Question re Etched Serial Number

[caltx01]

I saw a 29-4 today that had its serial number etched rather than stamped. Both in the yoke and on the bottom of the grip the serial number was etched - each character was made up of a series of dots. I have never seen this before. IS this odd or did I just learn something (again)?

Thanks!
Cal in TX

 

[AveragEd]

I have had several S&W revolvers with "dot matrix" serial numbers. The only two I have left are a 6.5" 629-4 Classic and a 6" 686-4 PowerPort. The rest were newer guns - a 6.5" 629-5 Classic PowerPort and a 6" 686-5 PowerPort stick in my mind - that I bought just to get other S&Ws I wanted that were being sold as part of the same group. I think going from stampings to that style of numbering is something that started around the production time of the 629-4 and 686-4 as I have 629s and 686s that are -3s and older and their numbers are stamped. A 66-4 is my newest Model 66 and my 617s are no-dashes; they are all stamped.

I personally like the newer numbering as it can be easily read. Some of my stamped guns required confirmation from the box label when I was completing the ATF form 4473 and the Pennsylvania State Police registration form.

Ed

 

[dfariswheel]

These dot matrix markings are done with a laser.
This is much easier for the manufacturer then the old roll stamping system, but may not look as nice.

 

[shouldazagged]

The serial number of my dashless 640 .38 Special is stamped as usual; but inside the frame, on the bottom strap, there is laser etching indicating that the gun was tested for +P+. It was built in 1990 according to S&W, so perhaps the dot matrix technology was just starting to be used then.

Or not...

 

[caltx01]

Thanks for the information, guys. I really did learn something new today.

 

[desmodue]

S&W uses roll marking,laser etching and single pin stamping.

Roll marking:
Roll Marking gun parts - YouTube

Laser etching:
Vari Z FQ30 - YouTube

Dot matrix pin stamping:
Telesis PinStamp - YouTube

 

[AveragEd]

S&W obviously hand-stamped in the old days as misaligned and unevenly impressed as some of the serial number digits are.

Here are two photos I took of rollmarking being done at Beretta's Accokeek, Maryland plant in September of 2008.

It's a shame that the current anti-gun political climate in Maryland is prompting Beretta to seek another location.

Watching firearms being manufactured is really interesting and I am glad I was able to visit their plant.

As a dealership service manager, I was able to visit numerous automobile assembly plants and that is just as fascinating.


Ed