Model 63 Birthday and Info Request

[Bohonkie]

Hi all. I've read posts about the Model 63 in and still have questions. I also have three S&W books: the SCSW3, History of S&W, and an old book that won't apply since it is for S&Ws prior to the 1940s. The History of book was no help as it doesn't even list the Model 63. The SCSW3 book, pp 224, has some info but, even with my "using the force" I can't find any sort of date this might have left the factory. I'm thinking somewhere between 1982 and 1989. As is common with these, the gun is marked MOD 63 (no dash) yet the barrel is not pinned. This would put it younger than 1982 (supposed to be 63-1 but I'm sure the factory used up older frames and didn't add the dash number). This book mentions "Radius Stud" and "New Yoke Retention System." I'm pretty sure the stud is in the internal lock work but don't know what the new yoke retention is. I've looked both of these up on the good ol' internet but can't find a description anywhere, nor are there descriptions in my S&W books.
Now for the long-standing weirdness: I have often had a lot of difficulty finding dates for serial numbers that have a three-letter prefix. More often than not, the prefixes I am trying to look up are not contained in the list of prefixes in these books. My Model 63 serial number is AYP37XX. There is no "AYP" in any sources I can find. Does anyone know of a source for these codes? Anyone have a guess as to what year my revolver was born (left the factory)? Any info will be greatly appreciated! Now I just need to get rid of the Pachmeyer grip this came with and find a set of J frame S&W stocks. The revolver is in perfect condition. MJ

 

[Bohonkie]

Surprised

Looks like no one has any info. You guys are the best and if you don't know, I'll just have to live with my questions. Thanks anyway. mj

 

[murphydog]

Well, sometimes posts just slip through unnoticed. Don’t panic.

The “new yoke retention system” is pretty simple. The forward lower sideplate screw used to be a fitted part that retains the yoke barrel without dragging on rotation with opening and closing the cylinder. This was replaced with a spring loaded screw that didn’t require fitting.

Don’t have my references handy but someone will be along with an age estimate on prefix AYP. By that time all revolvers had the three letter SN prefix so you won’t see a separate model 63 listing. If you have the original box and end label we can tell you its age very specifically.

Finally, in theory S & W should have followed the model 63 with the -1…but there are very few of these seen and lots of -3s. No one knows why.

 

[murphydog]

Second post…if you look at the Ship Date request section today (for SWCA members, and this is a hint!) there is a question about a revolver with an AYY prefix. This date may be pretty close to yours with the usual disclaimer about guns not being shipped in SN order.

 

[Bohonkie]

Many Thanks

Thanks you, murphydog! I hit a lot of dead ends looking for info but knew someone here would have answers. I wasn't aware of a ship date request section; I'll look it up. I wonder why the books I referenced don't have all the codes? I have 50 S&Ws but, thankfully, just a few have preceding codes (most of my guns are much too old for that). Thanks again, mj

 

[murphydog]

The SCSW relies on reader reported data for the three letter prefixes, as far as I can tell. The 4th edition has more data there than the 3rd but it is far from complete.