Smith & Wesson 638+P Revolver

sauld68 · #1 12-29-2015, 10:37 PM

Can someone explain the difference between the following two model numbers of the SW638?
163070
163070LE

Ashlander · #2 12-30-2015, 01:15 AM

"LE" ordinarily stands for law enforcement. So I suspect they add a lanyard loop and etch the serial number on the side of the frame (as they do with the 360J).

L-2 · #3 12-30-2015, 02:51 AM

It's more likely a way of having a dedicated "SKU" or item number for a dealer to specifically order which has a discounted price. The dealer is obligated to sell to a "qualified" person (e.g. an LEO) and has to document the transaction in some way should S&W need to audit the sale(s).

Glock has its "Blue Label" marketing method which is similar. The guns are identical. The production line staff may not even know whether each individual gun gets boxed to be sold to the LE market or general market.

sauld68 · #4 12-30-2015, 11:53 AM

Thanks to all for your responses!

kaaskop49 · #5 12-30-2015, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L-2

It's more likely a way of having a dedicated "SKU" or item number for a dealer to specifically order which has a discounted price. The dealer is obligated to sell to a "qualified" person (e.g. an LEO) and has to document the transaction in some way should S&W need to audit the sale(s).

Glock has its "Blue Label" marketing method which is similar. The guns are identical. The production line staff may not even know whether each individual gun gets boxed to be sold to the LE market or general market.

I saw this, or something similar, in a range's pro shop/FFL a few years ago. They had one display case with Smith's M&P model guns at reduced prices which they offered to LEOs only. Yet I was able to buy these same guns at a different LGS for a similar lowered price, no restriction.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103