box end production date code??

[toad67]

Was reading in the forum SCSW#4 where Mr. Supica was wanting triple alpha codes with the dom's from the end of the boxes.

"A final note about modern serial numbers : In most cases a fired cartridge case was supplied with each gun and is dated when the cartridge was collected - and each box end label is marked with a Julian date (example 0212 is the 212th day of 2000) . These 2 dates are usually no more than 2 days apart indicating when a handgun was completed and ready for shipping ."

I am confused with the Julian date part. I just picked up a gun (625-5 in 45 Colt) that according to the #4 bible was only produced in 1993. However, when I look at the box end, there are no combination of numbers that start with a 3, or even resemble a date code that would be close. Could someone please give a little more detailed example of the date code? I have a few that I could add to the thread for information. Thanks...

 

[Sevens]

On the box end label, the four digit number you are looking for is under the heading “Spec Order.”

I am not familiar with your model so I don’t know if that “1993 only” is proper information. Some folks have succeeded in getting a born-on date by calling S&W with their serial number.

 

[jughed440]

I posted a similar thread years ago. snw19 357 had the answer.

Question about odd "Spec Ord" #

 

[toad67]

Thanks for the info guys, that helped! I was looking for a random number, rather than the spec order number. I was thinking that since this was a stocking dealer special gun of 1500 that number was referring to that. Thanks again.