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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 04-25-2025, 07:56 AM
Hughbetcha Hughbetcha is offline
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AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1  
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Default AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1

I purchased a model 36-1 with 3"" barrel and square butt with serial #AFT24xx. I have never seen a j-frame that did not have j in the serial number. Dos AFT signify a date or contract ? Can anyone tell me anything about this revolver?
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Old 04-25-2025, 09:10 AM
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Club Gun Fan Club Gun Fan is offline
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AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1 AFT prefix on J-frame model 36-1  
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I purchased a model 36-1 with 3"" barrel and square butt with serial #AFT24xx. I have never seen a j-frame that did not have j in the serial number. Dos AFT signify a date or contract ? Can anyone tell me anything about this revolver?
Serial numbers changed to the triple alpha four numeric system in 1980. Your revolver shipped after 1980. Nothing unusual.
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Old 04-25-2025, 09:25 AM
Hawg Rider Hawg Rider is offline
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Serial numbers changed to the triple alpha four numeric system in 1980. Your revolver shipped after 1980. Nothing unusual.
Welcome back to the Forum! Yep, as Club Gun Fan says, triple-alpha s/n's started in 1980 with "AAAxxxx". "AFT24xx" would mean your revolver was manufactured in 1985. Sounds like you found a fun 3" Model 36-1...how about some pictures? Enjoy!
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Old 04-25-2025, 01:07 PM
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Also, from 1950 when the J frame first came out, until 1969, there was no letter in the serial number, only numbers. The J prefix serial numbers were then used beginning in 1969. Additionally, the Centennial models 40 and 42 went from all numeric serial numbers to an L prefix from 1971 - 1974.
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Old 04-25-2025, 03:14 PM
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I have an '82 or '83 j-frame that starts with AEM if that is helpful.
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