Help with serial numbers

[Mstorm]

New to the forum so excuse the dumb questions. I recently bought some older S&Ws (19-3 & 13-2). How do I find the productions dates using the serial numbers? S&W does not seem to have a look-up table like Colt. I've heard the Standard Catalog does that but was looking for a less expensive route ((likely given how much I'm loving these new Smiths I should just spring for the $50 to buy the book)) Does the pocket edition have the serial number tables (those are less than $20 to buy)?
Secondly, if I put gold bead front sights on these do I ruin the "collector value" (the 19 is already rough but excellent mechanicals so that one would likely never qualify as "collectable" but the 13 is Nickel and near pristine)?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Post your serial numbers here, and the gurus who track those two
K-frames will be along to give you an idea when S&W shipped them.

 

[Bastogne71]

The SCSW shows the model 13-2 was produced from 1977 to 1982. The 19-3 dates from 1967 to 1977. Given the serial numbers, a closer estimation of the date can be made.

Any alteration will reduce the value of a collectible firearm. But a “rough”shooter grade is hardly a collectible so I’d make the change to that one if it makes a better shooter for you. I have no idea how collectible a model 13 is and will defer any comment to someone with more knowledge on that model.

Welcome to our forum. Hang around, learn a lot and make friends. PS - we love pictures!

 

[Retired W4]

You got me going with the mention of a pristine nickel Model 13-2.

 

[Mstorm]

One of you was kind enough to suggest that if I sent serial numbers one of the gurus here might could look up the production dates--Being that we live in such a strange world I thought I would send only part of the numbers if that makes sense. I think the model 19-3 is either 1967 or 68 (but I'm just guessing) number is 7K30XXX.
And the model 13 is 6DO4XXX (I think it is an O after the D, could be a 0 (zero).
I'm truly enjoying this forum---really kind folks

 

[Sevens]

7K30xxx is 1975
6D04xxx is 1979 (it is a zero after the D)

 

[Mstorm]

You folks are literally the best---thank you SEVENS

 

[Sevens]

Being that we live in such a strange world I thought I would send only part of the numbers if that makes sense.

The partial SN with the last 2 or 3 digits x'd out gives all the information necessary for very nearly every single conversation we'll have here nearly every single time. I think it makes fantastic sense and I can actually cite a reason.

Meanwhile... in the world of internet forums and the shoulder chips we so often see (sigh) you are likely going to find a loud sect who feel it's unnecessary and they argue this with great vigor.

Typically, this discussion doesn't even come up... until someone opens a discussion with "hey, I have seen sometimes a poster will say his serial number is 3D40xxx, why do they do that...?"

You'll find that some of us do that, and that's our way.

The loud sect doesn't agree with it.

 

[Mstorm]

Thanks for the kind words SEVENS and for your help in tracking down those numbers. I am new to this forum but so far all I have encountered have been great folks. Nonetheless, your advice and guidance was much appreciated.

 

[H Richard]

Be careful with the Gold Bead front sight. Many are too tall for the loads. Be sure and get the specific height you need. Some of the gold bead's can't be made as low as needed due to the size of the bead.

 

[jwoolley]

I'm new to the forum and it's interesting to see how helpful the members are.
I recently bought a nickel Model 29-2 - 8 and 3/8ths barrel in excellent condition. The serial number is N6201XX. Can anyone please tell me the year it was manufactured and shipped? Thanks so much!

 

[Sevens]

1979 seems likely. On the guns from this era, our resources don’t get any more specific than that. To do better you would need a factory letter.

 

[jwoolley]

Thanks, Sevens!

I appreciate your reply. I plan on getting the factory letter.
I got it for my other 29-2 - not cheap but pretty cool to have!
Thanks again!

 

[StrawHat]

…
Secondly, if I put gold bead front sights on these do I ruin the "collector value" (the 19 is already rough but excellent mechanicals so that one would likely never qualify as "collectable" but the 13 is Nickel and near pristine)?

Both of those were made in fairly large numbers. There may be some collectors interest in the Model 13, to the right person.

Gold beads! Love them myself. Just had one added to my Model 25-2. It improves the sight picture and makes it much easier to connect with the target.

Here is one on a Model 1917,

Bottom line, your revolver, do with it as you would like. Life is too short to shoot a stock revolver!

Kevin

 

[jwoolley]

Sevens, or anyone for that matter - beside the serial number and MOD29-2
there is 76327 and A11 when you swing the cylinder out. Do these digits signify anything interesting? Thanks!

 

[Sevens]

It’s a common question! The factory has assembly numbers to keep some parts together when the revolver is first built but not yet given it’s beautiful finish. As they finish parts in groups, this allows the builder to make sure the original parts find their way back to the correct revolver.

The final summary is that those numbers have significance internally while it’s being built, and later have no significance. (Well, now if you had five examples of the same model and you took them all apart and mixed parts together… we could agree that they once again have significance! )

 

[jwoolley]

Sevens, that really is interesting! And you've answered my questions. It is much appreciated!
It's going to be quite some time before I receive the factory letter. I tried to find the manufacture and shipping dates on my laptop, but no luck even after checking numerous sites. I think 1979 is pretty close as I bought my other 29-2 (pinned barrel and recessed cylinder) in 1981. I look forward to receiving the letter.
Take care!

 

[IamBigiron]

Recently renewed my interest in S&W revolvers and purchased three. Will add more as funds become available. If someone would advise me the date of birth per serial number, I will greatly appreciate it.
6K806XX Mod.66
6K832XX Mod.66
AYE05XX Mod. 60

 

[JP@AK]

6K806XX Mod.66
6K832XX Mod.66

Both are from 1975. Always a possibility that one or both actually shipped the following year.

AYE05XX Mod. 60

1987.

 

[IamBigiron]

Thank you very much, Jack.