Serial Number Dispcrepancy

[MakeMyNight]

I believe only target sight K frames have a K prefix. The 64 likely has a D prefix. My 64-2 is 1D73800 and I think it's from around 1980.

Yep....We found it, and it's a D, though it's located on the crane...of all places.

 

[cassidy]

S&W Serial number problems

I have a deposit on a 17-4 that is in 90% condition and it is $500 out the door.
Problem is that a prior owner polished off the serial number on the but and replaced it with-- AYA 1985. I presume it is someones initals and the 1985 date. The regular serial number starting with K is on the frame where the cylinder opens.
Questions
Is it legal to have this since the serial number on the but has been replaced?

Can I have S&W redo the but and put back the original serial number?

Can a licenesed gunsmith reapply the original serial number?

Thanks for your help
PAUL

 

[murphydog]

Since the gun still has the SN on the frame (yoke cutout), it can probably be restamped. I would contact the factory as to how it can be done legally.

 

[linde]

Problem is that a prior owner polished off the serial number on the but and replaced it with-- AYA 1985. I presume it is someones initals and the 1985 date. The regular serial number starting with K is on the frame where the cylinder opens.
Questions
Is it legal to have this since the serial number on the but has been replaced?

Can I have S&W redo the but and put back the original serial number?

Can a licenesed gunsmith reapply the original serial number?

Thanks for your help
PAUL

cassidy,

Do we know for sure that a previous owner polished off the original serial number . . . or . . . is it possible AYA1985 is a serial number? The 17-4 was made from 1977 to 1988 and the factory converted from the XXXKXXX format to the 3-alpha/4-numberic format in 1984. The AYA prefix would have occurred in 1987 and could have been applied to a 17-4.

I have no explanation why or how a frame already stamped with a K prefix in the yoke could have ended up with the later AYA1985 number on the butt.

A factory letter requst showing both serial numbers could be interesting!

Russ

 

[Goony]

cassidy,

Do we know for sure that a previous owner polished off the original serial number . . . or . . . is it possible AYA1985 is a serial number? The 17-4 was made from 1977 to 1988 and the factory converted from the XXXKXXX format to the 3-alpha/4-numberic format in 1984. The AYA prefix would have occurred in 1987 and could have been applied to a 17-4.

I have no explanation why or how a frame already stamped with a K prefix in the yoke could have ended up with the later AYA1985 number on the butt.

A factory letter requst showing both serial numbers could be interesting!

Russ

This is another case in which some photos of both markings would be tremendously valuable in accurately evaluating what is going on with this gun....

 

[cassidy]

serial number

Unfortunately the retailer is 50 miles away and has it in his safe so getting a picture is extremely difficult. The AYA 1985 is professionaly engraved and the letters and numbers are slightly larger than the normal S&W letters/numbers.
When I went to Google and put in AYA 1985 it came up with the class of 1985 for Yale. Apparently they use AYA to descrime the Yale Allumni Association
Paul.

 

[MakeMyNight]

Since the gun still has the SN on the frame (yoke cutout), it can probably be restamped. I would contact the factory as to how it can be done legally.

I may take a short trip to Massachusetts next Summer, (Good Lord willing) and if so, the revolver might just go along for a re-stamp of the SN.

 

[cassidy]

Serial number problem Resolved by S&W

Sent the S&W customer service dept the particulars of my problem with the 17-4 numbers.

They said without the correct number on the but they would NOT accept it into the bulding.

They also said that the Letters/Numbers on the but were from
a Model 37 Made in 1987.
They did not touch the question about wether or not it is LEGAL in it's present state.

 

[linde]

Sent the S&W customer service dept the particulars of my problem with the 17-4 numbers. They said without the correct number on the butt they would NOT accept it into the building. They also said that the Letters/Numbers on the butt were from a Model 37 Made in 1987. They did not touch the question about whether or not it is LEGAL in it's present state.

I believe the information from the factory is sufficient to get your deposit refunded. The question of legality is best left to the present owner. The good news is there are other 17-4s out there that would be a much better value. Good luck,

Russ

 

[Goony]

How idiotic to eradicate the serial number for an inscription, which could just as easily have gone on the backstrap, sideplate, or anywhere else - you can bet it was not a "gun guy" who did the work....

 

[cassidy]

Serial number problem Resolved by S&W

Just drove to the dealer and got the deposit back.
I will keep looking for a nice 17
Paul

 

[OLDSCHOOLGUNS]

I'm not sure about this, but taking a unlicensed handgun into Mass, without a serial number in the right place, might just end up keeping you there for a couple of years against your will!