Buying not knowing what I am doing

[Packin Preacher]

Good evening every one, This is the first time that I have used a forum so I hope I do OK and not take up to much of your time with a new-be. The question that I have is I purchased a Smith & Wesson revolver for my wife. The owner did not have any information and I would like to know about what time this Revolver was Manufactured. The Revolver has the inscription on the right side "Lady Smith" Model 60 - 7, Serial Number BKE9842, .38. s&w. spl. 2 inch Barrel, Stainless Steel. The revolver is excellent condition, I would say right around 95%. Thank you for all of your help.

 

[ken158]

1992 era model 60

 

[JP@AK]

Your LadySmith version of the Chiefs Special Stainless revolver likely shipped in 1992.
A great little carry piece.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Others here keep track of serial number data individually and may have more specific information, but this one was likely produced in the summer of 1991. This is a nice .38. Hope this is helpful.

Edit to add: three different answers already!

 

[2hawk]

Welcome to the Forum!

And, from the sound of it, you know enough to have gotten 1) a great little gun, and 2) here on this Forum (arguably the best on the 'net!)

Congratulations, and since nobody has said it yet:

 

[adwjc]

Welcome, Preacher!

Just as there are no stupid questions, everyone was a newbie at some time.

You will find a wealth of good information and fellowship here.

 

[g-dad]

Welcome aboard Sir! Join in any time, any conversation! Your input will be valuable.

 

[Brasky]

Pics or it didn't happen

 

[pawncop]

My only comment, I hope your wife was involved in the selection. If she is going to carry it, she needs to be comfortable with it.

Cannot add any more to earlier posts, great revolver.

 

[Matt Hooper]

Welcome to the forum! No such thing as a stupid question! Glad to have you on board.

 

[HarryD]

Welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy it here as much as I do. I have definitely learned a lot in my short time here.

 

[jack the toad]

Excellent choice in a handgun. Your purchase of the M60 LS and joining the forum is evidently a result of divine guidance.
Welcome aboard preacher.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Welcome to the Forum!

You have a great little carry gun there.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

PP,

When you get around to posting those pictures, if you have the box, post a pic of the end label. There's some info there the would help us better I.D. your Lady.

Based on similar s/n's I've seen, I'd put the ship date in May to June of 1991.

Don't apologize for being a newbie or asking a legit question. That's the whole point of the forum. Many of the best threads are started by new or first-time posters.

 

[rwsmith]

Welcome.....

Welcome. And for not knowing what you are doing you bought your wife a first class carry piece. You make me jealous.

 

[Ohsheepdog]

Welcome from Ohio & congrats on an excellent first purchase! Proverbs 21:31...

 

[JP@AK]

three different answers already!

Not surprising, since the three alpha/four digit numbers were not very consistently applied. Ship dates are always estimates, even with the earlier style serial numbers. All we can ever do here is give ballpark estimates, and this is especially true after 1983.
Also a gun assembled in 1991 could easily have shipped in '92.

 

[shouldazagged]

Welcome, Rev, from an ex-packin' preacher, still packin' but out of the ministry for many years.

Stick around, you'll like it here. Great people who needle each other good-naturedly and support each other in tough times. Tons of experience, expertise, esoteric info and wonderfully odd humor.

I hope your wife likes the 60. If she doesn't, you certainly will.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Also a gun assembled in 1991 could easily have shipped in '92.

Certain low demand guns can sit around for awhile, years sometimes. A Lady Smith doesn't fits that bill. I think 99% of S&W product ships immediately. Like the very day it's completed. It's put in a box and goes into the back of a truck and is shipped. Modern manufacturing companies don't keep large inventory. S&W is producing guns to fill orders. Their product is sold before it's even made.

 

[Alk8944]

While dates given for S&W revolvers are usually shipping dates, with guns made since the AAANNNN serial numbers have been used S&W has been keeping records of the actual assembly date. If you call S&W Customer Service and ask they can tell you at least the month your gun was put-up in S&W parlance, and often the actual day. For some reason many on this forum haven't figured this out yet!

800-331-0852 is the number you need.