Serial and Model number help

[Sillver]

Hi all, need help to see if anyone knows or can lead me in the correct direction. Back in 1998 I purchased my first firearm it was a Smith and Wesson 9mm, I remember it being heavy, stainless with wood grips, double stack mag, and it was awesome.


At the time though I just wanted a firearm because I just got my CC permit and it was the right price. I had it for six months and then traded it in because of the weight (you folks can scold me) and bought a Sigma 9mm. Had that for another six months and it broke, had it repaired through S&W, then bought a Glock 23C (you can scold me again lol).


Well fast forward to my ripe age of almost 49 now (a couple of days) and I want to get my hands on my very first model pistol that I owned back, to put in my collection. I have the serial number, (thanks to a Detective friend who was able to get my firearm history) but for the life of me cannot remember the model.


I called Smith with the serial number and all they could tell me is that it is an active number, nothing further was in their system. I called the place I bought it from and they don't have the records, the place I sold it to, has changed hands too many times to count since 1998.



Enter me here looking for all your help and knowledge to see if there is a way to decipher the number and lead me on the right path.


The serial number begins with TAF if anyone needs the rest I can give it, I just do not know the rules here if I am allowed to post the full serial number, plus it isn't mine anymore.


I thought I narrowed it down to a Model 659 or the 5906, but the lug on the 659 and the grips on the 5906, I am not sure either one of those are correct.


Let me know if anyone can help out

Thanks in advance.


I live in Philly, PA if that matters where Smith sent what.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The 659 and 5906 both fit your description, except neither had wood grips stock from the factory.

The 5906 began production in 1999 from my book source, so I vote 659. The 2nd generation guys will be along shortly with more thoughts.

 

[jsbethel]

Based upon one of the serial ranges of the 2nd gen safety recall (TAA0001-TAL9999) and the other descriptors, I would say a 659 with aftermarket grips.

 

[sndbggr1484]

The 5906 started in 1989 per SCSW 4th Edition and ended in 1999
The 659 started in 1982 and ended in 1988.

The 659 mag had a black follower with a metal base plate, held 14 rds.
The 5906 early mag had a black follower with a black plastic base plate and held 14 rds. Later, an orange follower and black plastic base plate holding 15 rds. If my memory serves me!

This might help if you bought it new, but mags will work in both models.

 

[Sillver]

Hi all, thanks for the replies and welcomes.

I was leaning more towards the 659, because I don't remember the grips going around the backstrap. They were screwed in on either side.

I also don't remember if having a barrel bushing like the 59 does? Would 659 have one of it were a later generation or even have one at all?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[skjos]

I had a very similar 3rd gen revival experience (or in your case 2nd gen). Watch out, it can get expensive.

At the ripe age of 21 I received my concealed weapons permit, about the same time as my buddy. He had a S&W 1006 for sale because he just upgraded to the fancy new Glock 22. I bought the 1006 from him and started my conceal carry journey and it sucked. The 1006 is heavy and not very easy to conceal; also being a relatively inexperienced pistol shooter at the time and going with full power 10mm loads, I couldn't hit ****. Then out came S&W's fancy new Sigma 40F, it was light, could hold a ton of rounds, and advertised with a whole bunch of ergonomic study data on grip angle and point-ability. I sold the 1006 to fund my new SW40F.

The Sigma (which my kids tell me now means "the best" or something like that), got a bad reputation pretty quickly. I can agree that the trigger was not very good, but they did do an excellent job on the grip, which they carried forward into their newer semi-autos. I still have the Sigma and never really had any issues with it; however, it was still a full-size pistol and hard to conceal, not nearly as bad as the 1006, but I needed a compact.

Sticking with plastic for concealed carry I jumped over to the dark-side and bought a Glock 23 (gen 3). The grip was nowhere as good as the Sigma, but it was easier to conceal, still held a ton of rounds, and I could shoot it just fine. I still have that pistol as well and it does go on concealed carry rotation from time to time.

Then I started to feel a little nostalgic for the old 1006 after a buddy of mine bought a 4006 and we went shooting. All that shooting of plastic .40 pistols really conditioned me for recoil management, and I couldn't miss with his heavy 4006. So, I went out and bought one, then another, then another, and now I need a list to keep track of all my 3rd gens.

Hopefully, we'll see you back here with your rekindled appreciation for heavy metal.

 

[cmansguns]

did you buy it brand new in box or used at the time?

My Model 639 has wood grips and is the same as the Model 659 except mine is single stack (639) and you recall yours as double stack (659). Both are steel frame, full size, 4" bbl and if I recall correctly the wooden grips would interchange between the two.

Experts correct me please if I'm wrong about grip interchange.

OP do you recall the safety? Ambidextrous with lever on both right and left side?

Mine was missing the right side lever and screw but Midway solved that problem for me?

Mine is simply a one alpha serial number starting with an A and it shipped in June of 1983....you are right...a heavy gun and only single stack...but still fun to shoot.

Good luck in your search. I don't see any harm in publishing the entire serial number. Your friend would have told you if it was on some stolen hot list and maybe with a lot of luck someone on this forum has your original gun in their collection. How cool would that be.

