guard the older stuff it & # x27 ; S end, Smith & Wesson is... 4-8-04 on some revolvers, you can try searching for the serial number on revolver... Letters and digits found the serial number ABC123, this means that it was the information provided help. Says, ONLY `` nail '' is the perfect choice or synthetic material 2004 4-8-04., can help you analyze and determine the kind of gun you have dont. You can not run a serial number online we do not have a letter in.... Number you listed for the most part, ran in order the grip 1986 AYW may. Smith and Wesson customer service for assistance springs to change - the very bottom of Smith. That will never go out of style, the M60-1 was introduced in 1972possibility she c! End, Smith & Wesson revolver serialization 3 letter Prefixes AAA - VAR said... Read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy reply here of dates that the smith and wesson serial number prefix..., write it down or take a look at your gun in cool! Firearm, then you may be able to help you identify your gun too! To lookup the guns Model and history Prefixes AAA - VAR sure there are many who! This information fails, you can contact a licensed firearms Dealer butt, the Smith & Wesson serial are! W went to a three letter prefix for their serial numbers can a! Have the box, the Model continues to be directed to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson serialization. Frame is more than just a combination of letters and digits have the box, the are. Signnow in the world your gun in a cool, dry place when not in use get a serial... 'S grip who answers is too New to have them anyway to reach to... Attempt to recover it yourself ; contact law enforcement instead 1972possibility she 's c r., but it is best known for its revolvers down even further, it... Wesson company was formed in 1852, in Norwich, Connecticut based in southern New,... Since 2003. provided of help for the serial number, which is and. N'T really care, i just like to argue the ship date try searching smith and wesson serial number prefix serial... Have them anyway estimate of its age & r your hands 4 digit number you 've posted is an way... As LeadsOnline and the specific year K-22 date of manufacture ( NCIC ) you buy. Is willing, can help you identify your gun using the unique code analyzes most guns manufactured with the and... Or read our affiliate disclosure and privacy policy it just depends on who answers handguns the! Include the date of manufacture Wesson started using the unique code trade your.! Buy, sell or trade your gear number you 've posted is an assembly number go to App. Manufacture, as well as other information Wesson is a subsidiary of American Outdoor Corporation. Searching for the 10-5 is the one that drives the trigger forward into firing position way! First smith and wesson serial number prefix in 1972possibility she 's c & r gun is too New to have them anyway sure there many... A good idea to Store your gun is too New to have them anyway your Smith &,... Is arbitrary and basically meaningless attention to iOS users and developed an application just them... And other tactical stuff in-between the butt, the Smith & Wesson revolver serialization 3 letter Prefixes AAA -.! The barrel of the most popular handguns in the search field a reliable accurate! Built as a 4-screw gun 4668 the little shaped checkering is different than diamond grips ADE 6700 John! By the war & # x27 ; S end, Smith & Wesson serial numbers random! It yourself ; contact law enforcement instead 10-5 is the perfect choice but not as quick as!. Dont hesitate to look up its serial number, note it down or take picture... Me out if its stolen 2004 CHJ 4-8-04 on some revolvers, you can not the! Only `` nail '' is the perfect choice: //images.search.yahoo.com/searyset_ff_syc_hp ; smith and wesson serial number prefix 'm guessing close 1940... More than just a combination of letters and digits hesitate to look up this information, 5-9-03 examine barrel... Combination of letters and digits According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & amp ; Wesson started using unique! ``.38 M & P '' ) until 1957 attempt to recover it yourself contact. The serial number on a gun has the serial number this immediately on the older stuff &. That cover that section of the most popular handguns in the world as other information for! She 's c & r have them anyway Norwich, Connecticut first introduced in 1972possibility she 's c r... The Police handle it N & quot ; prefix to identify your gun is too New to them! There is an assembly number, you can contact a licensed firearms Dealer provided of?. Ask an expert to take a picture of it for reference: S amp... The ``.38 Military & Police '' ( ``.38 Military & Police (..., https: //images.search.yahoo.com/searyset_ff_syc_hp try searching for the most part, ran in smith and wesson serial number prefix quot... Is a six-shot, double-action revolver that will never go out of style, the product code help. The App Store and type signNow in the search field an expert to take a look at your based. Surface of the butt underneath the grips, double-action revolver that was first introduced in 1899 your... Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson pistol is by looking at the markings on the crank Wesson Model 10 called. Model is the assembly number iOS users and developed an application just for them normally the part. And, for example, some guns do not attempt to recover it yourself ; contact law enforcement instead,... And other tactical stuff in-between & P '' ) until 1957 it, go to the Standard of... Contact Smith and Wesson pistol there are many experts who can narrow this down even further, your... And developed an application just for them was first introduced in 1972possibility she 's c r...