Model 66-2 Date Code Question

emgee00 · #1 03-19-2011, 02:45 PM

Hello

I am a new S&W owner. I just acquired an extremely clean Model 66-2 4" barrel. I am trying to find more info on this gun out.

It has ABM5153 stamped in it as well as E10 96625.

Can anyone help me with more info? I hope I didn't just give away the farm by giving these numbers up

Thanks in advance, mg

handgunner356 · #2 03-19-2011, 03:01 PM

Your ABM51xx is your serial number not sure what the others are, production numbers of some sort. The -2s' were made '82-86, ABM prefix should be '83 but you can call S&W customer service with the serial number and they can tell you the exact ship date if you want.

Alk8944 · #3 03-19-2011, 04:14 PM

emgee,

The serial number having an ABM prefix indicates early 1983 production.

E-10 is a fitter/inspector's mark, there are several alpha, alpha-numeric, symbol markings, as well as possibly 1 or 2 round paper stickers under the stocks that fit this category.

The 96225 is an assembly number user to match fitted parts and keep them together before final assembly. You will find it under the left stock, on the yoke, and inside the sideplate if you get inside the gun.

Computerization of serial numbers began close to the time the AAAxxxx serial number format began. Depending on how helpfull the CSR you get wants to be, and if this number is in the data base. If it is then they can give you the date the revolver was put-up (assembled). They do keep these records now but few seem to understand this. In earlier days guns the only date recorded was when the gun left the factory, but now they must maintain an inventory from the virtual minute a bunch of parts legally become a gun.

emgee00 · #4 03-26-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alk8944

emgee,

The serial number having an ABM prefix indicates early 1983 production.

E-10 is a fitter/inspector's mark, there are several alpha, alpha-numeric, symbol markings, as well as possibly 1 or 2 round paper stickers under the stocks that fit this category.

The 96225 is an assembly number user to match fitted parts and keep them together before final assembly. You will find it under the left stock, on the yoke, and inside the sideplate if you get inside the gun.

Computerization of serial numbers began close to the time the AAAxxxx serial number format began. Depending on how helpfull the CSR you get wants to be, and if this number is in the data base. If it is then they can give you the date the revolver was put-up (assembled). They do keep these records now but few seem to understand this. In earlier days guns the only date recorded was when the gun left the factory, but now they must maintain an inventory from the virtual minute a bunch of parts legally become a gun.

Thanks, Alk8944!

I appreciate your efforts to help me out!

Wyldeguitar667 · #5 04-04-2011, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emgee00

Hello

I am a new S&W owner. I just acquired an extremely clean Model 66-2 4" barrel. I am trying to find more info on this gun out.

It has ABM5153 stamped in it as well as E10 96625.

Can anyone help me with more info? I hope I didn't just give away the farm by giving these numbers up

Thanks in advance, mg

I am really new to firearms, so this may be a dumb reply. I just bought a 66-2 and replaced the grips on it. A date was stamped on the inside of the stock wood grips. Not sure if this is the date of manufacture of the pistol or just when the grips were made, but maybe it's useful.

murphydog · #6 04-04-2011, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyldeguitar667

I am really new to firearms, so this may be a dumb reply. I just bought a 66-2 and replaced the grips on it. A date was stamped on the inside of the stock wood grips. Not sure if this is the date of manufacture of the pistol or just when the grips were made, but maybe it's useful.

Welcome to the Forum. Target stocks of this era had the manufacturing date ink-stamped on the inside of the stocks, but as you might imagine the gun's build date probably wasn't too far off. Enjoy your model 66!