how to read serial numbers???

jdbandit66

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Hi all. i have been looking around for a while now and am
learning slowly. Very new to Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Actually i pick my first one up this saturday.
The question i had was how do you determine the year of
a revolver by the digits of the serial number. Are they like
the vin number of a car in that each digit means different
options and paint codes were used?
If it is to deep an answer is there a link someone could provide
to S&W to ask them?
Many thanks.
 
Welcome to the Forum, jd.

There is no direct relationship between the serial numbers and the shipping date of S&W's. Most models have their own serial number range and the Factory didn't ship in serial number order.

The best reference that you can get is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas and I strongly encourage you to get a copy if you want to speed your education on S&W.

When you get your gun, if you will post the model and the serial number (you can xx out the last two digits if you wish) and we may be able to give you an approximate date. The only way to exactly establish the date and shipping destination is to request a Factory letter from Roy Jinks, the Historian.

Bob
 
Hi all. i have been looking around for a while now and am
learning slowly. Very new to Smith & Wesson revolvers.
Actually i pick my first one up this saturday.
The question i had was how do you determine the year of
a revolver by the digits of the serial number. Are they like
the vin number of a car in that each digit means different
options and paint codes were used?
If it is to deep an answer is there a link someone could provide
to S&W to ask them?
Many thanks.

Congratulations on your new infection. May it spread to your children and grandchildren.
 
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