Serial number on frame under crane is AZX8385, serial number on bottom of square butt frame is AZX8583. Someone at S&W was a little dyslexic and transposed the numbers between the two locations. I decided to use the larger serial number on the butt of the revolver for the paperwork. Will this be a potential problem down the road for any reason? Thanks for any input. c good
Which serial number to use....hmmm...
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the number on the butt should be the official number, so I think you did fine.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
That's weird. First time for everything. I assume you didn't get the box for that gun.
Hillbilly77
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Depending on the right buyer, I suppose there could be a small premium for the novelty of it, but I don't think it'd be much.
Also, the above poster is correct - the S/N on the butt of the gun is the official number.
I agree the s/n on the butt is the one that matters . . . and is most likely the one that is correct . . . and seriously doubt the value is affected one way or the other.
I also think you want both numbers to match to avoid a hassle if the gun were lost, stolen or sold . . . and believe S&W would be more than happy to correct their error.
First I would look at both numbers again under strong light and magnification to verify the error. Then I would call S&W and give them both serial numbers and a complete description of the gun and ask them to determine which number matches the description . . . hopefully one will and the other won't.
Good luck,
Russ
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
I think linde is right. S&W takes s/n's pretty seriously. You should be able to swing a free ride to and from the Mothership for this. Need any other work? If it's beat up any you should ask for a refinish (and reblue if it's a blue gun).
BTW, what kind of gun is this?
Alk8944
US Veteran
The number on the butt is the legal serial number of the gun, period. No need to second guess. The number in the yoke cut is supposed to be the same and was reportedly added for the convenience of police agencies to be able to verify the SN of guns that had target stocks without removing the stocks.
My best guess is you will be told "that's interesting, but it isn't subject to warrantee as it doesn't affect function". Since the second number is not the legal SN there isn't anything for S&W to "take seriously". I would expect that a return would be on your dime, and all that would be done is the yoke cut number would be simply obliterated and the gun returned.
My best guess is you will be told "that's interesting, but it isn't subject to warrantee as it doesn't affect function". Since the second number is not the legal SN there isn't anything for S&W to "take seriously". I would expect that a return would be on your dime, and all that would be done is the yoke cut number would be simply obliterated and the gun returned.
BATF
linde gave you good advise! BATF requires every gun to have its own peculiar serial number. If you have a gun with two serial numbers, there is another gun out there with one of these numbers. This is against the manufacturing regulations. I'm sure S&W will be very concerned about this and they will want this gun returned, never to be seen again! Call them tomorrow!
jcelect
linde gave you good advise! BATF requires every gun to have its own peculiar serial number. If you have a gun with two serial numbers, there is another gun out there with one of these numbers. This is against the manufacturing regulations. I'm sure S&W will be very concerned about this and they will want this gun returned, never to be seen again! Call them tomorrow!
jcelect
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Comrad
Member
Could this just be a Frankengun with the crane cannibalized from another gun with a close coincidental s/n?
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
The s/n isn't on the crane (aka yoke). The part that flops out when you open the cylinder. The s/n will be on the "yoke cut-out" which is part of the fame. The same continuous piece of metal as the grip frame - where the "real" s/n is.
The yoke would be a terrible place to put a s/n for the reason you noted. It's just a part, and easily removed and interchangeable with other guns.
The yoke would be a terrible place to put a s/n for the reason you noted. It's just a part, and easily removed and interchangeable with other guns.
Comrad
Member
ah, yes, re-reading I see "under" crane.
If you're saying that the only legal place for the serial number to reside is on the butt . . . I respectfully disagree.
Title 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 478.92(a)(1) and 479.102(a) further require the licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or maker of a firearm to legibly identify each firearm manufactured, imported, or made by engraving, casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing the individual serial number on the frame or receiver, and certain additional information - the model (if designated), caliber/gauge, manufacturer/importer's name, and place of origin - on the frame, receiver, or barrel.
As I read the above BATF Regulation, the serial number must appear on the frame. The butt is certainly part of the frame and is customarily where S&W places the serial number. The yoke cutout is part of the frame . . . as is the front of the grip strap where Regulation Police models have their "legal" serial number placed. And the factory has been known to re-stamp the legal serial number on the left side of the grip frame when the hole for a lanyard ring was drilled through the serial number on the butt.
If I had the OP's example I would want both serial numbers on the frame to be the same . . . and not with one belonging to a different gun.
Russ
