TVL-prefix 5906 manufacture date/year?

[marcus99]

I recently picked up an excellent condition complete 5906 package. I called S&W and they said that the S/N dates to July 1997, but I suspect that their data may be incorrect. I think the TVL-prefix is from 1991, plus I found a blurry receipt in the box that appears to state “91” as the date, but admittedly it could be a “97”. The fire control group, full capacity mags and manual dated 3/91 would all also suggest late 1990/early 1991 as opposed to 1997. Does anyone know? Thanks

 

[jsbethel]

The SPEC ORD number on the box end label is a julian date.

 

[marcus99]

The SPEC ORD number on the box end label is a julian date.

Are you sure? The spec ord on mine is 9196.

 

[rosewood]

Would a 1997 model have MIM trigger and hammer? Or when did they start using MIM?

The manual was probably generic and the same one was likely shipped across multiple years, so that doesn't tell you anything I don't think.

Rosewood

 

[marcus99]

Would a 1997 model have MIM trigger and hammer? Or when did they start using MIM?

The manual was probably generic and the same one was likely shipped across multiple years, so that doesn't tell you anything I don't think.

Rosewood

I had a 1996 5906 that had finished hammer and trigger, it also came with a ban era mag. Not dispositive, but indicative of this one being earlier. I also believe the manual was revised between 1991 and 1997, so if it were 1997 it would have had a later manual.

 

[ACEd]

TVL most likely 1991 - but I have seen some oddities.

You might want to ask SW a second time - sometimes you will get a different answer - particularly if the first person made a mistake 7 vs 1 - but there may be other reasons.

I have a 6946 VJP35xx dated by SW as 1/1998 and a 5946 VJP35xx dated 5/2009 - dates double checked and generally consistent with Roy's ship dates. Speculation was that frames are made and serialized but may not be assembled right away. In some cases frames are set aside for contract spares and may not be released for production until years later after agency changes weapons and obsoletes the inventory.

I also have a pistol with 2 legitimate SW dates - explained by Roy that pistol was sent back to SW and has 2 independent records a few years apart at SW and 2 corresponding ship dates. I dont recall exact reason - but I think it was a rework.

 

[jsbethel]

Are you sure? The spec ord on mine is 9196.

A 5906 with a round trigger guard would not typically correspond with an inception date of July 15, 1989 as indicated by the SPEC ORD number which certainly does raise questions about the timeline of the pistol.

 

[first-model]

Speculation was that frames are made and serialized but may not be assembled right away. In some cases frames are set aside for contract spares and may not be released for production until years later after agency changes weapons and obsoletes the inventory.

100% correct. Ergo, two consecutive serial numbers of any Smith & Wesson firearm could have shipped months or even years apart.

Mike

 

[ACEd]

A 5906 with a round trigger guard would not typically correspond with an inception date of July 15, 1989 as indicated by the SPEC ORD number which certainly does raise questions about the timeline of the pistol.

All of the TVA-TVY prefix I can account for are 1991 (18 pistols) or 1992 (9 pistols) with exception of a single 6944 TVD in 4/1993 and a single 3914 TVU that dates to 1996.

Picture of box end label might help - theoretically 9xxx could be either 1989 (square trigger guard) or 1999 (curved trigger guard) but box label format / appearance might give a clue.

I would ask SW again (email [email protected] ) - maybe note the conflict and ask if they can clarify and also ask Roy below for ship date.

 

[rosewood]

Maybe a dumb question, but you did verify the serial # on the box matches the frame? I bought a model 915 a few years back then realized the box was for a model 910.

Rosewood

 

[marcus99]

A very helpful member was able to more accurately date the gun. It was manufactured in 1991 and went back to S&W in 1997 for work, hence the 1997 date that I was given when I called.