Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

[natesand713]

smith & Wesson 38 special need help

Bought a s & w 38 special recently and been digging around trying to date it. I have found some info but my head still hurts from all the info. Tried to take detailed pictures let me know if anyone has questions

 

[natesand713]

A lot of pics sorry and more to come

 

[natesand713]

I still have more

 

[natesand713]

I have more if anything isn't covered any help is appreciated

 

[Radagast]

Do you have a pic of the caliber markings?

 

[Radagast]

Also sending you a PM.

 

[natesand713]

Also have a few more pics if needed

 

[CB900F]

Model 66 Date of Manufacture?

The gun is a Smith model 66, no dash. Pinned & recessed, square butt, .357, six shot, with a hammer-mounted firing pin. The S/N is: 2K94---. I'm presuming it's an early 66, but have found the sites listed in Google to have very confusing information.

Thanks, 900F

 

[Radagast]

CB900F:
1972. The serial numbers during that period where allocated in blocks to the various K frame models, so numbers were not completely sequential.

Serial range 2K55997-2K99999 was used during 1972. The Model 66 no dash was produced 1970-1977. So 1972 it is.

 

[CB900F]

Radagast;

Thank you sir.

900F

 

[plainoldwill]

DOB of my Smiths?

This thread is fascinating. The respondents are amazing!

Please help me with my two Smiths.

.357 Mag.
2 1/2"
Round Butt
6 shot
Adjustable Sights
ACP 4619
Model 66-2

.357 Magnum
4 1/4"
Square Butt
6 shot
Adjustable Sights
AW 72324
M 686-1

Thanks, Will/South Bend

 

[Radagast]

plainoldwill:
Your Model 66-2 .357 Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1983.
Your Model 686-1.357 Distinguished Combat Magnum Stainless was manufactured in 1987. The serial number is probably AWT2324, S&W use a three letter four numeral serial number.
The 686-1 is subject to a recall, with some magnum ammo the primer can flow back around the firing pin, locking up the gun. Under the recall S&W pay shipping both ways and install a new firing pin and bushing. If the gun has been modified there will be an M stamped near the model number under the cylinder yoke.

 

[plainoldwill]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Yes, the 686-1 does have an "M" beneath the serial number. In appreciation I will make a donation to The High Road.

 

[jrdolall]

38 S&W spl
1 3/4" ??
Square Butt
5 shot
Fixed Sights
CEN-****
Mod 640
also has 1-3** engraved

 

[Radagast]

jrdolall:
Probably 1989. The Centennial was reintroduced in 1989 as the stainless steel, PlusP rated Model 640. Early production guns had a CEN prefix, before reverting to the normal serial number sequence, definitely by 1992 which was in the BKZxxxx range.
By the time the CENxxxx range came around in the sequential numbering system the 640 had changed to the J Magnum frame with the full length ejector shroud.
If yours has the heavy barrel / full underlug, then it would be a 640-2 for the NYPD.
If no shroud, then a 1989 gun, or at least one made 1989-1992. My guess is 1989 as one production run, which was then sold until a new run was needed.

 

[jrdolall]

Thanks Rad. It does say "Rated +P+" or something similar but I am not looking at it right this moment. I need to learn more about the terminology of revolvers.
On another note, I have been offered the chance to purchase about 30 guns, including many Colt and S&W revolvers, from a distant (as in my sister in laws great uncle) relatives estate. I have not seen them yet but I have seen some fairly poor quality pictures of them all laid out together and there appears to be a Python and probably an Anaconda. Definitely a Colt Detective. I will go look at them next week and probably will need help with some of them. I may wind up helping her to sell some of them as I really don't need to dump $15k or more in a bunch of guns right now.

 

[Radagast]

Some S&Ws are very valuable. A Model 27 and a Registered Magnum are effectively the same gun, but the difference in value can be in the thousands.
If in doubt post as much info as you can get.

 

[jrdolall]

I am going to see them one day this week. I know there is a Python and I think an Anaconda on the Colt side so the guy had some quality guns.

 

[coggy]

model 10-6

can you tell me what year my 10-6 is?
38 spec
4in bull bbl
ser #D358941

 

[Radagast]

1971.

 

[coggy]

thanks that is the year i got my first rifle.i bought this model 10 eight years later.i also have its big brother a model 13-1 with the serial number 2d62990

 

[Radagast]

Your Model 13-1 .357 Military & Police Heavy Barrel was manufactured in 1977.

 

[coggy]

thanks i appreciate that the only smith i have that i had done any research on is my 686 its a cs-1 i know they were made in 1988 for the U.S. Customs service.

 

[Agsalaska]

Got one.

Smith & Wesson

Model 63

Its a 22lr 4 inch 6 shot Square butt Serial number M17****.

I am guessing 1981. It has the original box as well and is in 98% condition. Cool find.

Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[Radagast]

Agsalaska:
1981 is correct.