I think it would be cool to have a birth year gun; any suggestions on how to go about this when checking out guns in a shop? Is there an online resource I can access from my Droid? Or would I have to buy the Smith Collectors book?

Yes, it would be easiest to have the data from the SCSW in looking for a 1971 shipped gun. Fortunately for you, guns of this era were made in many different models and large numbers, so your task will not be too difficult.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for the info; I will go buy the book today

Buying a birth year gun is a fun project. I also suggest getting a copy of the SCSW as a reference. However, the guidance on serial numbers and the date the gun shipped from the factory are rough. This is particularly true for the Model 29s. If you look at the FAQ thread below, there is a chart with serial number ranges by year. If you are interested in a N frame gun (model 28, 27, 29, etc.) the guidance is serial numbers N1 through N60,000 are from 1970 to 1972.

The FAQs

The only way to know for sure if the gun shipped in a particular year, month, and day is to get a factory letter from the S&W Historian. The fee is $50, but for a special gun like a birth year-month-day gun... it is worth it in my opinion.

I hope this is not too discouraging. I was also born in 1971 and started looking for a birth month gun about a year ago. I was able to locate and buy a gun that was made in February 4, 1971. Then a few months ago, I found the gun pictured below... which was most likely made in 1971.



A final suggestion would be to consider joining the Smith and Wesson Collector's Association. Membership gives you access to a wealth of information and experience among the members. That was the key to me finding the 2/4/1971 gun.

Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

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Kevin Cowherd
SWCA #2271

Any suggestions to finding a 1945 gun?

For a 1945 gun, I would suggest three actions. First, post a want to buy ad on the forum. You may get some responses, but expect to bump the ad several times. Second, get a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. The appendix has a serial number range list. That will also help "narrow the field" when looking for a gun. The final suggestion would be to consider joining the Collector's Association. One of the privileges as a member is the ability to access a special section of this forum and request shipping dates. That will help you verify the month and year a revolver shipped (if there is a factory record available for the particular gun) without having to wait for the factory letter.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/wanted-buy/

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Kevin Cowherd
SWCA #2271

I'm so old my "birth year gun" would be a stone axe.

it is an interesting project, but can take some time, and some good luck. i have rounded up a model 30, a model 38, a model 49, and a colt detective special from my birthyear, but it has taken several years to run across them.

i will even admit to being more creative in my gun purchasing habits! when i turned 44, i bought a sweet model 29-2 in 44mag, and when i turned 45, i bought a nickle colt saa in 45lc! 50 is fast approaching, and i haven't really decided what to start looking for! please don't tell your wife i gave you any ideas!!!!

I don't like flintlocks.

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Idaho , Elmer and Milt

Geronimo Jim,

With your Birthday the same year as Victory Day, it would be great to find a 1945 Victory 38 special.