stevo4204
Member
Can someone tell me what the "S" series Smith and Wesson is? When they were made and if they replicate the current J,K,L,N frames. 
S series
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Can someone tell me what the "S" series Smith and Wesson is? When they were made and if they replicate the current J,K,L,N frames.
N frames had serial numbers beginning with the letter S sometime after WWII. The serial numbers for N frames later began with the letter N. Now, N frames are numbered within the 3-alpha, 4 numeric system they have now for everything.
DAinTX
Member
Also immediate post-war (1946-48) K frames carried S prefix serial numbers if I'm not mistaken.
The S was added to the V serial numbers of the K frame Victory model during WWII to designate new safety features added in 43 or 44. After the war and production of N frames started again with the safety mods they added the S to the those SN's until they ran through the numbers then went to the N. With he K frames they dropped the V from the VS serials and continued with the S then went to a C.
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Thank you all for your help up to this point. I am new to the forum. I have re-discovered a lost passion with shooting that I had as a younger person. To find this site is a blessing to me. My wife is scared to death.......... I have found a Model 57, serialn #S249XXX. Can anyone tell me the manufacture date? Looking at the pictures, it is in grand shape with very little use. The owner had the gun givin to him so knows very little about it. My only concern is the strength of the gun if it is quite old. Once again, thank you all. 
DAinTX
Member
Shipped late '64-early '65 I believe. You should have no worries about the inherent strength of the gun. It's not that old for a quality revolver.
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I don't have my Standard Catalog with me right now, but I think you are looking at mid '60s on that gun. The S series 57s are a bit more desirable than the later ones, primarily because they are early production. The .41 Mag came out in '64 if I recall. They are basically the same gun as the Model 29, just rechambered for the new round.
And Welcome to the Forum!
And Welcome to the Forum!
Hoptoad
Member
I have two S numbered N frames, one a model 57 and the other a 58. I agree that your SN looks like 64-65.
Dave
Dave
Our Gov't at work!
The S prefix on the N frame guns means they were made before 1968!
In 1968 our Gov't enacted the Gun Control Act of 1968 which did many things to the gun world. In regards to the serial numbers, they said all new firearms must have a different serial number peculiar to that firearm only. The S prefix was used in different frame sizes earlier so there was a possiblity of a dupilcate number! S&W changed their numbering system to the N prefix for the N frame guns. Many of the other frame sizes were changed also using a different letter prefix. Oh the days before any FFLs!
jcelect
The S prefix on the N frame guns means they were made before 1968!
In 1968 our Gov't enacted the Gun Control Act of 1968 which did many things to the gun world. In regards to the serial numbers, they said all new firearms must have a different serial number peculiar to that firearm only. The S prefix was used in different frame sizes earlier so there was a possiblity of a dupilcate number! S&W changed their numbering system to the N prefix for the N frame guns. Many of the other frame sizes were changed also using a different letter prefix. Oh the days before any FFLs!
jcelect
fyimo
Member
The reason you see people mentioning the S serial number for N frames is because they usually sell for a premium over the N serial number on N frame revolvers is because they are older and to a collector older is better.
That's probably the best explanation I've heard. Usually all that's said is that the change was required by the GCA of 1968. Thanks for filling in the blanks.
Hoptoad
Member
Good thread. Thank you. I picked up an S series M57 and M58 in the last couple of weeks. My guide on things relating to handguns saw the 57 and said, "Ooh, ooh, grab it! It's an S series gun!" It also happens to be absolutely spotless. So I've been trying to learn about the S guns.
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Rufus
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I looked at a Model 28 that is in my LGS, so I did a bit of research. The Model 28, The Highway Patrolman, is a more modest version of the Model 27. The Model 27 came in stainless, and the Model 28 came blued. The Model 28 was produced for law enforcement agencies and Smith and Wesson reduced the cost by producing it with a few modification if the Model 27. The Model 28 I looked at was finished in nickel, which tells me it had been refinished. Sounds like the one you saw may be also.
Regarding my above post? ! ?
My post above implies all changes were made in 1968! WRONG! Due to the manufacturing process you will find many guns throughtout the frame sizes were shipped after 1968 numbered in the old serial numberng system. Partial gun, frames, and complete guns that were in the manufacturing process would have the old numbering system. We all know the "ship date" is the date we use for DOB on any gun so a slow moving model could have been in the storage system for years! I have seen J frame guns shipped in the early 70s with the old numbering system! There are NO definites in gun collecting only variables that keep changing when new examples are found!
jcelect SWCA#LM723
My post above implies all changes were made in 1968! WRONG! Due to the manufacturing process you will find many guns throughtout the frame sizes were shipped after 1968 numbered in the old serial numberng system. Partial gun, frames, and complete guns that were in the manufacturing process would have the old numbering system. We all know the "ship date" is the date we use for DOB on any gun so a slow moving model could have been in the storage system for years! I have seen J frame guns shipped in the early 70s with the old numbering system! There are NO definites in gun collecting only variables that keep changing when new examples are found!
jcelect SWCA#LM723
Rufus: the 27 is not a stainless gun; it is either high polish blue or nickel.
As for old "S" #s being shipped late, I have an M58 I bought new in 1978 or 79 that has an S # from the mid 60s.
As for old "S" #s being shipped late, I have an M58 I bought new in 1978 or 79 that has an S # from the mid 60s.
I would be very cautious about buying "any" nickel Model 28....research it carefully.
There were very few actual "original factory" nickel 28's made, but a lot of blue model 28's that were nickeled after the fact are being offered as original factory nickel....buyer beware!!!
Don
Rufus
Member
I stand corrected, but the point I was trying to make was the Model 28 is not originally a nickel plated gun.
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