Hidden S&W Serial Number

[FPrice]

Have I been sleeping for the last 20 years? Saw this on another forum:

"8. In the settlement agreement of a law suite against several firearm manufacturers, Smith & Wesson (in
2000) agreed to put a 2nd hidden serial number on its firearms. The 1911 pistol reportedly now has a
hidden serial number under the right grip and a micro serial number on the right side. Other steel S&W
pistols reportedly have a hidden serial number under the left grip and a micro serial number on the left side.
According to Gene Rivera NFEA student, it is necessary to use magnification to see the micro serial
numbers. "

https://forensicresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/SerialNumberRestoration4-14.pdf

 

[stansdds]

The additional serial numbers have no effect on anything, other than to make a recovered firearm that had its serial number defaced more easily identified and potentially tracked back to its lawful owner.

 

[squidsix]

I have no new S&W handguns. Do they not serialize the underside of the barrel anymore?

 

[FPrice]

Okay, a little more of the story has surfaced. I can't vouch for any of it but I am putting it out here to see if any of it makes sense.

The original post came from a lawyer with some knowledge of firearms. Apparently this revolver is in police possession being investigated for an obliterated serial number.

"Supposedly" this is a SW Model 360J made for the Japanese as a service revolver. The serial number was placed under the cylinder release lever. The picture attached shows the damaged area. An article (rather long read) with a reference to this revolver can be found at:

Gun Review: Smith & Wesson 360J Japanese Service Revolver - The Truth About Guns

He was asking if the serial number could be found elsewhere on this gun.