Model 29-6 # BSB9296. I am trying to find out the date to see the year of course, but is it pre mim.

Thanks

Pete

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

The SCSW doesn't show BSB but does show BSA & BSC being made in '94.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

Those 3 letter prefix serial numbers drive us crazy!

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Ed

I posted this on ste SWCA forum, and it was answered by Roy Jinks the S&W historian. The number belongs to a 1994 Model 686. Something is not right here. Thanks.....Pete

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Curious. You have difficulties with alphabetical order? It was the previous methods that Smith used that were completely random and arbitrary.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

This is a pic of the serial #. I have never seen what looks to be engraving as opposed to stamping. Maybe it is RSB, but it was sent to me on a typed email

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Pete, do us a favor and remove the grips and check out the serial number on the butt. It should be clear and easy to read. I might mention that I do not have problems with alphabetic order!

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Ed

I do not own the gun. I am waiting for someone to do exactly what you asked and send me a picture. Hopefully this evening

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Now that i have seen the bottom of the frame it is BSB9896

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Pete, as mentioned before the Catalog doesn't list any BSB prefix. This is not unusual and that's why I made the comment concerning the 3 letter prefix earlier. OK, the 29-6 showed up in 93 when they began putting on Hogue Grips, drilled and tapped the top strap, changed the rear sight leaf and changed the extractor. Then in 95-96 the largest thing was a change from a square to round butt. The next change that may help us was that in 97 the changed to a MIM trigger. If it has a square butt, it's in the 93-94 area or if the butt is round and it has the case hardened trigger, it should be 95-96. Now, if it has a round butt and a MIM trigger, you're looking at 97. I'm afraid that's the best I can do. Hope it helps, anyway it's somewhere between 93 and 97! Pete, this may help some too, yes, there is no BSB listed however, BSA and BSC were used in 94, assuming they kept things in alphabetical order, the BSB prefix would have been the same year. Now, that with what I gave you above, hopefully you and your friend can come up with a good date.

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Ed

Here is the bottom of the frame. Sorry, i do not know how to get it bigger

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Looks square to me.

Not sure what your comment means. I am trying to find out the year of manufacture

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

He's means the butt of the grip frame. A side view would tell us for sure. I also detected a blue plastic case in the picture, Smith began shipping the 29-6 in that case in 95-96. That may be another clue to it's age.

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Ed

I will help solve this mystery when I get home and get good side pics of the butt.

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Keep the Faith

No Ed, the guy told me that it did not come with a box so he went and purchased one. I think they are 10 bucks or so

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

OK Pete, that happens, now a side view picture of the grip frame should solve all this. (I HOPE).

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Ed

Your Smith left the Mothership in Springfield, Mass., in .....

August - November of 1994.

There are over a thousand three letter prefixes used on S&W revolvers since 1980. Two or three new ones are added every month. There's no practical way they all could be included in the Standard Catalog.

The writers of the SCoS&W included a representative sample of dates and prefixes. You must extrapolate if your prefix is not one of the small number that is shown. This is where it is helpful to have a firm understanding of normal alphabetical sequences.

In general, S&W did issue new serial numbers alphabetical. It's complicated by the fact that they have used prefix on standard production guns that begin with A, B, C, D. Sometimes simultaneously as they transition from one to another.

I have my own database independent of the SCoS&W with over 3,000 serial numbers, ship date, product codes, dash numbers, and other details. And, I still only have a representative sample.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Pete, this gentleman is much more knowledgeable than I when it comes to these things. I do believe he hit the nail on the head with 1994. After going through all this, thought you might like to see a couple pictures of my 1971 Model 29-2.

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Ed

Thank You so very much for your help!!! I was trying for a date to see if it had MIM parts in it. Again, Thank You

Pete

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Thanks for the pictures! Very nice pretty piece. I do not have anything that old. Maybe some day. My pride and joy is a 29-5 Classic DX , 5" with 2 sets of grips, 5 interchangeable sights,, box, and signed 50 yard target. 12 rounds max fired by me.

Pete

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Here is the 29-6 in question.

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Keep the Faith

All set Roger. It was 1994. I will be in touch..............Pete

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Pete, yes that is a square butt, if the corners were rounded it would be round. Definitely a 1994.
Keep your powder dry,
Ed

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Ed