Need help on dating for a Model 49

[cobblefield]

Looking for help with dating a model 49 no-dash with a pinned barrel. The serial number is 4J-33xxx. The Smith and Wesson book does not mention a 4J prefix. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Wallyzworld]

My guess would be 1985 or 86, S&W started using the 1J-## in 82 and the 49-1 came out in 88.

 

[Retired W4]

The pinned barrel was deleted in 1982, not as an engineering change, so I would think a pinned barrel 49 would be 82 or earlier.

 

[murphydog]

With deference to two-bit cowboy (who should be along shortly):

A six character serial number with the J after a number would be from 1971-'73, in the pinned barrel era. With seven (six digits plus the J), likely after the pinned barrel was deleted. Also, the later series apparently never went past 1J1xxxx.

The book does note "1971-1972...1J1 to 999J99" in the J frame series. A little hard to find.

 

[JP@AK]

cobblefield

Please check to see if there are really five digits after the J. The 4J numbers should have no more than four, for a total of five digits. The highest 4J number should be 4J9999. Serial numbers in 1982 and beyond had a total of six digits (e.g., 1J12345).

I suspect yours is 4J33xx. I think that indicates 1971, but Bob should be along to confirm that or deny it.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

According to Smith & Wesson Historian Dr. Roy Jinks, the "roving J
series" serial numbers began in spring 1970 and ran through
summer 1973. Models included in the series include 36, 36-1, 37,
38, 49, and 50.

The database lists several in the 4Jxxxx series, and they shipped in
October 1970. Some in the 5Jxxxx and 6Jxxxx also shipped in 1970.

 

[cobblefield]

JP@AK was right! There are only four numbers after the J. They are 33xx. Thank you for all your help. It pays to check in with the experts!

 

[VM]

My 6Jxxxx Chief Special pinto shipped May 1971

 

[ispcapt]

I bought my 49 in 1974 from an FBI SA who had carried it a few years. Mine is 899JXX.