Date of Mfg for S&W SA 38 3rd model

[Kebco]

I need to determine where the serial cut-off is for Jan 1, 1899 for Single Action S&W .38 3rd model. I am trying to determine if a gun is antique or modern. The serial on the gun I am looking at is in the 18,000 range. If you have a break out by date and serial I would appreciate the help.

[Kebco]

I need to determine where the serial cut-off is for Jan 1, 1899 for Single Action S&W .38 3rd model. I am trying to determine if a gun is antique or modern. The serial on the gun I am looking at is in the 18,000 range. If you have a break out by date and serial I would appreciate the help.

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

S&W didn't ship guns in any particular serial number order. It is possible to find two identical revolvers where the lower serial numbered gun shipped much later than the higher serial numbered one.

BATFE uses the shipping date to determine the age of S&Ws. The only way to determine the exact shipping date is to request a factory letter from the S&W historian, Roy Jinks.

There is a link to the letter on the offical S&W site.

[Kebco]

Thanks for the information. Interesting that ATF would be using the shipping date to determine age unless S&W made and serial numbered the guns out of order.

[opoefc]

Kebco, A 3rd model SS with a 18000 range serial number was most likely shipped after 1/1/1899, however to be sure, call the S&W factory and ask for Roy Jinks. He can tell you the month & year shipped over the phone.

[Kebco]

Thanks, I will call Roy next week.