If you ask for dates, at least say thanks!

[Ashlander]

A lot of folks come onto the forum and ask when their guns were made. Many of us take the time to look it up and cross check the serial number ranges against the date ranges for the particular "dash" series and we respond. Often we have to go through lists of special editions. It's not always just "a snap" getting an answer.

Then only some of the time do we get any thanks. I am thinking of just not doing this volunteer work anymore if it goes totally unappreciated.

 

[jaymoore]

Consider this type of OP's character. They're generally not looking to contribute to the forum. Just to suck up info in the easiest, cheapest way possible. And then probably hoping to use that info to maximize their profit.

 

[DCW]

A lot of folks come onto the forum and ask when their guns were made. Many of us take the time to look it up and cross check the serial number ranges against the date ranges for the particular "dash" series and we respond. Often we have to go through lists of special editions. It's not always just "a snap" getting an answer.

Then only some of the time do we get any thanks. I am thinking of just not doing this volunteer work anymore if it goes totally unappreciated.

Gosh, you mean you look 'em up? Gee, and here all this time I thought everyone else was just like me, a gun's birthdate a mere regurgitation away, serial numbers and corresponding dates, models and etc. inscribed in little squared-off, inviolate parcels of mapped DNA.

Oh well, and there goes another quaint custom, thrown upon the funeral pyre of niceties from days now seemingly, probably forever gone.

The sniveling little snot-nosed . . .

Ah, heck. Never mind. Perhaps they'll one day catch on.

 

[Buckey08]

Sounds like everyday life in the new Millennium, what have you done for me today?

 

[Ashlander]

Thanks guys. I feel a lot better -- and I've had some good laughs!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

If we charged a buck a date, think of the mountain of cash!

 

[murphydog]

Personally, I'll settle for a "please" or "thank you" in the request...or not answer (hint, hint) .

 

[MattJames]

I have a question regarding dates: How close to mfg date is it when a revolver is test fired? Can you use that date on the spent cartridge envelope as the approximate build date?

And, thanks in advance for any info on this

Matt -

 

[Engine 21]

Exactly...point well taken. If you ask for information...PLEASE have enough manners to appreciate the research done for you. A "Thank You" goes along way. For those that don't - did your mother teach you anything - that stuck in your head?

These are great guys who look this stuff up - appreciate what they do for you. BTW - I'm not one of them as I don't have any reference data.

 

[murphydog]

S & W only tracks by shipping (sales) dates, so build dates are generally not known. You can also probably imagine a relatively slow-selling gun being test fired, put into its box and then sitting on a shelf for a while before actually leaving the factory.

For a period of time (not sure if still done), the Special Order number was a four digit code indicating the year and numbered day of that year the gun shipped - for example, 1002 would be January 2nd of a year ending in the number 1, but you would have to know the decade.

 

[22hipower]

Asking about manufacturing dates is, I think, often the first step toward growing interest in S&Ws. Responses often include far more than the requested information and likely further increase the OPs interest. Some of these requesters will put away their gun, sell it, whatever and not give this site another thought. Others will read more posts, ask more questions, maybe go to a gun show or two. . .and then ask more questions. Many will buy guns, maybe ours, and the demand for all things S&W will continue to grow. A direct thank you would be nice, but perhaps advancing interest in S&W even without one is worthwhile. Thanks to all who take the time to respond to questions and willingly provide a wealth of information to those who ask.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Simson-Suhl]

As a new member of the S&W Forum I have ask a few questions, I did not say, Thank you," this does not mean that I did not appreciate the answers that I received . I suppose as a Platinum Member of the Makarov Forum I enjoyed the fact that I could supply an answer to a new member's question and did not consider the reply required a thank you. My collection of S&W's is small, a 1967 model 10, 4" 1970 model 19 21/2, 1971 model 40, and a PC 640. All in near new condition. I am here as a student, you are the masters, and for all of my questions I do truly thank you for your efforts. And if you should wish to have a question about the Makarov pistol, there are almost as many various models as S&W's. Made in Russia, DDR/East Germany, Bulgaria, China.
The only pistol that I know of one can strip to the frame with just the barrel and trigger guard remaining with an issue cleaning rod.
My Question: On model 40's and the model 42, other than the new one released in the late 80's, were any issued with checkered stocks?

