S/N on box/receipt does not match gun

[lago]

I have a Model 631 that I bought new in 1991. When transferring my inventory from paper to the PC, I found out that the S/N on the gun does not match the S/N on the box or receipt.

The S/N on the crane is a 3-digit number that is etched. I pulled the grips and came across 2 different number. There is a 5-digit number stamped on the left side. On the right side, there is a 5-digit number, followed by the same number on the crane. These numbers are etched.

I tried calling S&W but guess no one is home. Couldn't get anyone to answer the phone.

Anyone have any ideas on what happend besides the dealer screwing up.

Thanks

Lago

 

[diamonback68]

What is the number off the butt of the grip frame. That is the serial number.

 

[Ashlander]

The serial number is going to be 3 letters followed by 4 numbers.

 

[gunblade]

The gun's serial number is located on the bottom of the grip frame. The numbers on the crane/yoke and the side of the grip frame are "work" numbers that ensure the correct yoke assembly is kept with it's frame during the manufacturing process.

 

[310Pilot]

The serial number is located on the bottom of the grip frame. The numbers on the sides of the grip frame, on the crane and inside the frame opening are assembly numbers, and have no meaning outside the factory. If the actual serial number differs from that on the box and on the receipt, I would venture to guess that the person at the dealer picked up a box from another gun and recorded the s/n from the box, instead of the gun, as they should have.

 

[dant]

yes, we agree with what is pointed out above, as to location, BUT the dealer is the one you have to get it straightened out with, if the number IS "different" than the receipt and /or the box................
got any pictures???? you can 'block/delete' (edit) the last number(digit) if you want to..............

 

[Broadside]

I have a Model 631 that I bought new in 1991. When transferring my inventory from paper to the PC, I found out that the S/N on the gun does not match the S/N on the box or receipt.

lago,

I think there may be some confusion with your statement quoted above. Are you saying that the revolver, box and receipt each have a different serial number? Or, are you saying that the box and receipt show have the same serial number, but the revolver has a different serial number?

As several members have already posted, the actual serial number of the revolver is located on the frame at the bottom of the grip. That should be the number you are concerned about.

What's missing from the discussion is your state of residence. Unless you live in a state/locality that requires that your firearms be registered, I would not worry about it.

I think you would be hard pressed to get a dealer to look back into 20 year old files to determine whether he listed the correct serial number on your ATF Form 4473.

My recommendation would be to take some very good pictures of your revolver and save them in case something should happen. Other than that, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[lago]

Sorry for the confusion. Let me clarify it a bit.

The box and receipt have a S/N of BEZxxxx. The left side of the frame has 49xxx, which is stamped. The right side of the frame has 900xx, followed by the 3-digit number from the crane. These are etched.

I live in Tx so registration is not an issue. Only issue I would have is that IF I ever wanted to sell the gun(sorry, it ain't gonna happen), I think I couldn't get top dollar since the S/N's don't match.

Agree, not going back to the dealer.

Lago

 

[Retired W4]

BEZxxxx is the serial number. All the other numbers don't mean a thing, outside the factory.

 

[1 old 0311]

Wait a minute. In 1991 it should be a 1 piece box with a computer printed label, rather than the hand written label.Is that correct?

Dealer probably had 2 guns, and 2 boxes, and just grabbed the wrong one. He MAY still have records and if so the guy out there with YOUR box would probably be glad to his correct one.

 

[AveragEd]

I tried calling S&W but guess no one is home. Couldn't get anyone to answer the phone. /QUOTE]

I spent 18 minutes and 15 minutes on hold for someone at S&W today, too. I guess they went down to New York City for the parade...

Ed

 

[diamonback68]

The box and receipt have a S/N of BEZxxxx. The left side of the frame has 49xxx, which is stamped. The right side of the frame has 900xx, followed by the 3-digit number from the crane. These are etched.



Lago

You keep bringing up those numbers off the left and right side of the frame. As already said, these are meaningless.
What is the serial number off the butt of the gun? Is it BEZXXXX?

 

[Brandon0413]

Have a look at this post:


http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/230635-granpas-guns.html#post136328291

 

[Retired W4]

Lago, have you checked the number on the bottom of the grip frame? You might have to take the grip panels off to see it. I'm not familiar with that model, or the grip panels on it, so if the bottom of the frame is not exposed you may have to remove them to see the serial number. That could go a long way to solving your issue.

And ending this thread.

 

[peyton]

I can probably help, the 631 came with combat grips that have to be taken off to find the serial number on the bottom of the grip. The MP's at Fort Hood had to verify the SN everytime I came onto post to go to the range. I finally put different ones on that did not cover the SN.
Oh welcome to the forum!!!

 

[Retired W4]

Thank you for your service!!!

 

[elm_creek_smith]

The box and receipt have a S/N of BEZxxxx. The left side of the frame has 49xxx, which is stamped. The right side of the frame has 900xx, followed by the 3-digit number from the crane. These are etched.

Lago

The number on the bottom of the grip frame should also be BEZxxxx. The numbers on the side of the grip frame are NOT the serial number.

ECS