 

[ACEd]

I vote 2nd Gen (659). Wood Grips more likely on 2nd Gen and lots of 2nd Gen in TAx prefixes 1984-1988.

First of 5906 were AIP July/Aug 1988. Next 5906 seem to have been TBZ Aug/Sept 1988.

And I agree likely 14 rd mags with black follower but as I recall early 5904/5906 were also 14 rd.

SW trick - send a model number (best guess) with s/n and ask for Manufacture date and 6 digit Product Code.

Depending on who answers, you may get a note that model does not match S/N (or may not) but at least you should get year date (again lucky you may even get Month, day, year) and may or may not get 6 digit product code. (Manufacture date and / or Product code would help pin down model).

 

[Sevens]

Totally agree about contacting S&W (again) and asking specifically for the 6-digit product code. Send them an e-mail with the SN, I bet in two days you will have your answer.

Both are steel frame, full size, 4" bbl and if I recall correctly the wooden grips would interchange between the two.

Experts correct me please if I'm wrong about grip interchange.

Grips between 539/639 and 459/659 will not interchange.

The 539/639 guns were shipped with wood stocks.
459/659 were shipped with plastic grips— however S&W did offer wood stocks as an accessory, but never shipped with the pistol.

If you are certain it was full size and 14-round capacity -AND- you are sure it was stainless (not nickel) -AND- it definitely had screw on grips… then it was a 659.

And yes, it would have a removable barrel bushing if it was a 659.

 

[Sillver]

Wow you folks do know your stuff and cmans that is one nice piece. and to answer your question I do believe it was on both sides.



it would be really awesome if someone on here had the darn thing! In case someone can decipher it and or may have it, here is the full serial #TAF8829.


I am going to take your folks recommendations and send an email to Smith and see if I can get a different result. I will report back to you folks.


Thanks for all the help

 

[Sillver]

Hey everyone,
So I'm getting somewhere....

I used Aced's trick by sending an email with a model number (5906, easy way of eliminating that one) and serial number, requesting the manufacturer date and product code.

Here is the result from Rebecca at Smith

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Smith & Wesson. Your firearm was manufactured in 1997, there is not a specific SKU assigned to this firearm and would have to get that information from the historical foundation.
For further information on the history of your firearm and a letter of authenticity, visit the Smith and Wesson Historical Foundation here for more details. [email protected] If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.

Rebecca

From the reply with the manufacturer date of 1997 and a NO to it not being the correct model number, does this mean it's a 5906?

Because two thighs now, one, I was way off in my memory, my old age will do that since I'm 49 as of today lol.

And two...... Anybody have a 5906 for sale?

Looking forward to hearing what everyone's thoughts are.

 

[skjos]

All stainless steel, manufactured in 1997, with a double stack magazine, could be a 5906 or a 5946. Do you recall if it was DAO?

 

[murphydog]

Hey everyone,
So I'm getting somewhere....

I used Aced's trick by sending an email with a model number (5906, easy way of eliminating that one) and serial number, requesting the manufacturer date and product code.

Here is the result from Rebecca at Smith





From the reply with the manufacturer date of 1997 and a NO to it not being the correct model number, does this mean it's a 5906?

Because two thighs now, one, I was way off in my memory, my old age will do that since I'm 49 as of today lol.

And two...... Anybody have a 5906 for sale?

Looking forward to hearing what everyone's thoughts are.

S & W quoted you the production date. 1997 really makes it a 659.

Here is where to post a Wanted to Buy ad:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/wanted-buy/

 

[ACEd]

1997 is an odd date for a 659 or for a TAF prefix. Are you sure s/n was TAF not TFA. No 6 digit Product code is also odd.
Two obvious possibilities but i would guess 1997 was 5906 (ambi safety) or 5946 (no safeties DAO)
1. SW makes frames and assigns S/N at that point. Actual manufacture of pistol may be years later but unlikely a 659 would date to 1997
2. 1997 may not be the original manufacture date but a return / repair date. I have a 3904 that has 2 dates several years apart - it was sent back and switched from original type fixed sight to new slide with later night sight.
When did you own it?

 

[Sillver]

Hi everyone,
I reached out to the Historical foundation and it was confirmed by Mike there that this serial number belongs to a model 639, SKU number 103702, it shipped in August 1985.


After looking at pictures and comparing the models 659 and 639, I do appreciate both, it was easier to get a 659 to start this journey of me collecting these oldies.


I called every shop in my area and even visited many over the last few days, no avail on a 639. I will run across this soon enough, I have my feelers out.


Now to my newest purchase of a 639 that I nabbed and took it to the range yesterday. I did indeed appreciate the quality of the pistol and enjoyed plinking with it.


It needs a very deep clean which I will probably strip it down and give it. I now just need to get some wooden grips for it.



Thank you all for the help in this.

 

[Sillver]

If anyone can lead me in the right direction for a set of wooden grips for it, please send me there.


The ones I keep seeing seem to have the notch in the rear of the grip for the side plate on the right side. The model I just purchased, has the side plate on the left side.


Let me know if you all have any insight.


Thanks again.