S&W 65-3 Question

[tritonboy2001]

I just picked up a 65-3 with a 3inch barrell. I tried to look up the date in the S&W 4th edition, however, I have a few questions. I am assuming it is a 1983 or 1984. However I would like to know what the other markings mean.

Under the 65-3 , inside the cylinder on the frame is A26 then a S (sideways) with 33289. I was baffled by this. So I then took the grips off and gain on the inside of the frame are the same numbers stamped. Then I found (what I believe) to be the serial number on the bottom: ADN. I couldnt find ADN in the book. I found ADM which equated to 1984. So I am assuming it was built in 1984. Am I off base here? Any help answering these questions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

1984 is correct. 1984 or 1983. The other numbers and symbols you see don't really mean anything. We call them "assembly numbers" and "fitter marks". They are used during production to keep matched parts together and to acknowledge the various production steps and quality control inspections.

For example, the same assembly number will be found on the yoke, the grip frame, and inside the side plate. Over time S&W tended to recycled and reused these markings over and over again, so they are not unique to any one gun.

I've noticed that Smiths made today have far few of these types of markings. Apparently, the production process used today (CNC stations, robots, what ever...) does not require all these little markings.

 

[tritonboy2001]

65-3

1984 is correct. 1984 or 1983. The other numbers and symbols you see don't really mean anything. We call them "assembly numbers" and "fitter marks". They are used during production to keep matched parts together and to acknowledge the various production steps and quality control inspections.

For example, the same assembly number will be found on the yoke, the grip frame, and inside the side plate. Over time S&W tended to recycled and reused these markings over and over again, so they are not unique to any one gun.

I've noticed that Smiths made today have far few of these types of markings. Apparently, the production process used today (CNC stations, robots, what ever...) does not require all these little markings.

Kernel,

Thanks for the info. I was thinking it must be something like that. Thanks for the detailed explanation.