please help with a maufacture date - model 49

[bobmack]

hi,
i have had this 'J' frame model #49 for a long time and my curiosity wants to know just how old it is ?

it has a pinned barrel, swing out cylinder, manual ejector and only 2 screws showing on the right side of the frame [with the grips on].
serial # from the butt is # 3J9271.

i remember buying it somewhere in the early 80"s from a small in home dealer who said he fired it a few times but i've never fired it. been in my nightstand ever since.

any help dating this would be appreciated.

thanks,
Bob

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! With this serial number format (one J, five digits with at least one preceding the letter) it is likely from 1971-'72. Our local J frame data tracker (coincidentally named Bob) should be along shortly with specifics.

 

[bobmack]

grips

thanks to murphydog for your reply and the information.

i removed the grips and there is a 3rd frame screw under the finger grove grips that are on it right now. i also have the original small grips that came with it as well when i bought it and they are marked with the matching ser #
so they are original to the gun.

i'd appreciate it if someone can narrow it down even closer.

thanks,
bob

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Based on a few others near it in the database I'd guess sometime
between August and October 1970 would have been when the
company shipped it.

 

[Alk8944]

1971-1972 is the generally accepted date range for a J-Frame revolver in the "Floating J" serial number range. Called this because the J can appear anywhere within the 6 numerals of the SN. If you really want a closer date, and it is worth $100 to you to know, simply request a "factory letter".

 

[JP@AK]

"Floating J" serial number range. Called this because the J can appear anywhere within the 6 numerals of the SN.

Five numeric digits. Never more than 5 in this serial range.

In 1982-83, there was one digit before the J with a total of 6 digits. After that, the J frames went to the three-alpha series.

 

[bobmack]

hi,
i want to thank everyone who responded to my inquiry. i had also contacted S&W support and their reply pretty much concurred with most on the forum.
they placed it in the 1971-72 range. that's close enough for me.

thanks again to everybody,
Bob