Shield serial # and date of manufacture?

[Flyingfool]

I recently bought a 9mm shield used. How can I determine the year of manufacture?

I picked it up for a great price! $360 and it had night sites already installed! (No safety version) Couldn't pass that deal up. It looked like new although it was clear that it had been previously shot. But I have no idea how old it is.

I assume the serial number has some code or way to determine what year and month it was manufactured. But I have been unable to find on google how to decipher the code.

 

[Shield9mm]

it should be stamped on the box all numbers together ex 112516 if not with the aerial of the gun you can call S&W.

 

[Ranger17]

Yep if the box doesnt show the date code then call or email SW. The call could be quicker while an email (or chat if offered) gives you the ability to save the info for your files if wanted.

 

[Flyingfool]

It came with the box, but the local gun store I got it from stuck their own stupid label over the original S&W LAS, it so I cannot read the darn thing. The label is so sticky I have zero confidence that I can peel it off without also removing the original label or otherwise mess it up.

Do I just go to the "contact us" tab on the main S&W web page to ask this question? Or is there a more direct contact method?

 

[clarkz71]

I have zero confidence that I can peel it off without
also removing the original label or otherwise mess it up.

You'd be surprised how well a hair dryer works at peeling stubborn labels off.

Just get it nice and hot, start at a corner
You'll know right away if it will come off without damage to the S&W decal.

And look at it this way, right now you can't see anything.
Worst case you end up in the same boat.

 

[Ranger17]

I've just used the 'contact us' section on their site in the past though being a holiday weekend they may not be open today

 

[N4KVE]

When I got my 10 week old used Shield w/o the box, I simply called S&W, & had an answer in 8 seconds. In July I was told the gun was made in May. The gun was mint. GARY

 

[Tinhack]

My Shield was five months old when I bought it new.
I wouldn't think they would sit around that long.

Serial Number: HNA42xx
Date on Box: 060116

 

[clarkz71]

My Shield was five months old when I bought it new.
I wouldn't think they would sit around that long.

Serial Number: HNA42xx
Date on Box: 060116

You just bought it in early November then ?

That date is June 1 2016,

Not that bad, as a rule, 3 to 4 months after the build date
is what I've seen on all 3 of my M&P's

 

[Shield9mm]

You just bought it in early November then ?

That date is June 1 2016,

Not that bad, as a rule, 3 to 4 months after the build date
is what I've seen on all 3 of my M&P's

It depends from who you order/buy from, if it is a large distributors their inventory move quicker. All my M&P's are less than two months apart from the date of manufacture and the time of purchase, my last m&p 22 were like 15 days old.

 

[Flyingfool]

Yes I bought it in November. But that is most likely irrelevant.

It was a used gun. So it could be years old. Or not.

Also is there a visual way to tell if I have factory night sights?

On the top of the rear sight in the notch, there is an M&P logo.

 

[clarkz71]

It depends from who you order/buy from, if it is a large distributors their inventory move quicker. All my M&P's are less than two months apart from the date of manufacture and the time of purchase, my last m&p 22 were like 15 days old.

My LGS ordered my Pro Series from his distributor 1st week
of October. Build date on box is 061516

I guess it depends on how fast they sell.

I'm sure more Shields are sold and more often then the
more expensive Pro's and Performance Center guns.

 

[Shield9mm]

Yes I bought it in November. But that is most likely irrelevant.

It was a used gun. So it could be years old. Or not.

Also is there a visual way to tell if I have factory night sights?

On the top of the rear sight in the notch, there is an M&P logo.

solid white dots won't light up on the dark.

 

[N4KVE]

HNE17XX S&W said it was made in May, 2016. GARY

 

[Shield9mm]

Years old, how so. The build date you posted is June 2016

Serial Number: HNA42xx
Date on Box: 060116

06= June 01 = the 1st day 16 = 2016

that's not his, that's somebody else's gun.

 

[clarkz71]

that's not his, that's somebody else's gun.

Ah, OK.

My bad........... lol

 

[Flyingfool]

solid white dots won't light up on the dark.

No kidding?

I know what night sights are!

I am trying to determine if the night sights I have on my gun are S&W factory night sights, or if they are aftermarket. Since they have the M&P logo on it, I'm assuming they are S&W.

The "contact us"website would not accept my question without attaching a file or a picture. I hate computers! Whatever works simply for everyone else is a freaking nightmare when I try and do even the simplest things.

I guess I will have to give them a call on Monday.

 

[Shield9mm]

LOL !! sorry my bad didn't fully understand the question. If they have the M&P stamp then yes they are factory NS. I have them on my FS45. I guess that attachments are not allowed to prevent malware, virus, spyware and some other stuff.