I'm still new to the forum and had a newbie question. When reading posts I noticed most of the handguns are identified with a 4 digit model number. Is this actually the "SKU" number?? So, if I were looking for info in this forum about my S&W model 1911, I would need to reference the last four digits of the SKU# which is 8282? Thank you for any clarification.

I usually see the newer 1911 S&W's referenced with the full SKU#. (eg: SW1911 PC SKU#170343)

When it comes to autoloaders, there are 1st generation which all have 2 digit model numbers, 2nd generation which have 3 digit model numbers, 3rd generation which have 4 digit model numbers and some that have names. Model numbers did not come into existence until 1957.

SKUs are always 6 digit and did not come into existence until Smith and Wesson went to computer printed end labels in the early 1980s.

And just in case you hadn't gathered this already, your 1911 is not one of the two-, three-, or four-digit model numbers. It belongs to a class of its own -- the 1911-style pistols -- of which there are several different models and SKU numbers.

One way to find information on your pistol would be to type "SW1911" into the search box that pops up when you click "Search" at the top of the page. This will return a number of results, and you can scroll through and find more specifically what you're looking for.

Good luck, and welcome to the Forum.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Thank you everyone. I will proceed with my knew knowledge.

This chart can be helpful

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K & N S&W revolvers