S&W 1911 serial number question

[Handgunner50]

I am looking at a S&W 1911 with serial no. JRD9xxx. I was under the impression the JRD's started in 2003. I called S&W customer service gave them the serial no. and they said 2013. Is it really that new?

 

[Inusuit]

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th Edition says the Model 1911 was introduced at the 2004 Shot Show. There is no JRD prefix listed. JRF says 2005. JMB, JRH - 2006. JPB shows up in 2011.

Triple Alpha serial numbers are difficult to interpret. S&W has been known to give inaccurate dates over the phone.

That's all I got.

 

[Goblin]

I have one from a small run sold to a police department with serial CPD02xx. That said, I agree with Inusuit that these prefixes are hard to interpret.

 

[dusty3030]

JRD is a first year, 2003. It should be a "billboard" with large markings on slide.

 

[dusty3030]

This is a billboard SW1911 (mine) in the attached photo. JRD88xx and is a 2003 gun.

Also here in the link below is the American Rifleman "Dope Bag" article from July 2003 edition of the magazine magazine. If you zoom in on the gun they tested it is also a JRD prefix.

http://www.nramuseum.org/media/365200/Jul 03.pdf

 

[Octagun]

Here is a pic of my 'JRD'. It was the first and only S&W auto I've ever bought. I've had this gun longer than any others I own. Still bone stock too. I guess that says a lot about it.

 

[Handgunner50]

I did not get the "JRD" 1911 I originally posted about. I found an earlier S/N JRD04xx with a date code of 3017. It is the Billboard 1911 with box, two Wilson Combat mags and wrench.

I was surprised S&W customer service gave me a date of 2013 on the other 1911. I probably should call them to see if they give me the correct date on this one.

I should have this one in my possession in a week or so. I will post a picture if I can remember to do it.