I purchased a Model 41 with 7 3/8" barrel with serial number
A 40XXX. Yep, 5 digits after the A. The A is somewhat separated from the rest of the serial number. The gun is in its original box with serial number A 40XXX on the end label. The gun has the original sales receipt dated 1963 with this serial number on it. Supica's 3rd edition Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson says the A prefix didn't began until 1970 at serial number A115001...6 digits after the A. I'm new to Model 41s, can someone explain to me the discrepancy between my serial number and when Supica says the A prefix numbers started?