How about the Mfg. Date on this M19-5, based upon Spec. Order # ?

[dpast32]

Hello again Gents, I figured I should update my S&W Notebook with the inclusion of the relative Production Dates, based upon the specific Special Order # as found on their Box Labels. Seeing that I already have the information for my recently discussed M64-5, 4" RB, DAO, so I will start with this one. I believe this Model 19, 4" RB has been also discussed here some years back, but can not recall if a Production Date based upon the Spec. Order # was ever determined ? So, hopefully one of our 'S&W Investigators' will be so kind as to chime in with the information I'm seeking ? This M19's Data us as follows;
M19-5, .357 Magnum, 4" Bbl, Round Butt, Blued, P.C. Stocks,
Serial # AYY 46XX
Product # 100704, Special Order # 9584

[ NOTE: Box End Label lists SB, NOT RB, which it is ? ]

Well, I 'think' I've noted everything relevant here, however if not, please advise & I will be happy to accommodate.

THANK YOU Folks,

Best, Dom P.

 

[snw19_357]

I can't tell you why it has SB on the label, or what it means, but if it has a round butt (which is correct for that product code and serial number range), it's a round butt. I would guess SB means it came with RB-SB conversion stocks but don't think they were making them in 1988. Thought that was a mid-'90s thing.

Sounds like you have a 4" RB M19-5 made for the US Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service in early 1988. In this case, the Spec Ord number is not a Julian date but is the special order number.
Is it finished in a bright, standard or matte blue?

We'd love to see pictures of it.

 

[colt_saa]

The SB and the RB are reference to the grips not the guns grip frame

So if you purchased a round butt revolver wearing square butt conversion grips that is why the box is marked as SB

95% of the time, the number under the "SPEC ORD" heading is a code for the Date of Manufacture

On your box that is obviously not the case. Willing to bet that under the column that is marked "FEATURES" is the word Special

This is the most common occurrence where the "SPEC ORD" number is not code for the Date of Manufacture

 

[Sevens]

You can also call or e-mail S&W with your serial number and ask for a date from them. Typically 2-3 business days for a response by e-mail.

 

[Model19man]

Hello again Gents, I figured I should update my S&W Notebook with the inclusion of the relative Production Dates, based upon the specific Special Order # as found on their Box Labels. Seeing that I already have the information for my recently discussed M64-5, 4" RB, DAO, so I will start with this one. I believe this Model 19, 4" RB has been also discussed here some years back, but can not recall if a Production Date based upon the Spec. Order # was ever determined ? So, hopefully one of our 'S&W Investigators' will be so kind as to chime in with the information I'm seeking ? This M19's Data us as follows;
M19-5, .357 Magnum, 4" Bbl, Round Butt, Blued, P.C. Stocks,
Serial # AYY 46XX
Product # 100704, Special Order # 9584

[ NOTE: Box End Label lists SB, NOT RB, which it is ? ]

Well, I 'think' I've noted everything relevant here, however if not, please advise & I will be happy to accommodate.

THANK YOU Folks,

Best, Dom P.

According to my copy of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th edition on page 219 it says your revolver was built for the US Department of State in a quantity of 680 pieces shipped in March of 1988. Very cool, I would keep it as is!