Curious about a weird stamp on my new 637

davidjk89 · #1 04-02-2014, 11:17 PM

Hey guys,

New to the forum, and this is my first post and I hope this topic hasn't already been discussed....

Anyways... I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson 637 airweight .38 Special revolver. I purchased the handgun brand new from my local Bass Pro just the other day, and according to my paperwork that came with the firearm, it was manufactured the first week of March 2014. The question I have, is regarding a stamping that looks out of place to me... as if it was chiseled in by hand. I am wondering if it is factory, and curious to how it may have gotten there and if there is any significance behind it. The marking, "363" is stamped on the swing arm (not sure if it is the technical name...) that links the cylinder to the frame. The "363" also isn't similar to anything in the serial number at all. I have attached a photo, with a green circle around the stamping I am talking about. As you can see from the photo, it is just below the serial number and model number located on the frame, and is only visible when the cylinder is open. Again... I am just curious if it is supposed to be there, and if so, why did S&W put it on there, and what does it mean.

Picture of what I am talking about...

I also have a S&W model 686 and there is nothing like this type of stamping on it... hence why I feel that this is out of place.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!

Alk8944 · #2 04-02-2014, 11:31 PM

Perfectly normal. That's the modern equivalent of the assembly number. It was cut with an electric engraving tool often referred to as an electric pencil. Sort of tacky, but nothing is as it used to be anymore.