N-Prefix Serial Number

[JPownall]

I've been looking at some Model 58 on gunbroker, and I've seen a couple of references to N-Prefix Serial Numbers. What is the significance of this? Thanks!

 

[ken158]

N prefix came after S prefix - so a later model

 

[Aircrewman]

Smith and Wesson's serial number system evolved over the years. In the case of the N-frames after the second world war, the company began serial numbers with an "S" signifying a "safe" action, which was different from the pre-war action. It was made safer in keeping the gun from firing if dropped hard enough on the hammer, therefore the "S" numbers. The "S" numbers continued until sometime in 1969 when the numbers began with N 1 and continued until the gun design was changed along with a large change of the manufacturing process.

 

[Doug M.]

As I recall, they had to change from "S" to "N" due to a requirement of GCA '68 that all firearms have a unique serial number. A large #of K frames had been or were being made with an "S" (I don't recall which was then true), so the serial numbering system had to change. The M58 was not real popular for a lot of reasons, and sales were slow. My M58, bought new in 1978, had a serial number with an "S" prefix, and most of the revolvers with serial numbers near mine were sold in the mid-60s.

 

[JP@AK]

As I recall, they had to change from "S" to "N" due to a requirement of GCA '68 that all firearms have a unique serial number.

True as far as it goes.

S prefix numbers had been assigned to both N and K frame guns in the postwar period. There were no overlaps, however, since the K frame numbers started in the S811xxx range (although the lowest one I've ever been able to physically locate and identify carried serial number S812489). The K frame S numbers ended at S999999.

The N frame numbers were all much lower. They started at S62489 (in 1946) and ended at S333454 (in late 1969 or early 1970).

So, there never was an actual danger of duplicating S prefix numbers - at least at any time in the near future. However, the entire situation called for a preparatory shift in the numbering scheme. The N frame guns switched to a whole new series (N prefix) and other sequences were coordinated to avoid any duplication, resulting, for example, in the very odd occurrence in the J prefix line of the "floating J" of 1971-72. We can be thankful that strange approach was short lived.

Eventually, in the early 1980s, S&W did away with multiple sequences operating simultaneously and moved all revolvers to the three-alpha system.

 

[Targets Guy]

True as far as it goes.

S prefix numbers had been assigned to both N and K frame guns in the postwar period. There were no overlaps, however, since the K frame numbers started in the S811xxx range (although the lowest one I've ever been able to physically locate and identify carried serial number S812489). The K frame S numbers ended at S999999.

The N frame numbers were all much lower. They started at S62489 (in 1946) and ended at S333454 (in late 1969 or early 1970).

So, there never was an actual danger of duplicating S prefix numbers - at least at any time in the near future. However, the entire situation called for a preparatory shift in the numbering scheme. The N frame guns switched to a whole new series (N prefix) and other sequences were coordinated to avoid any duplication, resulting, for example, in the very odd occurrence in the J prefix line of the "floating J" of 1971-72. We can be thankful that strange approach was short lived.

Eventually, in the early 1980s, S&W did away with multiple sequences operating simultaneously and moved all revolvers to the three-alpha system.

Man is that the truth. I have one of those "floating J's" in a 1972 Chiefs Special. Was that confusing until the light went on.

 

[Doug M.]

As usual, someone who actually has a clue came along and replied.