Last weekend I purchased a lightly used model 5904. When I got it home, I checked the serial number with my SCSW and discovered it was manufactured in 1992. I also noted the Product Code was: 108117, which was an order for the Hong Kong Police that went from 1992-1998. I'm trying to determine if my pistol was actually shipped to Hong Kong, or if it was just part of an overrun that was sold domestically. There are no special markings on the pistol that I can see. Does anyone know if there is a way to identify the 5904's shipped to Hong Kong?

Howard

I think the pistol should have an import stamp if in fact delivered to HK PD. If I remember correctly Hong Kong would not have had been completely out of United Kingdom rules or regulations in 92-98. All the firearms I’ve seen shipped from US to UK had UK acceptance stamps. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

I would also think that if your particular pistol did make it out of the USA, it would need a re-import stamp to have legally been brought back in to the United States.

I did some searching on the web and found a picture of an Officer in pistol training holding an early 5904 with fixed rear sight, ambidextrous safety/decocker with no spur on the hammer like used on a 6904.

Looks like British rule ended in about 1997.


OffBeat-News of the Hong Kong Police Force


Sounds like semi auto pistols are used by Tactical Officers while regular patrol and uniform Officers use blued S&W model 10 revolvers. The recent pictures from the protest show HK PD with model 10’s.

I would have expected some sort of marking to confirm export/import as well. Hong Kong did not return to Chinese rule until 1997, so my pistol (manufactured 1992) would have preceded that by a good bit. I tried calling S&W but I was referred to the S&W Historical Foundation. I hate to pay $100 for a letter that simply confirms the pistol was part of an overrun that was sold off to a distributor here in the US.

Howard

Attached Images

	IMG_1380.jpg (55.2 KB, 67 views)
	box.jpg (51.2 KB, 59 views)

Considering that you have the original box and you have no proof marks and you have no re-import stamps... the most likely answer is that indeed you do have an overrun.

You’ve got the unique product code, that bit right there makes it a little special. You also likely have far less wear on the pistol than if it had been sent there and/or put in to service.