Dating a 617-1

[wproct]

I purchased my 617-1 used with box and papers in December 2008 and just realized that I had never gotten the year of production, which is rare for me. Usually I send an email to Smith & Wesson asking for it, but thought I would ask some of guru's here for an answer. Serial# is CAR9XXX. Will appreciate any responses. Thanks.

 

[22hipower]

Probably 1995 or early 1996. The -2 started in 1996. The triple alpha SNs are tricky. Mine is BRLXXXX and supposedly 1994. Early -1s came with the wood combat stocks, later ones with rubber. Assuming it is the original box, does it have a Julian date? That would tell you exactly when it shipped.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2nMKtNk https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[wproct]

Thank you for the response. Mine came with the black rubber Hogue grips and I do have the box that came with it, but I'm not familiar with the Julian date, would it be on the label on the box?

 

[22hipower]

Yes, if its there it is going to be a four digit number perhaps by the "Spec Order" indicator if there is one on the label. Don't remember if the Julian date was on the boxes in the mid '90s. Post a picture of it if you can. Also the product code, which should be on the label too, might help us confirm the year. But it is likely going to be '95 or '96.

 

[wproct]

There is a 4 digit code of 6038 under spec.ord code.

 

[22hipower]

That's the 38th day of 1996.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[wproct]

Thank you very much!