I'm looking at an older Mod 31-1 S/N 728xxx and do not have access to the S&W book. This little J frame looks nice and wanted to know the DOM. I think the H numbers began in 1969 so I would guess it it sometime before that. Thanks.
Transition from the I-frame to the J-frame (hence the -1) occured in 1960. The H prefix began in 1969 as you said, so the gun was made between 1960-69.
I got a chance to look at the S&W book and it looks like the S/N puts it in the 1961-1963 time frame. I wound up buying the 4" Mod 31-1, it was in VG shape with just a little muzzle wear, has the flat latch cylinder release, no box. It will go well with the 3" 31-1 that I have made around 1982.
