Mod 66-2 S/N & Crane number stamps.

[AEA]

I have a Mod 66-2 with the serial number of AUT79xx. S&W told me over the phone that the date of Mfg (or Shipping) was September, 1986.

I have seen posts of other 66-2 serial numbers that start with numbers instead of letters. Does AUT mean something special?

This serial appears on the crane area of the frame, along with "MOD. 66-2" and on the bottom of the square butt.

There are several other numbers on the crane area and also under the grips. One being 58878 that appears in both places. Another that looks like B12 on both the crane and under the grips.

Also a BIG "S" looks like in the Crane area and under the grips on the right side of frame.

Also a "F20" under the grips on the left of the frame.

Can someone tell me what all these numbers mean?

Thanks

 

[snw19_357]

Welcome to the forum!

I have seen posts of other 66-2 serial numbers that start with numbers instead of letters. Does AUT mean something special?

No. The 66-2s started out with 123K456 style serial numbers but switched over to the three letter prefix in early 1983.

This serial appears on the crane area of the frame, along with "MOD. 66-2" and on the bottom of the square butt.

So it is most likely a 4" or 6" and not a 2.5" or 3". o ...square butt shown...)
The longer barrels shipped with target grips, which covered the serial number on the butt so they also stamped it in the yoke cut.

There are several other numbers on the crane area and also under the grips. One being 58878 that appears in both places. Another that looks like B12 on both the crane and under the grips.

Also a BIG "S" looks like in the Crane area and under the grips on the right side of frame.

Also a "F20" under the grips on the left of the frame.

They don't mean a whole lot to me and you. 58878 is an assembly number to keep the fit parts together during manufacture. B12 and F20 are stamps from the inspectors and the "S" is to show that it is stainless.

 

[AEA]

Yes, it is a 4".

Thanks for all that info. I appreciate it!