66-2 3 inch serial# question alu2997and alu 3004 pics are up

[twomoons]

guys,my dealer took my sw book to the gun show this weekend.
can anyone tell me when serial number alu 2997 and alu 3004 were made.they are both 3 inch guns,new old stock.thanks for advice gent and ladies.i took some quick pictures that are not the best.i dont know what kind of grips the fingeroove grips are,maybe hogue,sure are nice and fit hand good

 

[lhump1961]

Looks like late '85 maybe early '86.

 

[twomoons]

hump,thanks a million,i was pretty excited when got them,and know they were built petty early.everyone know this,but there is just something about these 3 inch 66-2 3 inch guns. i will get some pictures today of gun

 

[twomoons]

 

[Roboto]

twomoons: Not even a hint of flame cutting on that top strap, you really made out good on this one. Congrats!!

 

[twomoons]

rob,
thanks,
these top straps look like the day they left sw.my crappy pics dont do the guns justice.i am going to get a new ,better camera for taking closeup pictures.i am trying to find out at what serial number smith wesson started the model 66 3 inch guns.under 3000 with a alu prefix has got to be at the beginning of the beloved 66-2 3 inch guns

 

[snw19_357]

i am trying to find out at what serial number smith wesson started the model 66 3 inch guns.

Paragraph from a factory letter.
I have yet to see an AER but have seen plenty of AFK, AFZ, AHJ, AHL, and ANA's.

under 3000 with a alu prefix has got to be at the beginning of the beloved 66-2 3 inch guns

I haven't seen any ALU's either, until now.
Very interesting!
Do you have the boxes? I'd love to know the Spec Ord numbers.
The AFx and AHx are from mid-'85, the ANx from early '86, and then the 3" 66-3s showed up again in late '88 in the BBN and BBT range, with more following.

My only remaining M66.

 

[jcelect]

Interesting side note!

Twomoons, sorry to hijack your thread but this is an interesting side note about Ashland Shooters Supply guns and serial numbers!
The ALU prefix on the serial number was also used on the Model 60s with adjustable sights they ordered in 1985(first time for adjustable sights on the 60s). My 60 2", ALU2080, was shipped to them on 31 May 1985 and my 66 3", AHL4403, was shipped on 24 May 1985. According to my letter all the 60s (666) started with an AL? prefix.
jcelect SWCA#LM723