Various models serial number cutoff for curio and relic status

[MajorD]

As a holder of a curio and relic FFL a question (may not be able to get a solid answer but any help is appreciated)
For the models that span large time periods ( example the 10-5) is there a reliable cutoff serial number which can be reliably said " serial number prior to xxx in 1967 is a c&r?

 

[GerSan69]

Based on what all the true experts say, that would be "no." S&W did not consistently ship in consecutive order, so any firearms that are in a pretty ambiguous "zone" around the 50-year-mark can't be pinned down without a letter. That "zone" might be as small as a year, but it could be several years, as I've seen folks here present guns that left the factory years after what their serial number would suggest. So unless you're talking about guns that are clearly older than 50 based on model, etc., the only safe bet when you get close to that age is a letter from Mr. Jinks.

 

[MajorD]

Thanks that was what I figured. With internet and forum sales across great distances these days it would be handy to be able to complete a deal when appropriate and legal with my C&R rather than involve a dealer. It is obvious all 5 screws and pre model number guns would fall into this category, but beyond that once you get into model numbers ( especially thing like my 10-5 example that spans two decades of production) all bets are off.