Was in the LGS today and got to look at the above which I thought was a fairly standard Model 14, but on opening the cylinder there was
no model number but a "V" above the serial number,which was IIRC, 406XX, and it was a five screw model,standard hammer and trigger,
with target stocks,no diamond.
Can anyone tell me the approximate year of manufacture?

Thanks in advance.

Tecolote

I believe the 406XX number you found in the yoke cutout of the frame is a process control number used by the factory and not the serial number. The letter V is likely an inspector's or fitter's mark and also used internally to the factory.

The serial number can be found on the butt of the grip frame, the rear face of the cylinder, and on the barrel flat . . . visible with the cylinder open and the gun turned upside-down.

Report back with the s/n and hopefully we can tell you more . . . including an approximate ship date.

Russ

Thanks, I learned something new. My earliest S&W is a Model 14-3.
I'll look next time I'm in there if noone's snapped it up.

Regards,

Tecolote

Anybody got an idea on a K-38 date of manufacture K698765 14-2?

1967, give or take a year. S&W did not ship in serial number order, so guns could sit in inventory for several months after completion.

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David Wilson

Well, I went back to the store and got another look at the K-38;the number under the ejector and on the cylinder is K 922XX(didn't take off the stocks as it's not mine). The stocks are checked Targets with no diamond around the escutcheon hole.

Regards,

Tecolote

1950, then.

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David Wilson

Thanks for the reply. It's only a year younger than I am and in much better shape...

Regards,

Tecolote