I'm looking at purchasing a S&W Mod 57. The owner states that the Prefix is AUW. I can not find on the net that the AUW was used for the Mod. 57.
Is he reading it wrong or I'm just not finding it.
I'm trying to find the age of the gun.
Thanks
inthex
S&W serial numbers began using the 3-letter prefix in 1980 at AAA. The 57-1 (-1 indicates elimination of the recessed chambers and barrel retaining pin) commenced in 1983. AUW7200 was likely made in early 1987.
I've been told that the first number represents the year and the last three the day of the year. So in this case your gun would date to Nov 1986, which fits in with what the previous guys estimated.