Dot Matrix markings

Lex_Ordo · Dec 2, 2009

Why did the factory begin using the horrible Dot Martrix markings for newer gun serial numbers?

Also, does anyone know what the production codes that are either dot matrix, or electro penciled on the frames used to denote.

Seems to me that S&W could have made the guns look a little nicer by not using these methods.
Hand stamps always look better!

624 Fan · Dec 3, 2009

What I found in my collection:

BFW - Made 1991 = Stamped Serial #
BNZ - Made 1993 = Dot Matrix Serial #

Noah Zark · Dec 3, 2009

Lex_Ordo said:
Why did the factory begin using the horrible Dot Martrix markings for newer gun serial numbers?

Cost.

Laser-etched or dot matrix engraving is easily coupled with a PLC to perform automated sequential serial numbering via computer in a machining center or marking center. Back in the day, a person hand-stamped the S/N. Slower, costlier, and prone to error.

I don't like it either, but there it is.

Noah

CAJUNLAWYER · Dec 3, 2009

Cost????? Let me tell you something, I will NEVER own a S&W with dot matrix serial numbers. Maybe if enough people complain they'll go back to the old way-until they do, there's plenty of old style hand stamped serial number guns out there to be had. I have heard of at least 3 instances where dot matrix serial numbered guns have froze up and failed to fire-I'm not gonna trust MY life to one of these clunkers

maxxpower · Dec 3, 2009

CAJUNLAWYER said:
I have heard of at least 3 instances where dot matrix serial numbered guns have froze up and failed to fire-I'm not gonna trust MY life to one of these clunkers

Are you insinuating that the dot matrix process somehow causes guns to fail or that new guns are prone to failure and coincidentally have dot matrix etching?

bgrafsr · Dec 3, 2009

You have to understand Cajunlawyer. That was said "tongue in cheek" and was a play on the controversy of the guns being made with the internal lock. Caj, you do have a way with words, but of course you would being a lawyer, especially being a defense attorney.

I used to love to mess with them, and one of my favorite lines was, "I wouldn't have arrested him if he wasn't guilty".

exfebee · Dec 3, 2009

Bill, i've really gota agree with you. "We don't arrest them unless they are guilty". I've had 100% of my cases go the guilty way.. most were "cop outs & plea deals". Of course you're familiar with the rest of the saying "Hang-em first & then we can try them later" Caj will love these.
Carl

Gearhead Jim · Dec 4, 2009

I've got a few guns with the dot matrix markings, and a few without.
I've noticed that they all go "bang" every time I pull the trigger.

Lex_Ordo · Dec 4, 2009

I don't think I was being clear enough. I'll explain better. It is probably just a rant more than a question because guess what? S&W isn't going tc hange it, and what's on the guns, are there to stay. That is unless, I can get the factory to polish them off, and not ruin the gun's dimensions, in the process.

On my 1990 made 640, the model on the yoke, serial # on the butt, and one production code on the left side under the grip are stamped. There are other proof stamps on the grip area as well.
However, on the yoke hinge, and on the right butt, under the grip are a series of Dot Matrix numbers, that look like they were electro-penciled rather than with the laser.

Now on my 1997 made 640-2, everything is Dot matrix. The serial # and model # in the yoke look ok, the Serial # on the bottom of the grip looks ok, but then on the yoke hinge, and on the right side of the grip, there are more, smeared if you will, in the dot matrix form.

It is just annoying to have a nice looking firearm, and a lot of not so nice alpha/numeric characters around it. I equate it to scratches and nicks. Just not good!

maxxpower · Dec 5, 2009

This is the latest in a series of threads that make me think there should be two sub-forums in this forum:

1. Guns for shootin'

2. Guns for lookin' at

500 Magnum Nut · Dec 6, 2009

maxxpower said:
This is the latest in a series of threads that make me think there should be two sub-forums in this forum:

1. Guns for shootin'

2. Guns for lookin' at

and

3. Guns for personal protection

Dot Matrix markings

Lex_Ordo

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624 Fan

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Noah Zark

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CAJUNLAWYER

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maxxpower

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bgrafsr

US Veteran

exfebee

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Gearhead Jim

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Lex_Ordo

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maxxpower

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500 Magnum Nut

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