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Old 07-07-2020, 01:58 AM
1950wizkids 1950wizkids is offline
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Default Model 659 serial number help

I have a opportunity to purchase a almost mint S&W model 659 for my collection. Here lyes my problem. The serial number is TATxx best I can research is TAT was used in 1986, however I can't find any information on 2 numbers following TAT. Can anyone help me out?
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Old 07-07-2020, 02:14 AM
Sevens Sevens is online now
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Well... the 659 was offered from 1983 or 84 until 1988. The earliest 659’s had a left-side only thumb decock lever and they also had serial numbers with A-prefix and a six digit number starting with 8.

Later ones had ambi-decock levers and a three-alpha prefix.

If the original box is with it... an actual born-on date is printed on the end label. You could also call S&W and ask them, some folks have had success in doing that.
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Old 07-26-2022, 11:31 AM
Johnbigrat Johnbigrat is offline
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Default 659 with serial number starting with tbn

I have a model 659.cant find any information on this serial number.
TBNXXXX
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Old 07-26-2022, 04:50 PM
ACEd ACEd is offline
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Format should be AAAnnnn 3 alpha characters followed by 4 digits. If you only have 2 digits, seller is probably masking last 2 digits - not that uncommon.

Best guess TAT 1985/86, TBN 1988, though a triple alpha prefix may bridge several years (I have 2 VJP prefix with S/N 16 digits apart that SW dates 11 years apart - was told they make frames and serialize, but may not assemble immediately depending on demand).

As for dates, sent complete s/n to SW and they should be able to give you "Manufacture Date". [email protected]

But On 2 occasions, I got 2 different dates years apart - turned out both pistols went back to SW for retrofit (early 4516) or modification (early 3904) and later date was rework date.

Last edited by ACEd; 07-26-2022 at 04:58 PM.
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Old 08-07-2022, 06:38 PM
MattB MattB is offline
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Can’t help with the two digits, but I can tell you that my 659 with serial TAFxxxx was manufactured in 1985 according to S&W customer service. Mine has the square trigger guard and ambi safety. That would suggest that yours is 1986 or newer.
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