questions about my two chiefs specials

[jt3]

i have two of these but as of now both are being used by two ladies in my family. well i purchcased the first of these when i was stationed in 1971-1972 at pax river md. serving with vp24. just outside the base was burrels gun shop and a detective had traded it in for another handgun. it came with his bianchi shoulder holster which i still have.i used to carry this gun. the other was left to me by my mother.anyway the one from my mother i had noted the numbers is marked on the butt 992j13 and on the frame mod 36. on the yoke 10267 plus g12 and 27 in a circle. this one has a serrated front ramp sight. flat thumb latch pinned barrel round butt diamond checkering. 38 s.&w. spl right side of barrel. the other gun which i didnt write any info about is one i will check on.the serial number is it the one on the yoke or butt of the gun.thanks john.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Here is a good post for ID information, including the SN location (nearly always on the bottom flat of the grip frame):

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/332218-identify-your-gun.html

992J13 is an unusual SN format that was only used on J frame revolvers in 1971-'72; S & W only tracks by shipping/sales date, so I would not be surprised if this one had its official birthdate in late 1972 or early 1973. (Good memory, by the way)! Please post the other SN when you find it out and someone will be along with a date for that one too.

Hope this is helpful. Go Navy!

 

[Hondo44]

i had noted the numbers is marked on the butt 992j13 and on the frame mod 36....flat thumb latch pinned barrel round butt diamond checkering. 38 s.&w. spl right side of barrel. the other gun which i didnt write any info about is one i will check on.the serial number is it the one on the yoke or butt of the gun.thanks john.

This part of your description doesn't compute:
"...numbers is marked on the butt 992j13....flat thumb latch..."

From the serial # it was made in ~1972, but use of the flat thumb latch ended in 1966. Which does it look like?

Standard latch on top; Flat latch on bottom:

 

[jt3]

This part of your description doesn't compute:
"...numbers is marked on the butt 992j13....flat thumb latch..."

From the serial # it was made in ~1972, but use of the flat thumb latch ended in 1966. Which does it look like?

Standard latch on top; Flat latch on bottom:

yes after i posted i thought that was wrong and it is like the standard latch on top.john

 

[DWalt]

If that SN is correct, it must be this:

1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99 (manufacture)

 

[jt3]

thank you for the replies.when i can i will note the info on the other gun and recheck this one we are discussing.john