S vs. N prefix in SN
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OutWest50
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Although the condition of the gun, barrel length desirability, etc. have a significant bearing on value, the "S" series ran from 1946-1969; The "N" series is 1970-1983 according to my information.
Somebody else may be able to provide more detail ....
Somebody else may be able to provide more detail ....
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Many see the older S prefix guns as of better quality due to their age. I’d say there is a difference between a late 1940s and an early 1970s .357 Magnum/model 27. The difference between S333454 (the last recorded S prefix N frame) and N1, probably not much. 
I don't know that "older" automatically means "better" but many of us prefer "older" anyway; sometimes means fewer available. I'll take the S sn every time if condition is equal. And sometimes even if condition isn't quite equal on some models such as the M57 where there are relatively few with the S sn. How much premium for the S, depends on the gun but probably less than 10% for most of us.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Age. S ran out and N started in 1969. Absolutely no difference between last S and first N but an S prefix suggests greater age and to collectors that's always a plus.
Our Gov't caused the change from S to N! The 1968 Gun Control Act stated every gun manufactured will have a peculiar serial number to that gun only! During the war S&W used the S prefix on M&P war guns, so there is a possibility there are two different guns out there with the same serial number. S&W changed the N frame guns to an N prefix but it took time, sometime in 1969, to purge the already stamped frames/guns from their stock! This change was made across the board to all models!
jcelect
jcelect
THE PILGRIM
Member
Just checked, my highest S is a 27-2 ,
S269680.
S269680.
I think the change to the N prefix actually took place in 1970, but I could be wrong. N925, a Model 28-2, shipped in May of that year. N1 is also a Model 28-2 (now engraved), but I don't know when it shipped. N3 is a 29-2, N25 is a 25-2 and N27 is a 27-2, not sure about N29 and N57. Fun to speculate though.
Bill
Bill
Let's get some clarity here.
There were no S prefix revolvers during WWII. Beginning in January, 1945, there were some Victory Models with the SV prefix, but the first S prefix M&P shipped in February, 1946, and shipments began in earnest in March of that year.
Second, the S prefix K frame Military & Police revolvers had serial numbers no lower than S811xxx. The S prefix N frame guns never got anywhere nearly that high. They ended at S333xxx. Now, had S&W not switched to the N prefix when they did, it is likely the number sequence could have risen to the point they would duplicate the M&P numbers. But, as noted above by jcelect, the change came in plenty of time to avoid that situation.
Pre2766
Member
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
I generally look for revolvers in the era of 1950-1980, and would love to add more S prefix guns to my still rather small collection, but wouldn't choose a worn S gun over a more pristine N gun all other things being equal. Now, if it also had a rare feature, like a limited production barrel length, etc., I might still choose the more worn gun, as long as it was still mechanically sound. I only have one S-prefix gun, a M57.
I'm curious to know (sort of off-topic, but maybe not) when the large ampersand was replaced with the smaller one. My M57 (1968) and M28-2 (1973) both have the large one, but my others (all 1974-1980) have the small one.
The style of ampersand roll marked on the barrel is a study in itself and for N-frames varies by model (at least by my observation). I can say the style of ampersand changed in 1963, 1971, and 1973 for the Model 29.
In a general, the "lazy ampersand" or older style was gone by the early 70s for most models.
Bill
In a general, the "lazy ampersand" or older style was gone by the early 70s for most models.
Bill
Bill is correct. The change in style of the ampersand is rather scattered around the time map. A year or so ago, I looked at each of my K and N frames (mid-1950s to 1981) and discovered some lack of consistency across models as to when the change was made. I think it is pretty much impossible to nail down a date with any certainty. It seems the older roll mark device was used concurrently with the newer style for a time.
Narragansett Pics for you
you ask for pics so here they are, But sorry if in wrong thread as they run from 1955 to 1984, did not know where else to put them. Nelson
Ps I once visited the dark side too, but not lately, last pic.
you ask for pics so here they are, But sorry if in wrong thread as they run from 1955 to 1984, did not know where else to put them. Nelson
Ps I once visited the dark side too, but not lately, last pic.
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I don't need the pics...I've already seen them in person and handled them...We like pictures.
...Ben
