Made a reference to this on a post about my first S&W that I just acquired from a local, reputable gun dealer.
But after getting it home and pulling the grips, I find no numbers that match up with the serial number on my receipt for my 13-2. I have two sets of numbers on the gun (don't have my notes in front of me) but one set was on the base of the left side of the butt frame and another set was found on the right side just below the opening. I have another set of numbers visible when the cylinder is released.

Yep, I know I should have verified serial number to receipt at the store, but I didn't. They are on vacation so I won't be able to get back with them for a few days.

Should be on the bottom of the grip frame and also matching no. on yoke when opened.

On the butt.

the number on the yoke will be preceeded by an alpha-numeric combination, correct?
In any event, those numbers do not match my receipt, so I am guessing my dealer made a bookkeeping mistake as they obviously did not match serial to receipt when I bought it.
Of course, in Texas I believe such information is only maintained for a short period of time by the dealer, particularly on used guns.

A while back I purchased a Model 12 at a LGS. Noted that he used the assembly number in his big book and started to use that on the sale. Sorted him out to his everlasting thanks.
Now he's gotten the bug and snaps up all the nice revolvers that come through the door.

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I had a 13-2 come in a few days ago that does not have the serial on the frame under the yoke.

It's only on the butt of the gun.

Does anyone know where else you can find the serial number to see if everything matches? I've heard it's on the cylinder real small somewhere and maybe another location as well.

I am not a legal expert by any means but should that gun ever have been misused, or found to have been misused, and it is traced back to you, you have no way of proving where you got it. I don't know how long records are kept. Texas may only require a short time but the federal law is far more onerous I am sure. You may want to get that paperwork sorted out.

Perhaps some of the more knowledgeable members will pitch in and it may be I am merely being an alarmist. Anyway, enjoy that new revolver. It is a good one.

Bill

On the 3" model 13-3 the s.n. is ONLY marked on the grip base NOT the yoke. The 4" MAY be different.

"Of course, in Texas I believe such information is only maintained for a short period of time by the dealer, particularly on used guns."

IIRC, the yellow form must be kept for 20 years and the bound book must be kept by the FFL as long as he/she has a license.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

This 13-4 has the serial no. under the yoke and on the butt.

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DSCF1013.jpg (88.0 KB, 36 views)

My 13-2 is serial numbered ONLY on the butt. Model # in the yoke cut, and assembly #'s on the yoke and left flank of the butt.

Larry

THE serial number on your model 13 will have a D in it .

It is probably preceded by a single number.

A typical serial from a 13-2 would be 6D76543,

That is the only acceptable number as a serial and is the one
that the manufacturer listed at the guns inception.

Colt revolvers have the serial number in the crane cut and on the crane
and herein lies the trouble.
Dealers will look at a Colt revolver then a Smith and ASSUME
the serial number is located in the same place.

It is out job to edujamicate them that don't know about such things.

Good luck
Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I've also had this happen. Mine is a 13-1. As stated above the actual serial number will be on the butt of the gun. There are assembly numbers on the frame near the crane. You should make sure that the gun's paperwork reflects the serial number not the assemby number. It sometimes requires the gun shop to remove grips that cover the bottom of frame to allow them to record the serial number. Not everyone that works at the shop may be that ambitious or knowlegable.

Well, I never thought to look on the bottom of the butt. There was the serial number the store listed, but they still got it incorrect. They had a number 8 for the second character, which was actually a "D."
Can you enlighten me as to the meaning of the other numbers:
On the crane - A21 77597;
On the left-side base of the butt - 77597;
on the right-side of the grip "G 4538 L" with the G and L in triangles or circles.

As already stated, those are assembly numbers and fitters and inspectors stamps and are meaniless once the serial number is affixed and the gun leaves the factory.

__________________
Dick

Guess I need to break down and get the Standard Catalog of Smith-Wesson.

Something I threw together to help people find their serial number:

For new members looking for date of manufacture info (how to find your serial number)

thanks 47D. I learned a lot from that thread. I bit the bullet and ordered the book. I anticipate more than one S&W firearm in my future.

Good purchase. Enjoy it!

Just picked up my first S&W, with original box and paperwork/ warranty card, model 13-2 S# 3D96830

anyone have age and approx value? very good condition I can add photos later.

I bought a 13-2 in Sept. 2015 at a gun show for $475 OTD. Mine had no box or papers. Is extremely clean, and low round count. Mine is 5D serial #, which is 1979. (someone will give you a closer date) You are sure to enjoy shooting your 13! Mine feels & shoots great. Welcome to the FORUM! Bob

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	13-2 003.jpg (180.3 KB, 17 views)
	13-2 008.jpg (63.9 KB, 12 views)