Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeM.
Don't somebody have a reference of some sort to tell me the year for sure??
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First, the key date is the shipping date, not the manufacture date, which in most cases remains unknown. And no, there are no lists that give exact dates, except in the factory records. The only way to have certainty is to purchase a factory authentication letter from Mr. Jinks.
The most commonly consulted book is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition. That's the source quoted by wetdog. In the case of the early J frame serial numbers, especially for those in the early 1960s, the SCSW is not very helpful.
On the other hand, guys here do keep private lists with data compiled from those who have reported info from factory letters. So we can often provide an informed opinion. But since S&W did not ship guns in serial order, there is always a doubt as to the accuracy of any estimate offered here.
That said, if your Chiefs Special has
original Magna stocks without the smooth diamond around the screw hole and escutcheon, it most likely left the factory in 1968.
I hope this helps.
What Year Was This Made
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