As Goony said, with an alpha-numeric SN it has to be at least a 10-7. The only significance to the AEV SN is that the gun was made after the alpha-numeric SNs began during 1980. It is not a prefix, it is the first three characters of the SN.

$350. Very reasonable here. Forged parts, no lock, made before Safety-Hammer bought S&W, the ones they make now are $700 +/-, 4"barrel only, and there aren't ever going to be any more forged part guns made. They certainly won't be cheaper in the future, especially if the incumbent is re-elected this fall!