Info Needed on "S" Serial Numbers

[SW357Addict]

Hello.

I am still relatively new to S&W's but learning new things all the time. Could someone help me with understanding the differences between S serial numbered S&W's and N serial numbered ones? This is a bit of knowledge that I have only just been exposed to today as I have bit on a Model 27-2 3 1/2 barreled S&W that has a serial number beginning with S. Any insight would be helpful and much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bamabiker]

The S serial numbers are earlier than the N numbers on the N frame guns and generally more desirable.

 

[murphydog]

The S prefix guns were produced from after WW II to about 1970, apparently with some overlap of the first N prefix production. Generally they are thought of as being of higher quality and therefore more collectible, particularly the 5-screw (1950-'57) and 4-screw (1957-'61) guns. I don't know if there are major differences between an S or N prefix 3-screw gun as I have never seen two side-by-side to compare.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

The change came about to comply with the 1968 gun control act. I can't recall the exact reason at the moment, but I am sure someone will come along who does.
As far as differences, there really isn't any. Bangor Punta bought S&W in '65, and a lot of guys believe that they are some of the worst S&W's ever built. I have seen both good and bad BP era guns. I think that it's true that generally the S prefix guns are thought of as being better quality though, with more attention to detail and less emphasis on what the bean counters thought.

I also believe that the mere fact that S prefix guns are older often comes into play.

 

[ia1727]

The change came about to comply with the 1968 gun control act. I can't recall the exact reason at the moment, but I am sure someone will come along who does.
As far as differences, there really isn't any. Bangor Punta bought S&W in '65, and a lot of guys believe that they are some of the worst S&W's ever built. I have seen both good and bad BP era guns. I think that it's true that generally the S prefix guns are thought of as being better quality though, with more attention to detail and less emphasis on what the bean counters thought.

I also believe that the mere fact that S prefix guns are older often comes into play.

Tim--

Glad to see you're back and active.

My Best,

Steve

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Beat's the alternative

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

[Alk8944]

The change came about to comply with the 1968 gun control act.

Somewhat indirectly. GCA '68 requires that all firearms manufactured by any company must have unique serial numbers. Since S&W used the S prefix on K-Frame guns in the post-war era they would have reached the point where there would be duplicate SNs on K and N Frame guns.

Up until this time S&W assigned serial numbers by model series so there is a lot of duplication of numbers between models. It is definite that the same number could be found on a .32 HE, .44 HE, .32-20 Model 1905, .38 Spl Model 1905, etc, etc, etc.

 

[jcelect]

1968 GCA compliance.

As stated above, it was compliance to the 1968 GCA that prompted the letter change and the last S serial number used was #S333454! However, this information about #S333454 is insignificant! You will find S prefix guns shipped into the mid 1970s! This is due to the fact that guns with lower serial numbers were in storage and not shipped until a later date, frames were numbered with lower serial numbers and not used until a later date, and the fact the factory DID NOT manufacture guns in any serial number order!
jcelect SWCA#LM723