Are "S" serial guns really better than "N" serial guns?

[G-Mac]

I know that the "S" is generally more desirable. I have two 28-2s. A 4" "N" serial number and a 6" "S" serial number. I'm thinking about thinning the herd a little bit and may sell one. If the 4" was the "S", the decision would be easy. That's the one I'd keep. I just like 4" guns over 6" in a .357. But, it's the other way around. The 4" is the "N". Don't really need to sell either one. Kind of like having both. Honestly, they're both safe queens. Owned them for years and haven't shot either one.

 

[HeyJoe]

I know that the "S" is generally more desirable. I have two 28-2s. A 4" "N" serial number and a 6" "S" serial number. I'm thinking about thinning the herd a little bit and may sell one. If the 4" was the "S", the decision would be easy. That's the one I'd keep. I just like 4" guns over 6" in a .357. But, it's the other way around. The 4" is the "N". Don't really need to sell either one. Kind of like having both. Honestly, they're both safe queens. Owned them for years and haven't shot either one.

i think you just talked yourself out of selling either

 

[DixieRanger]

Looking to 'S' better than 'N' serial guns definition. Just don't get it...never heard of that. Inquiring minds want to know...

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[alwslate]

I have a 6" S prefix serial number model 28-2 that I bought new back in 1966 and two 4" N prefix 28-2s that are in the high number range of the 28-2s that I bought in used excellent condition years ago. The finish of the 1966 S prefix gun is a bit more even overall and it has nearly perfectly fitted nice dark walnut diamond magnas. The two 4" N prefix guns have some unevenness in the finish in different areas of the guns but still are very well made and none are for sale. I think you should keep both of your 28s.

 

[luvsmiths]

"S" serial more desirable because of age to some-
I believe finish to be nicer also.

in this case I would want the 4 inch gun though, because like you, I just like them.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

NO.................

 

[gmborkovic]

The idea that older fitters were better than the new, young guys.
Is it a myth, dont know.

 

[Bald1]

6" or 4" they're both still needlessly big N frames for a 357. Never saw the attraction to the 27 & 28.

 

[LostintheOzone]

They made some changes with the N serial numbers. Look it up in the Catalog. If for some reason those aren't important to you than you have you're answer right there.

 

[Vtgw938]

"Are "S" serial guns really better than "N" serial guns?"

Yes, but don't give up an four inch "N" if you don't have a 4 inch "S".

 

[Narragansett]

Gordy,
Some have in their mind that S is better than N, but then again N is better than ABC, BLT, or XYZ serials. It is supposed to represent a period in time when craftsmanship was better. Does it, who knows. I have had both, and actually still do.

I would rather have a nice 4" N, than a 6" S. Keep them both and shoot them. They are a M27 in disguise.

 

[LostintheOzone]

6" or 4" they're both still needlessly big N frames for a 357. Never saw the attraction to the 27 & 28.

I don't think the OP was asking about frame size as it relates to the cartridge.

 

[StrawHat]

I have N frames 45 ACP revolvers that span nearly 100 years. The early ones just have numbers, then some that start with S, some that start with N, some that are TRR and other alpha combinations.

Which one is more collectible? Which one is easier to shoot? Which one is better built? Those are good questions. The Commercial Model 1917s are beautifully built but so are the Military versions. The Models of 1950 are great. And the newer versions are very accurate.

Bottom line? Where is your collection headed?

Kevin

 

[Modified]

I usually tell people who are looking at buying a good old S&W to look for an S Range gun. Not because an N range gun will be bad, but because I *know* an S Range gun will be good. With the N Range there certainly were periods of time when the guns were clearly inferior.

It's just an easy way to tell a newbie how to find a gun that was really well made originally, and be 100% sure about the advice.

I've personally told friends to buy specific N range guns after inspecting them, but if I don't have it in my hands I'm unlikely to advise on it (outside of it being really cheap enough it doesn't matter).

There are some... dark times... in the production of N-Frames. I mean, those dark times are still better then say, any Taurus era ever, to be sure, but not all S&Ws are equal.

I will also say that quality, and workmanship, are a lot more stark when you can lay down a Pre-War .357 Magnum, an S-range Post-war .357 magnum, and a mid 1980s N-range .357 all next to each other.

But, if you put a low # N-range next to that S-range? No difference at all.

 

[Drm50]

All things being equal the S prefix is worth more. You can argue all you want about if they are better, personal opinions generally ain't worth much.

 

[luvsmiths]

6" or 4" they're both still needlessly big N frames for a 357.

Your exactly right, and that's probably the main reason Smith and Wesson sold almost none of those models.

 

[Doc44]

Overall, the polish on the older, S serial numbered revolvers is better than the newer, N serial numbered revolvers. Functionally, I have never seen a difference.

Bill

 

[gmborkovic]

I all ways look for the pre 1957 model guns. Back in the day when they had a name and not a model number. Something about deleting one of the fitting steps. And they came with really neat boxes and a diamond grip. The side plate seam was all ways perfect.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

S numbered revolvers ran late 1940s to early 1970. N numbered was 1970 to mid 1980s.

I tend to prefer S&W revolvers and Colt 1911s from the 1950s and 1960s. Mostly nostalgic reasons but I think we had better craftsmen then too.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I know that the "S" is generally more desirable. I have two 28-2s. A 4" "N" serial number and a 6" "S" serial number. I'm thinking about thinning the herd a little bit and may sell one. If the 4" was the "S", the decision would be easy. That's the one I'd keep. I just like 4" guns over 6" in a .357. But, it's the other way around. The 4" is the "N". Don't really need to sell either one. Kind of like having both. Honestly, they're both safe queens. Owned them for years and haven't shot either one.

If you don't need to sell them, what's the issue? Keep them both, they will only go up in value over time regardless of "S" or "N". My regret wouldn't be selling one, it would be selling it way too early.

When it comes to collectibles, "better" is subjective.

Is a '65 GTO better than a 2022 Corvette?Maybe not, but I'd much rather have the GTO, and if you look at Mecum and B-J, the GTO would sell for far more.
Is a '56 Ford pickup better than a 2015 F150?Neither, they are both Fords
Is a '62 Stratocaster better than a 2022 Custom Shop Strat?The older one is worth ten times what the new ones go for, at least, and guitarists search out the older ones.
Is a S serial 29-2 better than a N serial 29-2?maybe not better, but given like condition I'd take the S over the N

Only you can decide.

As for the guitar, see if you can find the full video of the link below on Prime or Netflix. I was totally amazed at the values of '50s, '60s and '70s solid body guitars.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSm8uhonHtE[/ame]