Help requested-4506-1 Odd s/n

[SigBoone]

I'm attempting to purchase my 3rd 4506-1 but first time making a long distance buy (through FFLs but sight unseen). Seller wants me to mail a him a money order. I'm guessing this is how it's customarily done but still a little uncomfortable with it.

I asked for the serial number and it is unlike any of my other 3rd Gens. , it starts with a single letter "C" then followed by 4 numbers. All my others have multiple alphabeticals before the numericals.

Can anyone shed any light on this ? Anyone seen or have something similar or a quick reference ?

Thanks in advance.

 

[bulletproof-791]

I would ask for a photo of the 4506-1 before sending any money

 

[SigBoone]

Thanks, I have seen photos. Although, you can't see the s/n.
Another reason I'm asking about it here. Thanks again.

 

[Bruce51]

If the owner actually has the firearm have him send you a photo of the serial number.

If he can't do this then buyer beware.

BLM

 

[SigBoone]

Good idea, I'll plan to do this unless someone here can affirm that Cxxxx is a valid s/n for a 4506-1.

All my others are 3 alphas, as in TDZ 1234.

 

[Aegis]

I have 5 4506's I have never seen or heard of that serial sequence.

 

[GaryS]

Sounds fishy.

 

[SigBoone]

Is it customary to send the seller a money order in advance of transfer to their FFL for shipping ?

The picture I have is not quite clear/close enough to read the s/n but it appears to match the s/n as stated --a letter C followed by numbers.
I've asked for a clearer pic but don't want to offend the gentlemen either.

He did state that the second character was a zero but could possibly be a letter O. I'm guessing it's a zero.

Does anyone know of a way to reference 4506-1 serial numbers, short of emailing S&W ? I've gotten good results from them previously but time is of the essence.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[4506517]

I own a 4505, 2 4506s, a 4526, a 4546, and a 1006.

All have the 3 letter serial number.

Matter of fact, I own 23 3rd gennies, and none of them have a serial number like that.

Either get better/ clearer pictures of the serial number or move on.

 

[SigBoone]

Same with the other 9 3rd Gens that I already own, they all have three letters. The pictures I've already seen are definitely a 4506-1, early-ish with round trigger guard, pre-MIM. I can make out the -1 in the roll Mark but not the s/n very well.

Was hoping someone may have a list of serial numbers or something.

 

[TTSH]

Same with the other 9 3rd Gens that I already own, they all have three letters. The pictures I've already seen are definitely a 4506-1, early-ish with round trigger guard, pre-MIM. I can make out the -1 in the roll Mark but not the s/n very well.

Was hoping someone may have a list of serial numbers or something.

Call S&W CS on Monday. They will tell you instantly and with zero hassle if the serial number is legit or not.

p.s., My eight 3rd Gens all have the three letter + four digit serial number.

 

[giddyupsut]

Little voice

That little voice is screaming at you that "this doesn't look right".
I'd listen to it.

 

[SigBoone]

*sigh.....*

giddyup...yes, you are right. Dang it.

Well, I asked the seller to 're-check' it and to send a pic with the number legible. If he's offended or balks then so be it.

But what if it is the actual number ? Perhaps a light roll on the first letter and the third digit is an O instead of a zero ? That would be a xCO xxx . Hmmm...probably not but we'll see.

 

[Gunhacker]

I'd say the vast majority of 3rd gen owners, including myself, have never seen an S/N even remotely close to that on any pistol we've owned.

The one remote possibility is that it isn't an s/n but a rack or inventory number that's sometimes found on LE trade in guns. Even if that was the case, the real S/N should still be on the left side of the frame above the model number stamping.

Don't let the temptation of a bargain override that little voice, it's usually 100% right.

And remember, the BATFE has no sense of humor regarding serial numbers... don't let a major headache belonging to someone become yours.

 

[4506517]

^^^^^^^^

Good point.

It could be a former LE gun and that could be remnants of a badge/rack/inventory number.

 

[GaryS]

One of my 3913s came from the California DOC and has a Bxxxx number in three separate places on the gun. That's an inventory number, not the serial number.

The problem I see is if the sending FFL logs that in as the serial number and then the receiving FFL discovers that it's the wrong number. That might result in him rejecting the transfer.

At the least I'd want the seller to clarify this before I'd commit to anything.

 

[SigBoone]

Thanks again for all the helpful input.

I too have a LEO trade-in 4006 that has the three matching numbers desperate from the s/n and those follow this pattern -- A1234.

From the blurry photo I have, it appears that this odd s/n is in the correct s/n location on left side near model # but not in any other locations like the LEO numbers.

 

[wheelman44]

If its out of state listed on armslist RUN from it

 

[SigBoone]

Update- upon asking the seller for clarification he identified two additional characters in front of the 'C' that were less bold then the rest of the s/n. It is now VAC and I have clear pictures.

It is armslist and out of state, something I've never done.....before.
I sent a USPS money order, will hope for the best and will update here.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[SigBoone]

Ok...deep breath and a continued faith in my fellow man.

Update: picked up the 4506-1 today at my FFL. Near mint condition, in fact, better than my other two. What a relief ! Has adjustable rear sight, pre-MIM, two mags. After $70 in fees, grand total was $545.

The mystery S/N is now understandable because the VA is smaller and fainter than the C that follows as well as the numbers. Well...not that much but I can sort of understand the initial oversight.

Anyway, wanted to share the good news.