Identity and Date of Manufacture of S&W Revolvers

J-Bar said:
Thanks, close enough for this old beater, even though it is one of the last of the transitional guns (old style hammer). I suspect it was carried by a cop who was not concerned about its external appearance, and who dented some skulls with it, but rarely fired it because the internals show no wear. It would be much more interesting to find out what experiences it endured after leaving the factory. Alas…
Click to expand...
I know exactly where my M&P came from. I bought it from an old retired Constable who carried it his whole 38 year career. He even gave me the original holster issued with the gun. He was a friends dad and he was about 70 when he sold the gun to me. I bought it in 2009 and all he wanted was $150. I tried to give him more because that was way too cheap but he said, "All I want is $150, don't you want the gun?" It sounded like he was going to walk so I paid the man and thanked him very much. (best deal I ever got, ever!)

I'm glad I was able to get you close to when the gun left the factory. Enjoy!
 
Brian Williams said:
This going to be a thread for those who are looking for a date of manufacture for their S&W revolvers.

We'd need to know :

a) caliber
b) bbl length (from cylinder to muzzle)
c) grips shape (round or square)
d) number of shots/cylinder bores
e) type of sights.
f) serial number, and if there is a letter in front of or anywhere near the s/n on the bottom of the grip
g) Model number if it is under the crane.
That number, if it is the s/n, should come from the butt of the grip (or under the barrel or face of the cylinder).

A picture or two is worth A LOT of words in this case...
Click to expand...

a) .38 Special
b) 5 Inch
c) Square Butt
d) 6 Shot
e) Standard Fixed Sights
f) D2436xx
g) Model 10-5

Thanks
 
.22 Mag
4 inch
Square butt
6 shot
Adjustable sights
K71537
Model 48

Thanks for your help!
 
Milt1 said:
K71537
Model 48
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Yep, the error is mine. Mea culpa. The earliest mfr. was 1959 according to Blue Book of Gun Values and at that time the "K" serial numbers were already in the hundreds of thousands. That being the case, it would indicate Milt1 is missing a digit in his serial number if the "K71537" is correct for the beginning numbers.
 
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I have found a Model 25-15
with a 6 1/2 inch barrel
6 shot
Target sights
Target trigger and hammer
Serial number CZP38XX
Square butt
Would like to know when it was made. Gun is in great shape.
 
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Thomasss said:
Yep, the error is mine. Mea culpa. The earliest mfr. was 1959 according to Blue Book of Gun Values and at that time the "K" serial numbers were already in the hundreds of thousands. That being the case, it would indicate Milt1 is missing a digit in his serial number if the "K71537" is correct for the beginning numbers.
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Thanks for checking! I just checked my serial number again and there is a 5 prior to the K, so the serial reads 5K71537. My mistake as I thought the serial number started with the K.
 
Model 657-5 (stainless)
.41 mag
7-1/2" barrel
adjustable sights - black rear / orange ramp front
smooth target trigger
target hammer
Hogue Grip (from factory)
serial # CJR5XXX

TIA, Greg
 
jaguarxk120 said:
I have found a Model 25-15
with a 6 1/2 inch barrel
6 shot
Target sights
Target trigger and hammer
Serial number CZP38XX
Square butt
Would like to know when it was made. Gun is in great shape.
Click to expand...
Probably 2015, the three letter prefix isn't specifically listed, but CZA and CZX are. The SCSW, where this info comes from, doesn't even have the listing for the M25-15, the -14 is the last one shown. The SCSW's last printing (4th Ed.) was in 2016

eagle24 said:
Model 657-5 (stainless)
.41 mag
7-1/2" barrel
adjustable sights - black rear / orange ramp front
smooth target trigger
target hammer
Hogue Grip (from factory)
serial # CJR5XXX

TIA, Greg
Click to expand...
Probably 2005. CJK shows in 2005, CJX shows up in 2006

Mannlicher said:
Model 60-3
.38 Special
3 inch barrel
fixed sights
factory DAO no hammer spur, firing pin attached to hammer
factory rubber grip, round butt
Serial # BDV5XXX

Thanks, Sam
Click to expand...
BDV is in 1989.

A caveat here; the three letter prefix used on S&W guns that started in 1980 to 1983, depending on model, is notorious for being difficult to date. The SCSW has listings of reported SN's with known dates, but the SN's that aren't shown can only be guessed at based on other three letter combinations that are similar. However, that is no guarantee, as S&W dies not manufacture nor sell in serial order. If you have the original box with an intact label, the date is there, in Julian form.
 
17-4, Serial AEY20XX, would be very grateful for assistance in dating, saw this thread late apologies already posted. Presume mid 80s, would be great to know F08A32B8-B625-470C-897D-D20788F3B211.jpeg
 
I suspect that without a letter from S&W we won't be able to date this firearm closer than the period of time it was manufactured. That being 1878-1892. But maybe we'll get lucky.

a) caliber - 32 S&W
b) bbl length - 3 1/2"
c) grips shape - Birdshead
d) number of shots/cylinder bores - 5
e) type of sights - fixed rear on latch, 1/2 round fixed front, pinned
f) serial number - 355XX
g) Model number - Pre-Model number - But it was commonly known as a Model 1 1/2 Single Action, Third Issue

Additional information
- Top Break
- Spur trigger

SW 1 Half 1.jpg
 
Smith Wesson 27. Barrel 5 inches, 357 magnum. No model designation on the frame. What is the version 27-4, 27-5 ?
 

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No, that is unusual. But remember, they are cranking out guns by the hundreds and thousands, some guy with a stamp gets distracted and it is gone by his station.
 
A. S&W Model 34-1
B. 4" barrel
C. Square butt
D. Blued
E. Serial #M194xx

No diamond on the grip checkering, but the barrel is pinned, so I believe that makes it between 1969 and 1982?

Can anyone narrow that down for me?

Thanks!
 
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