I have requested Manufacture dates from [email protected] and I have requested Ship Dates from Roy for a couple of triple alpha 3rd Gen Pistols.

In one case I have a box end where date code matches Manufactre Date info from SW and Ship Date from Roy is a month or so later - all makes sense.

I recently had a question where dates provided by SW did NOT match Box End and then I got response on another pair of pistols with substantially different S/N prefix that came back Manufactured Same Date.

When I asked for recheck on the last 2, I got this response which is contrary to what I thought were Manufacture Dates provided by SW.

Dear Edward,
Yes. How this is determined is the actual date we ship the firearm from the factory. So both of those shipped the same day.
Smith&Wesson values its customers and we are happy to have served you today. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.
Regards, Steve