S&W Historical Foundation

[toddcfii]

I recently bought a 1076 and want to find out if it was an FBI pistol. I had read somewhere here on the forum it was possible to call the Historical Foundation and find out if it was FBI before getting an official letter. I called S&W and they gave me an email (no phone number) for the Historical Foundation. I emailed them several days ago with no response. Does anyone know if they will respond or if there is a number to call or if I just have to pony up $100 for the letter in the blind?

Thanks.

[murphydog]

Here is the link, follow the directions in the first paragraph:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

The current cost is $75 plus the stamp. Hope this is helpful.

Edit to add:

When the SWHF Historian was employed by the factory he would sometimes be able to provide information about a gun, but usually not to the specifics of a ship destination. This would take research and time, which is the cost of the letter.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by toddcfii

I recently bought a 1076 and want to find out if it was an FBI pistol. I had read somewhere here on the forum it was possible to call the Historical Foundation and find out if it was FBI before getting an official letter. I called S&W and they gave me an email (no phone number) for the Historical Foundation. I emailed them several days ago with no response. Does anyone know if they will respond or if there is a number to call or if I just have to pony up $100 for the letter in the blind?

Thanks.

I take it you don't have the box, but it would seem to me that the serial number, date of manufacture (available by phone from S&W CS) and other anecdotal evidence should give you a pretty reasonable idea of its potential FBI roots one way or another. Comparison to known FBI pistol serial numbers couldn't hurt.

I would also try a different S&W CS rep and see if you can pump him or her for a little more information than just the email address of the Historical Foundation. Sometimes you get someone new who doesn't even know what you are talking about (FBI??? ) and the next day you might get someone who is knowledgeable and anxious to help.

[toddcfii]

Thanks for the input. FYI the serial number 3 digit letter prefix does match some of the known FBI guns. It has the options that could make it an FBI gun. I had heard you could get a verbal before laying down the cash for a letter. Anyone else heard this in recent times? I think I will try S&W again. They do seem to have a large difference in experience and knowledge depending on who you get.