Serial Number
- Thread starter Stumpy38
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indicates a duplicate Sn. No big deal, happened all the time.
The A suffix usually indicates it went back to the factory for repairs in which it may have had the frame replaced.
Field strip it to see if the barrel and / or slide is so numbered to the gun. Also, take the grips off to see if there is a date or any other additional markings on the grip frame (under the grips).
Telltale is that the barrel & slide are usually like numbered during the repair process where these parts are not numbered when manufactured, new, from the factory.
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Aussie Collector
Member
Generally.......
The "A" prefix is the serial number prefix, when 6 digits are present.
The "A" suffix indicates a duplicated serial number.
Now I did say generally, there is a few exceptions.....not in your guns case.
The "A" prefix is the serial number prefix, when 6 digits are present.
The "A" suffix indicates a duplicated serial number.
Now I did say generally, there is a few exceptions.....not in your guns case.
I have read that A suffix may well indicate a duplicate number, however, I have not ever examined an A suffix that did not have numbered slide and barrel (or similar indications) of a repaired gun. I have personally witnessed same on 2 different examples, one of them only several months ago.
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So, we are all in agreement, duplicate Sn. Best
Jamie is the most experienced in Model 41 but I'm not sure he is meaning 2 guns with the same number. For example a gun number A123456 and a gun number A123456A exist at the same time. I think the later replaces the former.
Jaime may be indicating the same serial number used, again, on another frame (during repair).
To the best of my knowledge this A "suffix" was done when a frame replacement was warranted.
Jaime may be indicating the same serial number used, again, on another frame (during repair).
To the best of my knowledge this A "suffix" was done when a frame replacement was warranted.
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Aussie Collector
Member
yes it is a duplicate serial number.
To be correct, and to muddy the water, and add to the confusion, it could be a triple duplicate......
If I knew the number I could be more specific....
Two model 41s left the factory, one AXXXXXX the other AXXXXXXA
To be correct, and to muddy the water, and add to the confusion, it could be a triple duplicate......
If I knew the number I could be more specific....
Two model 41s left the factory, one AXXXXXX the other AXXXXXXA
Since you have more experience with the Model 41s I will stand corrected / amended.
Have you ever examined an A suffix gun to find evidence of S&W factory repair, especially the barrel and slide numbered ?
I have found this on both Model 41s and Model 39/39-2s (with A suffix) as well, which leads me to believe (and I've read which I will find reference to submit) this A suffix indicates a Frame replacement.
Either luck of the draw or just coincidence I have never seen an A suffix gun that did not have some indication of factory repair. Of these were 2 model 41s with both A prefix and suffix, a Model 39 with just an A suffix, and 2 model 39-2 (with both A prefix and suffix)
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So if I sent a Prefix gun off to the factory, and they replaced the frame with a suffix Sn., I now have a new gun, with a new Sn. Do I now have to get that gun registered with an FFL? The water is getting muddy.
