Figuring out the meaning of the S&W Serial #

[Paul12644]

I mean the Serial # sticker. Is there a master template that explains the codes used for the specific gun configuration? For instance, using the glued on sticker on the box, Model No., fin for finish, in my case N for nickel, Barrel 4 for 4 inch, stock says ST(?), INS is 9(?), PKR is 4(?), front sight is RR(?), WO just has a dash mark. What does it all mean?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[bamabiker]

Well I think I can help you with some of that.
RR is red ramp and the WO is probably white outline for the rear sight.
INS may be an inspector number.
I'm drawing a blank on the stock mark and don't know what the PKR is.
Someone else here should be able to answer it all and correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[wetdog]

In the stock part of the label the ST means Square butt-Target.

 

[Gunhacker]

Well I think I can help you with some of that.
RR is red ramp and the WO is probably white outline for the rear sight.
INS may be an inspector number.
I'm drawing a blank on the stock mark and don't know what the PKR is.
Someone else here should be able to answer it all and correct me if I'm wrong.

My guess for PKR is the packer in the shipping department?

 

[hotrod150]

I'm curious as to what sort of notations are to be found in the "special features" box? The box I have for my 1971-72 vintage model 36-1 has "HB" for heavy barrel-- interestingly enough, it is in a different (darker) ink than the rest of the markings but looks like it might be the same handwriting.
The label on the plastic box for my 2006-vintage 442-2 lists the caliber & weight (which the older label does not) in addition to the model & barrel, but has quite an entry under "features":
05-AD-SM-GR-BO-SF-SB-FA-CC-ZB.
It's a plain jane internal-lock model 442-2, it's hard to believe it could have that many features! Some of that gibberish might refer to the matte-black finish & round butt, but since my little orphan annie decoder ring is in the shop for repairs I have no idea what it all means.

 

[wetdog]

Here's some help from pages 170 & 171 SCS&W.
05= 5 shot 2004
AD=Double action only 2004
SM=scope mount or small compact frame size-2004
GR=rubber grips-20004
BO=one piece barrel-2005
SF=fixed sight-2004
SB=black blade front sight-2004
FA=alloy frame
CC=Case colors or clear cote finish or carbon steel cylinder-2004
ZB=Blue finish-2004