I just bought four older J-frames in 22 caliber. On 22 mag and three 22 LR. All have M-series serial numbers.

Is there anyone here who tracks letters and shipping dates for this serial number series?

Here are the 4 serial numbers and the serial number and date ranges from the 3rd edition S&W Catalog.

4" M34-1 SN: M936xx - probably 1977 because it falls well into the last quarter of the 1973-1977 (M60001-M99999) range
2" M34-1 SN: M895xx - probably late 1976 or early 1977 because it falls around the 3/4 mark for that same range of 1973-1977 (M60001-M99999)
3.5" M51 SN: M483xx - probably late 1972 because it falls around the 2/3 mark for the 1971-1973 M30001-M600000 range
3.5" M43 SN: M385xx - probably late 1971 because it falls around the 1/3 mark for the 1971-1973 M30001-M600000 range

Of course all this assumes a steady production of about 10000 a year at a rate of about 800 per month - and that they shipped in (or near) serial number order.

Anybody have any serial number data points close to these that have a different ship date?

WOW! nearly 180 views and no comments?
That almost never happens around here....