 

[Ashlander]

Kidd: Are you perpetually negative? Are you a bitter old man? What is wrong with you? I suggest that people should be polite and you go flying sideways? Honestly, if somebody does something nice for you, you're saying you feel no obligation whatsoever to say thank you? That being nice was their choice, so for them to enjoy a thank you makes them selfish? I feel sorry for you. You must be miserable.

 

[quinn]

Asking about manufacturing dates is, I think, often the first step toward growing interest in S&Ws. Responses often include far more than the requested information and likely further increase the OPs interest. Some of these requesters will put away their gun, sell it, whatever and not give this site another thought. Others will read more posts, ask more questions, maybe go to a gun show or two. . .and then ask more questions. Many will buy guns, maybe ours, and the demand for all things S&W will continue to grow. A direct thank you would be nice, but perhaps advancing interest in S&W even without one is worthwhile. Thanks to all who take the time to respond to questions and willingly provide a wealth of information to those who ask.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

+1 for 22hipower. I read many posts from folks who are overwhelmed by the hospitality of this forum. Pretty soon they are into their 2nd, 3rd or 4th S&Ws. Keeping the interest up and expanding the "base" helps all of our collections. Plus, what fun is it to learn all this stuff and never share it?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

How close to mfg date is it when a revolver is test fired?

The difference between the ship date on the box and the date on the fired case envelope is typically no more than two days. It will often be the same day.

I will be awaiting your lavish expression of gratitude.

(Just kidding, you don't have to say anything. I like doing it.)

 

[BigBill]

Thanks to everyone who has helped me in the past and look forward in the future for help too. My many thanks again for answering my questions too. I hate to be a pia sometimes. With so much history about the s&w guns it's hard to understand it all when your a noobie. There's pre models, pre war, post war, heavy duty, outdoorsman, registered magnum, combat masterpiece, masterpiece, pre k22, target masterpiece, combat magnum. I still don't understand them all but thanks to you guys and gals on this forum I understand some of it.
I am deeply sorry if I missed saying thank you for all your help in the past.

I did purchase the book about the s&w guns but there's missing serial numbers and some of the newer serial numbers just don't fit in the sequence. So I asked here for some info so I could connect the dots.

 

[MattJames]

Thanks, Kernel. This. Is the first time that I had a test fired cartridge in the box.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

AFAIK S&W started putting the fired case in there sometime in 2001. That's the first one I remember seeing. Some jurisdictions require it. Don't know if they still do it with all their new revolvers or just certain ones.

Never heard of a FC supplied with a new gun being used by law enforcement to solve a crime. Maybe that's not it's purpose. Maybe they secretly did it so Smith Nuts could have another way to know approximate manufacturing dates. For that it's worked great! Who should I send the "Thank You" note to?

 

[BigBill]

A lot of folks come onto the forum and ask when their guns were made. Many of us take the time to look it up and cross check the serial number ranges against the date ranges for the particular "dash" series and we respond. Often we have to go through lists of special editions. It's not always just "a snap" getting an answer.

Then only some of the time do we get any thanks. I am thinking of just not doing this volunteer work anymore if it goes totally unappreciated.

Please I didn't mean to put a burden on you or cause you to go out of your way. I'm sorry if I bothered anyone. I'll be quiet now I promise. Bill

I taught my kids when you help someone and expect nothing in return that good karma will happen down the road for you. Help others in time of need. It feels good inside too.

I have to ask if we're not to help others and help other people about there s&w products then why are we here? In asking about s&w guns you actually sent me in the direction to purchase new s&w revolvers with your knowledge. It's a win/win for all of us. Think about it s&w sells guns and keeps this forum free.

 

[Ashlander]

BigBill: Your comments are thoughtful and welcome. But for clarity, people ask for info, I provide it and they don't even give a "Like." You taught your kids to help with no expectation of anything is return. Fine, but did you mean to teach them the flip side as well, that if anybody helps them then they should not even say thanks. Is that the standard, take and show no gratitude? Just turn it all over to karma?

I think the confusion is whether a mere "thank you" is "something in return." I am not talking about anything tangible -- just the on-line equivalent of a smile.

Cordially,

Ashlander